I don't dance, but I'm a Dancer...

If you are a fan of The Killers, you have most likely heard their new single "Human". I gotta admit I wasn't sold on it totally when it originally came out. It didn't make sense, but one morning on the way to work I actually listened to the lyrics, and the second verse helped me have a new understanding of the song and derive what I think is a correct interpretation of the lyrics. (Hooray for a literature background...)

Below are lyrics and lyrical interpretation:

"HUMAN" - The Killers

I did my best to notice, when the call came down the line
Up to the platform of surrender, I was brought but I was kind
But sometimes I get nervous when I see an open door
Close your eyes clear your heart, cut the cord --1

Are we human, or are we dancer
My sign is vital my hands are cold
And I'm on my knees looking for the answer
Are we human, or are we dancer --2

Pay my respects to grace and virtue, send my condolences to good
Give my regards to soul and romance, they always did the best they could
And so long to devotion you taught me everything I know
Wave good bye wish me well, you've gotta let me go --3

chorus

Will your system be alright?
When you dream of home tonight
There is no message we're receiving
Let me know, is your heart still beating? --4

chorus (twice)

Are we human, or are we dancer
Are we human, or are we dancer --5


1-- He had come to a point in his life when there was nothing left. He came to this point willingly, ready to give up. Then he noticed a new opportunity for growth, and decided to leap into it, closing his eyes to the danger, freeing his heart of any fears or hesitancies and cutting his umbilical cord of security.

2-- The perplexing chorus of the song. Human vs. Dancer? We can't be both?
I believe the argument that the singer builds throughout the song is that humans are this preconceived notion we have, that are cautious/lifeless/stagnant beings. In the chorus he comes to this realization that he wants someone to take this leap with him. He has a pulse, so he knows he is alive, but his hands are cold and he is afraid to take that first step to having a full life: being a Dancer. He is asking all of us if we are willing to decide which camp we belong in during this chorus.

3-- He has leapt. This is the most powerful verse of the song. The singer notes all these qualities we would agree make a great Human, but that is just not enough for him. He has taken what he can learn from these qualities, but now it is time for action. So he is moving on.

4-- So for those willing to take his advice and take the plunge into being a Dancer, this idealized being who takes risks and moves past ideals into action, the singer asks some questions.
So with this new life are you going to be able to handle it?
You might dream of your old life, but there is nothing left for it to say to you.
So are you gonna survive with that understanding?

5-- Presenting this brief glimpse into a life we could have, the singer drills it home for the listener to think about. Are you simply Human or are you Dancer?

hmmm...