The Killers - Human Lyrics and Video
Human by The Killers, Music Video and Lyrics
“Human” is the lead single by American rock band The Killers from their third studio album Day & Age, which will be released on November 24, 2008.
An interview in The Observer newspaper stated that the track “is a cross between New Order and Bruce Springsteen.
Brandon Flowers described “Human” as “like Johnny Cash meets the Pet Shop Boys.” Flowers stated that the song was created with Stuart Price during their work with him on the Sawdust album, and has changed very little since then. He confessed to not putting it on Sawdust as “it was too good”.
You can listen the song here, this is the official video.
The Killers - Human Lyrics
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
and sometimes I get nervous
when I see an open door
close your eyes, clear your heart
cut the cord
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
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 gotta let me go
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
will your system be alright
when you dream of home tonight
there is no message were receiving
let me know is your heart still beating
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
you’ve gotta let me know
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
are we human or are we dancer
are we human or are we dancer
Song Information
Released September 30, 2008
Genre Alternative, New Wave
Length 4:07
Label Island Records
Producer Stuart Price
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(15 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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September 28th, 2008 at 5:01 am
hey dude it’s not “or are we dancer” it’s “or are we denser”
September 28th, 2008 at 9:14 am
I know. I’m so sick of seeing “dancer” wherever there is a blurp about this song. It’s “denser”, dammit. Don’t people think? Does “dancer” make any sense in the context of the song? Of course not!
September 29th, 2008 at 5:00 am
None of you seem to be more intelligent than an ape, so it really could be anything from ‘dancer’ to ‘denser’ to ‘dancers’, with the “S” cut off. Go do your science fair homework, and stop harassing innocent people on the internet.
Better yet- take an English class. Does ‘blurp’ make any sense in the context of the comment? Of course not! It’s not even a word!
September 29th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
It’s been confirmed in interviews that it is in fact “dancers”, Brandon Flowers just doesn’t enunciate the “s” for whatever reason.
It’s ironic that people were so condescending with all this “denser” talk.
October 1st, 2008 at 7:27 pm
For those of you fluent in the English language this is a non issue.
October 3rd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
its “nicole”, “not the call”! its talking about marriage (platform of surrender… think about it :P). learn english: it is dancers! it clearly isnt an e and it has to be plural.
luv this song
October 4th, 2008 at 1:52 am
how the hell does dancer make sense?! ahh Brandon.. this is quite disappointing…
October 4th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I think either word actually makes perfect sense. He is on his knees looking for an answer and asking are we human? Human in the sense of can we feel great emotion, aren’t we something more than…dense- meaning impenetrable according to Websters or maybe it is dancer (s) meaning to move rhythmically to prescribed gestures and steps…I believe prescribed being the key word. So either way he just wants to know if he is human, if he is able to do and feel something greater. I think it is a great song.
October 4th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Maybe “Dancer” is a reference to the “Lord of the Dance” i.e. God and Brandon is wondering if we are human or if somehow we can go beyond this and participate in the divinity of the creating force of the universe.
October 4th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
A dancer is a superficial manipulator who works on emotions and excels at deflecting, misdirecting, evading and otherwise spinning to carry the day in any situation.
Even before he went into politics, people who saw John Edwards perform as a trial attorney in high-stakes cases said he could dance like crazy.
The debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Beiden seemed to be a contest between a strong dancer and someone out to win with facts and figures.
Everyone resorts to a little style over substance now and then, but lately it has become almost fashionable with a lot of public figures, which is unfortunate because it shows certain contempt for the masses, as though ordinary people can’t spot phony hypocrites.
Anyway, “Are we human or are we dancer?” is a great question to be asking. The only thing more perfect than the lyrics of this Killers song is the Sept. 30 timing of its release.
October 4th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
It’s denser dammit. Thanku to all those out there who actually can connect their brains to their ears and hear that it is denser
October 5th, 2008 at 1:43 am
How could it be dancer… it just doesn’t seem to make sense I’m sorry. and i doubt they would go to lengths for some kind of vague metaphor of “dancers” in life or something like that.
it sounds like denser, and that makes a lot more sense so that’s what im going with.
and whoever said the thing about the interview, lets see some proof of that??
October 5th, 2008 at 4:38 am
from Amazon.com:
Those familiar with the band’s oeuvre will recognize their signature in the synth-heavy “Human,” four minutes of sweeping, epic rock, on which Flowers sings: “My sign is vital/ My hands are cold/ And I’m on knees, looking for the answer/ Are we human, or are we dancer?” He says the lyrics were inspired by a disparaging comment made by Hunter S. Thompson about how America was raising a generation of dancers. But the song also had some help from album producer Stuart Price (aka Jacques LuCont), known for his work with Madonna and Missy Elliot, and who’d previously remixed “Mr. Brightside.” “He was the icing on the cake,” says Stoermer.
Sometimes we force our ears to hear something the way it makes sense to us. Instead, we ought to look for the sense in what we actually hear. You can force it to be “denser” all you want, but it isn’t.
October 5th, 2008 at 6:44 am
IT’S DENSER!!!!
ahhhhh man im so angry… especially cos its on the glaxay playlist so people are bound to think “dancers”.
There *blatently* isnt an s pronounced on the end!!!!!!!!! Hes american for goodness sake so admittedly it sounds like “dancer” but think of the context! the context people!!!
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
its literal meaning is “are we human? or are we denser than humans?”
ahh sooo angry.
October 5th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
DENSER. I know that’s what every comment is going to say but come on…who ever thought it was dancer, who started that?
October 5th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
come on now its DENSER!!! why would it be dancer hello it doesnt make sence at all EITHER way its afreakin great song i love you brandon I LOVE YOU!!!
hahah yea it doesnt make any sence
October 5th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
OMG, who cares whether its ‘dancer’ or ‘denser’ either interpretation sounds great. You all have wonderful interpretations of both words, but lets face it, it is one of their best songs to date, so go with it and just enjoy the music.
October 6th, 2008 at 3:33 am
You know… It *does* say “dancer” in quotes from an interview with the lead singer on the official Island Records website.
So, you denser guys should, like, let the band know their label has it wrong.
October 6th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
it is actually dancer, singular, to parallel with human also singular. It references slowness by Milan Kundera
October 6th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
It’s DANCER! BRANDON SAID IT IN AN INTERVIEW! The article is on amazon and their main page on the island records site. It’s a reference to a comment Hunter S. Thomson made about America raIsing a generation of dancers.
October 6th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I knew it…
I love how it works on the brain. The fact that it is vague, and unexpected, and somehow deep - makes it work for me. It’s like it opens up a pathway that would be closed if it were something more predictable, or cliché.
Great song - and what a freakishly intense and amazing performance on SNL.
October 8th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Most art rock is purposely vague and esoteric. Dance is considered a very human art form, which makes me pause and think. On the other hand, dancers are typically choreographed and directed by a force or script outside of themselves. Perhaps the song is questioning the notion of freedom as it relates to human experience and behavior. Not sure…
October 8th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
hey i am a huge fan of The Killers but i still am not buying that it’s “denser” i’ve heard everyone saying it is but listening to the song it’s hard to believe at least in the first chorus i will be very disappointed if it is dancer because that makes no sense. i just wish Brandon would make it easier on us to tell at least when they perform the song live. On SNL it still sounded like dancer. I don’t now but i am pulling for denser!
October 9th, 2008 at 2:27 am
I knew it was dancer from the start…in addition to referencing Hunter Thompson’s quote, it also calls to mind the theological debate about “how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.” The song is certainly about faith, or the loss of it. Mostly, we should remember that without Flower’s own discussion of the song lyrics all interpretations are possible. And he is clearly a well-read deep thinker, and quite possibly his creative process reflects the breadth of his reading, and both his spiritual and bodily experiences.
October 11th, 2008 at 4:04 am
guys denser just doesnt make sense with the song just think about it. there was even an interview and brandon said it was a metaphor and that it was dancer. i dont know why people are getting so annoyed at this sheesh.
October 12th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Whatever it is the song is awful. Worst song ive ever heard uttered from the killers who used to be a dynamic band. Also..for the sake of the argument…are ‘WE’ human, or are ‘WE’ dancer makes no sense in the english language, this coming from an English major. It has to be are ‘we dancers’ or am I ‘A dancer”.
October 14th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Are we human or are we dancer? OK….WTF!!?? This is quite possibly the dumbest song i’ve ever heard. It sounds like something Weird Al would sing in place of the actual lyrics. Its just downright laziness to just slap a word in there to rhyme with “answer”. Even if the band claims that there is some metaphorical meaning behind ‘dancer’, it still just sounds retarded and i’m not buying it. why aren’t there more people on here who hate this song????
October 14th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Funny to me those who don’t concieve imagery and metaphors or, like “D’ have to confine an impression to the rules of english lit. Most of the greatest use on the english language has been portrayed in the breaking of it’s rules, Mr. English major. Good job you are truly special, unique, and of higher intelligence considering your english degree. Yeah youand the 800,000 other special english majors last year.
I don’t speak english, I talk American! This song is clearly speaking of the greatest question we face in life, do we have a purpose here in this world or is it all just movement. We are either human or simply animal and chaotic with no true purpose and if their is a purpose, surely there is more out there than what we find in this fish bowl we call Earth. So I would ask of you, what kind of answers would you look for when you’re on your knees.
Great song, often the point is stronger when you don’t say it outright, it seems to leave a greater impression.
October 16th, 2008 at 8:46 am
nonsense, GREAT COMMENT!
lol…i can’t believe the length to which people are debating denser vs. dancer… the fact its being debated as it is goes to strengthen the very question asked in “Are we human, or are we…”
here’s what I posted on another website
“To add my two cents…
The more I listen to this song, the line, “Are we human, or are we dancer,” of this song reminds me of the question as to whether one’s fate is predestined or determined by free will.
I can personally appreciate the complexity in understanding these seven simple words. To be human is to easily give in to debilitating preconceived notions yet also capable of conceiving life rewarding concepts. To dance is always a form of expression, however, it may be muted, contrived, censored or suppressed. Now in the prior two sentences, replace “be human” with “dance” and vice versa…does the line, “Are we human, or are we dancer” make more sense now? And how can you be either human or dancer, or possibly ever both? The answer: to live freely, yet with purpose.
Another commenter mentioned that dancer is a form of energy and I couldn’t agree more. To me, expression=energy=life. Death doesn’t know its cold.”
October 16th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
its actually “danser”, not “dancer” or “denser.” the line was taken from a quote by some really philosophical guy. And this song is actually quite awful compared to their earlier works.
October 16th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
It’s dancers, and yes, taken from a Hunter S. Thompson quote.
October 17th, 2008 at 1:53 am
DANCER.
For an English major there are many possibilities from which his song lyrics may have been inspired by. Song writers are like poets.
Yeats for one has MANY “Dancer” references in his work.
-All the Children
-Michael Robertes and the Dancer
-Sweet Dancer
October 17th, 2008 at 4:43 am
Correction - That was AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN - not ALL THE CHILDREN
October 18th, 2008 at 7:31 am
According to Amazon it’s “Dancer” and it explains why…
“Those familiar with the band’s oeuvre will recognize their signature in the synth-heavy “Human,” four minutes of sweeping, epic rock, on which Flowers sings: “My sign is vital/ My hands are cold/ And I’m on knees, looking for the answer/ Are we human, or are we dancer?” He says the lyrics were inspired by a disparaging comment made by Hunter S. Thompson about how America was raising a generation of dancers. But the song also had some help from album producer Stuart Price (aka Jacques LuCont), known for his work with Madonna and Missy Elliot, and who’d previously remixed “Mr. Brightside.” “He was the icing on the cake,” says Stoermer.”
October 20th, 2008 at 2:51 am
It’s dancer!! For the poets out there, it’s the word that rhymes with “answer?”
October 20th, 2008 at 4:03 am
Look, I agree that it is an awesome song, definitely up to Killers standard. At first glance, it seems stupid to say dancer instead of denser. However, dancer represents, like other commenters, so much more than someone moving and swaying to music. I simply believe people have been accustomed to straight forwardness and cannot comprehend an indepth word ‘dancer’. Look, both words can be used in the song, whether you want to make a song that makes sense or if you want to portray a song that goes in depth.
October 20th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Brilliant how everyone’s making these incredibly deep interpretations into the meanings of what dancer could mean in this context. As Kerri pointed out, it’s just a reference to Hunter S. Thompson, which goes to show how desperate Brandon is to try and look cool. He makes an awful lyric up and expects all his fans to go, oh how clever and well-read you are, it’s so amazing you were able to include something like that. And sadly they have. I do love The Killers, and despite their second album being only half as good as the first, I almost prefer it and certainly listen to it more. The truth is, Brandon’s lyrics are very hit and miss, and ‘I’m on my knees, searching for the answer’ is actually not a bad one, but ‘are we human or are we dancer’ is just appalling. No it really does not have any deep and meaningful significance unless you can persuade yourself it does!
October 21st, 2008 at 12:25 am
I am SO confused about this text. It does not make sense. Some say that it is denser, some say it is dancer(??). On Wikipedia it says that the song was inspired by the fact that someone said that America was a country of dancers. It still does not make sense in my ears. My common sense is telling me that denser is the right word, but i’m starting to doubt… :S
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Not to hammer in the point here but The Killers have said that it is definitely “dancer” not “denser”. Their reasoning behind it is that Hunter S. Thompson once said that America was raising a generation of dancers. I interpreted this as meaning that America is raising a generation of people that are shallow, and basically good for nothing. Surface only. So in the song I’m interpreting it as: Are we something special or are we just surface dressing in the grand scheme of things? Now this is just my interpretation. Obviously he should have said “dancerS” with the plural S on the end but this way it rhymes better. Poetic license I guess.
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:09 am
Who cares? And I think it’s Dancer by the way, if not to merely upset all you “denser” supporters. With a song this pathetic I doubt it’s denser, simply because it would be better if it were ‘denser.’ But it’s not, it’s dancer. It’s dancer, and even if it were denser it would still suck. It’s a horrible song, it comes on my station so late at night that I don’t care to waste the energy to change the station while I’m lying in bed and after the first “cut the cord” part–which is maybe the only cool part of the song—I force myself to tune the song out or at least lie laughing as if I were crazy–at the absurdity of this song–and the absurdity that some of you like and are actually raving about this song. Losers.
October 24th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Who cares. Every now and again a truly great song emerges. This is the best song since Cold Play’s Viva La Vida.
October 25th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
What a good song. Keep playing it over and over Full credit to the Killers.
October 27th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
The lyrics don’t make much sense but the song is beautiful and uplifting, thats what music is about.This song has echoes of U2’s
sound.Well done guys!Beautiful song…
October 28th, 2008 at 8:31 am
Let’s be honest, it’s the Killers…who cares, right?
They are a mediocre band who tries to act British and fails at it quite impressively.
The song drives me crazy as most of their material does. It’s not denser…it’s dancer. Get over it.
I wanted to throw this into the mix: As they are biting styles from across the pond in virtually every way (dress, lyrics, sound, overall demeanor), they could be referring to a British slang “You Dancer!” or as in Trainspotting, “You F**ing Dancer!!!” - a general expression of delight. It isn’t any better than denser. Denser, seriously?
Overall it’s a crap song and I can’t believe that it has received any attention at all.
November 3rd, 2008 at 9:21 am
who cares whether it is “denser” or “dancers” - the song is terrible either way
November 3rd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Doe’s anyone know where i can download the video so i can upload it to my Bebo profile?
November 4th, 2008 at 1:02 am
Perhaps Brandon intended the lyrics to have multiple meanings. Although neither denser nor dancer seem to make any sense to me! A better example of this would be in Beck’s “Girl.” The lyrics can either be interpreted as “my sun-eyed girl” or “my cyanide girl.”
November 4th, 2008 at 4:13 am
Think most of us are in agreement that it’s a damn good song, and will be around for a long time. Wish I had their tallent. It’s so easy to be critical.
November 4th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
It’s a Hunter S. Thompson reference, folks. His quote was something along the lines of America raising a generation of dancers instead of humans. Look it up.
November 5th, 2008 at 7:34 am
i love this song so much it rocks
November 5th, 2008 at 7:57 am
It’s “dancer.” Brandon Flowers confirmed it in an interview. And if you say “That can’t be right, it’s not grammatically correct,” he addressed that too. He doesn’t care if it’s improper, he’s allowed to do whatever he wants.
November 5th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
The worst song of the year and sadly it is actually getting radio play. The lyric is terrible and I am sure that the Killers are dancers, or maybe just idiotic humans, so why bother asking the question?
just because you choose to quote Hunter S Thompson it does not make you clever. It makes you pretentious. Particularly when you quote such a crap line and use is a pathetic, house inspired, wet, drippy song. Terrible. I am embarrassed for the DJs that have to play this tune, and I have lost faith in my favourite radio station, BBC Radio 6, for playlisting it. It is awful. Adam and Joe were laughing their heads off when they played it, and I am amazed that that has not been the general reaction.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Can any one find the source of this supposed quote by Hunter S Thompson. I have searched and searched and can’t find it. If it does not exist that might inform the debate.
November 6th, 2008 at 1:11 am
“Are we human or dancer” is similar in syntax to “Are we animal or or vegetable” or “Are we man or beast”.
You wouldn’t say “man or beasts”, so “dancer” (singular) makes perfect sense.
I think Brandon’s lyric may imply that “Dancer” could be considered to be a distinct type of being, just as Human is.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Funny ol’ world isn’t it. My son has raved about The Killers and when I mentioned to him that I had heard this and really liked it, he went off on the ‘It’s rubbish and they need to get back to what they were doing’ rant. So seems like they’ve gained a fan and lost a fan.
My take on the lyric is that it is retreat from religious commitment. The ‘platform of surrender’ is the altar call or whatever you want to call it in Church. He doesn’t commit. He has to decide ‘Human’ with free-will and choosing own destiny or ‘Dancer’ dancing to another’s tune. He bids farewell to ‘Grace and Virtue’. Romance I take to be the ‘Romantic’ as in the 18th-19th Century meaning, conciousness of the ‘Sublime’.
Not a full examination of the lyric but I believe it fits.
November 6th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
So its been confirmed that it is actually Dancer??? I dont know anymore! Anyway this song is going to be a big hit with its pop melody and people take notice when a indie band goes pop. Cold play have tried similar beats and I dont think its been a wise move for them. But for the Killers it maybe a wise move, their beats are already more up tempo so its not a major departure.
But each time I hear the song Im driving crazy for not knowing is he actaully saying Dancer or Denser.
On the other hand this either shit lyric or smart lyric has got us all talking. Some people dive in a think about all the possibilites of what he means by Dancer…art form…etc…Or are we denser?
November 7th, 2008 at 1:02 am
Denser, Dancer. Maybe it’s “d’answer”…
Wooooh. Just throwing in a third option seeing as people have been battling between the choice of two for MONTHS. If people actually go to the start of the thread and start reading they’ll realise they won’t need to post exactly the same arguments that have already been made.
November 7th, 2008 at 9:58 am
love the song but dont understand the lyrics but never mind
November 7th, 2008 at 10:00 am
love the song but dont understand the lyrics but never mind its a good song and catchy
November 7th, 2008 at 11:22 am
The line is pure poetry. Read the reactions, engage in the debate and enjoy. As with the best poetry it means something different to many people and even something different to the same person at different times. For me the three key words are we [ as in humanity] I and my [as in me as an individual].The context is birth/ life/ death and some of the “dances” we use or experience as we take the journey.Particularly like the refences to grace and virtue, soul and romance. Be moved or be dead already !!!
November 11th, 2008 at 6:00 am
Funny how a song can make people so mad when they find out the lyrics are not what THEY want them to be….
November 11th, 2008 at 6:17 am
“dancer” or “denser” who cares? Let`s face it, not everyone have lyrics like Pink Floyd but the song rocks.Well done Killers!Kill`em all
November 11th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Threads like this one are the perfect example of why the internet is the last place you would find a literate crowd.
The lyrics are based on a quote from HS Thompson. Even if it was not, the meaning is obvious. Are you a human being with free will or are you a dancing monkey? The grammar is also correct. If you do not understand why it is correct, at least stop claiming to have a grasp on proper grammar and go figure it out.
Every person who took this man to task for improper grammar should immediately issue an apology on this blog for being…a dancer?
November 13th, 2008 at 12:47 am
Umm Right its Denser as he is asking a question to say are we human or are we somethin more than human is there more to us than just flesh and blood. If that makes no sence then oh well :]
November 13th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
actually, you’re all wrong, in fact, he’s actually saying, “goldfish”…
so there…
November 14th, 2008 at 1:55 am
it’s dancer. stated on their official website. i’m done.
November 14th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Pure brilliance.
Dancer, denser - who cares? It’s a fab song. (It is dancer by the way)
Brandon certainly has everyone talking about it - very clever!
November 15th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Who gives a shit, I think it’s the worst killers song I’ve ever heard…Everything after Hot Fuss has been horrible, and I can’t stand how every media outlet talks them up when they blatantly have become a one album wonder…
November 16th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Brandon Flowers says:
“It’s taken from a quote by [author Hunter S.] Thompson. … ‘We’re raising a generation of dancers,’ and I took it and ran. I guess it bothers people that it’s not grammatically correct, but I think I’m allowed to do whatever I want,” ‘Denser’? I hadn’t heard that one. I don’t like ‘denser.’ “
November 17th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
at first when I heard the song, I thought it was “denser’… but it isn’t. check on the killers official website, it says “dancer”
November 18th, 2008 at 9:01 am
You guys are silly, anyone that knows how to sing will know by watchin his mouth that it is Dancer…
November 18th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Late post about the “Dancer/ Denser” controversy guys but listening repeatedly to this brilliant track, it strikes me that you could you either and it still makes sense.
November 19th, 2008 at 3:26 am
If the Killers are an American band, then the proper rules of the English language are not likely to apply - fact!
Whatever happened on those immigrant ships crossing the Atlantic back in the 1800’s I don’t know, but I think they lost the English language reference book overboard…
November 20th, 2008 at 2:45 am
its denserrrrrrrr. are we human or are we denser? not dancer! wtf?