The Killers’ 2008 album, Day & Age, delivered a slew of hits, including “Spaceman,” “A Dustland Fairytale,” and the enduring stadium anthem, “Human.” Released as the lead single on September 22nd, 2008, “Human” quickly became an indie staple, instantly recognizable for its soaring melody and, perhaps more famously, its perplexing question: “Are we human, or Are We Dancer?”
Even over a decade later, this track remains a crowd-pleaser in their live performances. But the line “are we dancer” has been a source of debate and confusion since its release. What inspired these now-iconic lyrics, and why do they continue to spark discussion? Let’s delve into the story behind Brandon Flowers’ most talked-about lyric.
The Killers' Human album artwork featuring Dave Keuning.
The Hunter S. Thompson Inspiration Behind “Are We Dancer”
The central lyrical question of The Killers’ hit, “Are we human or are we dancer?” has puzzled and intrigued listeners for years. What is the intended meaning behind asking “are we dancer?”
Brandon Flowers himself clarified the origin in a 2008 interview with Rolling Stone, stating, “It’s taken from a quote by [Hunter S.] Thompson.” The legendary gonzo journalist and author famously said, “We’re raising a generation of dancers, afraid to take one step out of line.” Flowers explained that he “ran” with Thompson’s idea as the lyrical foundation for “Human.”
However, the seemingly simple explanation didn’t quell the controversy.
Grammatical Gripes and Lyrical Misinterpretations
Despite the literary inspiration, Flowers faced considerable criticism regarding the grammar of the lyric. The use of the singular “dancer” instead of the plural “dancers” struck many as grammatically incorrect. This perceived error led to widespread misquoting and fueled the perception that the lyrics were nonsensical.
While now perhaps accustomed to the ongoing debate, the Las Vegas frontman was reportedly frustrated by the initial reactions. “I really care what people think but people don’t seem to understand Human,” he told Rolling Stone. “They think it’s nonsense. But I was aching over those lyrics for a very long time to get them right.”
Defending his artistic choice, Flowers asserted, “I guess it bothers people that it’s not grammatically correct, but I think I’m allowed to do whatever I want.” This defiance, however, didn’t prevent the lyric from gaining notoriety for its perceived strangeness.
In fact, the line “are we human or are we dancer?” was voted the most confusing lyric in a 2014 poll conducted by Blinkbox Music, surpassing even the famously surreal lyrics of The Beatles’ “I Am The Walrus.”
Enduring Anthem Despite Lyrical Puzzlement
Despite the lyrical controversy and ongoing jokes surrounding “are we dancer,” “Human” remains one of The Killers’ most successful and beloved songs. The debate over its meaning and grammatical correctness hasn’t diminished its popularity as a stadium-filling anthem and a staple of their discography. Ultimately, the enduring appeal of “Human,” even with its much-debated lyric “are we dancer,” speaks to the power of music to connect with audiences regardless of perfect grammar or straightforward interpretations.
