The Killers’ 2008 album, Day & Age, cemented their status as stadium rock titans, propelled by anthems like Spaceman, A Dustland Fairytale, and the undeniably catchy Human. Released as the lead single on September 22, 2008, Human instantly resonated with audiences, becoming an indie rock staple. Over a decade later, it remains a crowd favorite at their electrifying live shows. However, one particular line has consistently sparked debate and intrigue: “Are We Human Or Are We Dancer?” What is the story behind these famous lyrics, and why do they continue to be a source of both fascination and frustration?
The Killers Human album artwork featuring Dave Keuning
The Hunter S. Thompson Inspiration
The lyrical puzzle at the heart of Human hinges on the question: “Are we human or are we dancer?” While seemingly simple, its meaning has been widely debated. According to Brandon Flowers, the enigmatic frontman of The Killers, the line originates from a quote by the celebrated gonzo journalist, Hunter S. Thompson.
In a 2008 interview with Rolling Stone, Flowers revealed, “It’s taken from a quote by [Hunter S.] Thompson.” Thompson is credited with saying, “We’re raising a generation of dancers, afraid to take one step out of line.” Flowers explained that he “ran” with this concept, using it as a springboard for the song’s themes.
However, the connection to Thompson’s quote isn’t the only layer to this lyrical controversy.
Grammatical Grievances and Lyrical License
Despite the literary inspiration, “Are we human or are we dancer?” faced immediate criticism, primarily regarding its grammar. The use of the singular “dancer” instead of the grammatically correct plural “dancers” raised eyebrows and fueled accusations of nonsensical lyrics. This grammatical deviation led to widespread misquoting and misinterpretation of the intended meaning.
While some dismissed the line as simply poor writing, Flowers himself was surprisingly sensitive to the criticism at the time. He expressed his frustration in the same Rolling Stone interview, stating, “I really care what people think but people don’t seem to understand Human. 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 defiant stance highlights the tension between artistic license and grammatical convention, especially in popular music.
The Lasting Impact of a Confusing Lyric
The debate surrounding “Are we human or are we dancer?” didn’t fade with time. In 2014, a survey conducted by streaming service Blinkbox Music polled 2,000 people about confusing song lyrics. The results were telling: The Killers’ iconic line topped the list of weirdest lyrics, even surpassing famously enigmatic lines like those from The Beatles’ I Am The Walrus.
This recognition, while perhaps tongue-in-cheek, underscores the enduring power of the lyric to provoke thought and discussion. Whether intended as a profound statement on societal conformity (“a generation of dancers, afraid to take one step out of line”) or simply a grammatically questionable hook, “Are we human or are we dancer?” has undeniably left its mark on popular culture.
Despite the lyrical controversy, Human remains one of The Killers’ most commercially successful and beloved songs. The enduring debate surrounding its central question only adds to its mystique, proving that sometimes, the most memorable art is that which challenges and even confuses us. The ambiguity of “Are we human or are we dancer?” invites listeners to ponder their own humanity and the pressures of conformity in a world that often feels increasingly rigid.
