The Killers burst onto the indie music scene with their album Day & Age on November 18, 2008, and with it came anthems like Spaceman, A Dustland Fairytale, and the stadium-shaking hit, Human. Released as the lead single on September 22, 2008, Human quickly became an indie staple, instantly recognizable and passionately sung by fans worldwide. Over a decade later, “Human” remains a centerpiece of The Killers’ live performances. But the song, particularly its central question, “Are we human or are we dancer?”, has been a source of both fascination and lyrical debate. What inspired Brandon Flowers to pen these now-famous words, and why do they continue to spark discussion?
The Killers guitarist Dave Keuning is featured on the artwork for 'Human'.
The Hunter S. Thompson Inspiration Behind “Human”
The lyrical heart of The Killers’ track “Human” resides in the thought-provoking question: “Are we human or are we dancer?” To understand its genesis, we need to look towards an unconventional source: Hunter S. Thompson.
As Brandon Flowers himself revealed to Rolling Stone in 2008, the lyric originated from a quote attributed to the legendary gonzo journalist. Thompson is believed to have said something along the lines of, “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 exploration of conformity and individuality.
Grammatical Scrutiny and Brandon Flowers’ Rebuttal
Despite its inspirational origins, the “are we human or are we dancer” lyric wasn’t immune to criticism. A significant point of contention was its perceived grammatical incorrectness. Critics and listeners alike questioned Flowers’ use of the singular “dancer” instead of the grammatically expected plural “dancers.” This choice led to widespread misquoting and, for some, a sense of lyrical awkwardness.
Brandon Flowers, however, remained steadfast in his artistic choice. While acknowledging the public’s reaction, he expressed frustration at the perceived lack of understanding. In the same Rolling Stone interview, Flowers passionately defended his lyrics, 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.” He further asserted his artistic license, declaring, “I guess it bothers people that it’s not grammatically correct, but I think I’m allowed to do whatever I want.”
Enduring Lyric Despite the Controversy
The debate surrounding the grammar didn’t diminish the song’s popularity, though it did cement its place in discussions about unusual lyrics. In fact, in a 2014 poll by Blinkbox Music, “are we human or are we dancer” was voted the weirdest lyric, even surpassing the famously nonsensical lyrics of The Beatles’ “I Am The Walrus.” This recognition, while perhaps tongue-in-cheek, highlights the lyric’s lasting impact and memorability.
Despite any lyrical controversy, “Human” remains one of The Killers’ most beloved and successful songs. The enduring question “are we human or are we dancer” continues to resonate, prompting listeners to consider themes of humanity, conformity, and the delicate balance between the two. It’s a testament to the power of a truly provocative lyric, one that can spark debate, inspire interpretation, and ultimately, solidify a song’s place in music history.
