Interpretation of "Human" performed by The Killers
by Matthew W. Tallman
Note of Understanding
My interpretation consists of 3 parts (Lyric Segment, Breakdown, Application) where the lyrics
are quoted, then broke down to find the meaning based on the words or word associations.
Lastly, an attempt will be made to apply the lyrics to real world examples, the actual
interpretation.
General Comment
Firstly, this song caught my attention the first time I heard it and repeated it several
times. It has a dark start and I would classify it as a power ballad. The song contains
conflicting emotions that most people can relate to. The song provokes thought and allows one
to turn inwardly to our inner feelings and struggles. Overall, great song!
Now onto the interpretation...
Lyric Segment #1
"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."
Breakdown
The use of the words "call came down the line" seem to suggest a form of Military Cadence
which could mean a highly structured environment where there are rules and obedience. The
words "platform of surrender" seem to suggest a that the artist has come to a place
where he must obey and surrender his own will to the command of another. Much like being
in the military, boot camp, etc. The usage of "was brought, but I was kind" seem to suggest it
was forced upon him, something he didn't want to do, but did it anyway.
Application
We all have structures that we have grown up with. It could be religious, political, or social structures that have caused us to not "question authority" but rather "live with it".
Lyric Segment #2
"Sometimes I get nervous when I see an open door."
Breakdown
This is a very interesting choice of words. It seems to suggest that the artist sometimes has trouble dealing with change because he's been pre-programmed to think a certain way and walking through an "open door" seems scary and unknown.
Application
In a relgious context, these words are highly powerful. Pre-programming happens to alot of us. Most often when we become adults we usually take on the religious beliefs (or closely similar) of our parents. But what if life took you down a completely different path, a different church, something that felt right but scared you to pieces because of how your family may or may not accept you?
Lyric Segment #3
"Cut the cord."
Breakdown
Simply means to remove yourself from the source of power.
Application
In a social or domestic context, perhaps you are a person in a dangerous or controlling relationship that is affecting you emotionally and physically. The artist is telling you to close your eyes and cut the cord. In fact, in the music video you see an eagle fly away. Another way to look at this isn't necessarily as a "bad domestic case" but rather as a child who leaves his parents to persue life on his own. We all have to find our way in life because "Mom and Dad" won't always be there.
Lyric Segment #4
"Are we human or are we dancer?"
Breakdown
These words suggest that the artist is asking us if we are human (full of life, spirit, energy, and a desire to be free) or if we are dancer, much like a puppet is controlled by strings to dance.
Application
Who's controlling you? Back to earlier contexts, are you in a position where you are afraid to be your own person because of what that might mean for you? How you will stand with family or friends?
Lyric Segment #5
"So long to devotion, he taught me everything I know. Wave goodbye, wish me well. You gotta let me go."
Breakdown
This is probably the most powerful line in the song. The artist sings a series of "parting words" to various forms of qualities and characteristics of humanity. Essentially, I don't believe the artist is suggesting that we should just stop trying to attain these traits, rather we need to realize that no form of goodness or virtue can truly make us happy. It is the pursuit of freedom, to live our lives without interference that allow us to experience goodness.
Application
Maybe you are a devoted to your job, but that job is interfering with your life or the ability for you to expand your career. While its ok to be devoted, you have to do what you feel is best. Changing jobs could be the best thing you ever did and may bring you that fulfillment you need.
Summary
All in all, this song is about freedom. It's about breaking free from what is holding you back. The human spirit longs to be released and deep down we are untamed (much as the tiger and cougar in the music video are). I don't mean to suggest we are animals at heart, but rather we are a species that are not to be caged or boxed in by religious dogma, oppressive relationships, a dead end job, the fear of achieving the unthinkable, you name it. The song challenges you to go to that next level, to not be a lemming and follow others. Rather, you lead the way and become everything you want to be.
Interpretation of "Human" performed by The Killers by Matthew W. Tallman
Note of Understanding
My interpretation consists of 3 parts (Lyric Segment, Breakdown, Application) where the lyrics
are quoted, then broke down to find the meaning based on the words or word associations.
Lastly, an attempt will be made to apply the lyrics to real world examples, the actual
interpretation.
General Comment
Firstly, this song caught my attention the first time I heard it and repeated it several
times. It has a dark start and I would classify it as a power ballad. The song contains
conflicting emotions that most people can relate to. The song provokes thought and allows one
to turn inwardly to our inner feelings and struggles. Overall, great song!
Now onto the interpretation...
Lyric Segment #1
"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."
Breakdown
The use of the words "call came down the line" seem to suggest a form of Military Cadence
which could mean a highly structured environment where there are rules and obedience. The
words "platform of surrender" seem to suggest a that the artist has come to a place
where he must obey and surrender his own will to the command of another. Much like being
in the military, boot camp, etc. The usage of "was brought, but I was kind" seem to suggest it
was forced upon him, something he didn't want to do, but did it anyway.
Application
We all have structures that we have grown up with. It could be religious, political, or social structures that have caused us to not "question authority" but rather "live with it".
Lyric Segment #2
"Sometimes I get nervous when I see an open door."
Breakdown
This is a very interesting choice of words. It seems to suggest that the artist sometimes has trouble dealing with change because he's been pre-programmed to think a certain way and walking through an "open door" seems scary and unknown.
Application
In a relgious context, these words are highly powerful. Pre-programming happens to alot of us. Most often when we become adults we usually take on the religious beliefs (or closely similar) of our parents. But what if life took you down a completely different path, a different church, something that felt right but scared you to pieces because of how your family may or may not accept you?
Lyric Segment #3
"Cut the cord."
Breakdown
Simply means to remove yourself from the source of power.
Application
In a social or domestic context, perhaps you are a person in a dangerous or controlling relationship that is affecting you emotionally and physically. The artist is telling you to close your eyes and cut the cord. In fact, in the music video you see an eagle fly away. Another way to look at this isn't necessarily as a "bad domestic case" but rather as a child who leaves his parents to persue life on his own. We all have to find our way in life because "Mom and Dad" won't always be there.
Lyric Segment #4
"Are we human or are we dancer?"
Breakdown
These words suggest that the artist is asking us if we are human (full of life, spirit, energy, and a desire to be free) or if we are dancer, much like a puppet is controlled by strings to dance.
Application
Who's controlling you? Back to earlier contexts, are you in a position where you are afraid to be your own person because of what that might mean for you? How you will stand with family or friends?
Lyric Segment #5
"So long to devotion, he taught me everything I know. Wave goodbye, wish me well. You gotta let me go."
Breakdown
This is probably the most powerful line in the song. The artist sings a series of "parting words" to various forms of qualities and characteristics of humanity. Essentially, I don't believe the artist is suggesting that we should just stop trying to attain these traits, rather we need to realize that no form of goodness or virtue can truly make us happy. It is the pursuit of freedom, to live our lives without interference that allow us to experience goodness.
Application
Maybe you are a devoted to your job, but that job is interfering with your life or the ability for you to expand your career. While its ok to be devoted, you have to do what you feel is best. Changing jobs could be the best thing you ever did and may bring you that fulfillment you need.
Summary
All in all, this song is about freedom. It's about breaking free from what is holding you back. The human spirit longs to be released and deep down we are untamed (much as the tiger and cougar in the music video are). I don't mean to suggest we are animals at heart, but rather we are a species that are not to be caged or boxed in by religious dogma, oppressive relationships, a dead end job, the fear of achieving the unthinkable, you name it. The song challenges you to go to that next level, to not be a lemming and follow others. Rather, you lead the way and become everything you want to be.