I've been asking myself this question since 2008 when The Killers released their album "Day & Age." The only way to truly understand if we are human or dancer is to read between the lines and answer one of the most important questions of all time.
"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."
This suggests that the subject has humility in their weakest point. Would a dancer care, or would they just keep dancing? Is humility part of the human condition?
"And sometimes I get nervous
When I see an open door.
Close your eyes, clear your heart
Cut the cord."
The subject gets nervous when seeing doors ajar. This could be for a variety of reasons. What lies on the other side of the door? Is there danger? Is there a reward? It represents the fear of the unknown. Closed eyes, cleared heart, and cutting of cords signify new beginnings and new understanding.
"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?"
The subject has lost his identity between human or dancer. Humans have vital signs. Cold hands could be part of the body’s response in regulating blood temperature when in a warm environment. This could suggest that one is dancer, working up a high body heat while compulsively dancing. However, having this response also suggests that one is human, therefore blurring the lines between human and dancer.
Logically, one would have to be human to be dancer. Many themes throughout the song point towards human experiences and emotions that dancer can’t identify. Perhaps the subject wants to be on the line between human and dancer. Human feels pain. Humans suffer. Dancer is careless but has a purpose. Many times I have pondered this question and it also makes me think that the “we” is not so universal. Clearly, some people go through life existing, drifting. Some people are human, on their knees, begging to ask the question. Only you know the truth, your truth. “Are we human, or are we dancer?”
Quotes from AZ Lyrics
