. . . “and I am on my knees looking for the answer . . . Are We Human or are we Dancer?” (Killers, 2008)

“Pay my respects to grace and virtue, send my condolences to goodGive my regards to soul and romance,

they always did the best they couldAnd so long to devotion you taught me everything I knowWave good bye,

wish me well,

you gotta let me go”

This iconic song was released by the band KILLERS as a single on 22nd September 2008 and became an instant indie anthem**.

 Taken from the words of  Hunter S. Thompson --"America is raising a generation of dancers, afraid to take one step out of line," which questions the autonomy and independence of humankind today in 2026.

The line “Are we “Human or are we dancer” demands the courage of his fellow humans to be unique and take risks for independence, Flowers's choice to write his unexpected lyric was meant to shock his audience and send them deeper into the idealism of one of The Killers' top songs.

The Killers ‘Are we Human' questions our essence, pondering if we're truly human or merely dancers in life's intricate play of changing identities. In other words “Are we going to go with the flow or are we going to be ourselves?”

The song’s lyrics Human" tackles many of the social idiosyncrasies of 2008 and reflects 2026 as well, a range of which have been exacerbated with time, and thanks to that cryptic chorus, The Killers were able to grab listeners and bring them directly into the world of the song. Are we going to go with the flow or are we going to be ourselves? The Killers' 'Human' questions our human quintessence pondering if we're truly human or merely dancers in life's intricate possibilities.

As a long time citizen activist and advocate, this song resonates now in 2026 as our neighbours to the south seek to disrupt countries and peoples all over the world putting democracy at risk while appearing to be using the 1930s Nazi Fascist playbook.

They are becoming a cancel culture taking away the rights of the individual to make up their own minds by listening to opposing viewpoints. Allowing this to continue is why when WWII ended many in occupied countries claimed to not be aware of exactly what was happening in their country while at war. We cannot be ‘dancer’ puppets allowing others to take our choices away from us.

Let the lyrics speak to you based upon your personal experience and where you are at right now….

I did my best to noticeWhen the call came down the lineUp to the platform of surrenderI was brought, but I was kind

And sometimes I get nervousWhen I see an open doorClose your eyes, clear your heartCut the cord

Are we human or are we dancer?My sign is vital, my hands are coldAnd I'm on my knees looking for the answerAre we human or are we dancer?

Pay my respects to grace and virtueSend my condolences to goodGive my regards to soul and romanceThey always did the best they could

And so long to devotionYou taught me everything I know

Wave goodbye, wish me wellYou've gotta let me go

Are we human or are we dancer?My sign is vital, my hands are coldAnd I'm on my knees looking for the answerAre we human or are we dancer?

Will your system be alrightWhen you dream of home tonight?There is no message we're receivingLet me know, is your heart still beating?

Are we human or are we dancer?My sign is vital, my hands are coldAnd I'm on my knees looking for the answer

You've gotta let me knowAre we human or are we dancer? My sign is vital, my hands are coldAnd I'm on my knees looking for the answerAre we human or are we dancer?

Are we human or are we dancer?Are we human or are we dancer?

The lyrics "Are we human, or are we dancer?" from The Killers' 2008 song "Human" asks whether people are authentic, feeling individuals (human) or merely following social conformity and routines without question (dancers).

Inspired by a Hunter S. Thompson quote, it challenges whether we act with agency or act like puppets following a strict, unnatural rhythm. 

Will your system be alrightWhen you dream of home tonight?There is no message we're receivingLet me know, is your heart still beating?

Ever since the first term of Trump (in 2016) and friends I have been writing how it is affecting many of us here in Canada.  

In 2016, Evan, my 15-year old grandson, who was just 11 when he wrote a story of my Father’s WWII experiences and placed 7 out of more than 1,500 entries from all over the world, so I took him to New Orleans to the award ceremony since I won in my categorey.

The big ‘joke’ was author’s would ask if they could fit into our luggage and come live in Canada after Trump got elected. Couldn’t find even one person who would admit having voted for him…

At the same time our nieces in the southern states told me that they had purchased a coal mine. I was astounded and asked if they had considered their grandchildren in this decision and was told that they’d have money so what would be the problem. Then stopped talking to me because I pointed out that their mother was an Irish immigrant to the U.S. They said that didn’t count…LOL

Freedom vs. Conformity: “Are we human “ poses a question about whether we are exercising our free will to be "human," or just "dancing" to the tune of societal pressures. The phrase encourages thinking for oneself rather than acting as a mindless body in a crowd!

Pay my respects to grace and virtueSend my condolences to goodGive my regards to soul and romanceThey always did the best they could

And so long to devotionYou taught me everything I know

Wave goodbye, wish me wellYou've gotta let me go

As the first term ended and Biden took over the government I, and many others, started to breathe a sigh of relief. Short Lived, since Trump refused to accept the will of the people and organized a coup on January 6^t  that failed!

Thank God, or any Pulp Fiction character from whichever Bible you choose…

The election of 2024 was a shock in more ways than one. Anyone who knew him knew Trump would be trying to defame and jail anyone who had not supported him. Talk about a toddler having a temper tantrum.

I wish more people would see what I see in these lyrics.

Stand up. Voice your opinion. Help a cause because without you and yes every person/voice matters and CAN make a difference. Participate.

Do NOT become a ‘dancer’… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIZdjT1472Y

Leslie Daniels, April 21, 2026