http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdUT0z_elWI
In this song that I've posted the link to above and in the video bar on the right side of the screen. Brandon Flowers of the Killers poses the question "Are we human? or are we dancer?" (intentionally using a grammatical error as a poetic tool, wherein you can find the meaning).
The question above, like most prose of song, can be interpreted many different ways depending on what "paradigmical glasses" are worn. However, as stated in a recent interview Brandon claims that his inspiration for this line derives from a Hunter S. Thompson quote where Hunter claimed that, "We are raising a generation of dancers".
Implying that we are raising a generation of self absorbed, Britney idolizing, night clubbing, socialite wannabees; instead of people who care about humanity and the purpose of their existence.
This choice of inspiration is both interesting to me as well as ironic. Interesting in the fact that the band, "The Killers", was formed in Las Vegas. Rather apropos don't you think considering that Hunter S. Thompson is most famous for his best selling novel "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas".
Was that intentional on Brandon's part I don't know. But what was intentional was to use Hunter S. Thompson's quote as inspiration. Here is where it becomes Ironic.
The question "are we human or are we dancer?" is beautiful. He states in his song that he is, "on his knees looking for the answer". Are we here for true learning, growth and the betterment of mankind? Or are we simply here to gain self absorbed, worldly, pleasure until our knees give out from following the rest of the puppet like dancers around us.
Great thought no doubt, but Hunter S. Thompson it turns out was a bit of a "Dancer" himself. His style of writing and journalism is known as Gonzo journalism, where the writer becomes so absorbed in what he is reporting, that he becomes a central figure in the story. A little self absorbed don't you think?
On top of this Hunter S. Thompson committed, in what is in my mind, the most self absorbed act anyone can commit. Suicide. It's not just that he committed suicide but he did it while he was on the phone with his wife, child, and grandchild. It is reported by his wife that they could clearly hear the cock of the gun and the ensuing fatal shot through his skull over the phone. Talk about leaving an inheritance of emotional baggage.
Choice of inspiration aside. I love this song and I love the question it is asking us to take. The fact of the matter is we are all self absorbed, and I am sure there were many tragic and difficult crosses that Hunter S. Thompson bore in his life leading up to his tragic mistake.
In closing I will leave you with the note Hunter S. Thompson left the world after his self imposed death. I find it both interesting and devastatingly shallow. His note was entitled, "Football Season is Over" (before you think that's deep, realize that he really did just like football. He was an avid sports gambler")
"No More Games. No More Bombs. No More Walking. No More Fun. No More Swimming. 67. That is 17 years past 50. 17 more than I needed or wanted. Boring. I am always bitchy. No Fun -- for anybody. 67. You are getting Greedy. Act your old age. Relax -- This won't hurt."
