Struggle with religious faith and interaction with Iraq war vets influenced misinterpreted Killers song's meaning - MTV host's perspective
Revamped Article:
In the realm of modern-day indie, The Killers have undeniably carved out a significant niche. Their prominence kicked off with their electrifying 2004 debut Hot Fuss—a record teeming with instant classics.
Among the exhilarating rockets, there was Somebody Told Me, the pulse-pounding, technicolor anthem, and the evergreen dance floor-filler, Mr. Brightside. This timeless track now seems omnipresent in music history.
Nestled amidst these energetic numbers, the record boasted a more thoughtful, impactful centerpiece—a song that still ignited the crowd's fervor as its more agile siblings. Coined by a band marching towards the glow of the limelight, it resonated with the powerful, sermon-like spirit of the young, garage-based band reaching for the lofty peaks attained by their primary influences. Though its impressive weight might have overshadowed it in their songbook, the irresistible bridge section in All These Things That I've Done lifted the track into an iconic cultural position.
The Anthem: The Killers – All These Things That I've Done
The Unforgettable Moment: The indelible bridge commencing at 02:31, featuring Brandon Flowers' repeated mantra, "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier," backed by a gospel choir.
Origins: Born in Las Vegas in 2001, under the name inspired by the fictional band in New Order's music video for Crystal, The Killers' founding lineup comprised Synth-Pop devotee (and hotel bellboy) Brandon Flowers and ambidextrous lead guitarist Dave Keuning. As they gelled musically, the duo expanded to include bassist Mark Stoermer and drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr. Drawing inspiration from a myriad of British influences, they channeled the ecstatic spirit of Britpop, the bubbly synth energy of New Order and early Depeche Mode, and the brooding emotional undercurrents of the Smiths and The Cure.
Indie fans across the pond were quick to take notice. British A&R Alex Gilbert, who spotted their next-big-hit potential in songs like Mr. Brightside, hurriedly recommended The Killers to UK independent label Lizard King Records, which snatched them up in a heartbeat.
Their debut album, Hot Fuss, was masterminded by Jeff Saltzman and demonstrated the band's musical dexterity beyond its lead salvo of hook-laden hits. Sludgy Andy, You're a Star dished out dark humor as a love ode to a high school jock, while Jenny Was a Friend of Mine channeled the Robert Smith-esque gloominess of The Cure. Hot Fuss marked the first of several Killers albums to instantly dominate the UK charts, with the US picking up on the buzz soon after—trying to decipher the 'fuss.'
However, save for the extraordinary Mr. Brightside, Hot Fuss' crowning achievement was All These Things That I've Done—touting spirited U2 undertones and an observable nod to 2002’s David Bowie's Slow Burn.
"All These Things That I've Done took its cues from the epic-scale majesty of U2's greatest anthems," Flowers explained to Spin. "There's something magical about pairing guitar music with gospel. It creates something unique and honorable."
The song climbs from a delicate piano introduction to a pulsating, recurring central riff, with Flowers' fervent vocals escalating along the journey. As the song reaches its second rousing chorus, it suddenly strips down, leaving only the gnawing chug of Keuning's guitar behind…
The confessional "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier" resonates repeatedly.
Joined by a gospel choir, the arrangement builds, as guitar, drums, and backing vocals converge to give weight to these words delivered with a pastor-like intensity.
"I met Matt Pinfield in a Las Vegas bar several months prior to recording," Flowers revealed, shedding light on the song's inspiration. "Pinfield was trying to sign me to Columbia Records and had been called by the US Army to mentor returning soldiers from Iraq who were musicians amidst their recovery. I found his story captivating, and the line is an homage to him and his bravery."
However, Flowers' interpretations of the line have evolved throughout the years. Speaking on a podcast in 2021, he delved deeper into the song's meaning. "I was barely 21 when we wrote the song. We had already penned other hits, but there was something deeper I was seeking. I grappled with my faith and the desire to achieve rock stardom."
Flowers' fearless autobiographical lyricism, immersed in themes of self-exploration, spirituality, and personal struggle, has undoubtedly contributed to the song's enduring legacy. And it seems fans worldwide continue to resonate with the emotional depth and poignant storytelling that fascinate in "All These Things That I've Done."
Celebrities like Brandon Flowers of The Killers have showcased their musical talent in numerous tracks, with All These Things That I've Done standing out as a testament to their association with entertainment, featuring elements reminiscent of U2 and David Bowie. This song, resonating with fans globally, showcases the fusion of rock music and gospel choirs, reflecting the band's journey and their influences in the music industry.
The timeless resonance of All These Things That I've Done can be attributed to its poignant lyrics and powerful deliveries, such as the unforgettable bridge line, "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier," which echoes the band's association with celebrities and their exploration of themes like self-discovery, spirituality, and personal struggles in their music.
