Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll

I never had the idea that this song portrayed Brandon's general feelings, I always thought he was paying out the indie mentality with this song.

To clear it up, a quote from Brandon Flowers:

"The song is very misunderstood, especially in America. I hear people think we're trying to be indie… Not a moment in my life has been spent trying to be indie. It's embarrassing when you think about it that way. I feel I need to put a memo out: Look at the lyrics! It's ironic!"

lil_1... umm that was just a stupid comment.. not an interpretation. insert eyeroll

Since no else seems to be able to interpret this song, I shall post an interpretation for those who are looking for one.

This song is basically taking the piss out of the American indie scene. We have this close-minded indie scene in America that says if music is mainstream/popular, then its bad. (listening to music only if its "unpopular") Which is just as bad as someone who only listens to music if its cool. Hopefully, this post will help those who don't quite understand the song. The whole thing is sarcastic. Now, interpret away. No more of this "omg Brandon so s0 hawt" crap. ~rolls eyes once again~ Regardless of my personal opinion as to his appearance, this site is for song interpretation, not fangirling.

Ok, I think this has to do with the over optimistic exuberance of youth and their perpetual search for their niche that defines them as an individual which ultimately forces them to conform to a stereotypes thereby robbing them of their individuality. …..and not for my interpretation.

Glamorous Indie rock'n'roll, is what I need (Oxymoron. Indie is the antithesis of glamorous. But in the genre the band that nobody knows but wants to see the band can be seen as glamorous to the followers.) It's in my soul, it's what I need (sounds like someone is desperately trying to convince themselves that this defines them as a person. Indie rock'n'roll, it's time (he decides to start an indie band to enjoy the glamorous lifestyle.)

Two of us (he finds someone why is going through the same thing) Flipping through a thrift store magazine (magazine = catalogue. Brand new vintage indie items for sale to wanna be indie kids trying to become part of the “in” / out crowd.) She plays the drums, I'm on tambourine (at least she has some skill. He’s just a wanna be musician) Bet your, your bottom dollar on me (he’ll be successful no matter what. If he gets signed and goes mainstream he’s golden, if not he’s being true to the “Indie” ideals and just never sold out)

It's Indie rock'n'roll for me (he seems to be choosing Indie, not born to it and by saying it enough times..maybe it will become true.) It's Indie rock'n'roll for me It's all I need (over optimistic exuberance of youth…kind of like falling in love the first time..you think you’ll die without it, but really its puppy love) It's Indie rock'n'roll for me

In a clutch (in a pinch but more dramatic….or a woman’s dress purse….could be the beginning of an interview with the local underground scene mag) I'm talking every word for all the boys (no one else in the band knows crap so to keep from sounding stupid he spills out everything he knows about indie. This gives the band street cred.) Electric girls with worn down toys (could be dirty, or a reference to their instruments. Eg. Electric guitars with chipped body paint, worn frets and original pickups which the band credits for their unique sound. Even the knobs have had the numbers worn off by the many hours of playing….not necessarily by the person who owns the guitar now….but the dirty version is fun too!) Make it up, break it up, what do you care (This is how the band comes up with their songs. Where their emotional angst comes from….they either make it up or force an emotional confrontation with their significant other in order to create drama that they will later use to inspire the lyrics for their songs) Oh what do you care? (who cares if they made it up or forced the situation that are singing about with such pain and emotion….it’s a good song!)

I take my twist with a shout (Beatles reference? Possibly to the "Please Please Me" album which helped catapult them into fame and glory...side note...I know this is a cover for the Beatles but this album was big for them….also it just sounds great) A coffee shop with a cause, then I'll freak you out (A coffee shop dedicated to local unknown “talent” which more often plays hosts to Feebie (girl from Friends) type music…..freaks me out!) No sex, no drugs, no life, no love (The Vapors reference…….they were indie-ish and then……[go to next line]) When it comes to today (they are gone. I think the lead singer is a lawyer now. Maybe they were cool largely unknown back in the day but today….run of the mill guys.)

Stay if you wanna love me, stay (talking to the original girl that plays drums) Oh don't be shy, let's cause a scene (lets show way too much PDA) Like lovers do on silver screens (Lots of tongue here. We’re makin up!) Let's make it yeah, we'll cause a scene (The Indie band that stayed together and “made it”….mainstream or continued to play “just for the music”)

The rest is the same. Strange thing is that a once poser wanna be Indie can actually force the point and become a major (if that’s possible) Indie influence. The dedication to learning the art of being Indie eventually has a Zen like effect of “no mind” when the practitioner is so well versed in the ideals that they actually begin to believe and be that way. Mind over….nature?

isn't this web site "songmeanings.net?" where are the interpretations? all I see is opinions. =)

i think this song is a tribute that brandon and the band are giving to the music that made them so succesful.

to me, this song is actually quite enjoyable! it's a tongue-in-cheek piece, just poking fun at the indie stereotype. it shows a different side of them and i like the arrangement.

I think he likes glamorous Indie Rock and Roll

I think this song is just Brandon bashing on Fall Out Boy and the Bravery. Fall Out Boy did release a song called "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" I could be wrong though im not a fan, just a Wikipedia junkie http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Flowers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Wentz

I don't think the song is MAKING FUN OF indie as a whole (seeing as The Killers are an Indie band), but is rather making fun of "Scenesters", who conform to the Indie stereotype, which is completely against what being indie means (Individual, obviously)

Brilliant song, after mr brightside its the best on the album. i love the line "Oh don't be shy, let's cause a scene Like lovers do on silver screens" it reminds me of a big hollywood romance. :)