The Rising Tide

The intro to this song is like a lot of the intros in their lives stuff. It quickly goes from abstract synth melodies to a clear rock sound. Like a rising tide, this song builds very quickly and becomes quite chaotic, musically.

The first bit "the streets of persuasion/Are plated with gold" is about how tempting certain avenues become once one becomes successful. "Like so many before you/The gates open wide." Like so many people, success happens all at once and, like a rising tide, it can easily carry you away.

"Let's go out tonight/There's a mystery underneath the neon light Before life and the dream collide/Because the truth is going to come and cut me open wide." shows the protagonists attitude to this new found success. He wants to "swim" in the mystery of his new success and power. He's a smart guy and realizes that he will probably regret this in the long run, but maybe he thinks he can have his cake and eat it too? Regardless, he can't escape the rising of the tide, life will have its way if he's not careful.

"Keep up your appearance; you're joining the choir..." is about becoming a member of society. It's about functioning in a world where you are a part of a larger group. Like a choir, we all have solos, or times where we're expected to "shine" and the protagonist is obviously unprepared. He is expected to act noble and has instead been acting like an ass. Perhaps partying too hard? Missing deadlines? Regardless, it's starting to catch up with him.

"And the company you keep/Well they plan your crucifixion as we speak" is about how his new "friends" are starting to plot against him. "I was there in the back of the room when you testified (oh oh!)/With your pitchfork tongue, you licked your lips and lied".

This song reminds me of the success of the early Killers. They had several members and one of them claimed to have written Mr. Brightside and tried to sue them over it. They also had another legal dispute over management rights. In both cases, people that helped celebrate The Killers' early success turned on them. At the same time, Brandon may have felt like the success and party life was getting out of hand (he's Mormon, after all). Regardless, it's a very personal song that has wonderful biblical imagery. I don't think the nature is religious as any good songwriter can't help but use such powerful imagery in their work. There are instant parallels to when Jesus was on trial and it shows how Brandon's upbringing has always influenced everything he does.

There possibly is some religious meaning, since Brandon's religious.

I love the fact that Brandon Flowers is a faithful man and loves his wife and only one! :) I have great respect for him, he's my role model!

I once found an interview with Brandon Flowers where he was talking about his work in the casinos in Los Vegas. The way he described it was he remembered looking and working underneath the "neon lights."

So I think this song might be about gambling addiction. Between the images of the streets plated with gold (promise of fortune), the venom in the veins (addiction), and finally the realization that you are not winning money (the rising tide).

Just a thought and some input.

Brandon Flowers doesn't seem to be enjoying the Killers like he used to. He looks like he's lost his passion for the band. I wouldn't be surprised if the Killers split.