And my No. 1 song of the Oh-Oh’s is . . .
1. All These Things That I’ve Done – The Killers (2004)
Buckle up boys and girls. We’re going old school today.
When there’s nowhere else to run
Is there room for one more son
One more son
If you can hold on
If you can hold on, hold on
There was just no way that one measly paragraph was going to sum up what this song means to me and why it is No. 1, not only on this list but also on my All-Time Top Songs list as well. I might look like a homer for putting a song from my favorite bands as #1, but what most people don’t understand is that The Killers are my favorite band because of this song. If U2 had done it, they would be my favorite band. If The White Stripes had done it, they would be my favorite band. If the Electric Light Orchestra had done it, they would be my favorite band.
Why is it my favorite song? For three very specific reasons.
I wanna stand up, I wanna let go
You know, you know – no you don’t, you don’t
I wanna shine on in the hearts of men
I want a meaning from the back of my broken hand
Another head aches, another heart breaks
I am so much older than I can take
And my affection, well it comes and goes
I need direction to perfection, no no no no
Reason No. 1:
Never before (and I can’t imagine it ever happening again) has a song come along where EVERY SINGLE LYRIC completely defined me and the way I see the world. It was almost eerie the first time I heard it because it described my mentality toward this existence in a way I could have never described on my own. Somehow it transcended my own comprehension of myself.
That’s a good song.
In the summer of 2005, I drove from Virginia Beach, Va., to Harrisburg, Pa., and just left this song on repeat the entire time. That’s about a five- to six-hour drive, so needless to say, I got to hear it quite a few times. And it wasn’t even because the song is so good on its own (which it is), it was because every time it played, I heard something new and discovered something new about it. It led me to think about different things in my life and the way I really see myself and this life.
That’s a REALLY good song
And when there’s nowhere else to run
Is there room for one more son
These changes ain’t changing me
The cold-hearted boy I used to be
Yeah, you know you got to help me out
Yeah, oh don’t you put me on the backburner
You know you got to help me out
You’re gonna bring yourself down
Reason No. 2:
In the fall of 2006, my buddy Paul and I had committed ourselves to working for free for that sports magazine back in Virginia. Despite our absence of income, we scrounged up enough money to each buy a ticket to a Killers concert in Philadelphia (ask me how much I miss having to drive forever to see major bands now that I live in a major market. Go ahead, ask me). We rocked out to the band’s albums the entire drive, and this was going to be our escape from the pressures of our reality.
We got to the venue in Philly only to find a sign on the front door saying the show had been canceled. I don’t remember if we said two words to each other on the way home that night because we both knew this was just fate’s symbolic gesture to us that we had hit rock bottom.
A few months later, we heard The Killers were going to be in D.C., so we decided to try it again. This time we weren’t let down. We sat in the very last row at the top of the arena, but it felt like we were right in front of the stage.
The only song I cared about hearing was All These Things… and I was getting nervous as the night went on and they still hadn’t played it. They came back for the first encore and didn’t play it. They came back for the second encore and didn’t play it. It wasn’t until the last song of the third encore that they brought the house down with an epic performance of my favorite song.
I learned a very important lesson that night that I still remind myself of from time to time: Sometimes you just gotta wait.
I got soul, but I’m not a soldier
I got soul, but I’m not a soldier
…
Yeah, you know you got to help me out
Yeah, oh don’t you put me on the blackburner
You know you got to help me out
You’re gonna bring yourself down
You’re gonna bring yourself down
Yeah, oh don’t you put me on the blackburner
Yeah, you’re gonna bring yourself down
Reason No. 3:
In the summer of 2006, my Wife was just a good friend at the time and she was actually trying to help me chase another girl (love has a funny sense of humor sometimes).
My Wife and I were hanging out regularly that summer, but there was still no level of commitment to each other of any kind. There was one Sunday night that I blew off plans that had together to go hang out with the other girl – I think my Wife would have understood and been OK with it, but I was kind of shady about the whole deal (yes, I disclosed all of this to her a long time ago).
I felt so guilty about it that I asked if I could take her to dinner the following weekend. And that was the night it all turned around for me. That was the first time I saw her as more than a friend, and I really liked it. It was the first time that it felt like we were on a “date,” but there was no pressure or anxiety because we already knew each other so well.
This is what I had been looking for all along but just didn’t know it.
The deal was sealed for me on the way home when I threw The Killers’ Hot Fuss album in the car CD player and we finally got to the fifth track and those legendary first few piano notes started to play. My Wife legitimately rocked out to All These Things… (she could not have cared less that I was even still in the car) and I was a goner.
People have asked me in the time since when I first knew that I loved her and I always go to that moment. Sure, it wasn’t the love that we share now, and I may not have been cognizant of that emotion as “love” there in the car, but I promise you that somewhere in the unconscious recesses of my heart I knew it even then.
After being married only a few weeks this summer, we got to see The Killers live at Red Rocks. Our favorite band at the greatest venue in the world. It was perfect. I don’t want to sound sacrilegious, but it was a borderline spiritual experience and not because of the band or the song but getting to experience it all together.
If all of that can’t launch a song to the top spot, then I can’t imagine what could.
All These Things… is my by far my Top Song of the Oh-Oh’s.
With a bullet.
Over and in,
Last call for sin
While everyone’s lost, the battle is won
With all these things that I’ve done
Josh Mahler is a Denver-based columnist with a humorous and _________ (insert: “skewed,” “neurotic,” “insecure,” etc. — probably “neurotic,” right? Or is that not even politically correct anymore? He’s not sure) perspective. Read more of his work at JustBeingJosh.com.
Had no doubts what it was gonna be my friend. I will never forget that trip to Philly. I was as close to rock bottom as I’d ever been, and the Killer were gonna save me. I have never experienced anything so devastating as that sign on the door (which I still have btw). It wasn’t just that band, but what they represented. I think I was legitimately surprised that the world did not just spontaneously combust as my brain could not even comprehend the reality of that level of despair. It was that moment that taught me that there is no rock bottom, there is no too low, there is no game over. You have bad days, bad weeks, bad years even. But you keep living and and things turn.
Less than a year later I was backstage at the Electric Factory (the venue in Philly were the Killers were supposed to play that fateful night), with some of my friends who were playing a gig there. I looked out over the crowd and thought about the last time I was there, and what had happened since. We saw the Killers live in DC, and I had been in Busch Stadium for the Cardinals ring ceremony. Rock bottom was a distant memory and all I could do was smile.
Not gonna lie, I think there were some tears shed as we drove home from Philly (not gonna name names), but little did we know that our best days lay only a few short years ahead. If you can hold on, hold on.
Goosebump city!! Not to compare ourselves and situations to the riggors of actual war, but I get the “working the trenches together” mentality. It’s easier to respect someone that knows what you’ve been through.
And you are so right man. You’re killing it in Atlanta, elite pitchers are now saying it’s a “dream come true” to play for the Phillies, and you just commented on a column I wrote for a website in Denver.
The world didn’t end that night, it’s just now starting to get interesting, baby!
The Killers really rock! They’re my favorite band, and I think they are one of the best groups around today. All These Things That I’ve Done is such an incredible song….it’s even better live!
Lovely column. It was a pleasure to read it.
One thing though, there’s a typo in one of the paragraphs:
“People have asked me in the time since when I first knew that I loved her and I always go to that moment. Sure, it wasn’t the love that we share know”. It should be ‘now’ instead of ‘know’. Sorry, I’m allergic to typos and chances are it’d have killed me not to bring that up.
Oh and btw, I love how the comments made me think of TK’s song that defines me right now.
This is Your Life.
Wait for it, wait for it, something better..
This song is my absolute favorite song in the entire history of rock. The first time I heard it, when my son gave me his copy of Hot Fuss to listen to, I was completely entranced. I listened to it over and over again. I became obsessed with it. I LOVED this song like I have loved no other. And The Killers keep on making me love songs and become obsessed with them…it happened with Spaceman and I Can’t Stay on Day and Age. I saw The Killers twice in Cleveland, the last time was just this past May where my son and I stood in the 4th row and had the time of our lives. They are one of the best bands around…I just don’t understand why they seem to get more respect and better reception in Europe than they do in the USA.
Eddie – thanks for the comment! It is an awesome song live and on the current tour, they’ve somehow made that performance bigger and grander. Amazing!
agnieszka – We’ve corrected the typo! Thanks for catching that. This is Your Life is a GREAT song and Human helped me move to Denver a year ago. Here’s the proof: http://tinyurl.com/yekwrvl
Lisa – “They are one of the best bands around…I just don’t understand why they seem to get more respect and better reception in Europe than they do in the USA.” Totally agree with you! Unfortunately, Europe tends to have better taste in music than the US a lot of the time and this is the perfect example. Hate to admit that but it’s true. The Killers don’t dumb down their lyrics or sound and Americans struggle with a band they can’t define or put into box. I almost like the band because of that fact.
I have to say, I was quite suprised when reading our article. I thought it would be a fairly basic commercialized list of best songs. Needless to say, I’m not too familiar with your work! I’m suprised because I too feel that I had the same kind of “eye-opening” moment or moments as you had mentioned with this song. My husband liked The Killers before I ever did. To be honest, at first, I didn’t even care for them. Somebody Told Me was alright but I wasn’t about to blare the radio when it came on. Mr. Brightside was better, but it just didn’t grab me in the way that “All of these Things” did. I remember hearing it for the first time and thinking it was an awesome song in of itself. Then like you said, the more you listen the more it reveals, and the more meaningful it becomes. It taught me a lot of myself as well, and of the way I was when I was younger. For a while I called it my Theme Song. That song definitely “sings” to me, and I am forever a Killer’s fan because of it. Well, and because they continue to write amazing music. I remember early on, they would claim that they wanted to be as big as the Beatles. I absolutly think that they will! Thank you for your article, it was very fun to read, and I am glad to know that there are others out there that appriciate The Killers and their music as much as I do.
I’ve been listening to this song on repeat all day, great column man!
Amazing ! I just read that and also to me that song is amazing! I love The Killers they are my all time favourite, I have been lucky enough to see them 5 times this year! xx
Jamie_Abe – thanks for sharing your story! And I’m glad to hear that my list was more than just a “fairly basic commercialized list” (ugh, I hate those!)
SHAREEF!! Always great to hear from you buddy… So, when you coming back to Denver? Haha
TheKillersLJP – I appreciate your comments as well… Thanks to living in Denver, I’ve been able to see them twice in 2009 (that’s double the times I’ve seen them before!)
Josh– How crazy is it that we all started talking about this during the summer?!? Wild. To see the “Oh Oh’s List” come to fruition is pretty darn amazing. Great column. Proud of you and Sum.
Second– you know you’re on to something when the list starts spreading amongst your friends. Everyone has their personal list and no one can down it because that list helped propel us down this life road.
Bravo.
Hi,
I really appreciate your comments, I’m from montreal and I’ve seen them twice in concert. It really was a “special” experience. I’ve seen quite a few concerts in my day but these guys blow me away. There really is something spiritual about their performances….anyways, they are my favorite band and I can’t wait for the next tour….their songs….so deep and meaningful…their performaces….the best I’ve ever seen. This band needs to keep making fantastic music and touring for the world to benefit from it.
this was a totally beautiful column. somes up just why this the greatest band ever in the history of the world. they touch you like no one else. incredible. i cried the first time i saw them live cause i couldn’t believe i was there. they’re amazing.
Thanks for writing this and reminding me what an incredible, special song this one is. The Killers are my all time favorite band and I love everything they do, but this song is definitely their most inspirational, transcendent and uplifting one. It holds a special place in my heart too.
Great article, as well as your top 10 list. The Killers are fantastic. All These Things was one of my favorites, but I had not really studied the lyrics until you pointed them out. That made it more interesting. I saw The Killers twice in the last year. Belong to The Victims (The Killers fan club). I drove two hours to San Diego in October to see them. They have not played much in San Diego, but blew them away. They opend with Mr Brightside, and the audience stood and cheered the whole night. You have to see a professional video shot at the San Diego concert by Yahoo Music for Guitar Hero 5 Fridays. All These Things was great, in addition to Mr. Brightside, and When You Were Young. These are official videos – not audience videos:
http://new.music.yahoo.com/killers/videos/view/all-these-things-that-i%25E2%2580%2599ve-done-guitar-hero-5-fridays-on-yahoo-music-exclusive-performance–218594458
http://new.music.yahoo.com/singleVideo/?vid=218594444
http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/killers/when-you-were-young-guitar-hero-5-fridays-on-yahoo-music-exclusive-performance–218594460
I play these videos constantly ro remind me of the great live performance.
Art |ärt|,
Upon reading the accolades in the above comments, and having witnessed the Communist attack on Western Art and Culture, and having witnessed the attitudes of change and rebellion present in every generation, I still return to the romantic poet, John Keats for his “Ode Upon a Grecian Urn.”
Thou still unravish’d bride of quietness,
Thou foster-child of silence and slow time,
Sylvan historian, who canst thus express
A flowery tale more sweetly than our rhyme:
What leaf-fring’d legend haunt about thy shape
Of deities or mortals, or of both,
In Tempe or the dales of Arcady?
What men or gods are these? What maidens loth?
What mad pursuit? What struggle to escape?
What pipes and timbrels? What wild ecstasy?
Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard
Are sweeter: therefore, ye soft pipes, play on;
Not to the sensual ear, but, more endear’d,
Pipe to the spirit ditties of no tone:
Fair youth, beneath the trees, thou canst not leave
Thy song, nor ever can those trees be bare;
Bold lover, never, never canst thou kiss,
Though winning near the goal – yet, do not grieve;
She cannot fade, though thou hast not thy bliss,
For ever wilt thou love, and she be fair!
Ah, happy, happy boughs! that cannot shed
Your leaves, nor ever bid the spring adieu;
And, happy melodist, unwearied,
For ever piping songs for ever new;
More happy love! more happy, happy love!
For ever warm and still to be enjoy’d,
For ever panting, and for ever young;
All breathing human passion far above,
That leaves a heart high-sorrowful and cloy’d,
A burning forehead, and a parching tongue.
Who are these coming to the sacrifice?
To what green altar, O mysterious priest,
Lead’st thou that heifer lowing at the skies,
And all her silken flanks with garlands drest?
What little town by river or sea shore,
Or mountain-built with peaceful citadel,
Is emptied of this folk, this pious morn?
And, little town, thy streets for evermore
Will silent be; and not a soul to tell
Why thou art desolate, can e’er return.
O Attic shape! Fair attitude! with brede
Of marble men and maidens overwrought,
With forest branches and the trodden weed;
Thou, silent form, dost tease us out of thought
As doth eternity: Cold Pastoral!
When old age shall this generation waste,
Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe
Than ours, a friend to man, to whom thou say’st,
“Beauty is truth, truth beauty,” – that is all
Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.
Josh,
Sorry to have shut down this thread.
Arto, |ärt-OH !|
Sorry if I sent you on a wild-goose chase.
423 words without a single political opinion.
It’s gold hearted boy I used to be. And yeah, its my favorite song of all time. Along with This River is Wild.
Brandon Flowers has a son named Ammon. This a name out of the Book Of Mormon. It comes from Egyptian and is similar to the word Amen in it’s original root meaning. So it means God is with us, or more properly God is diffused through us. Also, in the Book Of Mormon the person Ammon convinced warlike Native Americans to become Christians. However they took the “thou shalt not kill” command very literally. So they would not kill. These Christians were attacked but refused to defend themselves and were killed… Sort of like modern day war protesters, but more sincere. I think this may have something to do with the line “I have soul, but I’m not a soldier”. This may have escaped the average listener to the song.