The Killers

Lyrics

[Intro]
Oh yeah, oh no, the train, the train
Every two or three years, the train kills somebody
Every two or three years, yeah
Everybody knows about the train, okay?
You hear it constantly
Eh, I— I think the train is a way to find your way out of this life, if you get hit by it

[Verse 1]
A couple of kids got hit by a Union Pacific train
Carrying sheet metal and household appliances through the pouring rain
They were planning on getting married after graduation
Had a little baby girl, trouble came and shut it down
Things like that ain't supposed to happen

[Chorus]
In this quiet town, families are tight
Good people, they still don't deadbolt their doors at night
In this quiet town

[Verse 2]
When we first heard opioid stories, they were always in whispering tones
Now banners of sorrow mark the front steps of childhood homes
Parents wept through daddy's girl eulogies
And merit badge milestones with their daughters and sons
Laying there lifeless in their suits and gowns
Somebody's been keepin' secrets
[Chorus]
In this quiet town, they know how to live
Good people who lean on Jesus, they're quick to forgive
In this quiet town

[Bridge]
Now whenever I'm near the town, I'll find some reason to give
And I will walk with the dead and the living where I used to live
And every time I see my parents in the prime of their lives
Offering their son the kind of love he could never put down
Well, part of me is still that stainless kid, lucky

[Chorus]
In this quiet town, salt of the land
Hard-working people, if you're in trouble, they'll lend you a hand
Here in this quiet town

[Outro]
The first crop of hay is up
School let out and the sun beats down
Smoke billows from a Sunday train
That cries away from a quiet townEmbed

Quiet Town by The Killers is a song that carries a deep and thought-provoking message. Brandon Flowers, the lead vocalist, draws upon his personal experiences, exploring the unresolved tragedies of his youth. The song delves into the harsh realities of life, such as kids getting hit by a train and kids overdosing on opioids. In the lyrics, Flowers compares the tragic events of his past with the gracious and loving characteristics of the community in his quiet town.

About Quiet Town

The opening chords of the song lead us into a world of uncertainty, as the haunting melody sets the tone for what is to come. The lyrics paint a picture of a seemingly innocent town, where people care for one another and show unconditional love. Yet, this serenity is contrasted with the tragedies that occur within the town. The song highlights the perplexity of life, where good people can still be impacted by events that are beyond their control.

The song is a deep introspection into the human experience, where we try to find answers to unanswerable questions. Through the lyrics, The Killers explore the concept of tragedy and its effects on the community. Instead of pointing fingers, the band acknowledges that tragic events can happen anywhere, regardless of how good the people in the town might be. This burst of reality is a testament to The Killers' skill in exploring societal issues through their music.

Quiet Town is not just a song about tragedy, but it's also a tribute to the resilience of people. The kindness and goodness of the community in the quiet town stand out amidst the tragedies that occurred. The song recognizes the innate goodness of people, even during times of despair. It is a testament to the human spirit that even when life gets tough, people still manage to remain connected and supportive of each other.

The Killers' use of metaphors and poetic devices adds another layer of complexity to the song. The repetition of the phrase "quiet town" throughout the song is a metaphor for the illusion of safety that exists within communities. The town might be quiet and peaceful, but it's not immune to the tragedies of life, such as accidents, illnesses, and calamities.

The instrumentation of the song is perfectly designed to complement the delicate nature of the lyrics. The melancholic melody soothes the listener as they contemplate the deeper meanings of the song. The guitar solo towards the end of the song adds a sense of urgency, driving home the message that bad things can happen to anyone, regardless of the community they are in. The song's mood depends on the listener's interpretation, as it can either be seen as a bleak outlook on life or a celebration of the human spirit.

The Verdict

Quiet Town by The Killers is a song that manages to capture the essence of the human experience. The lyrics are thought-provoking, the melody is soothing, and the instrumentation is perfectly balanced. The song stands out as a poignant tribute to resilience, kindness, and the human spirit. It is a testament to The Killers' skill in capturing societal issues and profound human emotions within their music.

In a world where people question the goodness of humanity, Quiet Town reminds us that despite the tragedies of life, people can still come together and support each other. It's a powerful song that deserves appreciation both for its message and its artistry.

If you're looking for a song that will make you contemplate the deeper meanings of life, then Quiet Town by The Killers is perfect for you.

• Release Date: August 13, 2021
• Artist: The Killers