Why Do I Keep Counting?

Album: Sam's Town (2006)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about the fear of death and dying without accomplishing your hopes and dreams. Lead singer Brandon Flowers' fear of flying is also referenced in the lyrics ("Help me get down"...) as is his obsession with the day he'll die (apparently as a kid a Ouija board once told him that he would die on June 21, the day of his birthday). It sounds, in the chorus, as if he's praying to God (referred to as "Father"), and saying that if he knew the day he was going to die, and was sure that it would be in the right time he wouldn't be bothering Him and keep on counting the days.
  • In an interview with the New Musical Express (NME), Brandon Flowers talked about his fear of flying: "It's something that's become a real problem for me since we got successful. But I feel as though if I talk about it in interviews, it lessens the chances of my fears actually happening. Like, I've talked about it, so it would have to be a huge coincidence for it to actually happen to me. Does that make sense? It seems way more improbable than if I didn't talk about my fears of what might happen. That's why I've been seeing a psychiatrist, once a week for the last few months. To talk about my fear." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Simone - Sam's Town, Brazil, for above 2

Comments: 3

  • Paris from Cardiff, United Kingdomthis is an amazing song! The Killers are the best band in musical history- i love them too much
  • Kylie from Ventura, CaThis is possibly my favorite too, but it's very hard to choose since they are all so amazing.
  • Trey from Kalamazoo, MtThis is my favorite Killers' song.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"They're Playing My Song

Dean's saga began with "Ariel," a song about falling in love with a Jewish girl from New Jersey.

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

Subversive Songs Used To Sell

Subversive Songs Used To SellSong Writing

Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?