Why is Mr. Brightside so popular?

[@DavidBennettPiano]

📌 the Killers’ guitarist is “DAVE” Keuning, not “DAN”. Sorry for any confusion 😅

[@Riley-Radford]

him having the same name as you makes it funnier

[@DavidBennettPiano]

@@Riley-Radford on multiple occasions during my life people have called me “Dan” or “Daniel”… I can’t believe I’ve now done it to somebody else! I’ve brought shame on my kind 🙃

[@simonvaughan6017]

@@DavidBennettPiano Don't be so hard on yourself, Dan.

[@Jman.77]

@@DavidBennettPiano Ah Dannit

[@davebowman6497]

Don't get hung up on it, Mr Bennet. Tomorrow is another Dave and you will have forgotten all about it..

[@heresyhunter4100]

I have a theory that the intro and first verse are intentionally designed to give people enough time to get to the dancefloor.

[@cathallynch1]

You may be on to something there.

[@AndrewLakeUK]

An reverse of the old "don't bore us, straight to the chorus","Give it time for them to get in line" perhaps?

[@GNVS300]

I've heard the same theory for Take Me Out with its relatively long building intro

[@angelicasmodel]

That has been given as a bonus when it comes to the Nutbush dance in Australia. There's a lengthy intro for that too.

[@GabrielGAS1201]

kind of the same to somebody told me, very clear call intro that is just long enough

[@erik5374]

So basically the band was formed to play this song into eternity.

[@DaneInTheUS]

He knew what he was doing lol

[@christianstupak2580]

It started out with a riff, how did it end up like this.

[@yledbetter10rob42]

It was only a riff, it was only a riff

[@asdabir]

Their new work is so bad

[@RockandRollWoman]

​@@christianstupak2580Good one!

[@MeenToss]

Props to the drummer. He gives the song a massive energy boost and it wouldn't be as great with a more relaxed or restrained beat.

[@melrupinski88]

For an interesting view, the Drumeo channel did a session where they played a Mr. Brightside drumless track for Dirk VerBeuren (the drummer for Megadeath…who claimed he never heard the song), and had him come up with his own drum part after one listen. I thought his take was really cool, but it was a completely different take (half-time on the verses), and really shows how the original drums make the song.

[@sinatra222]

​@@melrupinski88 He lied. Everybody has heard this song

[@melrupinski88]

@@sinatra222 He’s from Belgium, the song was only popular in the US, Canada, and Britain (it didn’t even chart in Belgium or France). It’s definitely possible to have never heard the song, or only have heard it in the background while not paying attention.

[@rimuruu_29]

Alex melton covered this song with half-time drums, it's different but still good

[@crichardson3903]

​@@melrupinski88I was going to post the same thing. I love that video. And I don't play drums or any instrument.

[@OnwardToMail]

When you consider what this song is actually about, I find it REALLY weird that it's played at so many weddings.

[@rando_guy]

ikr i found it weird as well it's almost like lyrics don't matter here

[@davebowman6497]

Same with "Every Step You Take" by The Police.

[@LydianMelody]

Same with Good Riddance at graduations. People latch onto a couple lyrics and don’t think too much about the rest lol

[@duckymomo7935]

Most songs have questionable lyrics lol

[@TheDucky399]

I’ve actually banned it from my upcoming wedding. Always hated this song 🫠😂

[@callum_rose]

I remember seeing a comment on reddit years ago. It said the reason why the song repeats its verse is because "drunk people only remember the forst verse" With how popular of a song this is in uk bars to this day, yep is checks out.

[@stamfordly6463]

I'm not sure I really agree with that. I was a student before The Killers, when James' "Sit Down" was pretty much the end-of-the-night standard. Everybody knew the words no matter how pissed they were.

[@trumpetprofessor]

when they are drunk, they definitely say "forst"

[@angerock49]

Bohemian rhapsody

[@badingott]

It was very fun hearing you talk in depth about the British national anthem.

[@christopherweise438]

Which is ironic since The Killers are from Las Vegas.

[@davinnicode]

What about Rule Britannia? Imo it also slaps, just in a different way

[@ithk9496]

actually i'd say sweet caroline might be the true british national anthem

[@LoftOfTheUniverse]

The song is pure emotion. Anybody who has ever felt forlorn, melancholy, betrayed, depressed, or just reflective can connect and be "in tune" with the vibe, with everything. And the fact that it doesn't resolve urges you to replay it again. I remember the first time I ever heard/saw this song. I was just caught watching it play on a small television screen at a Journey's shoe store at the mall when I was shopping with my family. Thought the outfits were silly but I stood there watching, and then it didn't matter. I was in the zone. Don't think I saw the entirety though

[@joeobyrne9348]

You can even cycle between all of them. I have a huge nostalgia and yearning for a happier and simpler time because this song reminds me of a very happy period of growing up. It's incredible! Absolutely love it!

[@cockoffgewgle4993]

It's appropriate that a song about being cheated on, that makes you feel sick, doesn't resolve and ends on discontent.

[@pgrutube]

So why at a Wedding or sporting event, right? I agree about those feelings but i don't feel those feelings at a Wedding or game, just the opposite. The music thought, unbelievable. Great for those events

[@TheLadydragonnfly]

Really surprised you don't mention how the melody finally hits by the second part of chorus with the lyrics "But it's just the price I pay/destiny is calling me" creating SO.VERY.MUCH awaited resolution from the monotone of the vers and "duotone" of the prechorus and beginning of the chorus! That's quite extreme to keep the listener "underfed" for such a portion of the song.

[@pedrogarcia8706]

same reason everyone loves the second "just fine" in verse 2

[@gordon1545]

Agreed. I think David underplays how relatable and well-crafted the lyrics are.

[@alexkunce2002]

I love that part myself! It almost feels like a new section of the song. Think Froot by MARINA.

[@error.418]

@@alexkunce2002 I'll take Froot over Mr. Brightside any day, Marina slays

[@alansmithee419]

I read "under-fed" as "un-derfed" initially and I was like "Is that some obscure musical term I don't understand?"

[@clear_gray_sky539]

The 16 note hihats give this song so much energy .

[@HahaDamn]

Disco drums go hard

[@alexkunce2002]

Props to Ronnie!

[@jasonremy1627]

It's got a rhythm anyone can dance to and has shoutable lyrics anyone can sing to.

[@elliottcovert3796]

It’s interesting that The Killers were formed to play this song because it was not their first hit. I specifically remember “Somebody Told Me,” which has a similarly staccato and monotone vocal melody, was the first song they had on MTV and the radio back in the day.

[@connor_button]

They are from the same album, but the demo for Mr. Brightside was the first thing they recorded as a band 2 years before their debut album release

[@nathm055]

I think another thing that deserves mention is the cultural aspect of the subject matter of the song, and how it syncs perfectly with the rhythm and pacing of the music. Unrequited, unfulfilled love is an absolutely universal phenomenon. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has been in a situation at some point in their lives where they see someone that they yearn for in the arms of someone else. The monotone of the first verse, the fast-paced drum beats. Is it the music? Or the rapid beating of a heart, and a mind that is stuck, REALLY stuck on one thing...

[@sebastianzuzi311]

Absolutely agree the lyrics are super tight and personal enough to hit you emotionally but universal enough to be relatable to pretty much anyone

[@joeobyrne9348]

On top of that, the lyrics also work on the basis of jealousy. So either unrequited love or being cheated on and seeing it happen with the cheating party blissfully unaware they've been caught. All those emotions are so universal that you won't find anyone singing along who isn't getting a great deal of catharsis from it

[@jeremywaygay]

yes, the song feels entirely like a nervous breakdown in the best way possible. like, it's insane how well they capture what it feels like.

[@-STONECYPHER-]

Whenever this question is asked I always think of this comment I saw once on an article. The headline was something like "Why has Mr Brightside spent 7 years in the top 100 charts?" and the first comment just said "Because it fuckin' slaps. Next question?"

[@Fadamor]

7:52 I experienced this at a Bob Segar concert back on his "Like A Rock" tour. He started the first line of "Turn The Page" and I didn't hear him again until the song was over. The entire audience drowned him and his band out for the rest of the song. It was ethereal.

[@chitlitlah]

I remember that happening when I saw Nine Inch Nails play Hurt, and Trent gave a (not so serious) speech about how we paid good money to attend the concert just to drown out the music.

[@custardstuff5178]

It took off so well in the UK because the verse is a basically a football chant

[@Ottophil]

Soccer

[@ButzPunk]

@@Ottophil i hardly knew 'er

[@andersjjensen]

@@Ottophil There is football, American football and Bastardised English for football.

[@iliasmastoris529]

Association Football => Assoc. Football => Soccer

[@error.418]

@@andersjjensen bastardised by British school children, but okay, slag 'em I guess

[@battleframestudios8989]

I feel like songs that dont resolve at the end are great for concerts. The rockus applause acts as the resolution not the song itself. Also its probably easier to segway into another song when the last one doesnt feel so FINAL.

[@EjayT06]

@@topherthe11th23🤓🤓

[@battleframestudios8989]

@@topherthe11th23 "BUT I DON'T SPEAK ITALIAN!🤌🤌"

[@rosiefay7283]

"rockus" :-D

[@stewart2449]

Unusually, The Killers are an American band who sound British.

[@ReganAtSea]

bro this is not remotely unusual

[@johnchastain7890]

@@ReganAtSea Same with vice-versa!

[@PianoVampire]

Like LCD Soundsystem

[@jaredf6205]

What sounds British about it?

[@mauricewatts2380]

You mean like Blondie.

[@Rowanexen]

Videos like this are why I love your channel so much. Simple, yet exciting and masterfully put together. Just like Mr. Brightside!

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Glad you like them!😀

[@map-reduce]

Voice as a rhythm instrument

[@pensivepenguin3000]

Rhythm is a dancer

[@robaljo]

@@pensivepenguin3000Rhythm is *dancer*

[@paulwood4142]

What a wonderful breakdown. I was lucky enough to be at uni in 2004/5/6 and the Hot Fuss album was being played everywhere. Listening to Mr Brightside is like a time machine for me now and I try to avoid it as it stirs up too many emotions I don't really want to feel. Congrats on the 1m subs btw 👏

[@CheBellaTelevisione]

Guitarists know how hard this song is to play perfectly. There’s that monster five fret stretch.

[@TheStickCollector]

Sounds like a song that would play at the end of music

[@AnnabellaInMyMind]

I cracked up🤣

[@TheStickCollector]

@@AnnabellaInMyMind it was meant to be movie, but since this is funnier why not.

[@joeobyrne9348]

​@@TheStickCollectorno no no, you're still right. If music had to finish, this is probably where it ends. I think we could all be happy with that!

[@ryangreene50]

It’s also a great way to check if your guitars intonation is way off above the 12th fret lol

[@davidwalterhall]

I watched 12tone's video on this ages ago and he didn't mention Ode to Joy. I thought I was crazy. I'm glad you noted it. I always thought it directly quoted or even sampled OtJ, but that's because I've probably never heard it sober. I may be frequently drunk and factually mistaken, but nice to know I'm not delusional.

[@maxpowr90]

Rick Beato also did a video on it. It feels very weird for David Bennett to cover this after so many have.

[@RaccoonHenry]

I also think the themes in the lyrics make the song relatable to everyone, so it feels "personal"

[@WarWulf778]

It revolves to Smile like you mean it. 😊

[@TheMotiveDJ]

revolves?

[@WarWulf778]

@@TheMotiveDJ 😆 darn typos *resolves

[@joa1232]

It's not just about the music, it's also about the lyrics man this song hits so damn hard

[@sombrerosrule]

David, your videos are a Masterclass in how to teach music. the killers found the perfect formula and so have you. Thank you.

[@rodrigotellom]

It's always great to listen to you, David.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thanks 😊

[@zetazalazar]

Great analysis. Great tune. I'm in a happy mood now. Thanks from Argentina 🇦🇷

[@old_man_fran]

A shout out to the bass and how hard it drives the song and adds to the melody

[@Grunfeld]

Thanks for the video. Good call on showing it's played as if in the key of D at 0:42 -- the guitar strings are tuned down a semitone -- so playing a D *sounds like* Db -- which is why it's not really at odds with the Db key 2:17 🙂

[@FlandPark]

Great, now I want to listen to Mr. Brightside again, thanks.

[@alfiewright1396]

Great storytelling in this video

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thank you!

[@glubtier]

I'd argue that the first and second verses aren't the same. The first time he's "doing just fine" and the second he's "doing JUST fine". 😂 Anyway I don't care if it makes me basic, I love this song and I will die on this hill. I love it, the way the line between the verse and pre-chorus subverts your expectations ("But she's touch his... chest now" -- chest is NOT the word you thought was coming next) and how the verse does have that monotone sound like he's narrating in disbelief and then the prechorus and chorus, realization hits and emotions swell. Like you know when you see on TV or in a movie, a character watching something happen, going "no.. no.. no... NO!" Like that. Am I reading too much into it? God I hope so.

[@makavoxel]

At EDC 2024 in Vegas they played Mr. Brightside about 5 times and it was all different DJs and mixes. That was just the stages I saw. I heard it twice just last night there.

[@bobbauer7928]

Speaking of repeating lyrics: Nirvana did something similar, often they would have the first and 3rd verse be the same. So you would have a solo, and then you got to go back to the first verse, really cementing the lyrics in your head.

[@DCJayhawk57]

Somehow this song doesn't get old, just so well crafted. Great use of tension-release, perfectly executed melodic simplicity to go along with a relatively unique and complex sounding guitar part, and an overall melancholic and relatable sentiment. I think its popularity in the UK far eclipses the popularity here in the US, but everyone still knows it. It's a classic of that era and one of those songs that sticks with you. I remember the first time I heard it, how old I was, and what I was going through at the time. I think the Britpop melancholic sentiment and chant-like quality of the verse are obvious reasons it is so popular in the UK. When I first heard it, I thought the Killers were British!

[@brandonnicholson2633]

This song came out when I was 17. And this is first I've ever heard of it.

[@davinnicode]

How is it even possible?

[@noszfeuhlwurdin7715]

I was about the same age back then and I also never heard the song before. To be honest, I don't get its appeal. Sounds pretty bland.

[@koiloylo]

this is absolutely crazy, you’re either not british or you’ve never left your home

[@lagoya]

I’m a bit jealous 😏

[@brandonnicholson2633]

@koiloylo Actually, my ancestors fought a war so that they could stop being British, so I guess that explains it.

[@jeremysepicrun]

There's a pub in my home city (Perth, Australia) that hosts a regularly scheduled event whet they just play Mr Brightside over and over again all night

[@TheJayson8899]

I’ve visited Perth a lot. How have I not heard of this 😂

[@jeremysepicrun]

@TheJayson8899 it was a recurring event advised on Facebook. I did a bit of googling and it looks like they don't do it anymore

[@billvalley]

that sounds amazing lol

[@bestkoreanjesus]

what an incredible and highly analytical video. more of these please

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thanks 😊

[@slidenaway]

Because it’s a great song!! But it’s kinda weird that it became a UK national anthem even tho the Killers are very much from Las Vegas, USA lol

[@JJStale]

The killers take huge inspiration from British rock bands like the smiths

[@laartwork]

Don't know this song and I am at a wedding every Saturday for work.

[@B0K1T0]

@@laartwork No worries, took me quite some time to get familiair with those complex melody lines as well.

[@davinnicode]

The sound of their music is very British

[@BryTee]

At 6:40 I don't agree with your resolved ending. In my mind it'd be the 3 chords as normal, but then (a bar later) has a bar of Db major.

[@markadurham64]

No, the Db should come on beat 4 of the next-to-last measure.

[@BryTee]

​@@markadurham64ok, that too. I was just letting chord 3 ring out longer, slowing down, before the resolution.

[@saltedmutton7269]

!!!! this

[@AC-ih7jc]

Another reason is that its lyrics tap into an indescribable mix of emotion we've all felt: They don't love me, they love that person over there! They suck. The person they love sucks. I suck. Goddammit!

[@adrianv.v.4445]

Always impecable videos. Great work. It's always nice to come back to some music analysis.

[@callioscope]

If I watch a music video before just hearing a song, the two become inextricably linked for me. Which means there is power in the visual. This is a great video. Great videos make for popular songs, IMHO (ask me about Fortnight).

[@peturf1788]

My first exposure to the killers and Mr. brightside was on my mom's iPod in 2004, when she downloaded the Hot Fuss album. I've always loved that entire album. Between that, Mr. Brightside being such a bar favorite song, and with my favorite college football team, Michigan, riding high with this song for the past 3 years, has made me absolutely insufferable to the rest of my friends when there's Touch Tunes at whatever bar we go to.

[@Ron-go8cf]

I've often asked myself why certain songs are so popular that many people just can't avoid liking it. So I'm happy you made a video about that! Other examples I ask myself this question about are: Psy - Gangnam Style Justin Timberlake - Can't Stop The Feeling Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk It would be great if you analyse one of those songs!

[@justin_tang]

It's easy for someone like David, who's so well versed in music theory, to look down on Mr. Brightside, especially because of how simple the notes are, but he took the time to really examine it in depth and explain why it resonates with so many people. I think that really sets him apart.

[@em0tionalpavu1on]

I’d love to have that plugin for itunes that would allow to automatically detect and color-code different parts of the song as in 0:36!

[@anotheruser9876]

The vocals could be placed on top of Underworld's 'Born Slippy' and no one would ever know.

[@Shroomdiffnuclear]

Dude, you took the words out my mouth 😂

[@adstratt]

And I'd wager the Killers were conscious of this. They have a more recent song called "Spirit" which sounds very reminiscent of Born Slippy.

[@ktk44man]

I had that song in mind for why it might be so continuously popular in Britain lol

[@dopiaza2006]

@@Shroomdiffnuclear It must have been while you were kissing me!

[@WallaceBeery]

I did a quick mashup to demonstrate the alignment of the two songs kzbin.info/www/bejne/eF7Oi2Sfgr-nnZo

[@GroinStrain_]

Everyone in Britain knows the song. Everyone in a British club instantly all know the lyrics, and most can completely relate to the lyrics of young love/jealousy/uncertainty and so everyone sings along in unison

[@ShiningHourPop]

I don’t. Barely ever listened to it and avoid it at all costs. 😊

[@GroinStrain_]

@@ShiningHourPop but you will know by pure osmosis and just by being the pub when it came on, such is the universal and everlasting nature of the song

[@amieridley1150]

Reminds me a bit of an old school literal drinking song from here - "Bliss" by Th' Dudes, starts out with a recognisable guitar riff which brings that familiar feeling and then has a very "we all yell along" section. The most popular pub/wedding/group sing along songs seem to have that everyone can just yell-sing along to (even if it is just Yaaaah Yah Yah Yah Yah in this case) I do also like the "implied word" lyrics of Mr. Brightside, as someone who enjoys word play it's fun to see that used well in a song.

[@Simich92Marty]

OMG! One of my favorite songs of all time😃 Like first, then start watching video😁

[@grogueQ]

I love how the one note melody brilliantly changes into a two note melody and finally builds to the climactic three note melody when the song's almost over.

[@EtheRenard]

I knew this song from a Warrior Cats AMV and even thought I didn't know anything about Warrior Cats, it really made me feel the emotions!

[@hydethepenguin]

i love how this channel has the answear to all my questions

[@GG-zv9ku]

I listen to it a lot and im not even from UK. Then again I listen to a lot of their song in general. great timeless band

[@PiggyXMalone]

It's popular because everyone has a little snigger when the song gets to "and she's touching his...". Brandon Flowers said in an interview that he's indebted to Benny Hill for that line.

[@joemcmorrow467]

Awesome video! As to answering the question “why is this song so damn catchy” I think the video underemphasizes the value of the guitar riff. It grabs you immediately and doesn’t let go, just like Slash’s lead in Sweet Child o’Mine.

[@localbod]

Because it's a f@©king fantastic piece of music.

[@kitgodsey]

I would say the "chanting" aspect also plays a part in how emotional or memorable a song is. Chanting something at a fast rate like that makes it hard to breathe properly, which puts the brain into a more excited state.

[@ollie333]

For my money, it's the instruments that make this more than the vocals. The pre-chorus chord progression and instrumentation hugely adds so much tonthe emotion and build up to the song, it's one of my favourite riffs/progressions in a song ever. There's probably an element of the sum of its parts here, where any change to any part of the song and it wouldn't be as big as it is.

[@PWMoze]

Most popular indie single ever! Good choice David, about time.

[@jakethesnake941]

At Reading recently they played the whole thing twice so that the crowd could sing it by themselves first, and then they did it again actually performing it - it was pretty magical to be honest

[@funkymanvibing]

Coming back a few days later to say I have had the urge to listen to Mr brightside every few hours every day since I watched this video. What have you done to me

[@jbjhoosier]

Ever noticed that the Killers song “Somebody Told Me” ‘s chorus has the same progression as Fame. I just sing “Fame! I’m gonna live forever” when I hear it.

[@rivuletscug]

David Bennett out here promoting sponors for learning piano like they aren't an amazing teacher in their own right (but seriously, you taught me how to play piano and because of you I started doing lessons and it's going really well so far so thanks for that even though you don't know me)

[@MKPiatkowski]

I could never understand why this song is so popular as I can't stand it. Appreciate the insight.

[@41illusion]

That was smart ending the video on how the song ends up uniting the whole crowd as they sing while the band stops and all you hear is the fading out voices of the audience singing together in unison.

[@christopherfryda]

I love this channel!

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Thanks 😊

[@davinnicode]

Although I’m not a particular fan of the band I think that the Killers show great song writing all across their catalogue. Most of their songs really stand the test of time and are rememberable.

[@pgrutube]

I too don't understand why this song is such a big hit at weddings and even more so at sporting events. I love this song and was immediately drawn to it due to its tremendous drive and musical qualities. I am known as someone who doesn't pay attention to lyrics. I consider the vocals as just another musical instrument. BUT, this song touches me greatly due to its Lyrics. I had a crushing breakup when I was in high school back in the 80's and this song perfectly depicts how I felt then. It's what I thought about all day, while lying in my bed trying to get to sleep and the first thing I thought about when I woke up. I'm so confused when I hear it at a sporting event and everyone get's so amped up. I love the song and love to hear it, but it immediately draws me back to a very dark and hurtful period in my life. PS, Love the Killers @ 62.

[@grzesiektg]

I'm from pPoland, been to many weddings, never heard this song. but I kinda like it.

[@davebowman6497]

Interesting how you think about what it should be like if it would resolve at the end. The more fullfilling variant for me would be to keep what is now tge last bar and add a full bar of the tonic/one-chord. So you'd get both a half bar of an "enveloping" five-chord, and the resolution. The half-bar of the five-chord builds the tension/expectation for the resolution. Thats how I've always "heard it inside my head". A not played last bar. And that's brilliant, BTW! Unfullfilled song about unfulfilled love.

[@franc5148]

why is the name blurred???? 1:36

[@kamo7293]

pinned comment

[@philipellis7039]

I was largely unaware of it then I went to a local festival a couple of years ago where the bands played inside a large marquee. The audience was pretty apathetic. A Killers tribute started playing and about three songs in did Mr Brightside, dozens of people came into the marquee and danced to it, going absolutely bonkers. After the song finished they all went away again and were apathetic for everything else. In hours of music that day Mr Brightside got a bigger reaction than anything else including songs by the headlining act who were a reasonably well known (I’ll say ‘heritage’) pop act. Baffling to me.

[@WinstonSmithGPT]

IQ is decreasing by age.

[@RoeeNegbyDaHot]

Clicked on this just for the "how did it end up like this" in the thumbnail dont disappoint

[@huegs9017]

Fantastic video! Why is it so much more popular in the UK than in the US?

[@laurelmilligan1061]

Can't unsee darling Cameron Diaz shouting it (off-note) and punching the air.

[@brownrhythms]

U of M uses this for sporting events. Most notably football. You now have a stadium of 100K+ fans singing this.

[@joshualucas1821]

The University of Mainrylassachigasotippissouritana?

[@adamkane4217]

The vocal melody being so simple (but cool sounding) is the biggest reason, I think--it's a great song to sing in a crowd but it's also a great song to sing in the car or anywhere on your own. Unless you're rhythmically challenged, you're going to sound pretty good singing it. Somebody Told Me has a similar feel to it.

[@russellguyver7746]

Brilliant analysis David. Perhaps we need you to analyse the winning song at the Eurovision song contest and help write a winning tune? I know there would be the urge for Europe to give UK 'nil points' but if we have a decent tune, earworm melodies, chant back lyrics then we might stand a chance. I know there is the politics but looking at the last 3/4 years the winning songs have all had the above in their makeup. Have you ever done any analysis on Eurovision?

[@iainrobinson4280]

1) the drive comes from the bass, and it fucking slaps. This allows... 2) the melody to be pretty much all on c#/db. That means any wedding drunkard / footy hooligan / pilled-up festival crowd can sing it. By the end of the verse you're ready for a change and... 3) you're led into the change by a glorious drum fill on the 3 and the bass again on the 1, and then you've got a more recognisable... 4) I-IV-VI-V chord prog, but you can *still* smash out every note as a c#/db and not be too far wrong. Best of all it's the same verse-chorus again... 5) so you can't go wrong. All that changes is you sing the word 'just' a tone higher, effortlessly showing Brandon has gone from coping about being cucked to looking back cringingly on his former cope. The second verse is the same as but resolves the first. Then... 6) you get 16 to look around to everyone else in the crowd before all joining in for four lots of choral... 7) I NEEEEEEEVVVVEEEEEERRR.

[@itstobitan]

I believe that, aside from the music theoretical analysis, one must also mention the content and the quite timeless vibe. I think it can also be explained in less music theoretical terms: The rather classic - in the sense of relatability - melody and the very timeless production help make this song still sound 'fresh' and catchy. But in the end, the song also represents a feeling/lifestyle that many people somehow miss. Especially because rock music hasn’t been a mainstream topic for a long time, but so many people are still loyal fans of this genre. Moreover, the song fits perfectly with today’s emotionally charged liberal youth scene and hits the mark for a new lifestyle…

[@108u9]

Hi David been enjoying your videos. You touch on something in passing - that Mr Brightside is very popular in the UK. I’m sure it is also so in the US but perhaps to a lesser degree. Would love to hear your take in a video on why American bands like The Killers, Kings Of Leon, We Are Scientists find wide scale popularity in the UK but not as much, or even at all in the US. Have also learnt of the same with Wheatus though their popularity was more general abroad (not UK specific) vs US. I’m wondering if there is a “UK sound”? For one rock in the US can tend towards being more aggressive, heavy vs the UK (I suppose Song 2 speaks to this)

[@11matt11]

Mate, the lyrics are everything in this song. To miss that part is to miss why it's so special, and why you don't get the reason why it's so popular. Everybody's been hurt bad. For women, it's a triple meaning, so it's popular for everyone. The music goes perfectly with the WTF is happening feeling of the song. Also Brandon sings it so you feel the hurt.

[@sottx8268]

I ask myself this question every time I hear the damn song.

[@ijuhat19]

What makes this great is that the second verse is the same as the first, except that "just fine" is replaced by "Just Fine!"

[@edwardblair4096]

6:46 I dissagree with your "if it were properly resolved" example. For a "proper" resolution, the final note would start on C in an Ab chord, and then slide into the Db on a Db chord somewhere in the final bar. Just landing on the Db directly sounds weak.

[@pensivepenguin3000]

What’s with all the people in the comments proudly proclaiming that they’ve never heard of this song? First of all, that’s probably BS. How could you not have heard this song? Second, that’s a really weird flex

[@gregsullivan7408]

The only reason I had heard of it is because I once looked at the discography of the *WONDERFUL* Stuart Price - he did a remix. (I dislike his remix slightly less than the original, but I absolutely adore some of his other work)

[@nathangale7702]

The Killers are my favorite band, but I ever cared much for Mr. Brightside. There's probably not a Killers song I'm aware of that I don't think is good; but I found Mr. Brightside a bit forgettable when I first heard it compared to things like Spaceman, Neon Tiger, Bones, Read my Mind, All These Things That I've Done, Don't Shoot Me Santa, Joseph Better You Than Me, etc. You've successfully helped me understand why this song has been so successful even though it's very far down on my list of favorite Killers songs, so thanks!

[@Hucklefart_Dinklejartin]

Pretty much same here. This River is Wild or Wonderful Wonderful are the songs that really hit hard for me. With Mr. Brightside you gotta be in the right place for it to really have an impact.

[@nathangale7702]

@@Hucklefart_Dinklejartin Yeah, those are some good ones. I think Wonderful Wonderful is my favorite album, just behind Don't Waste Your Wishes.

[@stadiumarena5891.]

Mr. Brightside is Becoming a Internet Meme Now 📈🇰🇷

[@nicktshredz]

I just ended 2 shows with that song this weekend alone.

[@bmac4]

It's just such a mood of a song. Upbeat, yet about a terrible relateable filling. The vocals are monotone but they really fit a rhythm well. It's a karaoke staple.

[@RugbyLeaguePassport]

The last “build up” is where everyone catches their breath and get ready to repeat “I never”

[@Hopespringseternal]

I hear lyrics wrong All The Time. Thought it was common until my 8 year started singing the “correct lyrics” of songs I’ve been listening to for 30/35 years. This song has been a favorite of mine since I first heard it, and since then you would have heard me screaming out “Diana!” instead of “I never!” No one ever corrected me, until my little girl did. I thought it was the name of the girl who broke his heart!

[@goldegreen]

And here I thought it was "My alibi!" I have no idea why he'd be saying "my alibi", but whatever

[@juanmoralesvideo]

There was a trend, around the 2000 if I remember correctly, of ending songs on the 5th (some of them in the 4th). Could you talk about it?

[@welcometonebalia]

Thank you.