The Killers Open Up About Writing ‘When You Were Young’ | Song Exploder | Netflix

The Killers and producers Flood and Alan Moulder discuss how they collaborated to write the iconic track, When You Were Young, for their second studio album, Sam’s Town (2006).
Interviewed by Hrishikesh Hirway of hit podcast and Netflix series, Song Exploder, they deep-dive into how they recorded the bass line, wrote the lyrics and which stems didn’t make it into the final mix.
Song Exploder is now streaming on Netflix.
LYRICS:
You sit there in your heartache
Waiting on some beautiful boy to
To save you from your old ways
You play forgiveness
Watch it now, here he comes
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But he talks like a gentlemen
Like you imagined when you were young
Can we climb this mountain?
I don't know
Higher now than ever before
I know we can make it if we take it slow
Let's take it easy
Easy now, watch it go
We're burning down the highway skyline
On the back of a hurricane that started turning
When you were young
When you were young
And sometimes you close your eyes
And see the place where you used to live
When you were young
They say the devil's water, it ain't so sweet
You don't have to drink right now
But you can dip your feet
Every once in a little while
You sit there in your heartache
Waiting on some beautiful boy to
To save you from your old ways
You play forgiveness
Watch it now, here he comes
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But he talks like a gentlemen
Like you imagined when you were young
(Talks like a gentlemen, like you imagined)
When you were young
I said he doesn't look a thing like Jesus
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But more than you'll ever know
#TheKillers #WhenYouWereYoung #SongExploder
➡️SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: bit.ly/29kBByr
About Netflix:
Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with over 209 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.
Find Netflix UK on:
➡️TWITTER: bit.ly/29lYvcs
➡️INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/29slD8O
➡️FACEBOOK: bit.ly/29mx00a
Or visit the Netflix WEBSITE: nflx.it/29BcWb5
How The Killers Wrote ‘When You Were Young’ | Song Exploder | Netflix
/ netflixuk
The Killers, Natalia Lafourcade, Dua Lipa and Nine Inch Nails pull back the curtain on their personal songwriting experiences as the series continues.

[@benitocamelo1488]

While Mr Brightside is their most renowned song, I think When You Were Young is their best song ever. There's something to it that made it age better, idk it felt nostalgic back in the day but the feeling has never faded away 16 years later

[@Thisguy2532]

Same I remember when this song came out I was like in the sixth grade, now I’m almost 30 and this song is still awesome I sing along to it every time it comes on the radio or in my shuffle mix

[@mikehdzhdz14]

It is an amazing song, but their best song is Sweet Talk, hands down

[@oscarma15]

@@mikehdzhdz14 I was going to say Read My Mind is their best. Goes to show how many great songs these guys have produced

[@Charlieb82]

​@@oscarma15 I agree with Read My Mind 👌🏻

[@MayLily]

That's because WYWY IS their best song ever!

[@hayfielddraw4364]

"Burnin down the highway skyline, on the back of a huricane that started turning, when you....were young." It just doesn't get any better than that. I think the Killers of the Sam's Town/Day and Age era will be remembered as the best rock and roll band of their generation. They were The Cars of my era. Clever editing here, and sad that the four men weren't in the same room for this.

[@SaraCarraway]

The Killers are incredible and this is certainly one of their best songs.

[@SamIAm_04]

One of the greatest and rawest songs ever made, hands down.

[@branypoo]

_All These Things That I’ve Done_ is my favorite Killers song. It never fails to hook me, and just reach down in my soul, my psyche. Love The Killers ❤ Brandon ❤❤❤

[@trinaq]

This is definitely one of my favourite "Killlers" tracks, rivaled only by "Mr Brightside", in my humble opinion!

[@keyara365]

same here!

[@chrisnichols6662]

What is Mr. Brightside? I’ve never heard of that one. Pretty big Killers fan, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard mention of Mr. Brightside. 🤔

[@Sentiisen-butwhichone]

i agree! This song never fails to give me goosebumps even after all these years..

[@comedownmachine4682]

Really? Their two biggest hits?

[@avery1830]

Sweet Talk and Read my Mind take it for me.

[@raebean6018]

I love watching explanations - the one around the ears pricking to the word "jesus" then the guitar rifling coming in and pushing emotion is really how I feel listening to it!

[@ezrakairoscano8766]

That song moved me deeply as a teen. It will be forever resonant

[@MayLily]

When You Were Young is the Killers' masterpiece! It is truly one of the greatest rock songs ever made. Between this song and All These Things I've Done, they quickly became one of America's greatest rock bands ever! That's not even counting their 2 biggest hits, Mr. B and STM...

[@1988ZER]

Played it on repeat on 2007 after boot camp. It brings so much emotion....gonna listen again right now

[@candaces.7547]

I cannot begin to express how much this song meant to be as a 19 year old feeling completely lost. Thank you thank you thank you.

[@Caitecakess]

The Killers just do something to my soul! 😭❤️ I would die to see them!

[@keilagullion8070]

I just saw them live and it was the best show of my life

[@eddymoney045]

I said this a year ago, so I went and saw them last week, you must see them!

[@reston81]

Seen them twice Oct and March this year hooked for life

[@wildelifecoaching6225]

Don't die - Just go see them! Do whatever it takes.

[@arunashamal]

I remember the day this song dropped. That was when we were young

[@Patricia-ng4ke]

I absolutely love "When you were young" it brings me so much joy and it talks to my soul! 🎉❤🙌 Going to see The Killers in Sydney in December 2024 on both dates! ❤

[@alexandriamahoneyy24687]

i literally know every word, one of those songs i will never not love. ❤

[@anthonymendoza9005]

When you were young is my childhood song, it just makes me fell im alive and im here always for more.

[@HarryNewell-bw7ju]

One of the greatest rock songs ever written/performed.

[@doubletee4391]

When Sam's Town came out i was totally disappointed because it did feel like Hot Fuss to me. 10 years later i picked it back up and listened to it on the way to work. Something in my head exploded. It's like i just wasn't old enough to understand it when i was younger and When You Were Young is what rating the bell for me. One of my favorite albums now.

[@biancaportillo6552]

that album and song mean so much to me. the killers will always be my favorite song.

[@shazanakaini803]

A band I've being in love with since I was a teenager and I'm 33 if there was any band I could go see it would be them they are amazing This band was my safe space ❤️😊

[@emilyhutchens3682]

They are absolutely amazing live btw.

[@jurius13]

Awesome track, brilliant delivery. So much talent and good work.

[@shubhamannamwar2857]

Absolutely love this. Their best song imo.

[@jl.c.8673]

An incredible band. Saw them this weekend, extraordinary.

[@justindtackett]

I’ve desired for most of my life to be a part of what Brendan described. And I’ve been a Part of many bands where I experienced that magic, it feels like something I was made for.

[@tinaallen2114]

My favorite song. My Own Souls Warning is right up there. Love them!!

[@ThisIsDownstate]

Burnin down the highway skyline, on the back of a hurricane that started turning when you............were yoooooooung. this is one of my favourite lyrics of all time, along with that riff, sheesh....... the picture it paints is so vivid and euphoric. And yes def full of redemption, its got 'main character training montage' written all over it lol.

[@aitanademichelli9068]

3:28 that smile omg

[@bradmurray7362]

@@octaviussludberry9016okay guy lol

[@buldoguesx]

I remember it very well hearing that last part of the choir in the Guitar Hero 3 version. I searched for so long on youtube and never found this version. There was a time i thought i was just imagining things but when i saw this episode, it confirmed.

[@melindakeown7500]

This song and the video to it are embossed in my memories forever 😮 🤩 I absolutely love The Killers!!

[@cristyangonzalez3578]

Insane that they made this from scratch and just went off how it would all connect

[@panzeralienofficial]

One of the best tunes ever made. Thank you for this!

[@antonijamarkotic-krezo5787]

Those vocals 😍 they are a vibe. They crushed it in Vegas this week

[@Nothuman76]

"Take his laptop now" best line of the video!

[@Apophis392]

Heard this song for the first time when I played Guitar Hero 3 as a child

[@ryoichiwatanabe648]

There's catchy pop punk foo fighter-esque, post-punk style heavy vocal, British Invasion sound.., geez this band has got some nice taste for sure.., and not being a changing to edm genre sell out band (cough cough coldplay). The Killers are great!!

[@juanmartingonzalezgonzalez8085]

One of the best and my favorites songs ever, thanks to this band i know what is to hear good music is like,the first times i literally dream awake

[@W4TSKY]

I’ve loved this song ever since 12 year old me I heard it on Guitar Hero 3

[@ojmccaf63]

My favorite Killers song! Love the lyrics

[@lumilara2307]

When You Were Young is beautiful❤️

[@Littlestraincloud]

I love hearing how much is the band talking about process

[@neanderthalradiopodcast]

I had the version with that byeeaaa shit off limewire back in the day. I love these guys more than they’ll ever know.

[@kab9706]

Limewire was where I got all my music, downloaded stuff as I discovered it, starting at age 12. Great memories.

[@sludgedisciple]

Besides the whole first record, When we were young is one of my favorite Killers songs.

[@rocknrollteacherpy]

Great explanation about one of my all-time favorite songs from the Killers!

[@polepino]

ok... so its pretty obvious Andrew Garfield will play the lead singer if they ever do a biopic

[@maddawgzzzz]

@ForzaRaptus Yeah, lee is a decade older than these guys. Im not sure that would work

[@Jackferrett6781]

@@maddawgzzzz it would trust me

[@andsand21]

Grant gustine would be better the Andrew Garfield

[@Jackferrett6781]

@@andsand21 No he wouldn’t

[@Bumpy_barejevo]

Micheal Buble

[@E9oK9kMaV]

i hope one day the killers just release everything, all the scrap songs or alt versions.

[@Schaef25]

Love him or hate him (lead singer, Brandon Flowers) this song slaps!

[@shugacookie45]

I've never heard of anyone hating him or maybe I just can't imagine how anyone could

[@javierreyes786]

@@shugacookie45 people that have only listened to or are annoyed by the overplaying of Mr. Brightside and never listened to anything else

[@salvoconducta]

i really like the "higher" part that got cut, it reminds me of their song "bones" in some way :]

[@clairem730]

Such a special song.

[@Kimhaeri84]

“Take his laptop now.” Yes-and take me with you!

[@luisnathan3278]

The song that means everything to to me!!!!

[@luckyjinxer]

It's such an Americana song, really iconic.

[@aiyannamanuel7823]

Love the Killers!

[@mcgurkryans]

The Chanting: I *definitely* heard that version. I think KROQ was playing an early version with that chanting. Am I dreaming??

[@tonnipaillard6911]

03:10 is actually used in the When You Were Young, Thin white duke remix at the very end of the song.

[@EmersonFlemingEmRock13]

As much as I love Hot Fuss, Sam's Town is my favorite record of theirs because I think When You Were Young and Read My Mind are two of the best songs ever made. You can rock out, cry, or both to them.

[@misterros94]

1:46 chills

[@werideatdusk]

2:13 the legends Flood and Alan Moulder who were responsible for great albums by U2, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails and Smashing Pumpkins before the Killers were lucky enough to work with them!

[@Durellwilliamsssssss]

Jesus and Mary chain, Ride and My Bloody Valentine to add a few more.

[@eloisa5383]

my absolute favorite song ❤️ love them sm

[@victor54745]

Brandon Flowers is one of the most underrated rated vocalists ever

[@Longtime420]

Your telling me that core progression randomly came at the last second 😳😳😳😳😳😳

[@willemfendon2333]

Great video!!! Love the song you guys! Keep up the great work.

[@jenniesnoopy450]

❤love with my all

[@NoahMidcap]

I'm pretty certain that "Higher, higher" refrain did make it onto the final mix, during the last 30 seconds or so. I can hear it on headphones, and all these years I wondered what it was. I could tell it was some kind of chant, but couldn't make out what was being said.

[@vinayakiyer8334]

Can we please have the song with that haiyya part also!!!! Really wanna hear it

[@fernandomata4242]

i remember downloading the song online and it had that, it starts almost at the end of the song lemme see if i can find it it must be online

[@HT-wn3eh]

Best band ever.

[@renemarrero6523]

Grate song and music video

[@jackheris687]

great

[@kirbygb36]

That removed bit was in the K Rock version, it really doesn't sound terrible

[@BroccoliKing-Telluwhut]

Kinda feel weird saying this, but doesn't the singer look crazy handsome now? I want to age like that

[@MomtoZnE]

He’s beautiful

[@josims9702]

Brandon has always been handsome x

[@mdr44]

He’s gorgeous!!

[@calebfangman1984]

Flowers & Ronnie 💕🥰💕🤤

[@FoxAPOLLO]

Drake Bell is KILLING it😤

[@roscoechance5155]

Jason Lee holding it down on drums

[@leandrolima7965]

amo when you were young, thank you the killers, brazil we loved you.

[@marty5309]

I had hoped you would have asked about the most important aspect of this song.... The opening volume swell.

[@MedalionDS9]

BUY YA BUY YA

[@meh5552]

The line “back of a hurricane” refers to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, so this song might’ve been written in 2005, and recorded in 2006.

[@kao856]

Where does it say that?

[@meh5552]

@@kao856 I just thought of it.

[@ObiWanKenobi]

@@kao856lol source: trust me bro

[@FavoritosEduspace]

En este vídeo no se puede configurar la traducción automática de subtítulos a otros idiomas, una pena

[@petkokrushev3840]

Does anyone else have a feeling, that Brandon speaks with some accents? Like when he speaks, he has a little bit of US accent and a little bit of British accent, but when he sings, he has a little bit of a russian accent

[@michellemckenna9568]

Acid AKA The meaning behind When YOU Were Yuuuuuunnnnnghh..

[@natusfreedom472]

There beats are mad unimaginable , plus the lyrics makes things , songs that make u feel , something different .. there music 🎶 , emotional F’s u lol In a good way

[@luismarquez5038]

.épico

[@Wraiven22]

Good lord, between the lead singer of The Killers and Panic at the Disco where do they find these hot ass lead singers

[@JeremiahFernandez]

vegas

[@Caturday123]

Right?! 🔥🔥🔥

[@bmbordelon1]

Thank you, Flood and Moulder, for taking out that creepy chant. 😂🥴

[@imakecontent2206]

"Doesn't look a thing like Je-us."

[@legacy_the_archer]

Ive always viewed WYWY to be a song in a trilogy with Born to run by Bruce and American Slang by the gaslight anthem . All three songs are same in a way but from different perspectives .

[@mashpotatosauce3566]

Big ups for mentioning Gaslight Anthem

[@A.M......]

They always split up Ronnie with Brandon and Dave with Mark. I sense there's some tension there especially with Dave.

[@hahahaha-qu6uv]

The best song ever written

[@christopherrego8706]

That "higher, higher" was so cringe, thank god it didn't make it in.

[@NESherv]

It's really terrible. Just as bad as the "ooga-chaka ooga-ooga" in "Hooked On A Feeling" by Blue Swede. I know everyone loves that song, but I absolutely hate those parts of it.

[@user-hk8yp7cw1v]

Always thought it said "He doesn't like pain like Jesus"

[@bobbydrex5268]

Is this available in the states?

[@theOGofREDS]

I thought this was Tyler Rann?

[@mikeweiser2210]

I absolutely love this band, but it’s so odd whoever took the recorded vocals from the album and dubbed it to Brandon singing in the studio. I’d rather like to see and hear it raw and live.

[@rafaellima83]

He used to let the mic capture him breathing in air before singing. it's something that probably annoyed him at some point because it was very clear on their first albums and then it disappeared, and I see he ALWAYS do that nowadays when singing live. And you can see him doing it here and yet you hear the breath in , which makes it really odd indeed.

[@fordisfurious]

VIIAAH VIIAAH he doesn’t look a thing like Jeeesuuus VIIAAH VIIAAH

[@Crystalcloudzz]

Brandon looks like Dexter

[@jabril4real637]

Yeah I kinda see it to. 😆🕵️

[@robertgomez6911]

Isnt the lineup different??

[@ovrnightswrld]

@3:03 Interviewer: "I noticed something on the track that wasnt on the final song." The killers: "OOookay we took acid that night" :'D

[@SSAVAGEEE]

Looks like Duncan trussel

[@theabraham8164]

It was probably with a pen.

[@keyara365]

please 💀🤣🤣

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

Their best song... Jesus, said so ;-)

[@jorgecumpeangarcen9178]

take his laptop xD

[@andrewdunn-bauman8133]

One of those tracks where the Universe conspires in your favor...down to having the right people in your lives to save yourselves from destroying it lol