Mr. Brightside

"Mr. Brightside" by The Killers is part of the Canon at most CTY sites. The song is about (funnily enough) a bizzare love triangle and a member of said love triangle (Brandon Flowers, the narrator, Mr. Brightside) who perseveres throughout due to his optimistic nature. He also obviously does not know, or chooses to disregard, that sick doesn't rhyme with chest.

Mr. Brightside is played at every dance and is a beloved member of High Holy Canon. It was first recorded as being brought to CTY at Lancaster in 07.1. At Lancaster session one, the current Jack Flash leads the students in a mild mosh pit. Jack Flash holds a light (usually a podpoi) up while the students reach for it; as of 18.1, to avoid being crushed, Jack Flash is protected by the Holy Trinity and also now has a pvc pipe extension. At Lancaster session two, the Fiend leads the student in a similar mosh pit. Students reach to grab the Fiend's staff (Nighthawk/Grammar Pony) at specific points in the song. As Brandon Flowers starts singing at different times with different versions of the song, there is sometimes confusion as to when to start singing.

Lyrics

I'm coming out of my cage
And I’ve been doing just fine (yell JUST FINE)
Gotta gotta be down
Because I want it all
It started out with a kiss
How did it end up like this?
It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss (yell IT WAS ONLY A KISS)
(Some people act out the next verse, such as holding an imaginary cigarette, clutching one's head/stomach, or groping someone's chest. This is optional.)
Now I’m falling asleep
And she’s calling a cab
While he’s having a smoke
And she’s taking a drag
Now they’re going to bed
And my stomach is sick
And it’s all in my head
But she’s touching his chest
Now, he takes off her dress
Now, let me go (on "go", reach for the light, but don't push or you will squish Jack Flash)
(clap to the beat here)

And I just can’t look - it's killing me
And taking control
(clap to the beat. Yell "FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT" right before the chorus) Jealousy, turning saints into the sea
Swimming through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibis (yell CHOKING ON YOUR ALIBIS)
But it’s just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes
‘Cause I’m Mr Brightside (clap to beat)

I’m coming out of my cage
And I’ve been doing just fine
Gotta gotta be down
Because I want it all
It started out with a kiss
How did it end up like this?
It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss
Now I’m falling asleep
And she’s calling a cab
While he’s having a smoke
And she’s taking a drag
Now they’re going to bed
And my stomach is sick
And it’s all in my head
But she’s touching his chest
Now, he takes off her dress
Now, let me go

'Cause I just can’t look - it's killing me
And taking control
Jealousy, turning saints into the sea
Swimming through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibis
But it’s just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes
‘Cause I’m Mr Brightside
(clap to the beat during the interlude. On the "I never"s, reach for the light)

I never...
I never...
I never...
I never...