Why Do I Keep Counting?

The Killers' song 'Why Do I Keep Counting?' delves into the existential anxieties and uncertainties that many people face. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the weight of their own expectations and the fear of the unknown. The opening lines, 'There's a plane and I am flying / There's a mountain waiting for me,' set the stage for a journey that is both literal and metaphorical. The mountain symbolizes the challenges and obstacles that lie ahead, while the plane represents the journey of life itself.

Throughout the song, the narrator questions their own strength and ability to overcome these challenges. Lines like 'Am I strong enough to be the one? / Will I live to have some children?' reveal deep-seated fears about personal adequacy and the future. The repeated plea for help, 'Help me get down, I can make it,' underscores a desire for guidance and reassurance. The mention of 'Father' could be interpreted as a call to a higher power or a plea for paternal support, adding a layer of spiritual or familial longing to the narrative.

The chorus, 'If I only knew the answer, and if all our days are numbered, then why do I keep counting?' encapsulates the song's central theme of existential dread. The narrator is acutely aware of life's finite nature, yet they are caught in a cycle of overthinking and counting the days. This paradox highlights the human tendency to seek meaning and certainty in an inherently uncertain world. The song's closing lines, 'If I change my way of living, and if I pave my streets with good times, will the mountain keep on giving?' suggest a glimmer of hope and the possibility of finding fulfillment through positive change, even as the existential questions remain unresolved.