Download The Killers – A Dustland Fairytale Ringtone is free.
The Killers – A Dustland Fairytale Ringtone Download
A Dustland Fairytale stands as one of the most poignant entries in The Killers’ discography. Released on their 2008 album Day & Age, the song represents a departure from the band’s typical neon-soaked Las Vegas anthems, moving instead into the territory of deeply personal heartland rock. Frontman Brandon Flowers wrote the track as a tribute to his parents, Terry and Jean Flowers, chronicling their decades-long romance against the backdrop of the Nevada desert.
The song’s title reflects the duality of Flowers’ upbringing. The “Dustland” is a literal reference to the dry, dusty landscape of Henderson, Nevada, where his parents lived in a trailer park during their early years. By pairing this with the word “Fairytale,” Flowers elevates their modest, working-class beginnings into something legendary. He portrays his father as an “American Prince” with “foolish eyes,” a man who overcame personal demons and alcoholism to build a life for his family. His mother is cast as “Cinderella,” and the lyrics trace her transition from a young woman in a party dress to a woman facing the end of her life.
The emotional core of the song was fueled by the reality of Jean Flowers’ battle with terminal brain cancer. Flowers wrote the lyrics while witnessing her decline, which explains the sense of urgency and impending loss throughout the track. The metaphor of the “Devil wrapping up his hands” suggests a boxing match or a final “showdown” with death—a fight that the narrator feels destined to lose. This creates a haunting contrast between the grand, sweeping instrumentation and the intimate, painful reality of watching a loved one fade away.
Evolution and Legacy
Over time, the song has grown in stature, moving beyond a simple album track to become a cornerstone of the band’s live performances. Its connection to the “Heartland Rock” tradition was made literal in 2021 when The Killers re-recorded the track as a duet with Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen’s involvement served as a validation of the song’s storytelling prowess, as Flowers had originally modeled the lyrics after the cinematic songwriting style Springsteen made famous. The collaboration stripped back some of the original’s polished production, highlighting the raw, enduring power of a story about faith, family, and the passage of time.
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A Dustland Fairytale Ringtone | Song Info
Album: Day & Age
Released: June 9, 2009
Genre: Rock
Songwriters: Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer & Ronnie Vannucci Jr.
Producers: The Killers & Stuart Price
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