" I romanticize. I live with the ghosts of Elvis and Frank Sinatra. It seems so glamorous. They were American men who don’t exist anymore. But there are ugly things about them, too. "
- Brandon Flowers

In the given statement, Brandon Flowers expresses a nostalgic longing for bygone eras through his admiration for legendary figures like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. He views these icons as romanticized versions of American men from a past that no longer exists. This sentiment captures a sense of glamour and allure associated with their personas, but also hints at the darker aspects or imperfections inherent in their lives.

On a deeper level, Flowers' words reflect on the nature of nostalgia and idealization. By referring to these icons as "ghosts," he emphasizes how they exist only in memory and through cultural artifacts like music and film, which often present an idealized version of reality. While their legacies are glamorous and captivating, they also hide complexities and negative aspects that detract from the romanticized view. This duality underscores the human tendency to create idols while ignoring their flaws.

Brandon Flowers is an American singer-songwriter known for his work with The Killers, a band he co-founded in 2001. His reflective statement encapsulates themes of nostalgia and cultural iconography that are recurrent throughout his music and public persona.