Declan McKenna is an English singer, songwriter, and musician from Hertford… Read Full Bio ↴Declan McKenna is an English singer, songwriter, and musician from Hertfordshire. He won the Glastonbury Festival's Emerging Talent Competition in 2015.
He writes alternative indie-pop music with influences from artists such as David Bowie. He has toured in the UK, Europe and in the US.
Declan is known for his outspoken political views, including in his songs such as 'Brazil' which portrays a social commentary on the corruption within the Fifa organisation.
His debut album, What do You Think About the Car, was released on 21st of July 2017. His 2nd album, Zeros, was released on the 4th of September 2020.

Howl
Declan Mckenna Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I don't like getting jealous that much
'cause I know everybody cares, everybody cares
I don't care for attention that much
I just put my life over theirs, my life over theirs

Howl, howl, howl
Howl

I don't care for attention that much
When I do, everybody stares, everybody stares
I don't wanna be another old friend
I just can't overlook again, overlook again

Howl, howl

Howl, howl, howl
Howl

Howl!

I don't like playing victim that much
'Cause my life ain't over yet, my life ain't over yet
I just seek everything and everyone
So I howl

Howl, howl, howl
Howl, howl

Howl!

Overall Meaning

In "Howl," Declan Mckenna addresses issues of jealousy, attention, and the desire to stand out. He starts by admitting that he doesn't like getting jealous, as he knows that everyone cares about something or someone. He then declares that he doesn't care for attention that much, implying that he is not interested in fame or conforming to societal norms. He values his own life above others', which explains why he prioritizes it over theirs.

Mckenna then repeats the line "Howl, howl, howl," seemingly as a form of release or catharsis. He continues to emphasize that he does not want to be another old friend, as he cannot overlook things that he deems important. He wants to make a difference, to have an impact on the world, which is what ultimately drives him to howl.

The chorus repeats again, and in the final verse, he makes it clear that he doesn't like playing the victim. He wants to seize all opportunities and experience everything and everyone in life. Therefore, he howls to vocalize his ambitions and desires.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't like getting jealous that much
I don't enjoy feeling envious

'cause I know everybody cares, everybody cares
since I'm aware that everyone is important

I don't care for attention that much
I'm not too concerned about being in the spotlight

I just put my life over theirs, my life over theirs
I prioritize my own life and choices over others'

Howl, howl, howl
expressing an intense feeling or emotion

I don't wanna be another old friend
I don't want to be just another acquaintance

I just can't overlook again, overlook again
I refuse to ignore things once more

When I do, everybody stares, everybody stares
when I do desire attention, it becomes a spectacle

Howl, howl
expressing an intense feeling or emotion

Howl, howl, howl
expressing an intense feeling or emotion multiple times

I don't like playing victim that much
I don't enjoy pretending to be victimized