McKenna notes that "Isombard" is loosely based on “next to of course god america i”, a poem mocking the patriotism of Americans by E. E. Cummings. The poem suggests that patriotism has developed into a competition of pride amongst people, rather than a genuine love for the country, and mocks the way in which typical patriots would praise their country with closed minds and blindness. This closed-minded ideal can be seen throughout the song.
Declan has confessed that “Isombard” is actually spelt wrong and when he sent the demo he made a mistake but prefers “Isombard” over “Isambard” anyway.
"The idea of Isombard is basically about this right wing Fox News-type TV presenter trying to justify things like police brutality and xenophobia, and using cases for backwards political gains, but completely fumbling over his words and not really knowing what he’s talking about.
It’s also maybe me trying to rewrite “next to of course god america i” by E. E. Cummings, but as a pop song.“
- Declan McKenna
Isombard
Declan Mckenna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The fateful few
Should take them all
Government fall
So tell your family and friends
We'll keep it plain
Never again
Well, if you can't walk then run, walk then run
Well, if you can't walk then
If you can't walk then run
Well, if you can't walk then run, walk then run
Well, if you can't walk
I'll make it clear, you'll make it then
But never here, never again
So which one hangs
Police with gangs?
It's all the same
It's all the same
I met you here
But then you ran
You ran with fear
You fearless man
So tell your violent and tame
That they will cry
Never again
Ooh Isombard
Ooh Isombard
Ooh Isombard
Ooh Isombard (if you can't walk then run)
Ooh Isombard (if you can't walk then run)
Ooh Isombard (if you can't walk then run)
Ooh Isombard (if you can't walk then run)
Ooh Isombard (if you can't walk)
Well, if you can't walk and run
Well, if you can't walk then run, walk then run
Well, if you can't walk then
If you can't walk then run
Well, if you can't walk then run, walk then run
Well, if you can't walk
Run, if you can't, if you can't, if you can't
Run, if you can't, if you can't, if you can't
Run, if you can't, if you can't, if you can't
Run, if you can't, if you can't, if you can't
Run, if you can't, if you can't, if you can't
Run, if you can't, if you can't, if you can't
Run, if you can't, if you can't, if you can't
Run, if you can't, if you can't, if you can't
The lyrics of the song "Isombard" by Declan Mckenna touch on themes of government corruption, police brutality, fear, and resistance. The first verse is a call to action, urging "the fateful few" to take down the government and bring about change. The next verse talks about the need for action, even if one can only run instead of walk. The chorus repeats the phrase "if you can't walk then run" as a motivator to keep going and never give up until change occurs.
The second verse switches to a more personal tone, with the singer addressing someone who they met but then ran away with fear. The third verse returns to the larger themes of violence, both from the police and from gangs. The song ends with a repeated call to action, urging people to run if they can't walk.
Overall, the song presents a message of empowerment and resistance against corruption and violence. It encourages people to take action and stand up for what they believe in, even if it means running instead of walking.
Line by Line Meaning
So what of you?
What is your stance or opinion?
The fateful few
A small group of people who hold great importance or significance
Should take them all
This group should hold everyone accountable
Government fall
The government should be removed from power
So tell your family and friends
Spread this message to those around you
We'll keep it plain
We will be straightforward and honest
Never again
This unacceptable situation should never happen again
Well, if you can't walk then run
If you are unable to take small steps towards change, then take big ones
I'll make it clear, you'll make it then
I will explain it in a way that you can understand, and then you can take action
But never here, never again
This negative situation should never happen again in this place or time
So which one hangs
Who should take the blame?
Police with gangs?
Is it the authorities or the criminals who should be held responsible?
It's all the same
They are equally responsible
I met you here
We are in the same situation
But then you ran
You chose to take action and create change
You ran with fear
You were scared, but still took action
You fearless man
You are brave and courageous
So tell your violent and tame
Speak to people with different personalities and convictions
That they will cry
They will feel regret for not taking action sooner
Ooh Isombard
Iconic or memorable location or figure
Run, if you can't, if you can't, if you can't
If you are unable to take action, then run away from the situation
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Declan McKenna
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chxlxmxt8820
"Isombard"
So what of you?
The fateful few
Should take them all
Government fall
So tell your family and friends
We'll keep it plain
Never again
Well if you can't walk then run
If you can't walk then run
Well if you can't walk then run
If you can't walk then run
I'll make it clear
You'll make it then
But never here
Never again
So which one hangs
Police with gangs
It's all the same
It's all the same
I met you here
But then you ran
You ran with fear
You fearless man
So tell your violent and tame
That they will cry
Never again
Ooooooh Isombard [x8]
Well if you can't walk then run
If you can't walk then run
Well if you can't walk then run
If you can't walk then run
Run if you can't if you can't if you can't
Run if you can't if you can't if you can't
@nikola5412
[Verse 1]
So what of you?
The fateful few
Should take them all
Government fall
So tell your family and friends
We'll keep it plain
Never again
[Chorus]
Well, if you can't walk then run
Well, if you can't walk then run
Walk then run
Well, if you can't walk then...
If you can't walk then run
Well, if you can't walk then run
Walk then run
Well, if you can't walk...
[Verse 2]
I'll make it clear
You'll make it then
But never here
Never again
So which one hangs
Police with gangs?
It's all the same
It's all the same
I met you here
But then you ran
You ran with fear
You fearless man
So tell your violent and tame
That they will cry
Never again
[Bridge]
Ooooooh
Isombard
Isombard
Isombard
Isombard
(You can walk then run)
Isombard
(Well, if you can't walk then run)
(Walk and run)
Isombard
(Well, if you can't walk then...)
(If you can't walk then run)
Isombard
(Well, if you can't walk then run)
(Walk then run)
Isombard
(Well, if you can't walk...)
[Chorus]
Well, if you can't walk and run
Well, if you can't walk then run
Walk then run
Well, if you can't walk then...
If you can't walk then run
Well, if you can't walk then run
Walk then run
Well, if you can't walk...
[Outro - 8x]
Run
If you can't, if you can't, if you can't
@carajenner3461
I'm slipping into a severe obsession with Declan McKenna
@josietipton7369
Cara Jenner lmao same
@jessi6275
Cara Jenner same
@sossnoss
Oof mood
@kaylapaige4706
Cara Jenner you don’t know what you’ve gotten yourself into. it will not stop. it is a forever obsession. he’s TOO CUte
@iunasolarcanudas7850
lmao same
@RashtaEinthisB
The fact that his song "brazil" was a protest against the corruptness of FIFA is so ironic now that THIS song is ON FIFA 17
@emrys7115
not really fifa the game is not associated with the fifa organization
@funky__cracky8369
@@emrys7115 It is licensed by FIFA, so they're related
@raphaelfeemdeus2422
Yeah! Brazil...