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.
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