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.

Nothing Works
Declan Mckenna Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

What′s the point muffin?
I don't believe in nothin′ anymore
You tell me I don't relate to the kids no more
Now I feel like I'm letting them down
What′s the point running?
Not like I′m up and coming anymore
So what if they hear me on my bathroom floor?
I'm sure they′re big enough now

But of course I'll re-implore you
On the kind of nation that we have
You′ve either been on your own too long
Or it just feels like that (it just feels like that)
So, tell me if I'm stuck or moving on up
That′s a conversation to be had
Have I been living on my own too long
Or does it just feel like that?

When I sing the song, and you didn't like the verse
I try to fix myself but nothing works
I sing the song, and you didn't like the words
I try to fix myself but nothing, nothing

What′s the point, Martin?
Don′t you be starting, anymore
They told me I was the fat cat kid for a minute
But they're the ones who are doing us proud
What′s the point running?
Not like I'm up and coming anymore
So, what if they hear me singing "I love war"?
I′m sure they're big enough now

But of course I′ll re-implore you
On the kind of nation that we have
You've either been on your own too long
Or it just feels like that (it just feels like that)
So, tell me if I'm stuck or moving up
Now that′s a conversation to be had
Have I been talking to myself for long
Or do it just sound like that?

When I sing the song, and you didn′t like the verse
I try to fix myself but nothing works
I sing the song, and you didn't like the words
I try to fix myself but nothing works

I feel wrong, I feel rehearsed
I try to fix myself but nothing works
I sing the song, and you didn′t like the words
I try to fix myself but nothing, nothing
Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing
Nothing, nothing, nothing works

But of course I'll re-implore you
On the kind of nation that we have
You′ve either been on your own too long
Or it just feels like that (it just feels like that)
So tell me, am I stuck or moving up?
Now that's a conversation to be had
Have I been talking to myself so long
Or do it just sound like that?

When I sing the song, and you didn′t like the verse
I try to fix myself but nothing works
I sing the song, and you didn't like the words
I try to fix myself but nothing works

I feel wrong, I feel rehearsed
I try to fix myself but nothing works
I sing the song, and you didn't like the words
I try to fix myself but nothing, nothing
Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing
Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing

(Fix myself but nothing works)
(I feel wrong I feel rehearsed)

(I try to fix myself but nothing works)
(I sing the song and you didn′t)

Overall Meaning

In "Nothing Works" by Declan McKenna, the lyrics explore the feeling of disillusionment and questioning one's purpose. The song starts off with the singer feeling disconnected and no longer believing in anything. They are told they don't relate to the younger generation anymore, which makes them feel like they are letting them down. The chorus reflects the struggle of trying to fix oneself but feeling like nothing is working. The singer sings the song and tries to express themselves, but it seems that others don't appreciate or understand their words.

The second verse introduces another character named Martin, who is starting trouble. The singer questions the point of running and trying to make a name for themselves, as they don't feel like an up-and-coming artist anymore. They mention singing about controversial topics like loving war, suggesting a commentary on society's fascination with conflict. Despite the criticism and feeling overwhelmed, the singer states that they have been on their own for too long or at least it feels that way.

Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of frustration, self-doubt, and a search for meaning in a world that feels distant and disconnected. The singer questions whether they are stuck or moving forward and whether their voice is being heard or ignored.

Line by Line Meaning

What′s the point muffin?
What is the purpose or significance, my dear?

I don't believe in nothin′ anymore
I have lost faith or trust in everything now

You tell me I don't relate to the kids no more
You claim that I am disconnected from the younger generation

Now I feel like I'm letting them down
Now I have a sense of disappointment in myself because I am failing them

What′s the point running?
What is the purpose of continuing to strive or make efforts?

Not like I′m up and coming anymore
I am no longer on the rise or gaining success

So what if they hear me on my bathroom floor?
So what if they hear me singing from a place of vulnerability or solitude?

I'm sure they′re big enough now
I am confident that they are mature or capable enough to handle it

But of course I'll re-implore you
However, I will ask or beg you again

On the kind of nation that we have
Regarding the state or nature of our country

You′ve either been on your own too long
You have either been alone for an extended period

Or it just feels like that (it just feels like that)
Or it simply gives the sensation of being that way

So, tell me if I'm stuck or moving on up
So, inform me if I am stagnant or progressing upwards

That′s a conversation to be had
That is a discussion that needs to take place

Have I been living on my own too long
Have I been existing in isolation for too extended a period

Or does it just feel like that?
Or is it just the perception or sensation of feeling that way?

When I sing the song, and you didn't like the verse
When I perform the song and you did not appreciate the particular section

I try to fix myself but nothing works
I attempt to mend or improve myself, but nothing seems to be effective

I sing the song, and you didn't like the words
I sing the song and you were dissatisfied with the lyrics

I try to fix myself but nothing, nothing
I attempt to mend myself, but it results in nothing, absolutely nothing

What′s the point, Martin?
What is the purpose, Martin?

Don′t you be starting, anymore
Do not initiate or begin anything further

They told me I was the fat cat kid for a minute
They once claimed that I was the successful or privileged individual briefly

But they're the ones who are doing us proud
But they are the ones who are achieving success and making us proud

So, what if they hear me singing "I love war"?
So, what if they hear me expressing affection for war in my singing?

I′m sure they're big enough now
I am confident that they are mature or capable enough to handle it

But of course I′ll re-implore you
However, I will ask or beg you again

So tell me if I'm stuck or moving up
So inform me if I am stagnant or progressing upwards

Now that′s a conversation to be had
Now that is a discussion that needs to take place

Have I been talking to myself for long
Have I been engaging in soliloquies for a considerable duration

Or do it just sound like that?
Or does it merely seem to sound that way?

I feel wrong, I feel rehearsed
I feel incorrect or flawed, I feel as if I am simply going through the motions

I try to fix myself but nothing works
I attempt to mend or improve myself, but nothing seems to be effective

I sing the song, and you didn't like the words
I perform the song and you were dissatisfied with the lyrics