Rowland Kelechukwu Okereke (born 13 October 1981), also known by the monony… Read Full Bio ↴Rowland Kelechukwu Okereke (born 13 October 1981), also known by the mononym Kele, is an English musician, probably best known as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the indie rock band Bloc Party.

Kele Okereke released his first solo album, titled The Boxer on 21 June 2010, through Wichita / Polydor in the UK and Europe and Glassnote Records for the rest of the world. The album was released under the name Kele, dropping his surname. Okereke explained the album title, saying "as a boxer, you have to rely on nobody else but yourself to achieve what it is you want to achieve. Even though you take hits, you have to keep focus on your priorities and keep going. I thought that was an inspiring image". The first single from the album Tenderoni was released on 14 June 2010.

Okereke sees the 'Kele' brand as a way for him to embrace his interest in dance music. "I've been into clubbing for years. I've said from the beginning I'm into dance, it gets me excited and I think this record is going to go some way to prove that to people, hopefully." - Kele Okereke

In September 2011 it was announced that Kele would be releasing a follow up to The Boxer; an EP titled The Hunter.

On 23 July 2014 Kele announced his second solo album, entitled Trick, to be released on his own label Lilac Records via Kobalt Label Services on 13 October 2014.

He released his third album Fatherland on 6 October 2017 under his full name Kele Okereke. The album features the singles Streets Been Talking and Grounds For Resentment feat. Olly Alexander. Fatherland also features the duet Versions of Us with Grammy-winning English singer and songwriter Corinne Bailey Rea

In January 2019, Leave to Remain a new musical written by Okereke and Matt Jones debuted in London. Announced in September 2018, the musical about an interracial gay couple was preceded by the single Not the Drugs Talking which showed a move back towards beats following the more acoustic Fatherland. Telling a love story through the Prism of Brexit, the new show is accompanied by a tie-in album of new songs. Speaking about the subject matter and his feelings on the UK in 2019, Okereke claimed that “It’s not a time that I’ve been proud to be British. It’s an ugly time”.

www.iamkele.com

01 Walk Tall
Kele Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I don't know what you've been told
I don't know what you've been told
But this starts now, walk tall, walk tall
But this starts now, walk tall, walk tall

I don't know what you've been told
I don't know what you've been told
But this starts now, walk tall, walk tall

But this starts now, walk tall, walk tall

I don't know what you've been told
I don't know what you've been told
But this starts now, walk tall, walk tall
But this starts now, walk tall, walk tall

I don't know what you've been told
I don't know what you've been told
But this starts now, walk tall, walk tall
But this starts now, walk tall, walk tall

Rule number one, be bright like the sun
Whether rude whether flawed like it's just begun
Rule number one, be the only thing they see

Rule number two, do all you can do
Look them all in the eye and leave them to fly
Rule number two, be as bright as you can be

I'm getting taller
I'm getting taller

Rule number three, forget where you've been
Cut your ties to the past and wave it goodbye
Rule number three, take anything you need

I got discipline appearing in marshals never caught before
Just like a terminator walking like a skilled boy
No, I couldn't stay, I've really got to go

I'm getting taller
I'm getting taller
I'm getting taller
I'm getting taller

I'm getting taller
I'm getting taller
I'm getting taller
I'm getting taller

I don't know what you've been told
I don't know what you've been told
But this starts now, walk tall, walk tall
But this starts now, walk tall, walk tall

I don't know what you've been told
I don't know what you've been told

But this starts now, walk tall, walk tall
But this starts now, walk tall, walk tall

Overall Meaning

Kele's song "Walk Tall" is an anthem for self-empowerment and self-affirmation. The song starts with the repeated phrase "I don't know what you've been told, but this starts now, walk tall." It is a clear statement that the past does not define someone's present and future. Kele encourages the listeners to follow three simple rules in order to succeed in life. The first rule is to be bright and shine like the sun, even if one is flawed. The second rule is to be confident in oneself and look people in the eye. The third rule is to let go of the past and pursue the future.

Kele's use of repetition in the song is powerful in conveying the message that the present is what matters. The repetitive phrases "walk tall" and "I'm getting taller" symbolize growth and the gradual increase in one's confidence and self-esteem. The chorus is uplifting and inspiring as Kele shouts out to the listeners that the time to start walking tall is now.

"Walk Tall" is a reminder to not let the past dictate the future. It is a call to action for one to be confident and stand up for oneself. Kele encourages his listeners to pursue their dreams without fear of failure or rejection. His message is clear: walk tall, be confident, and seize the moment.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't know what you've been told
Uncertainty about past negative influences

But this starts now, walk tall, walk tall
This moment is an opportunity to be confident and assertive

Rule number one, be bright like the sun
Be noticeable and radiant in your demeanor

Whether rude whether flawed like it's just begun
Neither negative criticism nor personal faults should deter personal growth

Rule number one, be the only thing they see
Stand out and command attention

Rule number two, do all you can do
Maximize personal effort and potential

Look them all in the eye and leave them to fly
Confidently interact with others and empower them to excel

Rule number two, be as bright as you can be
Continue to radiate confidence

I'm getting taller
Personal growth and development

Rule number three, forget where you've been
Break from negative past experiences and influences

Cut your ties to the past and wave it goodbye
Fully let go of past negative experiences

Rule number three, take anything you need
Take positive lessons and tools from the past to facilitate personal growth

I got discipline appearing in marshals never caught before
Acquiring newfound self-control and confidence

Just like a terminator walking like a skilled boy
Confidence and precision in one's actions

No, I couldn't stay, I've really got to go
Moving forward with determination and purpose

I don't know what you've been told
Continued uncertainty about past influences

But this starts now, walk tall, walk tall
Emphasizing the opportunity for personal growth and confidence

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KELE OKEREKE, ALEX XXXCHANGE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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