-Mike Kn… Read Full Bio ↴“a refreshing validation of what a singer/songwriter should be”
-Mike Knightson - NEWSTALK
“impressive….with style” - HOTpress magazine
To call him a singer/songwriter really wouldn’t give you an idea of what his music sounds like or where his influences lie. His music spans from acoustic, jazz, and rock all the way to hip-hop, electro, and funk. Such varied influences probably stem from constantly being on the move and changing his surroundings. Kiernan was born in Hong Kong 1986 and in the last 21 years has called America, Australia, UK and Ireland home at some point. The majority of his childhood was spent in Boston which is evident in his music with a lot of influence coming from the songwriter scene in the states.
In 2005 after finishing secondary school he started a course and sound, stage, and lighting and it was during that time he began working on what would be his first unofficial album( “long demo” as he refers to it) “New Age Robin Hood” which compiled 13 songs written and produced by himself. By the time he released it independently he was working steadily in venues around the country and spending all his free time on the road doing shows, interviews, appearances, and promotion. In late 2006 after releasing and touring the album he ran into his band:
-Declan Clarke (drums) who was introduced to him by NY based songwriter Joe Whyte
-Adam Brothwood (bass) an aspiring sound engineer and college friend, and
-Kevin O’Malley (guitar) a long time school friend and fellow songwriter.
So touring then began with the new band, the shows became countless and he seemed to be making a splash in the Irish music scene. So he quit work and took to music full time.
In 2007 he released his first official single in Ireland called “Borderline” which went to number 3 on the Irish download charts and earned him spots on major radio stations all over the country as well as supports with the likes of Cathy Davey, The Blizzards, David Geraghty, The Coronas, Delorentos, top Australian duo Angus & Julia Stone, and many many more.
In late 2007 he stepped into the studio with his band to work on a new full length record. They went to Grouse Lodge Studios which has seen the likes of REM, Muse, Snow Patrol, Bloc Party, Flogging Molly, Paolo Nutini, and even Michael Jackson record there.
Kiernan’s debut on One Eleven Records is available now on iTunes.
borderline
Kiernan McMullan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A moment too soon I'm having too much trouble trying to live your life
Let's be honest it's upon us still nothing is going right
Tell me when it's time Meet me at the borderline
He's a new man done with being noticed by anyone so change the focus on
A man contained in circumstance, turns out to be the man who washed your hands
It's a tragedy of sorts forced to find what you're looking for
Come's back around and kicks me from behind trying to compromise
Always fallin on your feet and pretending like you never try
Tell me when it's time to fight your deamons and confont your lies
A moment too soon I'm having too much trouble trying to live your life
Let's be honest it's upon us still nothing is going right
Tell me when it's time Meet me at the borderline
Stop what you're doing pay attention stand in line
It's laughable to think you think you're never gonna get left behind
More or less I do the best I can do address every line
I don't think you're being realistic when you're making up your mind
Come's back around and kicks me from behind trying to compromise
Always fallin on your feet and pretending like you never try
Tell me when it's time to fight your deamons and confont your lies
A moment too soon I'm having too much trouble trying to live your life
Let's be honest it's upon us still nothing is going right
Tell me when it's time Meet me at the borderline
Meet me there meet me halfway
Meet me at the borderline
Tell me when it's time meet me at the borderline
Kiernan McMullan's song Borderline depicts the struggles of confronting one's fears and anxieties, and the challenges of staying true to oneself in a world that constantly demands conformity. The singer urges his listener, likely a friend or loved one, to face their demons and lies, reassuring them that he is there to support them when it is time to do so. However, the listener seems to be hesitant, perhaps stuck in the cycle of always falling on their feet and pretending like they never try.
The lyrics then shift to focus on a man who is done with being noticed by anyone and wants to change his focus. He is contained in his circumstances and forced to find what he is looking for, breaking records with the lines he crosses but still feeling a loss for something more. The singer seems to be addressing himself as well, reminding himself to stop what he's doing, pay attention, and stand in line before he gets left behind.
Ultimately, the singer and the listener are at a crossroads, meeting each other halfway at the borderline. They both know that nothing is going right, but they don't want to give up on each other or themselves. The song ends with the singer waiting for the listener to tell him when it's time to confront their demons and meet him at the borderline.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me when it's time to fight your demons and confront your lies
Inform me when you are ready to confront your inner monsters and tackle your falsehoods.
A moment too soon I'm having too much trouble trying to live your life
It is too early to change yet, as I am struggling already to keep up with and follow your ways.
Let's be honest it's upon us still nothing is going right
We must be truthful with each other; at present, nothing seems to be working out.
Tell me when it's time Meet me at the borderline
Let me know when you are ready to confront your problems, and I will be there to support you.
He's a new man done with being noticed by anyone so change the focus on
He is a changed person and no longer wants to be the center of attention, so let us shift our focus elsewhere.
A man contained in circumstance, turns out to be the man who washed your hands
A person trapped by their situation can end up being the same individual who cleans up your messes.
It's a tragedy of sorts forced to find what you're looking for
It is rather unfortunate to be compelled to search for something that you need.
Breaking records with the lines you cross at a loss for something more
You are shattering records by testing boundaries, but you are still coming up empty-handed.
Come's back around and kicks me from behind trying to compromise
The same issues reemerge, hitting me unexpectedly and pressuring me to make a concession.
Always fallin on your feet and pretending like you never try
You always seem to land safely, and it appears as though you never exert any effort.
Stop what you're doing pay attention stand in line
Halt your actions, focus your mind, and queue up correctly.
It's laughable to think you think you're never gonna get left behind
It is amusing that you believe you will never be left behind.
More or less I do the best I can do address every line
I try my hardest to handle every situation to the best of my ability.
I don't think you're being realistic when you're making up your mind
It appears to me that you are not being practical while arriving at your decisions.
Meet me there meet me halfway
Let us both aim to meet at middle ground.
Meet me at the borderline
Let us rendezvous at the point where we can confront the issues.
Tell me when it's time meet me at the borderline
Notify me when you are geared up, and we will take on the challenges together.
Contributed by Christopher K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
jazzyjeff19
That was really good kev. Very professional sounding. I'd liked alot :)
Sophers
Love kiernan!
Billy Geltzeiler
Love it, dude.
moodytoni7
luv this song :D wat a singer
Sketch Book
I feel so satisfied seeing this vid. Maybe it s because we are friends. Maybe it s because you ARE briljant. Maybe both. . . we will see if the rest of the world can be as satisfied, just checkin.
Ro Bee
cooooool
jordan griffin
i love this song. next time u come to mi im comin to see ur concert with heather and leandra, :)
kwikfixez aka schlepidus
is there a shortage of razorblades in Ireland?
Johnny Beirne
You can buy this single on downloadmusic DOT ie. If you live in the republic of Ireland, text 'music 405' to 57501 - cost €1.
Johnny Beirne
Class - buy it by texting 'music 405' to 57501 - Republic of Ireland only.