Isombard by Declan McKenna Lyrics Meaning – A Dive into the Anthem of Rebellion and Change

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Declan Mckenna's Isombard at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

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
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

In the bustling contemporary music scene, few songs manage to stir the consciousness of the collective youth like Declan McKenna’s ‘Isombard.’ As a melody that intertwines itself with the complexities of socio-political themes, this track has transitioned from simply a piece of music to a declaration of generational angst and a call to awaken the dormant spirit of activism.

On the surface, ‘Isombard’ might seem enigmatic, with its catchy indie rock vibes and to-the-point lyrics, but beneath this lithe exterior is a dense weave of meaning that requires unraveling. What is it that makes this song resonate with the disheartened voices of today? Let’s cut through the sonic waves and dissect the truth that McKenna delivers with the sharpness of a seasoned poet.

The Clarion Call for Change: ‘Isombard’s Role as a Modern Protest Anthem

Through a closer inspection, we perceive ‘Isombard’ as an anthem of modern resistance. It’s the artist’s foray into encouraging the pursuit of change, proclaiming the need to rally despite the adversities — to run when we cannot walk. In a world swamped with political upheaval and social injustices, McKenna’s lyrics resonate with those who are eager to push beyond the status quo yet may feel powerless within the mammoth societal machine.

This earnest entreaty to act is not just about physical movement but also signifies the urgency of progress in thought and action. It’s a powerful reminder that stagnation is not an option when faced with issues demanding immediate attention and action.

Piercing the Veil of Complacency: Dissecting the Depth of ‘Isombard’s Lyrics

‘Isombard’ captures a snapshot of the public consciousness, exploring an intricate dance between power structures and the citizenry. The repeated motifs suggesting government fall and the juxtaposition of police with gangs provide a stark commentary on a society where the lines between protectors and oppressors are blurring.

Declan McKenna doesn’t shy away from pointing out that these power dynamics are cyclical and universal (‘It’s all the same’). The track becomes an audacious voice that addresses not only the current state of affairs but historical patterns of discord and the cyclical nature of societal change.

The Enigma of Isombard: Uncovering the Song’s Hidden Meaning

The recurring invocation of ‘Ooh Isombard’ might puzzle listeners upon the initial encounter with the song. Who or what is Isombard? The name echoes resonances of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the great British engineer known for his revolutionary designs and innovation. Through this homage, McKenna could be drawing a parallel between Brunelian ingenuity and the present need for inventive thinking and audacity in reform.

This speculated allegorical reference to Brunel brings forth a narrative of creativity against the odds, suggesting that the tools for societal restructuring lie not just in protests and demands, but in pioneering thinking, akin to the engineering marvels that powered the industrial revolution.

The Soundtrack of a Generation: Why ‘Isombard’ Echoes Far Beyond the Charts

Beyond its musical catchiness, ‘Isombard’ has amplified its standing as a generational soundbite. The song, rapidly rising as a staple in protest playlists, encapsulates the essence of youthful resilience and defiance in a period marked by global movements such as Extinction Rebellion, Black Lives Matter, and the surge for LGBTQ+ rights.

As these movements challenge long-standing social norms and power systems, McKenna’s ‘Isombard’ stitches itself into the fabric of contemporary resistance, reaffirming the sentiment that the youth will not idle while the world aches for revolution.

Memorable Lines: Verses That Cut Deep Into the Collective Psyche

The lyricism of ‘Isombard’ thrills with its succinctness, each line fortified with a breathless potency. Particularly memorable is the verse, ‘If you can’t walk then, if you can’t walk then run.’ This encapsulates both the urgency and the relentless spirit of the struggle — an almost literal take on the saying, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way.’

Another stark line is, ‘So tell your violent and tame, That they will cry, Never again,’ serving as a stark warning to both the oppressor and the oppressed that the repeating history of systemic abuse and submission could be interrupted if the masses decide to act — making it a clarion call for persistence.