"Why do you feel so down" by Declan McKenna

I’ve listened to this song over and over and over again as the “remedy song” which I call it to help me think however it’s more or less taken over my mind as I’m not sure what McKenna is trying to say. He states it’s a “jokey song” and made it to play around with pop music but the music tone and lyrics make it out to me that he’s a desperate plea to be consolidated. McKenna admits to his faults and his facade to be “cool” as much as he tries to convince everyone he is what he’s trying to show. He apologies for not being a good friend which feels especially heavy when he asks the title question “why do you feel so down?”

I’ve come to two conclusions to his question:

1) The question is directed at a friend that he has failed. Whether close or not, he values this person a lot and cares massive amounts about what happens to this person. His self-doubt, shown through not being his true self and attempting to hold his “cool” facade, is cried through the repetitive questioning of his friend. He tells them not to “lie” to him however hypocritical it may be to McKenna himself. Though he stated it’s a jokey song, I believe that is also a mask of facade as socially it is considered being an “attention whore” to beg for help through the media. He must hide his true intentions as the writer in order for people to listen to the music and hear him out. Furthermore, his consistent doubt in the people around him that are a “curse” have pushed him away from just this one friend. McKenna further proves his great opinion on this person as he lists that they are the “cure and something more” to his self doubt. That they are wise and one of a kind and hope that they realise that too. What makes it more interesting is that he “hopes he is over” this friend which points to a strong bond, possibly a intimate one. However this is his strongest lie as he continues to ask the question “why are you so down?” as he cares greatly about this person and doesn’t want to lose the cure that he feels is selfishly is needed for him. An idea of a person or the actual thing, he shows true honesty once admitting his true feelings of his friend

2) He isn’t questioning anyone at all. He is actually questioning himself. He is stating to the listener that he isn’t who he says he is and is asking himself why is he so sad? What has gone wrong? Why is he having to lie to his friends? What could make it most obvious that he is speaking to himself is that he states that “everyone is a curse” to him and that he has “messed up again”. McKenna is questioning his own morality and judgement to know where he went wrong and who he hurt. He admits to himself that he “isn’t as good friend” but still also admits that he “wouldn’t stick around for” himself either. This sadness that is creating a disease in him allows him to come to the realization that he is the cure for himself. He lists that he is wise and one of a kind. Declan attempts to plead for the help of himself as he cries at the mirror in which reflects the weakness of himself.