When you search for Kneecap the recap lyrics, you’re diving into a track that’s much more than music. The Recap by Belfast rap trio Kneecap—Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Provaí—mixes Irish and English with biting political satire, local pride, and rebellion.
At Gaeilgeoir AI, we see songs like The Recap not only as art but also as a vibrant example of Gaeilge in action. By exploring the Kneecap the recap lyrics, learners can see how Irish thrives in modern, edgy contexts.
Kneecap The Recap Lyrics
[Intro]
There’s a little bit of breaking news to bring you
And that is that counter terrorism police will investigate the rap trio, Kneecap
[Verse 1: Mo Chara]
Mothaíomse bliss (I feel bliss)
Le titim dorachadas (With the fall of darkness)
Loitering cúl sráide (Loitering in a back street)
Táim sa tóir ar the rich (I’m chasing the rich)
An rialtas anois in bits (The government is now in bits)
Kneecap gave them a frisk
Sporán le notaí (A wallet with notes)
But we know they’ve got more than this
Gréim láimhe and we’ll stroll to the bank (Hand in hand and we’ll stroll to the bank)
Gimme Kemi’s money and give her my thanks
We’ll call it reparations, Badenoch, ya wank
Tried to take my money but I came and collected it back
[Chorus]
Nah, nah, nah
Imithe le fada (Gone long ago)
It’s Kneecap, the recap;
Ríthe Bhéal Feirste (Kings of Belfast)
Nah, nah, nah
Imithe le fada (Gone long ago)
Ar chrónaigh sibh Provaí, Móglaí Bap agus Mo Chara (You crowned Provaí, Móglaí Bap, and Mo Chara)
Nah, nah, nah
Imithe le fada (Gone long ago)
It’s Kneecap, the recap;
Ríthe Bhéal Feirste (Kings of Belfast)
Nah, nah, nah
Imithe le fada (Gone long ago)
Ar chrónaigh sibh Provaí, Móglaí Bap agus Mo Chara (You crowned Provaí, Móglaí Bap, and Mo Chara)
[Verse 2: Móglaí Bap]
Kemi ya wally
Tá an scríobhneacht ar na ballaí (The writing is on the walls)
You like to think that you’re fooling everybody
But you’re not
Just like the Iron Lady
Your career is gonna rot
Tá d’am de chac imithe ar smacht (Your time of sht has gone out of control)*
Kneecap ar ais anois (Kneecap is back now)
Le rud a chur i gceart (To set something right)
Anseo a ndéantar raic (Here’s where trouble is made)
Tá muid tinn de do chac (We’re sick of your sht)*
Kemi ya wally
Tá Maggie ag coladh ina leaba (Maggie is sleeping in her bed)
Is cuma cén cinneadh (It doesn’t matter what decision)
You just cumadh cé chomh [?] (You just made up how [?])
Tá tú chomh lán de chac (You’re so full of sht)*
Cosúil le do cheannaireacht (Just like your leadership)
Go for a crack
Some fellas from the lower whack
[Bridge: Mo Chara]
When they see me
Téann na láimhe ina bpoca (Hands go into pockets)
Who’s shouting yeah
Cos I’m here to stroke ya
Is maith liom na bróga sin (I like those shoes)
Luadh couple of nóta (A couple of notes were mentioned)
Seems they suit me
I’ll take them home lad
You backing up Badenoch
Cry into your sherry
Had enough Badenoch
You thought it’s momentary
Called your bluff Badenoch
Belfast to Derry shouting
“Fuck Badenoch”
[Chorus]
Nah, nah, nah
Imithe le fada (Gone long ago)
It’s Kneecap, the recap;
Ríthe Bhéal Feirste (Kings of Belfast)
Nah, nah, nah
Imithe le fada (Gone long ago)
Ar chrónaigh sibh Provaí, Móglaí Bap agus Mo Chara (You crowned Provaí, Móglaí Bap, and Mo Chara)
Nah, nah, nah
Imithe le fada (Gone long ago)
It’s Kneecap, the recap;
Ríthe Bhéal Feirste (Kings of Belfast)
Nah, nah, nah
Imithe le fada (Gone long ago)
Ar chrónaigh sibh Provaí, Móglaí Bap agus Mo Chara (You crowned Provaí, Móglaí Bap, and Mo Chara)
[Outro: DJ Provaí]
Good effort, Kemi
Hard luck in the elections
Onwards and upwards
Free Palestine
Breaking Down Kneecap The Recap Lyrics
The Kneecap the recap lyrics pack layers of humor, cultural pride, and political commentary. Let’s unpack the key themes.
1. Political Satire
Much of the track targets Kemi Badenoch, critiquing UK politics with sharp wit. Lines about reparations, Margaret Thatcher, and “crying into your sherry” show Kneecap’s flair for bold satire.
2. Irish-English Code-Switching
Lyrics like “Mothaíomse bliss / Le titim dorachadas” show how Kneecap switch between Irish and English, making Gaeilge part of the modern rap scene. This reflects everyday bilingual life in Belfast.
3. Pride in Belfast
The chorus—“Ríthe Bhéal Feirste” (Kings of Belfast)—is an unapologetic claim to cultural authority and local pride.
4. Humor and Rebellion
Even while mocking politicians, the group keeps things playful, mixing insults, irony, and clever wordplay.
Why The Recap Sparked Headlines
The intro mentions counter-terrorism police looking into Kneecap, which wasn’t just artistic drama—it reflected real controversy. The group often attracts headlines for their unapologetic politics, cultural pride, and frequent use of Irish.
This controversy only amplifies their impact, ensuring songs like The Recap reach audiences beyond Ireland.
Learning Irish Through Kneecap The Recap Lyrics
For learners, Kneecap the recap lyrics aren’t just entertaining—they’re educational. Here’s why:
- Real Vocabulary – Everyday Irish phrases appear alongside slang and satire.
- Pronunciation Practice – Fast-paced delivery helps learners hear authentic sounds.
- Cultural Insight – The lyrics reflect Belfast’s politics and humor.
- Confidence Building – Shows Irish is a living, modern language.
If you want to expand your vocab beyond music, check out our guide to Cool Irish Words to Know.
Key Irish Phrases in The Recap
A few phrases in the Kneecap the recap lyrics are especially useful for learners:
- “Mothaíomse bliss” – I feel bliss.
- “Le titim dorachadas” – With the fall of darkness.
- “Tá tú chomh lán de chac” – You’re so full of sh*t.
- “Ríthe Bhéal Feirste” – Kings of Belfast.
These phrases show both poetic expression and slang—two sides of living Irish.
Kneecap’s Role in Language Revival
Kneecap the recap lyrics are part of a bigger picture: the revival of Gaeilge in modern music. By blending Irish into rap, Kneecap prove that the language is not just historical—it’s relevant, edgy, and global.
Other Irish rappers and folk artists are also incorporating Gaeilge, but Kneecap’s unapologetic style stands out, reaching young people who might never engage with the language otherwise.
From Lyrics to Learning: How to Practice
Here’s how to use Kneecap the recap lyrics as part of your study routine:
- Listen and Repeat – Focus on rhythm and pronunciation.
- Spot the Irish – Highlight Gaeilge words in the lyrics.
- Translate Small Parts – Don’t overwhelm yourself; focus on a verse.
- Sing Along – Using rap as practice improves fluency and recall.
- Expand with Guides – Use resources like our Irish Pronunciation Guide to improve accuracy.
Recapping The Recap
The Kneecap the recap lyrics show us that Irish is alive, rebellious, and unapologetically modern. They mix humor, politics, and cultural pride in a way that inspires both fans and learners.
For anyone studying Gaeilge, songs like The Recap offer a chance to practice vocabulary, hear authentic Irish in action, and connect with contemporary culture.
Want to take your Irish learning beyond lyrics? Join our community at Gaeilgeoir AI and explore modern, AI-powered tools designed to help you grow your skills. Start free today.
