Relient K is an American rock band formed in 1998 in Canton, Ohio by Matt T… Read Full Bio ↴Relient K is an American rock band formed in 1998 in Canton, Ohio by Matt Thiessen (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Brian Pittman (bass), and Matthew Hoopes (guitar, backing vocals), during the band's junior year in high school and their time at Malone College. The band is named after guitarist Hoopes' automobile, a Plymouth Reliant K car, with the spelling intentionally altered to avoid trademark infringement over the Reliant name.

In 2000, Dave Douglas replaced Stephen Cushman on drums. In 2004, John Warne, formerly of Ace Troubleshooter replaced Brian on bass guitar. In 2005,Jon Schneck joined on with additional guitars, as well as banjo, bells, and backing vocals. In 2008, Ethan Luck, formerly of The O.C. Supertones and Demon Hunter replaced Dave on drums.

The band has released 9 albums, including 2 Christmas albums, as well as 6 EPs, and some other miscellaneous projects. Starting in 2000 with their second album, Relient K was signed to Gotee Records, a Christian record label. In 2004, their album Mmhmm shot them into mainstream popularity when it released at #15 on Billboard 200, and was released on Gotee, Mono Vs. Stereo (both Christian record labels), as well as Capitol, a secular label. They stayed with Gotee/Capitol until 2007, and their album Five Score and Seven Years Ago released at #6. Their latest album, Forget and Not Slow Down was released in 2009 with Mono Vs. Stereo. The band has done very well in both the Christian and mainstream music industries. The band has received numerous awards including a Grammy Award nomination in 2003 for Best Rock Gospel Album and two Dove Awards. The band has sold over 2 million records, with three albums being given gold certification by the RIAA.

The band's musical style has changed over the years, starting off as very pop-punk, and maturing into a unique sort of pop-alternative-rock, with many songs varying in style, and some including acoustic guitars, piano, banjo, synths, bells, etc. Through the years, their lyrics and songwriting have matured, but they have not lost their silly side and sense of humor. They still often reference their Christian faith throughout their songs.

Matt Thiessen, the band's main songwriter, also has a solo side project, Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes. He has also collaborated with Owl City. Dave Douglas also had a solo side project, Agnes.

Auld Lang Syne
Relient K Lyrics

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Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
For auld lang syne

May auld acquaintance be forgot
And days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
For auld lang syne

May auld acquaintance be forgot
And days of auld lang syne?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Auld Lang Syne" by Relient K, adapted from Robert Burns' original poem, explore the idea of remembering old acquaintances and not forgetting the past. The first verse asks whether old acquaintances should be forgotten and whether memories of the past should be pushed aside. However, the chorus repeatedly declares that "auld lang syne," translated to mean "times gone by," should not be forgotten. The singer wishes to hold on to memories of the past and remember old friendships and experiences, regardless of how much time has passed.

The song's sentimental lyrics are fitting for New Year's Eve, a time when people often reflect on the past year and look towards the future. The chorus is traditionally sung at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, as a symbol of saying goodbye to the old year and embracing the new.

Overall, Relient K's version of "Auld Lang Syne" captures the bittersweet feeling of remembering the past while also looking forward to what the future may hold. The lyrics encourage listeners to cherish memories while still moving forward and embracing what's to come.

Line by Line Meaning

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
Should we forget about old friends and acquaintances?

And never brought to mind?
Should we never even think about them anymore?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
Should we forget about old friends and acquaintances?

And days of auld lang syne?
Should we forget about the good times we had together in the past?

For auld lang syne, my dear
But let's remember the good times we had together

For auld lang syne
For the sake of old times and memories

May auld acquaintance be forgot
May we not forget about old friends and acquaintances

And days of auld lang syne?
And may we not forget about the good times we had together in the past?

For auld lang syne, my dear
For the sake of old times and memories

For auld lang syne
For the sake of old times and memories

May auld acquaintance be forgot
May we not forget about old friends and acquaintances