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.
Balloon Ride
Relient K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There were things between me and God that were blocking my view.
So I prayed,
"Oh dear Lord, take these things away so I can see."
He answered my prayer and at the sight of Him
I fell to my knees.
And until I went onto that fateful trip.
Until,
I went on a balloon ride
(I could see everything from up there).
I went on a balloon ride
And now everything seems clear.
I strive towards infinity.
Though sometimes I don't know what to do.
When other people laugh at me
All I do is look towards You.
Well on my through this life yet something was gone.
I looked round and round and then I found I needed some one.
So I prayed,
"Oh dear Lord, fill me up and make me whole.
Present in my life Jesus Christ, save my soul."
The song “Balloon Ride” by Relient K is a reflective piece about the journey of the singer towards finding clarity and purpose in life through their relationship with God. The opening lines paint an image of confusion and obstacles in the singer’s life that are hindering their connection with God. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been praying to God for these obstacles to be removed so that they can have a clear view and connect with God. The theme of prayer is central to the song as it represents the singer’s attempt to bridge the gap between them and God.
The lyrics then transition to the singer going on a “fateful trip” and experiencing a balloon ride where they could see everything from up above. This could be interpreted as a spiritual awakening, where the singer gains a renewed perspective on their life and relationship with God. The metaphors used in this section suggest that the feeling of being elevated and seeing things from a new perspective has brought a newfound sense of clarity to the singer's life.
The final verse deals with the singer’s strive towards infinity and the struggles that come with it. They speak of being laughed at by others and their need for someone to fill them up and make them whole. The lyrics again suggest a reliance on God for strength and guidance. Overall, “Balloon Ride” is a thoughtful and introspective song that explores themes of spirituality, connection, and the search for meaning and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
There were times in my life when I was confused.
At certain points in my life, I was unsure of what to do.
There were things between me and God that were blocking my view.
Things in my life were preventing me from having a closer relationship with God.
So I prayed,"Oh dear Lord, take these things away so I can see."
I prayed to God to remove these obstacles so that I could have a clearer view of Him.
He answered my prayer and at the sight of Him I fell to my knees.
God answered my prayer and I was so overwhelmed by His presence that I fell to my knees.
Until, I went on a balloon ride (I could see everything from up there).
Before I took this balloon ride, I felt like my life was sinking. Now that I had a different perspective, I could see everything more clearly.
I went on a balloon ride And now everything seems clear.
The balloon ride was a transformative experience that allowed me to see my life from a different viewpoint, making everything seem clearer.
I strive towards infinity.
I am constantly working towards bettering myself and reaching new heights.
Though sometimes I don't know what to do.
Despite my efforts to constantly improve, there are times when I still feel lost.
When other people laugh at me All I do is look towards You.
When others ridicule me or doubt my beliefs, I turn to God for guidance and strength.
Well on my through this life yet something was gone.
For a while, I felt like something was missing from my life.
I looked round and round and then I found I needed some one.
After searching for answers, I realized that what was missing was a relationship with God.
So I prayed, "Oh dear Lord, fill me up and make me whole.
I prayed to God to fill the missing piece in my life and bring me wholeness and fulfillment.
Present in my life Jesus Christ, save my soul."
I asked Jesus Christ to come into my life and save me from my shortcomings.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: BRIAN LEE PITTMAN, MATTHEW ARNOLD THIESSEN, MATTHEW RYAN HOOPES, STEPHEN CUSHMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ridiculous 247
Saw this in concert at the air 1 stage, spirit west coast waaaaay back in the good ole days!
Caleb Nadeau
I can relate to this, sorry if I'm bothering by all the comments I'm leaving, but Be My Escape is what saved me. I am so thankful. I've repented before that, but Be My Escape, it just, captured what I was feeling, so ever since then, I haven't looked back. Thank you, Relient K.
Chloe
@Caleb Nadeau I'm sorry to hear that, but I am thankful that you accept us. :)
Caleb Nadeau
@Chloe I actually no longer believe. I don't want to say why because I have nothing wrong w people who believe in Christianity but I don't believe anymore.
Chloe
That's awesome!
Stranded Stardust
It's all cool, dude. It's awesome.
Nehemias Lucas
buena
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