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.

Charles In Charge
Relient K Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

New boy in the neighborhood
Lives down stairs and it's understood.
He's there just to take good care of me.
Like he's one of the family.

Charles in charge of
Our days and our nights.
Charles in charge of

Our wrongs and our rights.
So I say
I want Charles in charge of me.

Charles, I love you,
Love you till the end.
And I love Buddy,
Cause he's your best friend.
Let's go hang out,
You me and Jesus at your mom's pizza parlor.
And maybe you can hook me up

With the girl that's from Baywatch
And on your show

Overall Meaning

The song "Charles In Charge" by Relient K is a cover of the theme song for the 1980s sitcom of the same name. The lyrics reminisce about a new boy in the neighborhood who takes care of the singer like "one of the family". The phrase "Charles in charge" is repeated in the chorus, as the singer proclaims their desire for Charles to be in charge of their days, nights, wrongs and rights. The admiration for Charles is expressed further as the singer expresses their love for him, even to the end, and for his best friend Buddy. The lyrics end with a fun invitation to hang out with Jesus at Charles' mom's pizza parlor, and maybe even get a chance to meet the girl from Baywatch who has appeared on Charles' show.

While the lyrics of the song may seem slightly nonsensical on the surface, they capture the feeling of admiration and affection towards someone who has made a positive impact in one's life. The chorus of "Charles in charge" has become a meme in pop culture and has been referenced in various TV shows and movies. The song's upbeat and catchy tune makes it a favorite among fans of Relient K and listeners who enjoy nostalgic 80s vibes.

Line by Line Meaning

New boy in the neighborhood
There's a new guy in town

Lives down stairs and it's understood.
He lives downstairs and everyone knows it

He's there just to take good care of me.
He's always there for me whenever I need him

Like he's one of the family.
He's like a member of my own family

Charles in charge of
Charles is responsible for

Our days and our nights.
He has control over our entire lives

Charles in charge of
Charles is responsible for

Our wrongs and our rights.
He's in charge of making sure we do the right thing

So I say
Because of all this,

I want Charles in charge of me.
I want Charles to be my leader and guide

Charles, I love you,
Charles, I care about you deeply,