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.
Collapsible Lung
Relient K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I lost sight of what might matter the most
I stumbled into the great unknown and found
That time won't slow down
I'm getting by with my collapsible lung
And it's a good time 100% of the time
And I'm like a ladder with a missing rung
And I'm feelin' backwards when I'm trying the most
And I hope haven't heard the last words from the holy ghost
Cause I think that I'm supposed to be
Well on my way by now
I'll do the twist with my replaceable hips
And turn you right round
Then dip you down to the ground
And now I wanna grow old and rub your tired limbs
And take it easy
Until we wither away
Until we wither away
Between the miles of open road
I lost sight of what might matter the most
I stumbled into the great unknown and found
That time can't slow down
To take a breath and then take it in
To think of places I'll go I haven't been
To pour my heart into everything I've found
Time won't slow down
Feelin' backwards
And I hope haven't heard the last words
No, no, no
Cause I think that I'm supposed to be
Well on my way-eh-eh!
Eh eh!
Wooo'
To pour my heart into everything I found
Between the miles of open road
I lost sight of what might matter the most
I stumbled into the great unknown and found
That time won't slow down
To take a breath and then take it in
To think of places I'll go I haven't been
The lyrics of the song 'Collapsible Lung' by Relient K deal with the theme of a person's journey through life and how they have lost sight of what is truly important. The song includes several metaphors and analogies like the miles of open road, a collapsible lung, a ladder with a missing rung, and replaceable hips, which all represent the experiences and challenges that happen in one's lifetime. The song's chorus highlights the fact that the singer is trying to stay positive even though life is tough, and he still hopes to find his way to where he's supposed to be in life.
The song's theme revolves around how the open road of life can lead to one losing their way and getting caught up in the moment instead of focusing on what is essential. The lines "between the miles of open road, I lost sight of what might matter the most" portray the idea that one can get so caught up in their journey that they forget about what truly matters. The idea of a collapsible lung represents how one's emotional or inner self can collapse or bend under the pressure of life's challenges. In contrast, a ladder with a missing rung represents the obstacles and challenges that can slow one's progress in life.
The song's overall theme seems to suggest that life is not a sprint but a marathon, and it's essential to take a step back, breathe, and enjoy the journey. The song encourages its listeners to take risks, embrace change, and to find joy in the small things. The lyrics remind us to cherish what is essential and focus on what truly matters.
Line by Line Meaning
Between the miles of open road
Amidst the vast stretch of life's journey
I lost sight of what might matter the most
I lost focus on what's truly important
I stumbled into the great unknown and found
I took a chance and discovered something new
That time won't slow down
Time moves relentlessly forward
I'm getting by with my collapsible lung
I'm moving forward with limited resources
And it's a good time 100% of the time
Despite that, I try to stay positive
And I'm like a ladder with a missing rung
I feel incomplete and hindered
And it's a slow climb headed back to the sky
My progress is gradual and uncertain
And I'm feelin' backwards when I'm trying the most
I feel like I'm moving in the wrong direction
And I hope haven't heard the last words from the holy ghost
I hope to receive spiritual guidance for my path
Cause I think that I'm supposed to be
I believe I have a purpose to fulfill
Well on my way by now
I feel like I should have made more progress by now
I'll do the twist with my replaceable hips
I'll keep moving and adapting despite physical limitations
And turn you right round
I can also lift others up
Then dip you down to the ground
But I'm not invincible
And now I wanna grow old and rub your tired limbs
I hope to share a long, loving life with someone
And take it easy
Enjoying the simple pleasures in life
Until we wither away
Until our time on earth is over
To take a breath and then take it in
To pause and reflect on the present moment
To think of places I'll go I haven't been
To dream and plan for the future
To pour my heart into everything I've found
To invest myself fully in everything I do
Time won't slow down
Time waits for no one
Feelin' backwards
Feeling lost or uncertain
No, no, no
Expressing frustration or sadness
Eh eh!
A sound of determination or perseverance
Wooo'
A sound of excitement or celebration
Lyrics © SONGS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: MATTHEW ARNOLD THIESSEN, MATTHEW RYAN HOOPES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
كريم صباغ
Between the miles of open road
I lost sight of what might matter the most
I stumbled into the great unknown and found
That time won’t slow down
I’m getting by with my collapsible lung
And it’s a good time 100% of the time
And I’m like a ladder with a missing rung
And it’s a slow climb headed back to the sky
And I’m feelin' backwards when I’m trying the most
And I hope haven’t heard the last words from the holy ghost
Cause I think that I’m supposed to be
Well on my way by now
I'll do the twist with my replaceable hips
And turn you right round
Then dip you down to the ground
And now I wanna grow old and rub your tired limbs
And take it easy
Until we wither away
Until we wither away
Between the miles of open road
I lost sight of what might matter the most
I stumbled into the great unknown and found
That time can’t slow down
To take a breath and then take it in
To think of places I’ll go I haven’t been
To pour my heart into everything I've found
Time won’t slow down
Feelin' backwards
And I hope haven’t heard the last words
No, no, no
Cause I think that I’m supposed to be
Well on my way-eh-eh!
Eh eh!
Wooo…
To pour my heart into everything I found
Between the miles of open road
I lost sight of what might matter the most
I stumbled into the great unknown and found
That time won’t slow down
To take a breath and then take it in
To think of places I’ll go I haven’t been
Amanda Wehland
This is so incredibly happy, sad, deep, and meaningful all at the same time. I've always admired their ability to achieve that in their music.
HeedAndSucceed
+Amanda Wehland Well said.
Resist4God
This is such a great song. It not only clarified the meaning behind most of the songs of this album, but it also helped me realize how I've tried to fill my life with worldly things, instead of following Christ, the giver of true and eternal joy.
Tim Sparks
I eventually fell in love with this song! It's just so honest! Every christian has a season at some point in their life when they can relate to this. It's about making mistakes and not hearing from God anymore. I love how this song explains the rest of the album
magicberu
I've just listened this album again and after having read the Stephen C. Shutters review, I realized one thing: this album is brilliant, amazing and well designed. I didn't get first the message behind all the tracks but I listened carefully to them and finally found the same feeling that Stephen described. Good job Relient K.
Caleb Dunaway
My right lung has actually collapsed 6 times... so this song has a whole new level of meaning for me lol.
Joe Strik
This album would not be the same without this song
Merk&Cheez
it would probably have a different title
Joe Strik
+Merk&Cheez Not what I was going for, but that's true too
diakyu
Yeah, this album would be pretty lackluster after their previous work but this song gives new meaning to the entire album and makes it into something quite amazing.