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.
Deck the Halls
Relient K Lyrics
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Fa la la la la, la la la la
Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Troll the ancient youletide carol,
The first verse "Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la, la la la la," alludes to decorating homes with plant materials and other festive ornaments during Christmastime. Holly symbols have been associated with Christianity for centuries and are often associated with good fortune and protection. The refrain "Fa la la la la, la la la la" is sung in the melody of a traditional Welsh carol called "Nos Galan," which is also known as "New Year's Eve."
The second verse "Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la, la la la la," refers to the spirit of joy and goodwill that is fostered during the Christmas season. This is a time when people come together to celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones. The third verse "Don we now our gay apparel, fa la la la la, la la la la," encourages people to wear their most festive clothing, referencing the tradition of wearing bright colors and patterns during holiday gatherings.
The fourth and final verse "Troll the ancient yuletide carol, fa la la la la, la la la la," refers to the custom of singing Christmas carols, which date back several centuries. This idea of "trolling" a carol means to sing it or recite it in a joyful, lively, and sometimes improvised way. It is said that the idea of "trolling" a carol comes from the old English word "troll," which meant to sing loudly and confidently.
Line by Line Meaning
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Let us decorate the gathering place with branches of holly to bring festive joy
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Singing joyful sounds of the season in unison to celebrate the occasion
Tis the season to be jolly
This time of year is perfect for spreading happiness and cheer
Don we now our gay apparel
Let us dress up in bright, colorful clothing to celebrate the season
Troll the ancient yuletide carol
Sing the traditional Christmas song to honor the customs of the past and bring merriment to the present
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES BOURNE, THOMAS MICHAEL FLETCHER, DANNY JONES, BEN SARGEANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind