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.
Forgiven
Relient K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're in the palm of a hand, making a fist
It'd be best for one of us to speak up
But we prefer to pretend it does not exist
And you can't see past the blood on my hands
To see that you've been aptly damned to fail and fail again
We think the thoughts, whether or not we see them through
And I know that I have been forgiven
And I just hope you can forgive me too
So don't you dare blame me
For prying open the door
That's unleashed the bitterness
That's here in the midst of this
Sometimes we live for no one but ourselves
And what we've been striving for
Has turned into nothing more
Than bodies, limp on the floor
Victims of falling short
We kiss goodbye, the cheek of our true love
And you can't see past the blood on my hands
To see that you've been aptly damned to fail and fail again
'Cause we're all guilty of the same things
We think the thoughts, whether or not we see them through
And I know that I have been forgiven
And I just hope you can forgive me too, you can forgive me too
And you can't see past the blood on my hands
To see that you've been aptly damned to fail and fail again
'Cause we're all guilty of the same things
We think the thoughts, whether or not we see them through
And I know that I have been forgiven
And I just hope you can forgive me too
You can forgive me too, you can forgive me too
You can forgive me, can forgive me
Can forgive me, can forgive me too
"Forgiven" by Relient K explores the theme of forgiveness, acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes and falls short at times. The song describes a situation where there is tension between two individuals, who are aware of their faults but choose to ignore them. The metaphor of being in the palm of a hand, making a fist, has been used to describe the brewing conflict between the two. Despite being aware of their mistakes, they continue to indulge in selfishness and fail to take responsibility for their actions.
The lyrics also allude to the fact that humans are flawed beings, guilty of making mistakes or harbouring negative thoughts, regardless of whether or not we act on them. The singer, however, acknowledges their own faults and expresses gratitude for being forgiven. The request for forgiveness from the other person is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and restoring relationships.
The final verses speak of the consequences of selfishness and the pain it can cause to others. The imagery of bodies on the floor may be symbolic of relationships that have suffered damage or broken completely. The singer acknowledges that they too have played a part in causing hurt but seeks forgiveness for their actions.
Overall, "Forgiven" is a powerful ode to the need for forgiveness and reconciliation in all types of relationships. It serves as a reminder that we all make mistakes and that there is always a chance for redemption and restoration.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh yes, I know this tension that you speak of
I understand the stress and anxiety that you are expressing.
We're in the palm of a hand, making a fist
We are trapped in a dangerous situation.
It'd be best for one of us to speak up
We should talk about our issues instead of avoiding them.
But we prefer to pretend it does not exist
We would rather ignore the problem than deal with it honestly.
And you can't see past the blood on my hands
You are judging me based on my mistakes and not seeing who I truly am.
To see that you've been aptly damned to fail and fail again
You are also prone to making mistakes and have been unsuccessful in the past.
'Cause we're all guilty of the same things
We all make errors and think negative thoughts, even if we don't act on them.
We think the thoughts, whether or not we see them through
We have the same negative thoughts and temptations even if we don't act on them.
And I know that I have been forgiven
I feel that I have been pardoned for my past mistakes.
And I just hope you can forgive me too
I want you to forgive me for any harm I have caused you.
So don't you dare blame me
Don't hold me responsible for bringing up past grievances.
For prying open the door
For opening up a discussion that may be uncomfortable.
That's unleashed the bitterness
That has caused negative feelings to come to light.
That's here in the midst of this
That is causing tensions in our current situation.
Sometimes we live for no one but ourselves
We often prioritize our own desires and needs over the needs of others.
And what we've been striving for
Our goals and ambitions that we work tirelessly to achieve.
Has turned into nothing more
Have failed to materialize to our expectations.
Than bodies, limp on the floor
We have failed and fallen short of our goals.
Victims of falling short
We are our own worst enemy and often the cause of our failures.
We kiss goodbye, the cheek of our true love
We may be sacrificing a meaningful relationship for our own selfish desires.
You can forgive me too, you can forgive me too
I am hoping that you are capable of forgiving me and moving past our issues together.
You can forgive me, can forgive me
Please forgive me for any harm I have caused you.
Can forgive me, can forgive me too
I am hoping that you will be able to forgive me for my past mistakes.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: MATTHEW THIESSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind