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.
Here I Go
Relient K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To work this out from my inside
Then I finally realized I
Just need to move on with my life
Gotta make something of it
Not just sit around an wait for it
This place is like a prison
I think I'm going to make a brake for it
[Chorus]
Here I go
Its like I'm living for the first time
Here I go
I think it is the first time I felt alive
I've been suppressed I?ve been let down
Been pushed aside been pushed around
There is only one thing I need and
That's something you can?t take from me
Gotta make something of it
Not just sit around an wait for it
This place is like a prison
I think I'm going to make a brake for it
[Chorus: x2]
Move out move on
If you blink then I?m gone
I've only got one life to live
I'll live it now
You have you doubt
I'll prove them wrong
This is the only thing I know
So here I go
[Chorus: x2]
Relient K's song "Here I Go" is an anthem dedicated to finding freedom, self-discovery, and the courage to move forward from a stagnant life. The repeated lines "Gotta make something of it, Not just sit around and wait for it" show the singer's realization that they need to take charge of their life and make the best of it. The song also talks about being suppressed and let down and moving on from that, taking control of yourself and proving doubters wrong.
The chorus is where the singer is at its most triumphant. In lines like "It's like I'm living for the first time" or "I think it is the first time I felt alive," they celebrate their newfound freedom from their past worries and life. They sing, "Move out move on, If you blink then I'm gone, I've only got one life to live, I'll live it now." It's a hopeful message and a call to action for anyone feeling stuck or unfulfilled in their life.
Line by Line Meaning
Believe me I have tried
I have put a lot of effort into trying to resolve this issue.
To work this out from my inside
I've tried to figure this out on my own, internally.
Then I finally realized I
After all of that, I've come to realize...
Just need to move on with my life
...that I simply need to move forward and continue living.
Gotta make something of it
I need to make something meaningful and worthwhile out of my life.
Not just sit around an wait for it
I can't just stagnate and wait for something to happen.
This place is like a prison
My current situation is stifling and suffocating, just like a prison.
I think I'm going to make a brake for it
I'm going to take a huge risk and make a daring escape from this situation.
Here I go
I'm taking the leap and starting a new adventure.
Its like I'm living for the first time
I feel rejuvenated and alive with a new sense of purpose.
I've been suppressed I?ve been let down
In the past, people have prevented me from reaching my full potential and disappointed me.
Been pushed aside been pushed around
I've been overlooked and taken advantage of repeatedly.
There is only one thing I need and
I have only one essential requirement...
That's something you can?t take from me
...which is to pursue my own happiness and fulfillment, and that's something that no one can take from me.
Move out move on
I'm making a clean break and moving forward.
If you blink then I'm gone
I'm moving so fast that you'll miss me if you blink.
I've only got one life to live
I only have one chance to live my life to the fullest.
I'll live it now
So I'm going to start living my life to the fullest right now.
You have you doubt
I know that you might have doubts about my plan.
I'll prove them wrong
But I'm determined to prove you wrong.
This is the only thing I know
This is the only thing I'm sure of.
So here I go
So I'm taking the plunge and starting my new life adventure.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MATTHEW THIESSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind