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.
I'm Lion-O
Relient K Lyrics
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Snarf, me and the twins.
My favorite feline is the one who wore cheetah skins.
Fighting evil, we drink milk, and we purr a lot.
Ask me to cross them, and I would say I'd rather not.
Thundercats Ho!
I'm Lion-O!
Sword of Omens, come to me.
Your eye opens so you can see.
Fly from the sheath into my paw.
I am the greatest Thundercat of them all...
I'm Lion-O!
The lyrics to Relient K's song "I'm Lion-O" describe the life and adventures of the Thundercat named Lion-O. The song starts by introducing the setting, the lair, where Lion-O is hanging out with Snarf and the twins. Lion-O then shares that his favorite feline among the Thundercats is the one who wore cheetah skins, emphasizing his love for felines.
The song goes on to describe how Lion-O and his Thundercat comrades fight against evil, drink milk, and purr a lot. However, Lion-O makes it clear that he would not cross their enemies, indicating that he values peace and harmony. The chorus of the song, "Thundercats Ho! I'm Lion-O!" is Lion-O's battle cry, emphasizing his confidence and courage.
The bridge of the song is dedicated to Lion-O's powerful weapon, the Sword of Omens, which has the ability to grant Lion-O visions beyond the physical world. Lion-O calls upon the sword with his famous catchphrase, "Sword of Omens, come to me. Your eye opens so you can see. Fly from the sheath into my paw." The song concludes with Lion-O declaring himself as the greatest Thundercat of them all, reinstating his boldness and bravery.
Line by Line Meaning
Chillin' at the lair.
I am currently relaxing in a place that serves as my home or base of operations.
Snarf, me and the twins.
I am accompanied by Snarf and two other individuals, who are not specifically identified.
My favorite feline is the one who wore cheetah skins.
I hold a particular affinity for a certain feline character who wore a distinctive pattern of fur.
Fighting evil, we drink milk, and we purr a lot.
When combating malevolent forces, we consume dairy products and emit a low, rumbling sound indicative of contentment.
Ask me to cross them, and I would say I'd rather not.
If prompted to engage in conflict with opposition, I would prefer to abstain from such activity.
Thundercats Ho!
An exclamation indicating enthusiasm, solidarity, and a readiness for action among members of the Thundercats group.
I'm Lion-O!
A statement identifying myself as the central figure of the Thundercats and the bearer of the Sword of Omens.
Sword of Omens, come to me.
A command directed at my weapon to return to my possession.
Your eye opens so you can see.
A description of the Sword of Omens' ability to extend a visual perception beyond that of the user.
Fly from the sheath into my paw.
An instruction to the sword to detach from its holster and be held in my hand.
I am the greatest Thundercat of them all...
A boastful statement that I hold the highest esteem among my feline companions and within the realm of Thundercat society.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MATTHEW ARNOLD THIESSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind