Relient K is an American rock band formed in 1998 in Canton, Ohio by Matt T… Read Full Bio ↴Relient K is an American rock band formed in 1998 in Canton, Ohio by Matt Thiessen (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Brian Pittman (bass), and Matthew Hoopes (guitar, backing vocals), during the band's junior year in high school and their time at Malone College. The band is named after guitarist Hoopes' automobile, a Plymouth Reliant K car, with the spelling intentionally altered to avoid trademark infringement over the Reliant name.

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 Just Want You To Know
Relient K Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Alright,

I'm a human being
A being
Happy and sane
Oh but human beings
We all need to quit
Being inhumane

[Chorus]
Yea I don't want to say I'm right
I just want you to know
I don't want to say I'm right
I just want you to know

I, a reputation
For replacing
My confidence with fear
But all the untimely embracing
Love that I have found to be sincere

[Chorus]

To know that there was a man
Who lived one day
With holes in his hands
As some do say
And I believe Him, friend
If he talked and prayed
So we do
That's right we do

[Chorus: x2]

I just want you to know
I just want you to know

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Relient K's song "I Just Want You To Know" are a reflection of the different emotions and thoughts that go through a human being's mind. The song starts with the realization that humans are meant to be happy and sane, yet often become inhumane towards each other. It is an admission that we all need to work towards being more compassionate and understanding towards each other.

The chorus of the song repeats the line, "I don't want to say I'm right, I just want you to know." It can be interpreted as the singer's desire to communicate a message of hope and love without necessarily trying to convince anyone that his perspective is the only correct one. The focus is more on spreading awareness and positivity than winning an argument.

The second verse reveals the singer's struggle with self-doubt and fear, but also acknowledges the transformative power of love. The "untimely embracing love" that he has found to be sincere has helped him overcome his insecurity and become a more confident person.

The bridge mentions a "man with holes in his hands," which is likely a reference to Jesus Christ and his crucifixion. The singer believes in Him and his teachings, and urges others to do the same. The message is not necessarily religious, but rather emphasizes the importance of having faith in something greater than oneself.

Overall, "I Just Want You To Know" is a song that encourages listeners to be kinder to each other, while also acknowledging the struggles and doubts that come with being human. It is a reminder that we are all imperfect, but that we can choose to make positive changes in our lives and the lives of others.

Line by Line Meaning

Alright,
Let's begin this conversation.

I'm a human being
I am an individual with thoughts, feelings, and shortcomings.

A being
A living entity with an awareness of its own existence.

Happy and sane
Currently content and mentally stable.

Oh but human beings
However, all humans have common flaws.

We all need to quit
We must stop engaging in harmful behaviors.

Being inhumane
Treating others poorly and lacking empathy.

Yea I don't want to say I'm right
I am not necessarily trying to persuade you to agree with me.

I just want you to know
I hope to convey my thoughts and feelings without causing conflict.

I, a reputation
I have been recognized by others for certain traits or actions.

For replacing
Often exchanging one feeling for another.