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.
May The Horse Be With You
Relient K Lyrics
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The lyrics to Relient K's "May The Horse Be With You" are playful and fun, while also touching on themes of confinement, obedience, and the value systems of different societies. The song introduces us to a character who has been "born in the stable," and is forced to spend their days throwing shoes, taking trips to the track, and carrying around saddles. This character is surrounded by other horses, who all seem to be vying for their attention and approval, by wanting to be taken to the water, praised, or ridden. However, the singer is not content with this life and resists being told what to do or how to live.
Throughout the song, the character expresses their desire for independence, using the repeated phrase "get off my back" to assert their autonomy. They also express their love for hay, and their commitment to "praise all of our days" despite the threat of being turned "into glue." The song ends on a hopeful note, with the character remembering the words of Mr. Reynolds who said "may the horse be with you." This line serves as a reminder that even in the toughest of circumstances, there is always hope for escape or liberation.
Overall, "May The Horse Be With You" is a catchy and charming song that explores themes of confinement and independence through the lens of a stable-bound horse. Its playful lyrics and upbeat melody make it a fun listen, while its underlying themes offer food for thought.
Line by Line Meaning
born in the stable with nothing to do we make a game out of throwing our shoes
We were born in a stable with no real purpose, so we amuse ourselves by throwing our shoes as a game
lead me to water but not to the track
You can guide me to water for drinking, but not for racing purposes
show me the saddle and I'll say hey get off my back
I don't like the idea of being ridden or controlled, so don't put a saddle on me
all in favor all in favor say NAY!
If anyone is opposed to what we're doing, speak up and say 'NAY!'
we like the flavor we like the flavor of Hay!
We enjoy the taste of hay, which is our main food source
we're gunna praise all of our days until they take us away and turn us into glue
We will continue to live our lives and enjoy them until we are no longer alive and get turned into glue
but Mr.Renolds said may the horse be with you
A reference to the popular phrase 'may the force be with you', but instead relating it to horses
every day trapped by the phillies they like me of course they all take my bed yeah I'm a rocking horse
I'm stuck in a confined space with the other horses, and the humans seem to favor me since they always take my spot, even though I'm just a toy rocking horse
you've got to take off your spurs before you ride me
If you want to ride me, you must remove your spurs, which are used for causing pain and control
you know if you want me to stop just let out a WOAH!
If you want me to stop, simply say 'WOAH!', which is a command used in horse riding
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MATTHEW ARNOLD THIESSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind