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.
Merry Christmas Here's to Many More
Relient K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I did not even collapse
Gotta say thank God for that
I'm torn between what keeps me whole
And what tears me in half
I'll fall apart or stay intact
With tired eyes I stumble back to bed
Life's not hanging by a thread
At least not yet
So look at me now
It's finally Christmas and I'm home
Head indoors to get out of this weather
And I don't know how
But the closest friends I've ever known
Are all inside singing together
Singing Merry Christmas, here's to many more
It always hurt to be all by myself this time of year
A cold and lonely Christmas Eve
And living out my days alone
Well, that had been my deepest fear
But you promised you won't leave
I look towards the east and see a star
Jesus Christ, it's blessed my life
To know just who you are
You are my hope
So look at me now
It's finally Christmas and I'm home
Head indoors to get out of this weather
And I don't know how
But the closest friends I've ever known
Are all inside singing together
Singing Merry Christmas, here's to many more
Deck the halls with mistletoe
May all your heavy burdens go
Up the chimney in a cloud of smoke
The fire's burning bright
Strike up the band and play the tune
'Cause Christmas will be here and soon
You'll hear our song in every room
This merry Christmas night
Singing Merry Christmas, here's to many more
The lyrics to Relient K's "Merry Christmas Here's to Many More" express a mix of emotions that one may feel at the end of a year. The singer initially feels relieved to have made it through the year without collapsing, and they thank God for that. However, at the same time, they feel torn between what keeps them whole and what tears them in half. The singer realizes that their life is not hanging by a thread, at least not yet, and with these thoughts, they stumble back to bed with tired eyes. The singer then expresses how much they appreciate being home for Christmas among their closest friends who are singing together. They sing about their appreciation for Jesus, whom they see as their hope, the one who has blessed their life. The song ends on a positive note, with the celebratory lyrics of "Merry Christmas, here's to many more."
Line by Line Meaning
I made it through the year
Despite all of the challenges and obstacles that I faced throughout the year, I was able to persevere and come out on the other side intact.
And I did not even collapse
Despite feeling overwhelmed and exhausted at times, I managed to keep going and avoided completely breaking down or giving up.
Gotta say thank God for that
I recognize that my ability to make it through the year was not something I accomplished on my own, and I am grateful for the support and guidance that helped me along the way.
I'm torn between what keeps me whole
There are certain things in my life that make me feel happy, fulfilled, and complete, but sometimes those things conflict with other aspects that cause stress or anxiety.
And what tears me in half
In some cases, the things that make me happy or fulfilled also require sacrifices or trade-offs, which can make me feel conflicted or unsure about which path to take.
I'll fall apart or stay intact
At times, it feels like my life could go either way - I could completely lose it and fall apart, or I could keep it together and make it through whatever challenges come my way.
With tired eyes I stumble back to bed
After a long day or year, I often feel physically and emotionally drained, and all I want to do is rest and recharge.
I need to realize my sorry
I need to take responsibility for my mistakes and shortcomings, and recognize where I need to improve or make amends in my life.
Life's not hanging by a thread
Despite feeling overwhelmed or stressed at times, I know that my life is not in immediate danger or crisis, and I have the ability to work through my challenges and come out stronger.
At least not yet
While I am grateful for the stability and security in my life currently, I recognize that things can change in an instant and that I need to remain vigilant and prepared for whatever comes my way.
So look at me now
Despite all of the challenges and doubts I have faced throughout the year, I am proud of myself for making it to this point and being able to enjoy the holiday season with loved ones.
It's finally Christmas and I'm home
After a long year, I am able to return to the comfort and safety of my home for the holidays, surrounded by loved ones and good cheer.
Head indoors to get out of this weather
The winter weather can be harsh and unforgiving, but I am grateful to have a warm, cozy place to shelter and escape from the elements.
And I don't know how
Despite feeling uncertain or overwhelmed at times, I am grateful for the people in my life who have shown me love and support, and who have become some of my closest friends.
But the closest friends I've ever known
Through all of life's challenges and uncertainties, I have found a group of friends who have become like family to me, and who I trust and rely on for support and companionship.
Are all inside singing together
The joy and laughter of the holiday season has brought us all together, and we celebrate our friendship and love through music and song.
Singing Merry Christmas, here's to many more
As we celebrate the holiday season and our friendship, we look towards the future with hope and optimism, wishing for many more happy, healthy, and joyful Christmases to come.
It always hurt to be all by myself this time of year
During past holiday seasons, I have felt lonely and isolated, and the joy and excitement of the season has been overshadowed by my feelings of being alone.
A cold and lonely Christmas Eve
The winter weather and dark nights can make me feel even more isolated and alone, especially during Christmas Eve when many people are surrounded by loved ones.
And living out my days alone
The fear of remaining alone and isolated for the rest of my life has been a deep-seated and painful concern for me, causing stress and anxiety in my daily life.
Well, that had been my deepest fear
Despite my concerns and worries, I have found courage and hope in the love and support of those around me, who have promised to be there for me no matter what.
But you promised you won't leave
Through the love and support of a special person in my life, I have found the courage to face my fears and accept the support and companionship that is available to me.
I look towards the east and see a star
As I reflect on the holiday season and the hope and joy it brings, I think of the symbol of the Star of Bethlehem, which represents a guiding light and source of hope and inspiration.
Jesus Christ, it's blessed my life
Through my faith, I have found a source of strength and comfort in knowing that I am not alone, and that I have a higher power watching over and guiding me in my life.
To know just who you are
By understanding and embracing the teachings and love of Jesus Christ, I have found a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in my life, which has brought me peace and contentment.
You are my hope
Through my faith and connection to Jesus Christ, I have found a sense of hope and optimism for the future, even in challenging times.
Deck the halls with mistletoe
As we celebrate the holiday season, we decorate our homes with festive decorations and traditions, such as hanging mistletoe in doorways and hallways.
May all your heavy burdens go
As we celebrate the holiday season, we hope to let go of the weight and stress of our daily lives, and enjoy time with loved ones and the joy of the season.
Up the chimney in a cloud of smoke
As we let go of the stresses and worries of our lives, we imagine sending them up the chimney in a symbol of release and freedom.
The fire's burning bright
Through the warmth and light of the fire, we find comfort and solace during a cold and dark time of year, reminding us of the hope and joy of the holiday season.
Strike up the band and play the tune
As we celebrate the holiday season, we enjoy music and entertainment, and come together to sing and dance in celebration of the joys of the season.
'Cause Christmas will be here and soon
As we prepare for the upcoming holiday, we get excited for the celebrations and traditions that come with it, anticipating the joy and excitement of Christmas day.
You'll hear our song in every room
As we celebrate the holiday season, we share our love and joy with those around us, singing and laughing with friends and family in every room of our homes.
This merry Christmas night
As we celebrate the holiday season and come together in joy and love, we wish each other a very merry Christmas and look forward to many more joyful celebrations in the future.
Contributed by John P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.