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.
Mrs. Hippopotamuses'
Relient K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's nothing better than knowing where you come from (here we go Brownies, here we go, huh huh)
O-H I-O
Here we go Brownies, here we go, huh huh
I grew up in the sticks small town, Erie Canal
Tuscarawas Valley, class clowns, and dairy cows
Sometimes we know it's getting better than it is right now
We're living simple, there's a chance to let it all take place
And watch the light around you, shed some life upon your face
I wish it didn't take all this time to figure it out
O-H-I-O
Now everybody's saying, let's hear it for the Cleveland Browns
Before the Cuyahoga River burns the whole downtown
Sandusky summertime is forty-five minutes away
O-H-I-O
They do karate where I was setting up and checking the sounds
Someone was singing along with rivers so you say
Sandusky summertime is only forty-five minutes away
O-H-I-O (here we go Brownies, here we go huh huh)
O-H I-O (here we go Brownies, here we go)
There's nothing better than knowing where you come from
I'm watching generation two grow up and graduate
There's all this light around you, oh how you radiate
Oh, what you gonna do, oh no, what you gonna do
We're living simple, there's a chance to let it all take place
And watch the light around you, shed some life upon your face
I swear I feel it in me, I'm telling you it's true
O-H-I-O
Now everybody's saying, let's hear it for the Cleveland Browns
Before the Cuyahoga River burns the whole downtown
Sandusky summertime is forty-five minutes away
O-H-I-O
Miss' Hippopamuses' otter waterpark admission
We'll ride the roller coasters over every holiday
Sandusky summertime is forty-five minutes away
O-H I-O (here we go Brownies, here wo go, huh huh)
O-H I-O (here we go Brownies, here wo go, huh huh)
There's nothing better than knowing where you come from
The lyrics to Relient K's song "Mrs. Hippopotamuses'" are about nostalgia and the importance of knowing where one comes from. The song begins with a chant of "O-H I-O" which is a common chant used at Ohio State University sporting events. The song's references to Cleveland Browns, Cuyahoga River, Tuscarawas Valley, and Sandusky place the song in the state of Ohio. The song's title is a reference to the Kalahari Resorts water park in Sandusky, Ohio called "Kalahari Resorts and Conventions Sandusky."
The first verse describes the singer's upbringing in a small town in Ohio. He reminisces about his hometown being a simpler place and talks about the joy of seeing the light around you. The chorus emphasizes the importance of knowing where you come from and repeats the "O-H I-O" chant, which serves as a reminder of the singer's Ohio roots.
The second verse talks about watching the next generation grow up and graduate. The chorus is repeated, with an emphasis on the Sandusky area, where the water park is located. The last few lines of the song suggest that the singer feels a connection to his roots and he encourages others to do the same.
Line by Line Meaning
O-H I-O
Chanting the state's name and expressing pride in it
There's nothing better than knowing where you come from (here we go Brownies, here we go, huh huh)
The feeling of immense satisfaction upon knowing one's roots and origin
I grew up in the sticks small town, Erie Canal
Tuscarawas Valley, class clowns, and dairy cows
Sometimes we know it's getting better than it is right now
Growing up in a small town characterized by its features, getting nostalgic for the past and wishing for a better future
We're living simple, there's a chance to let it all take place
And watch the light around you, shed some life upon your face
I wish it didn't take all this time to figure it out
Life is simple and can be fulfilling, and realizing this sooner would've prevented many regrets
Now everybody's saying, let's hear it for the Cleveland Browns
Before the Cuyahoga River burns the whole downtown
Sandusky summertime is forty-five minutes away
O-H-I-O
Cheering for a local sports team and the realization that the environment is not invincible and needs to be protected. Also, the excitement for summer to arrive and the closeness of Sandusky
Miss' Hippopamuses' otter waterpark admission
We'll ride the roller coasters over every holiday
Sandusky summertime is forty-five minutes away
A fun day at a water park with friends and family, and the close proximity of Sandusky's summer attractions
I'm watching generation two grow up and graduate
There's all this light around you, oh how you radiate
Oh, what you gonna do, oh no, what you gonna do
Observing future generations grow up and being inspired by the energy and enthusiasm they bring along
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lydgn2745
Wowie, a song about a state other than California or New York. Thanks for giving us our own song!
@simplylogan93
"O H! ---- I O!"
I'm not even from Ohio and I dig this.
@valeriaulate9481
Hahahaha so true
@erwin21D
I'm in Belize, Central America and this is my favourite song from the album right now.
@alexanderwaight699
Hey brother, cheers from NJ! My parents stem from Burrell Boom and Cayo, hoping to visit in the year! Take care!
@BuildingforLife
from NY singing O-H-I-O
@wichooscar
jajaja im mexican and love this song xD
@RoyalsRP
As someone who has lived his whole life in Ohio, I can really appreciate this song!
@jimbodestroyer1324
How do you feel now
@tarttooth6022
Dang, who's writing the bass parts in Relient K now? That walking sounds so good.