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.
My Girlfriend
Relient K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Go up to her and say you're a believer.
Disgusting trash on MTV it makes her smile.
That guy from Satan's embassy put him on trial.
Because... Marilyn Manson ate my girlfriend.
Satan consumed her mind, and he may do it again.
Marylin Manson ate my girlfriend.
She denies God when she has the chance to live for him.
The thought of it makes me cringe.
Her future looks dim.
She'd rather gaze in Satan's eyes than on a steeple.
I'm really starting to despise beautiful people.
The lyrics to Relient K's song "My Girlfriend" tell the story of a girl who was once a believer in God, but has since fallen prey to the dark influence of Marilyn Manson and Satan. The first lines of the song address the location of the girl, saying that if you walk through the streets of PA (likely referring to Pennsylvania), you may see her. The singer then suggests that someone confront her and tell her they are a believer, implying that the girl has lost her way spiritually.
The second verse describes the girl's fascination with "disgusting trash" on MTV, which only serves to make her smile. The mention of "that guy from Satan's embassy" likely refers to Marilyn Manson, who is known for his controversial and often dark music and imagery. The chorus repeats the shocking statement that "Marilyn Manson ate my girlfriend", suggesting that the girl has fully succumbed to the dark influence of Manson and Satan. The lyrics also indicate that this is not a one-time occurrence, but that Manson may consume her mind again in the future.
The second half of the second verse highlights the girl's denial of God and her preference for Satan's influence. The singer expresses frustration and disgust at the girl's choice, saying that her future looks grim and that she would rather worship Satan than attend church. The final line, "I'm really starting to despise beautiful people", may be a reference to the idea that beautiful people are often given a pass in life and not held accountable for their actions, or it could simply be that the singer has become disillusioned with the girl's outer beauty in light of her inner darkness.
Line by Line Meaning
Walk through the streets of PA and you may see her.
If you stroll around Pennsylvania, you might have a chance of bumping into my girlfriend.
Go up to her and say you're a believer.
Interact with her by confessing your faith.
Disgusting trash on MTV it makes her smile.
She finds pleasure in watching the explicit content shown on MTV.
That guy from Satan's embassy put him on trial.
I would like to prosecute the individual originating from Satan's territory.
Because... Marilyn Manson ate my girlfriend.
This is the prime reason why my girlfriend has been consumed by the effects of Satan.
Satan consumed her mind, and he may do it again.
The tendency of Satan to influence her thoughts leaves the possibility open for him to do it again in the future.
Marylin Manson ate my girlfriend.
This same individual ate my girlfriend who once held onto the truth but now embraces sin.
She once believed in the truth, now she believes in sin.
At one time, she had a firm belief in reality, now she is a believer of sin.
She denies God when she has the chance to live for him.
She refuses to acknowledge God even if she has an opportunity to live in a way that benefits him.
The thought of it makes me cringe.
The mere thought of her beliefs makes me uncomfortable.
Her future looks dim.
Her future seems bleak or unpromising.
She'd rather gaze in Satan's eyes than on a steeple.
She prefers to look into the eyes of Satan, rather than looking at a church or holy place.
I'm really starting to despise beautiful people.
I'm beginning to develop a strong dislike for individuals who appear physically attractive.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN LEE PITTMAN, MATTHEW ARNOLD THIESSEN, MATTHEW RYAN HOOPES, STEPHEN CUSHMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ピカリFritzyBeat
Wow~ Most of the songs on this album I honestly haven't listened to in a long time, there's always been other songs you guys did later on that I liked more... but then there is this one XD I can't say it's been TOO long since I've heard this song, it's definitely still in that best-of playlist I open up all the time ;P
Prior2Popular
This makes me way too happy
Jessie Bullock
Hahahaha hahahaha! My friend told me about this song for a long time when I was in high school but I never believed him. Then I heard you guys do it live. I laughed so hard at your show.
Hal Emmerich
imagine being Matt Thiessen in 1996 blaming his ex's behavioral problems on listening to a second-rate industrial rocker
HattieJosh
Not even second rate, third rate at this point
Brian Patrick
This is the version I remember from my youth group, less ska-like. I prefer it to the other one honestly.
The Shöcker Pit
I really thought for a long while that this song was meant to be ironic, I guess I was wrong
i don’t giv a f*ck
👏👏👏👏👏👏
Ryan
Anyone here after the Marilyn Manson abuse news?
EMILY 🦋 COFFEY
Wondered if it was too soon to say that lol