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.
Operation
Relient K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take me to a hospital
Cuz there's too much blood lost to tell
If I'll make it out alive
My body's got a war inside
The bossy nurse I talked to her
Into getting a new doctor
Makes sense
Someone with patience for his patients
Chorus:
I need an OP-ER-A-TION
Oh Lord Please operate
I need an OP-ER-A-TION
Renew the pride, extract the hate
Bring the color back into my cheeks
Beacuse my flesh is wrong
And my spirit's weak
I need a room for this emergency
The ER would suit me perfectly
with tubes and needles stuck into me
I'm on an envoy Turn inside the IV
I think my life just passed me by
20 years, an ugly sight
But God was there through thin and thick
But there's so much thin it makes me sick
Chorus X3
In Relient K's song "Operation," the singer is in a dire situation where they need to undergo a surgical procedure to save their life. The lyrics depict the physical and emotional pain that the singer is experiencing as a result of the internal war that is happening within their body. The singer is calling out to the Lord, asking for an operation to renew their pride and extract their hate. They want to regain the vibrant color back in their cheeks because their flesh is wrong and their spirit is weak. The lines "But there's so much thin it makes me sick" shows a sense of desperation and hopelessness that the singer is feeling.
The chorus talks about the singer's urgency to undergo the surgery that they need. They are asking for the divine intervention to operate on them and to bring them back to life. The song highlights the importance of having someone who cares about you, especially when it comes to medical emergencies. The singer is seeking a doctor with patience for his patients to ensure that they receive the proper care and attention that they need.
Line by Line Meaning
Take me to a hospital
I need medical help urgently
Cuz there's too much blood lost to tell
I have lost a lot of blood and it's hard to determine the extent of the damage
If I'll make it out alive
I'm not sure if I will survive this ordeal
My body's got a war inside
There is a battle going on inside my body
The bossy nurse I talked to her
I convinced the assertive nurse to get me a new doctor
Into getting a new doctor
I need a better doctor
Someone who cares about me
I need a doctor who is compassionate
Makes sense
It's a logical request
Someone with patience for his patients
I need a doctor who has time and care for his patients
I need an OP-ER-A-TION
I require surgical intervention
Oh Lord Please operate
I pray for successful surgery
Renew the pride, extract the hate
Help me regain confidence and rid me of negative emotions
Bring the color back into my cheeks
Help me appear healthy again
Beacuse my flesh is wrong
My body is diseased
And my spirit's weak
My mental state is fragile
I need a room for this emergency
I require a specific space to handle my medical crisis
The ER would suit me perfectly
The Emergency Room is the ideal location for me
with tubes and needles stuck into me
I will have medical devices attached to me
I'm on an envoy Turn inside the IV
I am receiving fluids and medication through an IV
I think my life just passed me by
I feel like I have missed out on opportunities and moments in my life
20 years, an ugly sight
I am not satisfied with the last 20 years of my life
But God was there through thin and thick
Despite my troubles, I believe God has been with me
But there's so much thin it makes me sick
Although I appreciate God's presence, I am still struggling and suffering
Contributed by Caleb M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@JesusRocks198
i just got the c.d. :-) so happy
@samthesnowman666
canon in D minor
@evan
This is from The Creepy EP!!! But I guess this compilation works too... :P
@TheTiaisamazing
Oh my gosh! Evan! You're the reason I got into Relient K! Thank you so much for introducing me to them. I'm surprised no one has found you on here yet, haha (I doubt you'll see this since it's been SEVEN years, but whatever)