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.
Plead The Fifth
Relient K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
An impersonator died
And Mr. Booth was tried
I just kept the truth inside
And in the courtroom the judge
Will not catch wind of this
Up there on stand I'll plead the fifth
The lyrics to Relient K's song Plead the Fifth references a historical event, the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, who was shot by John Wilkes Booth, a well-known actor and Confederate sympathizer. The opening lines refer to a night at the theater, which is where Lincoln was watching a play when he was assassinated by Booth. The impersonator who died could refer to the actor who was playing the lead role in the play that Lincoln was watching, or it could be a metaphor for Lincoln's death. Mr. Booth is then mentioned, which is a direct reference to John Wilkes Booth, who was later tried and convicted of Lincoln's assassination.
The next lines suggest that the character in the song is withholding information about what they know regarding the assassination. They are keeping the truth inside and will plead the fifth amendment, which is a constitutional right that allows a person to not incriminate themselves in a criminal trial. The final lines suggest that the character will be called to testify and face questioning in a courtroom about their knowledge, but will refuse to answer.
This song appears to be a commentary on the idea of loyalty, fear, and the consequences of speaking out against something that is wrong, especially when it comes to political matters. It also highlights the complexity of the justice system and how the truth can be obscured or suppressed by those in power.
Line by Line Meaning
That night at the theater
In the theater, on that specific night
An impersonator died
An actor who portrayed someone else passed away
And Mr. Booth was tried
Trial proceedings were initiated against Mr. Booth
I just kept the truth inside
I did not expose the actual reality
And in the courtroom the judge
Inside the courtroom, the honorable judge
Will not catch wind of this
Will remain unaware of this fact
Up there on stand I'll plead the fifth
I will take the Fifth Amendment and not testify under oath
Contributed by Alexandra G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.