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.
Pressing On
Relient K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're on to something good here.
Out of mind, out of state.
Trying to keep my head on straight.
I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here.
There's only one thing left to do.
Drop all I have and go with you.
[Chorus]
Somewhere back there I left my worries all behind.
My problems fell out of the back of my mind.
We're going and I'm never knowing (never knowing) where we're going.
To go back to where I was would just be wrong.
I'm pressing on.
Pressing on, all my distress is going, going, gone. (pressing on, pressing on)
And I won't sit back, and take this anymore.
'Cause I'm done with that, I've got one foot out the door.
And to go back where I was would just be wrong
I'm pressing on.
I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here.
Out of mind, out of state.
Trying to keep my head on straight.
I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here.
Adversity, we get around it.
Searched for joy, in you I found it.
[Chorus x2]
You look down on me, but you don't look down on me at all.
You smile and laugh, and I feel the love you have for me.
I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here, and we're gonna make it after all.
The lyrics to Relient K's song "Pressing On" depict a sense of hope and determination towards a better future. The first verse portrays the singer acknowledging progress and potential growth in a certain situation- "I think we're going somewhere... We're on to something good here." However, despite this momentum, the second half of the verse points out the potential setbacks or obstacles that come with progress- "Out of mind, out of state. Trying to keep my head on straight." This sense of uncertainty is further conveyed in the repetition of the first verse, which creates a feeling of continuation of progress but also an underlying tension.
The chorus drives home the idea of leaving behind the past and its accompanying "worries" and "distress." The repetition of "pressing on, pressing on" reinforces this idea of pushing forward towards something positive. The second verse returns to the idea of potential setbacks or challenges, but reinforces the idea that growth and joy can be found in pushing past them- "Adversity, we get around it. Searched for joy, in you I found it." The song ends on an optimistic note of progress and love- "We're on to something good here, and we're gonna make it after all."
Overall, the lyrics to "Pressing On" depict a sense of progress towards a better future despite potential obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
I think we're going somewhere.
The singer has a feeling that they are heading towards something positive and exciting.
We're on to something good here.
The singer believes that they have stumbled upon something valuable and beneficial.
Out of mind, out of state.
The singer is physically far away and is trying to escape their worries and problems.
Trying to keep my head on straight.
The artist is attempting to maintain control and focus amidst their chaotic surroundings.
There's only one thing left to do.
The artist feels that the only option left is to take a leap of faith and embark on a new journey.
Drop all I have and go with you.
The singer is willing to abandon their current life for the chance at a better future with someone they trust.
Somewhere back there I left my worries all behind.
The singer has intentionally chosen to forget their problems and anxieties from their past.
My problems fell out of the back of my mind.
The artist's worries have been pushed out of their thoughts and they no longer weigh them down.
We're going and I'm never knowing (never knowing) where we're going.
The artist is uncertain about their destination, but they still feel confident and excited about their journey.
To go back to where I was would just be wrong.
The artist realizes that returning to their old life would be a mistake, and they are determined to move forward.
I'm pressing on.
The singer is motivated to continue their journey with persistence and determination.
Pressing on, all my distress is going, going, gone. (pressing on, pressing on)
By pushing forward, the artist is leaving behind their worries and troubles.
And I won't sit back, and take this anymore.
The singer is refusing to accept their current situation and is taking action to change it.
'Cause I'm done with that, I've got one foot out the door.
The singer is finished with their old life and is ready to move on to something new and better.
Adversity, we get around it.
The singer feels confident that they can overcome any obstacle that comes their way.
Searched for joy, in you I found it.
The artist has found happiness and fulfillment in their companion, who has helped them on their journey.
You look down on me, but you don't look down on me at all.
The artist feels supported and loved by their companion, despite potentially feeling inferior or small.
You smile and laugh, and I feel the love you have for me.
The singer is comforted and reassured by their companion's positive emotions and expressions towards them.
And we're gonna make it after all.
The singer is optimistic and confident that they will succeed in their journey and achieve their goal.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MATTHEW ARNOLD THIESSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Toeskunk
I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here.
Out of mind, out of state.
Trying to keep my head on straight.
I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here.
There's only one thing left to do.
Drop all I have and go with you.
Somewhere back there I left my worries all behind.
My problems fell out of the back of my mind.
We're going and I'm never knowing (never knowing) where we're going.
To go back to where I was would just be wrong.
I'm pressing on.
Pressing on, all my distress is going, going, gone. (pressing on, pressing on)
And I won't sit back, and take this anymore.
'Cause I'm done with that, I've got one foot out the door.
And to go back where I was would just be wrong
I'm pressing on.
I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here.
Out of mind, out of state.
Trying to keep my head on straight.
I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here.
Adversity, we get around it.
Searched for joy, in you I found it.
Somewhere back there I left my worries all behind.
My problems fell out of the back of my mind.
We're going and I'm never knowing (never knowing) where we're going.
To go back to where I was would just be wrong.
I'm pressing on.
Pressing on, all my distress is going, going, gone. (pressing on, pressing on)
And I won't sit back, and take this anymore.
'Cause I'm done with that, I've got one foot out the door.
And to go back where I was would just be wrong
I'm pressing on.
Somewhere back there I left my worries all behind.
My problems fell out of the back of my mind.
We're going and I'm never knowing (never knowing) where we're going.
To go back to where I was would just be wrong.
I'm pressing on.
Pressing on, all my distress is going, going, gone. (pressing on, pressing on)
And I won't sit back, and take this anymore.
'Cause I'm done with that, I've got one foot out the door.
And to go back where I was would just be wrong
I'm pressing on.
ZERUO
Anyone listening in 2021🔥
Frankie Charba
2022 just saw them live. Still amazing.
Randall Griffin
Believe! ❤⚓🙏
Woe For The City
me!
Мустафа МАстафьевич
Привет из России
Christian
Yoo bet brotha!
Nic Graves
I am 19 years old and I heard this song from a GameCube game. To this day in 2014 I still know word for word verbatim. This song got me through middle school, high school and now college. Thank you Relient K
LOWERCASE
Big air freestyle baby!
Danielle Shipe
@Bigmetroidfan12 big air motocross gamecube game lol was just playing it.
Mrs. Maggie D
You still listen to it?