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.
Silent Night / Away In a Manger
Relient K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glory streams from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts they sing hallelujah
Christ the savior is born
Christ the savior is born
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head
The stars in the sky they looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
Relient K's "Silent Night / Away In a Manger" combines two classic Christmas hymns into one beautiful medley. The first verse begins with "Silent Night," which reflects on the peace and tranquility of the night that Jesus was born. The lyrics "All is calm, all is bright" paint a vivid picture of the stillness and serenity that surrounded this miraculous event. The second verse speaks of the shepherds who witnessed the birth of Jesus and were filled with awe at the sight. The glory of heaven was manifested in that moment, and the heavenly hosts sang hallelujah! The chorus reminds listeners that Christ the savior was born on this night.
The second hymn in the medley is "Away In a Manger." This verse speaks of the humble circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus. He was born in a manger, with no crib for a bed. The stars looked down upon the scene, and the little Lord Jesus slept on the hay. This verse highlights the contrast between the majesty of Christ as the savior of the world and the humble circumstances of his birth.
Overall, this medley reflects on the wonder and mystery of the birth of Jesus. It encourages listeners to reflect on the peace and joy that Christ brings to the world, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Silent night, holy night
The night is peaceful and sacred
All is calm, all is bright
Everything around is tranquil, and there is light to see
Round yon virgin Mother and Child
The mother and child are surrounded by a calming aura
Holy infant so tender and mild
The baby is pure and delicate
Sleep in heavenly peace
Rest well in the serenity of heaven
Silent night, holy night
The night remains peaceful and sacred
Shepherds quake at the sight
The shepherds tremble in awe of what they see
Glory streams from heaven afar
An illuminating light shines down from the heavens
Heavenly hosts they sing hallelujah
Angels sing praises of joy to the heavens
Christ the savior is born
The savior, Jesus Christ, is born
Christ the savior is born
The savior, Jesus Christ, is born
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The baby Jesus is lying in a makeshift bed since there is no other place
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head
The baby Jesus falls asleep with His head down gently
The stars in the sky they looked down where He lay
The stars looked down upon the baby Jesus sleeping
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
The baby Jesus is asleep on the soft bed of hay
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: DP, MATTHEW ARNOLD THIESSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Fede
omg i love this, his voice is so calm and nice.....it's like holding an hot chocolate and looking at the snow falling down, from behind the window :3 :3
daryl esese
I could fall asleep to this song.... So peaceful and relaxing...
Alexis Vankleeck
awesome job! I'm in valley voices, and we sing this song! I really love it 😊
Kaylie Wallace
Love this ♡♥ :) Christmas time is the best
Ella Burkhart
This is my my all time favorite Christmas Song ever!!!
sportsygirl8
I did this song as a solo at church last year for the Christmas play and we based the play around some of the songs on Let it Snow Baby...Let it Reindeer.
Misaki Usui
I really love this song :3
Brenda Rivera
sleep in heavinly peace is what i'll do right now listening to this song
Katie Davis
Any idea where I can get the sheet music or tabs for this son?
Trevor Zervos
i learned in science sound waves can give you chills.. due to if you think something sounds good.. i have the chills right now =)