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.
Softer To Me
Relient K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's so much time so little to do
We're busy doing nothing cause it's vanity we prize
You can't see nothing cause you can't see through your eyes
They're covered with a film, you're blinded by yourself
You're the one to blame but you pretend it's someone else
Life could you be a little softer to me
Softer, softer, softer
Softer to me
I'm still alive, that much is true
I've never lied, well, I guess I've told a few
There's nothing to see because I brought nothing to show
The conversation got too deep, I shrug and tell you I don't know
This world can get so hard, this world can be so cruel
Sometimes I fall apart I feel just like a useless tool
Life could you be a little softer to me
Life could you be a more gentle to me
Yeah I know, this is a selfish plea
Because Christ sacrificed his flesh
On the cross for me
But this world is hard, it's cruel and I wish it could be
Softer, softer, softer
Softer to me
(Softer to me)
The lyrics to Relient K’s “Softer To Me” describe the singer’s feelings of disorientation and frustration with the world around him. He questions his own existence and purpose, as well as the value of his actions. The reference to “vanity we prize” indicates that the singer recognizes the superficial nature of much of modern life, where people often engage in meaningless activities in order to gain social status or wealth. The line “You can’t see nothing cause you can’t see through your eyes” suggests that the limitations of our own perspectives and experiences can blind us to the bigger picture and prevent us from understanding the world around us.
The frustration the singer feels is compounded by the fact that he is unable to articulate his thoughts and emotions to others. He admits that he has “brought nothing to show” and that “the conversation got too deep”. This inability to communicate leads to a feeling of isolation and a sense that he is “useless”. However, he acknowledges that his complaints are somewhat selfish, given that Jesus sacrificed his own flesh for the singer’s benefit.
Overall, “Softer To Me” is a plea for compassion, both from the world at large and from the singer himself. He asks life to be “softer” and “more gentle” - it is not clear whether he means this in a literal or figurative sense, but it suggests a desire for things to be easier and less harsh. The repetition of the word “softer” is poignant and memorable, emphasizing the sentiment of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Where am I? Where are you?
I feel lost and disconnected, like I don't know where I belong or who I can count on.
There's so much time so little to do
I have plenty of time, but I feel like I'm not making progress or achieving anything meaningful.
We're busy doing nothing cause it's vanity we prize
We fill our lives with distractions and superficial pursuits because we value appearance over substance.
You can't see nothing cause you can't see through your eyes
You're blind to the reality of your own situation because you can't see beyond your own narrow perspective.
They're covered with a film, you're blinded by yourself
Your vision is obscured by your own biases and personal limitations, preventing you from seeing things clearly.
You're the one to blame but you pretend it's someone else
You bear responsibility for your own problems and shortcomings, but you refuse to acknowledge it or take action to make things better.
I'm still alive, that much is true
Despite my struggles and setbacks, I'm still here and trying to make it through.
I've never lied, well, I guess I've told a few
I strive to be honest and authentic, but I've made mistakes and overlooked the truth at times.
There's nothing to see because I brought nothing to show
I feel like I have nothing to offer or contribute, and it's reflected in my lack of tangible accomplishments or possessions.
The conversation got too deep, I shrug and tell you I don't know
When confronted with difficult or uncomfortable topics, I deflect and avoid the issue by pretending ignorance or indifference.
This world can get so hard, this world can be so cruel
Life can be brutal and unforgiving, pushing us to our limits and testing our resilience.
Sometimes I fall apart I feel just like a useless tool
When faced with adversity or failure, I lose my sense of purpose and self-worth, feeling like I have nothing to offer or contribute.
Yeah I know, this is a selfish plea
I'm aware that my desire for a softer life is self-centered and ignores the suffering of others.
Because Christ sacrificed his flesh on the cross for me
Despite my flaws and struggles, I have faith that Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for my salvation.
But this world is hard, it's cruel and I wish it could be
Even though I acknowledge my blessings and the sacrifice of Christ, I still long for a softer, more forgiving world that's less harsh and demanding.
Softer, softer, softer
I repeat this word to emphasize my longing for a gentler, more compassionate reality.
Softer to me
Ultimately, I'm asking for compassion and understanding for myself as I navigate the challenges of life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: MATTHEW ARNOLD THIESSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
timothyezekielbell
This is the song that introduced me to you guys. I was just preteen and Relient K is still my favorite band of all time at 27!
Comeback Kid
Fan since 1999
Caleb Nadeau
Most intense song of this album goes to: Softer to me.
Our Large Family Life
Oh my gosh!!!!!!!! I found it!!!!! I listened to this on repeat when I was like 11/12yrs old. I’m 31 now. I love this song. How do I still know every beat and all the words. I was learning how to play the drums at the time. I’m so excited to have found this lol
Jon Drew
This song speaks to my heart. Thanks RK
skyviewdesign
Love this song! One of my faves on the record.
Daniel Flores
This is probably one of the (if not the) most emo song I've ever heard. But I still love it! Thanks for posting guys, it's hard to find quality audio of this.
Ryan Deininger
The song that at least 2 bands at every Ohio battle of the bands played back in the day. Still my favorite K song. Love you guys.
Kacie Pallan
My fave song off this album. :)
melochesyndrome
I saw this band, with this album cover in San Diego, opening for the supertones.
Bought the cd
Got it signed that same night. And have been a die hard fan since.