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.
The Rest Is Up To You
Relient K Lyrics
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To quote Mark Twain
When I realized that
It's all in vain.
A twist of fate,
A twisted look of pain.
To defeat the wheat,
I know
I know
I know
I know
I know what you've been through.
But there's only so much one can do.
Now the rest is up to you
The rest is up to you.
The rest is up to you.
The rest is up to you.
The rest is up to you.
The rest is up to you.
The rest is up to you.
The rest is up to you.
Your mentor's become
Your tormentor.
Give him the money,
But is it for rent or
Will you get burnt for the countless time?
Your head starts to hurt.
You just close your eyes.
I know
I know
I know
I know
I know what he did to you.
But there's only so much on can do.
The rest is up to you
The rest is up to you.
The rest is up to you.
The rest is up to you
The rest is up to you
The rest is up to you
The rest is up to you
The rest is up to you
This speech is merely words.
It's even worse because it rhymes.
Give me a minute or your time,
I'll have a minute of your time.
And I can't make this click.
And I can't tattoo your mind.
But you know this ain't no trick.
Take it or leave it all behind.
The rest is up to you (the rest is up to you)
The rest is up to you (the rest is up to you)
The rest is up to you (the rest is up to you)
(Gave my advice, done all I can)
The rest is up to you
(It's your life, it's in your hands)
The rest is up to you
(Whoa oh oh)
The rest is up to you
Why don't you try to slow down?
Slow things down.
Slow things down.
Cause I know you're hurting.
So put down your burdens.
Crucify your doubts and just reach out
Reach out to Jesus.
Embrace him.
Turn your life around to face him.
You'll find mercy,
You'll see
Grace, love, and beauty
Defined in his
Face.
You'll find mercy,
You'll see
Grace, love, and beauty
Defined in his
Face.
The lyrics of "The Rest Is Up To You" by Relient K talk about the struggles and hardships experienced by the singer, both in personal relationships and in life in general. The opening lines of the song suggest that the singer is about to deliver some profound insight or quote from Mark Twain before realizing that everything they were about to say is pointless and meaningless. The overall message that the song conveys is that no matter what other people may do or say, ultimately, one's fate and future are in their own hands.
The next lines of the song reference taking an alternative approach to life by going against the grain, signifying that sometimes the only way to overcome obstacles is by doing something different than what is expected of us. The chorus reinforces the idea that while people may offer advice or support, ultimately, the choices one makes are up to them.
The song then shifts in tone, referencing a person's relationship with their mentor, who has become a source of torment. The lyrics suggest that money has changed hands, and there is a risk of the singer being burned. The subsequent line, "Your head starts to hurt. You just close your eyes," indicates shutting down reality, either out of fear or exhaustion. The chorus repeats, affirming that there is only so much others can do.
The song's final verse takes on a different turn with the singer making an appeal to slow down, put burdens aside, and turn to Jesus instead. The singer emphasizes that despite their inability to influence the person's behavior, the singer would find grace, love, and beauty by turning their life towards faith.
Overall, the song speaks to the idea that no matter what struggles or difficulties we may face, we must ultimately take responsibility for our lives, rather than relying solely on others.
Line by Line Meaning
I was just about
I was nearly going to begin quoting Mark Twain, when...
To quote Mark Twain
I was about to quote Mark Twain's words.
When I realized that
Then I suddenly understood that...
It's all in vain.
All my efforts are pointless.
A twist of fate,
Changes can happen unexpectedly,
A twisted look of pain.
Even negative emotions like pain can have a deeper meaning.
To defeat the wheat,
To overcome the obstacles in life…
Go against the grain.
... we need to go beyond our reasons, and do something different from the norm.
I know
I'm aware
I know
Yes, I understand…
I know
Yes, I'm aware of that...
I know
Yes, I fully comprehend...
I know what you've been through.
I am aware of the struggles you've faced.
But there's only so much one can do.
You have to do things yourself sometimes.
Now the rest is up to you
It's up to you to take control and guide the course of your life.
The rest is up to you.
You're the one who must take the lead.
The rest is up to you.
Only you can create the future that you want.
Your mentor's become
The person who was supposed to help you...
Your tormentor.
...is now causing you pain.
Give him the money,
You're giving him money...
But is it for rent or
... but you don't know if it's for rent or...
Will you get burnt for the countless time?
...if you're going to be burned yet again?
Your head starts to hurt.
Your thinking is getting cloudy...
You just close your eyes.
... so you just stop thinking.
I know what he did to you.
I know that he's hurt you deeply.
But there's only so much on can do.
I wish I could fix it, but there's only so much that can be done.
This speech is merely words.
This is just a bunch of words that I'm stringing together.
It's even worse because it rhymes.
It's even more annoying to hear because it rhymes.
Give me a minute or your time,
Please, just give me a moment of your time...
I'll have a minute of your time.
... to try and help you out.
And I can't make this click.
I can't magically make things better.
And I can't tattoo your mind.
I can't make you remember things.
But you know this ain't no trick.
But please know that I'm not trying to trick you.
Take it or leave it all behind.
You can accept my help, or ignore it altogether.
The rest is up to you (the rest is up to you)
Your actions are what you have to rely on
The rest is up to you (the rest is up to you)
It's up to you to make good choices.
The rest is up to you (the rest is up to you)
Responsibility to shape your life lies within you.
(Gave my advice, done all I can)
(I gave you my opinion, there's nothing more I can offer)
It's your life, it's in your hands
Ultimately, you're the one who's responsible for the outcome.
(Whoa oh oh)
(This line is sung as a chorus and contains no particular meaning by itself.)
Why don't you try to slow down?
Why not take it easy for a moment...
Slow things down.
...and slow everything down?
Cause I know you're hurting.
I know that you're in pain.
So put down your burdens.
Try to let go of those heavy thoughts.
Crucify your doubts and just reach out
Eliminate all doubts that deplete your strength, and seek help.
Reach out to Jesus.
Turn to Jesus for help.
Embrace him.
Greet him with open arms
Turn your life around to face him.
Start following the path that Jesus would expect you to.
You'll find mercy,
If you do, there will be rewards:
You'll see
...you will experience...
Grace, love, and beauty
...an increased amount of grace, love, and beauty...
Defined in his
Which can all be found in...
Face.
...Jesus' face.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: MATTHEW ARNOLD THIESSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind