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 Scene & Herd
Relient K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A different drummer, but the same old thing.
It seems like everything is gonna be just fine.
Cause I'm having a good time.
As long as I'm staying true to myself,
Then how it is is something I can sell.
And I can sleep at night without your help, It's fine.
The Scene and Herd seem to make it all just a little bit worse
And I don't wanna go down that road, Oh no, no, no.
The Scene and Herd.
I'll be the first to tell you I'm worse,
But I don't wanna go down that road. oh, no.
And I'm sorrowed that you probably magically got this song for free.
(Ha) I'm not sure if it bothers me it seems fine,
Cause I'm having a good time.
And the path I take to validate,
Everything I do means everything I create is
Knocking on the door of everything I hate, I'll decline.
Cause I'm having a good time. Whoa!
The Scene and Herd seem to make it all just a little bit worse
And I don't wanna go down that road, Oh no, no, no.
The Scene and Herd.
I'll be the first to tell you I'm worse,
But I don't wanna go down that road. oh, no.
No, No, No, No, No.
No, No, No, No, No.
Well everyone's got something on their mind,
And this is my thought, I'm just pressing time.
I'm gonna say what I want, it might not be what you want to hear.
Oh, Oh, Oh.
The Scene and Herd block out the sun like a flock of birds
And I don't wanna go. I don't wanna go.
The lyrics to Relient K's song The Scene & Herd reflect the internal struggle of an artist who is trying to navigate the music industry while staying true to their own identity. The opening lines, "So here it is, it's just me. A different drummer, but the same old thing," set the tone for the rest of the song. The artist acknowledges that they may not fit the typical mold of what is popular in the current music scene but is okay with that as long as they are staying true to themselves. "As long as I'm staying true to myself, then how it is is something I can sell," they sing.
The chorus of the song, "The Scene and Herd seem to make it all just a little bit worse, and I don't wanna go down that road," emphasizes the pressure that artists face to fit in with the crowd in order to gain popularity and success. The artist acknowledges that they may not be perfect, but they do not want to compromise their values and artistry just to fit in.
In the bridge of the song, the artist expresses frustration with the music industry's emphasis on commercial success over artistic expression. They sing, "The path I take to validate everything I do, means everything I create is knocking on the door of everything I hate, I'll decline." Despite the pressure to conform, the artist would rather pursue their own artistic vision, even if it means going against the norm.
Overall, The Scene & Herd is a powerful commentary on the complexities of the music industry and the pressures artists face to fit in and compromise their identity for success.
Line by Line Meaning
So here it is, it's just me.
I am who I am, there's no need to put on a fake persona.
A different drummer, but the same old thing.
I'm unique, but my actions are predictable and consistent.
It seems like everything is gonna be just fine.
Things are going well and there's no need to worry.
Cause I'm having a good time.
I'm enjoying myself and having fun.
As long as I'm staying true to myself,
If I remain genuine to who I am,
Then how it is is something I can sell.
I can promote myself as being authentic.
And I can sleep at night without your help, It's fine.
I can rest peacefully knowing I'm being true to myself.
The Scene and Herd seem to make it all just a little bit worse
Being around the popular group can detract from my well-being.
And I don't wanna go down that road, Oh no, no, no.
I don't want to get caught up in the same scene as everyone else.
I'll be the first to tell you I'm worse,
I'm willing to admit that I'm imperfect and flawed.
And I'm sorrowed that you probably magically got this song for free.
I'm a bit disappointed that you may not have had to work for or appreciate this music.
(Ha) I'm not sure if it bothers me it seems fine,
I'm conflicted about my feelings, but ultimately it's not a huge concern.
And the path I take to validate,
The actions I take to prove myself or gain approval,
Everything I do means everything I create is
Has an impact on how I create and express myself.
Knocking on the door of everything I hate, I'll decline.
I won't let my desire for acceptance lead me to engage in things I don't agree with.
The Scene and Herd seem to make it all just a little bit worse
Being around the popular group can detract from my well-being.
And I don't wanna go down that road, Oh no, no, no.
I don't want to get caught up in the same scene as everyone else.
No, No, No, No, No.
An expression of refusal or disagreement.
Well everyone's got something on their mind,
Everyone has their own thoughts and concerns to deal with.
And this is my thought, I'm just pressing time.
My focus is on my own experiences and using my time wisely.
I'm gonna say what I want, it might not be what you want to hear.
I'm going to be honest, even if it's not what others want or expect.
The Scene and Herd block out the sun like a flock of birds
The popular group can be overwhelming or overshadowing to others.
And I don't wanna go. I don't wanna go.
I don't want to succumb to the pressures or influence of the popular group.
Lyrics © MUSIC SERVICES, INC.
Written by: MATTHEW THIESSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind