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.
There Was No Thief
Relient K Lyrics
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I thought I'd track him down but prior to my pursuit
The smoke it cleared into my disbelief
There was no thief
Cause it was me that lost you
There was no thief
Cause it was me that lost you
I guess it's safe to say you're never coming back
And I understand why you wouldn't want to
I guess it's up to me to find a way to get to you
And there's just one last thing that I have to say
As we reflect on the mess of all of this I've made
It was cowardice that made me push you away
I was so afraid cause you were so much better than me
I can't see you
Getting used to
Living in the midst of your perfection
And I'm so lost
How can you trust
Somewhere the sun is always shinin'
Oh
And there's just one last thing that I have to say
As we reflect on the mess of all of this I've made
It was cowardice that made me push you away
I was so afraid cause you were so much better than me
I guess it's safe to say you're never coming back
The song "There Was No Thief" by Relient K tells the story of someone who thought a thief had taken something valuable from them, only to realize that they were the ones who lost it. The lyrics begin with the singer believing that there is a thief among them, and he is determined to track them down. However, after some introspection, he realizes that he is the one who lost something important - presumably a relationship. The singer acknowledges that it was his own actions that caused the loss, not the actions of any external thief. He reflects on his own cowardice, saying that he was afraid of the person he lost because they were better than him.
The theme of the song is about taking responsibility for one's own mistakes and realizing the impact that one's own actions can have on others. It also touches on the idea that sometimes it's easier to blame external factors for one's problems rather than admitting fault.
Interestingly, the song's lyrics were inspired by a real-life experience of the band's lead singer, Matt Thiessen. He once believed that his piano was stolen, causing him to go through a detective-like pursuit to find the thief, only to realize that he had actually misplaced it himself.
Line by Line Meaning
For a time I thought there was a thief among us
Initially, I suspected someone of stealing from us
I thought I'd track him down but prior to my pursuit
I planned to investigate before chasing the suspect
The smoke it cleared into my disbelief
But upon reflection, I realized my error
There was no thief
No one had actually stolen anything
Cause it was me that lost you
My relationship with you was what I had lost
I guess it's safe to say you're never coming back
It seems likely that you won't return
And I understand why you wouldn't want to
I comprehend why you might not want to come back
I guess it's up to me to find a way to get to you
It's now my responsibility to try to reconnect with you
And there's just one last thing that I have to say
Before I move on, I need to express one final thing
As we reflect on the mess of all of this I've made
We're considering the chaos caused by my actions
It was cowardice that made me push you away
I realize now that fear made me distance myself from you
I was so afraid cause you were so much better than me
Your greatness frightened me and made me feel inadequate
I can't see you
I can't picture you
Getting used to
Adjusting to
Living in the midst of your perfection
Living in the environment of your excellence
And I'm so lost
I'm completely directionless
How can you trust
How can you have confidence in me
Somewhere the sun is always shinin'
Perhaps there's a place where things are always bright
Oh
An exclamation conveying emotion
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MATTHEW THIESSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind