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.
This Is The End
Relient K Lyrics
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Not if you want it its upon us and I wanna say it's sinking in
This may sound crazy but I want to come back home
That's it I said it now I'm sailing off
To Neverland and then Japan
So think real slow
About the way you want to go
'Cause I may forget the way to get back home
This is the end if you want it
You're not the first thing in my life I've loved and lost
Yeah I've thought worse things that I might be less
Inclined to merely just shrug off
I took the fire escape and made it out alive
Yeah I still burn from time to time but I've
A healing hand against my side
So think real slow
Don't forget that yes is yes and no is no
About the way you want to go
'Cause I may forget the way to get back home
This is the end if you want it
This is the end if you want it
And this is the end
The lyrics to Relient K's song "This Is The End" touch on themes of closure, moving forward, and uncertainty. The opening line, "I can't keep a straight face and say this is not the end," sets the tone for the song as the singer acknowledges that a change of some sort is happening. The lines "Not if you want it it's upon us" suggest that this change may not be entirely out of their control and that they are willing to accept it. The lyrics "This may sound crazy but I want to come back home" express a desire to return to something familiar and possibly even nostalgic. The following line, "That's it I said it now I'm sailing off to Neverland and then Japan," implies that this return may not be immediate or straightforward.
The chorus then urges the listener to "think real slow" and to be mindful of their choices. The line "I may forget the way to get back home" adds a layer of uncertainty and a sense of being lost or adrift. The lyrics "You're not the first thing in my life I've loved and lost" suggest that the singer has experienced loss before and has found a way to move forward. The line "I took the fire escape and made it out alive" implies that the singer has survived a difficult situation and has come out stronger on the other side. The final lines of the chorus "This is the end if you want it" suggest that the singer is ready to move forward and embrace the change, but that it ultimately depends on the listener's own choices.
Overall, "This Is The End" is a song about accepting change, moving forward, and being mindful of the choices we make. The themes of loss and uncertainty make the lyrics relatable to anyone who has experienced a major life change, while the upbeat melody and catchy chorus make it a hopeful and uplifting song.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't keep a straight face and say this is not the end
It's hard for me to deny that this is the end
Not if you want it its upon us and I wanna say it's sinking in
If you're willing to accept it, the end is here and I'm starting to realize it
This may sound crazy but I want to come back home
I know it sounds irrational, but I want to go back to where I belong
That's it I said it now I'm sailing off
I've made my decision and I'm moving forward
To Neverland and then Japan
I'm going on a journey to find myself and explore new places
So think real slow
Be thoughtful and deliberate in your actions
Don't forget that yes is yes and no is no
Be clear and direct with your decisions
About the way you want to go
Consider where you want to end up
'Cause I may forget the way to get back home
I might get lost along the way
You're not the first thing in my life I've loved and lost
I've experienced other losses before you
Yeah I've thought worse things that I might be less
I've had worse thoughts, so I can handle this
Inclined to merely just shrug off
I'm tempted to just brush it aside
I took the fire escape and made it out alive
I escaped a dangerous situation and survived
Yeah I still burn from time to time but I've
I still feel pain occasionally but
A healing hand against my side
I have someone to comfort me and help me heal
'Cause I may forget the way to get back home
I might get lost along the way
This is the end if you want it
The end is here if you're willing to accept it
And this is the end
This is truly the end
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MATTHEW THIESSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind