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.
What Have You Been Doing Lately?
Relient K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your life could use improving greatly.
I just wanted to know what's going on, but everything that goes is going wrong.
What have you been doing lately?
Your life could use improving greatly.
I just wanted to know what's going on, but everything that goes is going wrong.
When I saw Justin he said he was just in visiting on spring break.
I said "What a surprise. You're one of those guys I haven't seen since 1998."
He parties Fridays through Thursdays (but not for birthdays).
He's acquired a taste for Miller Lite.
Pardon me while I throw up.
I guess some people never grow up.
What happened to the salvation you claimed?
It breaks my heart to see how much you've changed.
It breaks my heart to see how much you've changed.
And then there's Vanessa.
Her life got so messed up.
She just can't get along.
Her emotions they can't cope, 'cause she's lost all hope.
She can't see right from wrong.
Rationality left her (or shrunk with her sweater).
She's a fanatic.
She's over the edge.
She needs lemon Pledge to clear those cobwebs from her attic.
The lyrics to Relient K's song "What Have You Been Doing Lately?" convey a message of concern and disappointment towards individuals who have seemingly lost their way in life. The singer in the song is reaching out to old friends, Justin and Vanessa, to try and gain an understanding of what is going on in their lives. However, the picture that is painted is not a pretty one. Justin is living a party lifestyle and has lost sight of his spiritual beliefs, while Vanessa is struggling with her mental health and seems to be consumed by her own anxieties.
The chorus ("What have you been doing lately? Your life could use improving greatly. I just wanted to know what's going on, but everything that goes is going wrong.") emphasizes the singer's concern and frustration with the situation. Through their observations, they see that their friends are not living their best lives and may be on a dangerous path. The line "It breaks my heart to see how much you've changed" highlights the sense of loss that comes with seeing individuals you once knew so well become unrecognizable.
The song ultimately serves as a plea for those who have lost their way to find their way back. It suggests that their current behavior is not sustainable and that they should strive for a better life. It is a sobering reflection of the destructive nature of certain lifestyles and the toll that it can take on individuals and their relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
What have you been doing lately?
Asking about how you’ve been and showing concern for how things are for you.
Your life could use improving greatly.
Suggesting that maybe things could be better or that there’s room for growth and improvement.
I just wanted to know what's going on, but everything that goes is going wrong.
Expressing frustration with the fact that things seem to be going poorly and asking for an explanation to help figure out why.
When I saw Justin he said he was just in visiting on spring break.
Recalling an encounter with Justin and sharing details of that interaction.
I said "What a surprise. You're one of those guys I haven't seen since 1998."
Expressing shock and surprise upon seeing Justin and noting that it’s been a long time since they last spoke.
We talked for a while, and I tried to smile as he told me about his college life.
Sharing details about the conversation with Justin and trying to appear happy during it.
He parties Fridays through Thursdays (but not for birthdays).
Describing Justin's partying habits, which appear to be excessive and not tied to any particular special occasion.
He's acquired a taste for Miller Lite.
Noting that Justin has developed a liking for a specific type of beer.
Pardon me while I throw up.
Expressing disdain or disgust for Justin's drinking habits.
I guess some people never grow up.
Reflecting on the fact that some people never seem to mature or improve over time.
What happened to the salvation you claimed?
Asking Justin about his faith and bringing up the fact that he used to consider himself a Christian.
It breaks my heart to see how much you've changed.
Expressing sadness and disappointment at how Justin seems to have changed over time.
And then there's Vanessa.
Moving on to discussing another person named Vanessa.
Her life got so messed up.
Noting that Vanessa has been going through some difficult times recently.
She just can't get along.
Noting that Vanessa seems to be having trouble getting along with others.
Her emotions they can't cope, 'cause she's lost all hope.
Noting that Vanessa is struggling emotionally and seems to have given up.
She can't see right from wrong.
Suggesting that Vanessa may be having trouble distinguishing between good and bad choices.
Rationality left her (or shrunk with her sweater).
Describing Vanessa as someone who may have lost her grip on reality or become irrational.
She's a fanatic.
Labeling Vanessa as someone who is excessively committed to certain beliefs or ideas.
She's over the edge.
Noting that Vanessa may have gone too far and become unstable or unpredictable in her behavior.
She needs lemon Pledge to clear those cobwebs from her attic.
Using a metaphor to suggest that Vanessa needs help cleaning out her mind or dealing with her issues.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP
Written by: MATTHEW ARNOLD THIESSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind