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.
When You're Around
Relient K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I will run into your arms
I'll give you all of my cares and
This world will do me no more harm
When you're around
I don't know what to say
I don't know what to do
I want to stay longer.
I made you a place within my heart
With you I'm so much stronger
That's why I'm glad we'll never have to part
The lyrics to Relient K's song "When You're Around" describe the comfort and security one feels in the presence of a loved one. The singer compares themselves to a child having nightmares who runs into their parent's arms for safety. They offer up all of their worries and concerns and find solace in the person they are with. The chorus emphasizes the singer's struggle to express their feelings to this person, but also their desire to stay longer and the strength they derive from them. The final verse further emphasizes the depth of the singer's feelings, as they remark that this person has a permanent place in their heart and that they are grateful to never have to part.
The lyrics of "When You're Around" explore themes of love, companionship, and emotional vulnerability. The singer speaks to the universal experience of feeling lost and uncertain but finding comfort in the presence of someone they care about. The use of childlike imagery in the opening lines adds a sense of innocence and dependence, conveying the idea that this love is a safe and nurturing force.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a child having nightmares
Similar to a child in distress, I will seek comfort in your embrace
I will run into your arms
I'll turn to you in times of need and place my trust in your care
I'll give you all of my cares and
I'll confide in you and unload my worries, knowing you'll take them to heart
This world will do me no more harm
With you, I feel safe and protected from the dangers of the world
When you're around
In your presence and company
I don't know what to say
Words cannot fully express the emotions I feel when I'm with you
I don't know what to do
In awe of your influence and impact, I'm unsure of how to respond or behave
To let you know just what I'm feeling
To convey my sincerest emotions and thoughts to you
I want to stay longer.
I desire to extend my time with you and cherish every moment together
I made you a place within my heart
You hold a special, irreplaceable spot in my heart that I'll always cherish
With you I'm so much stronger
Your presence empowers me and gives me strength to face life's challenges
That's why I'm glad we'll never have to part
I'm grateful to have you in my life and thankful that we'll always be together
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN LEE PITTMAN, MATTHEW ARNOLD THIESSEN, MATTHEW RYAN HOOPES, STEPHEN CUSHMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Caleb Nadeau
They sure have changed a lot.
Jose Alex Arcila
I hope that I am wrong, but the style of great songs like "I dont need a soul" and "dont blink" sounds so different to these newly released ones. Thanks anyway!
Timothy J. Roberts
How do you mean?
Kex Ordo
+Kex Ordo the album
Kex Ordo
And collapsible lung wasn't written by Reliant k
ピカリ FritzyBeat
lol, only these aren't newly released :P They are nearly 16 years old from their first album XP