Old Music Through New Eyes

• SA Engages

May 6, 2020

I often find myself in a rut, unenthused by new music being released. This is not to say that new music coming out currently is not good, in fact I am sure that in a month or two I will be joining the masses enjoying these new songs, albums, and projects. But whenever I find myself in this space, I often latch onto a band and listen to them constantly. There is a certain comfort in being able to sing along to songs that you have known for years and have so many memories attached to. I am sure that I cannot be the only person who finds themselves in a similar position. As of late, the slightly angsty, but hopelessly optimistic songs of Relient K’s “Forget and Not Slow Down” has filled this role.

To many, Relient K is a memory of past days filled with youth group and carefree adolescence. Maybe that’s what keeps me coming back, but I am here to inform you that this album still stands up. The 2009 album was written after lead singer Matt Thiessen and his fiancé broke up. The album is a culmination of his thoughts through the process of losing love, and finding new love. The opening track, “Forget and Not Slow Down” is the see-saw of emotions that can be expected from such a traumatic experience. From pushing forward, to catching himself thinking of her, Matt’s back and forth emotions can be seen in lyrics like, “It’s time to decide, She’s out of my mind, ‘Cause it’ll be me unless I put some thoughts to rest and leave some faults behind, I’ll watch the glint in my eye, Shine off the spring in my step, And it could be blinding depending on the amount of you that I reflect”. Choosing to acknowledge mistakes, but not dwell on them is a theme throughout the album. Letting God work through the events in our lives is the best way to grow in faith. In an interview Matt said of the album, “[It’s] about staying positive and not letting the things that get us down get to us.”

The overlying storyline of the album follows the pain and confusion from the opening track, to a resolution of ending up in a healthy place. Recognition of fault, willing to move on, and knowing that it is a constant battle to leave a lost love behind. The second to last track “This is The End” powerfully states, “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”, then he sheepishly returns to this line in the album ending track “(If You Want It)”. But with a more realistic approach, what was so final is now up to her, “So think real slow, don’t forget that yes is yes and no is no. Melting prints of grass and snow, means I may forget the way to get back home”, Matt acknowledges that he is prone to loving her no matter the situation.

While this album is one that has stuck with me over the years, it’s been on constant repeat for the past few weeks. While the world outside seems to be slowing down, I have felt the urge to revisit music that I know word for word, and the comfort of associated memories and personal growth. In a culture that is often consumed with whatever is new, it’s important to slow down. Spend some time listening to an old favorite and try to listen to it on a deeper level than you ever have, you might be surprised what you hear.

Sources

https://www.songfacts.com/facts/relient-k/forget-and-not-slow-down

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