Everyone has that one song that hits right when they're feeling like a total mess. For a lot of people lately, that song is "Relate." You've probably heard it on the radio or seen the music video with its striking imagery of people from all walks of life. But what's actually going on with For King & Country relate and why did this specific track become such a massive cultural touchstone?
It’s not just another pop-rock anthem. Honestly, it’s a bit of a departure for Joel and Luke Smallbone. They’ve always been known for their theatrical flair—think massive drums and soaring vocals—but "Relate" feels different. It’s grittier. It’s more personal. It deals with the reality that, at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to figure out how to coexist without tearing each other apart.
People are searching for the meaning behind it because it feels like a response to the massive division we've seen over the last few years. It's about empathy. It's about that "I see you" moment.
Why the World Needed This Song Right Now
We live in an era of digital silos. You know how it is. You go on social media, you see people screaming at each other in the comments, and you start to wonder if we've forgotten how to be human. When For King & Country relate dropped, it tapped into that collective exhaustion. The lyrics ask a pretty pointed question: "I don't know what it's like to be you, you don't know what it's like to be me, but what if we tried to relate?"
It’s simple. Almost too simple? Maybe. But in a world where everyone is trying to be "right," being "relatable" is a radical act.
Luke Smallbone has talked openly in interviews about the writing process. He mentioned that the song was born out of a desire to find common ground during a time when the world felt incredibly fractured. It wasn’t about ignoring differences. It was about acknowledging them and choosing to move forward anyway. That nuance is what keeps the song from feeling like a Hallmark card. It acknowledges the pain.
The Musical Shift: Beyond the Big Drums
Musically, the track is a bit of a masterclass in modern production. It still has that signature Smallbone energy, but there’s a syncopated, almost rhythmic vulnerability to the verses. The brothers worked with some heavy hitters on this one, including Josh Kerr and Tayla Parx. If those names sound familiar, it's because they've worked with everyone from Ariana Grande to Kelsea Ballerini.
This collaboration brought a pop sensibility to the track that helped it cross over. It wasn’t just a "Christian music" hit. It started popping up in places you wouldn't expect.
The sound is urgent. It’s driving. It feels like a heartbeat.
💡 You might also like: How to Watch The Wolf and the Lion Without Getting Lost in the Wild
The "What Are You Going Through" Campaign
One thing that really amplified the For King & Country relate impact was how the band used social media to drive the message home. They didn't just release a video; they started a conversation. They asked fans to share their own stories under the prompt "What are you going through?"
The response was overwhelming.
- People talked about battling chronic illness.
- Some shared stories of losing loved ones.
- Others spoke about the loneliness of being a new parent.
It turned the song into a vessel for community. When you watch the music video, which features a diverse cast of people in a sort of industrial, metaphorical space, you’re seeing a reflection of those fan stories. It’s an intentional move to move the spotlight away from the "stars" and onto the "relaters."
Breaking Down the Lyrics: More Than Just Catchy Phrases
If you look at the bridge of the song, that's where the real meat is. "I'm not saying I agree, I'm just saying I see you." That is a massive distinction. In current culture, we often equate "understanding" with "endorsement." The song argues that you can have empathy for someone’s journey without necessarily sharing their destination or their worldview.
It's a high-level concept disguised as a pop hook.
The brothers have always been vocal about their faith, but "Relate" feels more like a bridge-builder than a sermon. It’s an invitation. It says, "Hey, I’m struggling too." That kind of transparency is rare in an industry that often prizes perfection.
The Impact on the Billboard Charts
The numbers don't lie. The song hit Number 1 on the Billboard Christian Airplay chart, which isn't surprising given their track record. But its longevity is what’s impressive. It stayed in the top ten for months. Why? Because it’s "sticky." It’s the kind of song people put on repeat when they’re driving home after a long shift.
It reached people who don't even consider themselves religious. That’s the "Discover" factor. Google’s algorithms love content that bridges gaps, and this song did exactly that.
📖 Related: Is Lincoln Lawyer Coming Back? Mickey Haller's Next Move Explained
Misconceptions About the Band's Direction
Some long-time fans were worried that the pop-leaning sound of the What Are We Waiting For? album meant the band was losing its roots. But if you actually listen to the record, "Relate" is the anchor. It’s the mission statement.
They aren't "selling out"; they're "leaning in."
They are leaning into the reality that music is one of the last few places where people of different backgrounds can stand in a room together and feel the same thing at the same time. Joel Smallbone often describes their shows as a "family reunion." If that's the case, "Relate" is the conversation at the dinner table where everyone finally stops arguing and starts listening.
Lessons We Can Actually Use
So, what do we do with this? Is it just a good song to have on your workout playlist?
If you really want to take the message of For King & Country relate and apply it, it starts with the "pause." The next time you see someone you disagree with, or someone who seems to be living a life totally foreign to yours, remember the "I see you" line.
- Practice Active Observation. Before judging, just look. Recognize the personhood in the stranger.
- Acknowledge Your Own Mess. It’s a lot harder to be arrogant when you realize you’re also "a work in progress."
- Find the Shared Frequency. Maybe you don't like their politics, but maybe you both love your kids. Start there.
The song isn't a magic wand. It won't fix global conflict. But on a micro-level—in your office, in your neighborhood, in your own home—it provides a framework for de-escalation.
The Creative Legacy of the Smallbone Brothers
You can't talk about "Relate" without acknowledging the sheer work ethic of these guys. They moved to Nashville from Australia as kids, lived through some seriously lean years, and built this empire from the ground up. Their sister is Rebecca St. James, a legend in her own right. This family knows the industry.
But they also know struggle.
👉 See also: Tim Dillon: I'm Your Mother Explained (Simply)
That history is baked into the DNA of the music. When they sing about relating to pain, they aren't guessing. They've lived it. From their father's career setbacks to Luke's health scares with digestive issues, they've been through the wringer.
Actionable Steps to Connect Further
If the message of the song resonates with you, there are a few ways to dive deeper into that mindset without just hitting "replay" on Spotify.
Watch the "Relate" Documentary Shorts. The band released several behind-the-scenes clips that explain the visual metaphors in the music video. It gives you a much deeper appreciation for the art.
Listen to the Acoustic Version. Sometimes the big production can mask the lyrics. The acoustic version of "Relate" strips away the synths and leaves you with the raw emotion. It's a completely different experience.
Check out the "What Are We Waiting For?" Tour Footage. Seeing the song performed live, with the visual interaction of the crowd, shows the real-time impact of the message. The band often pauses during this song to let the audience sing the chorus, and the sound of thousands of voices admitting they just want to relate is pretty powerful.
Ultimately, the song serves as a reminder that empathy is a choice. It’s a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. The track isn't just a highlight of their career; it's a challenge to the listener to look at the person next to them with a little more grace and a little less judgment.
Next Steps for Your Playlist and Life
To truly integrate the ethos of the song into your daily routine, consider these specific actions:
- Curate a "Perspective" Playlist: Include "Relate" alongside other tracks that challenge your worldview or offer a window into someone else's experience. This helps break the echo chamber.
- Journal Your "Relatability" Moments: At the end of the day, note one instance where you chose empathy over an easy judgment. It changes how you process interactions over time.
- Share the Story: If you know someone struggling with feeling isolated, send them the "Relate" video. Sometimes just knowing a song exists that validates that feeling of "not being alone in the struggle" is enough to turn a day around.
The cultural footprint of this song continues to grow because it addresses a fundamental human need that isn't going away anytime soon. It’s the need to be seen, known, and understood, despite the messiness of our lives.