(drums) who was later replaced by Aaron Gainer.
After performing no more than 12 live shows, the band recorded a demo and went to New York City where they performed at an industry showcase, where the band encountered some minor difficulties,:"Here we are, our first few hours in New York City," McCoy recalls, "and Kevin is puking in the bathroom and I'm chasing some guy who stole my wallet just a few hours before we play the showcase. It was crazy."After that, the band was signed up by Wind-Up Records. The situation improved once 12 Stones signed with Wind-up and began recording with producer Jay Baumgardner (Papa Roach, Alien Ant Farm), who helped pump up Eric Weaver’s searing guitar solos in the belief that a new guitar hero might be born. Combined with the propulsive rhythm section of Dorr and drummer Aaron Gainer and McCoy’s distinctive lyrics, the 12 Stones sound conveys real emotion with a visceral punch.
The band's eponymous debut album was released in 2002, produced by Jay Baumgardner. They gained more fame when vocalist McCoy performed in Evanescence's song "Bring Me to Life" opposite Amy Lee. The song was included in both Evanescence's album, Fallen and in the Daredevil film soundtrack. McCoy quotes:"Our songs are about some of the really tough times I went through growing up as a kid," McCoy says. "I really wanted to target subjects in our songs that kids going through tough times can relate to and help them get through tough times. It doesn't mean you can’t be angry and the songs powerful. We just want to stream negative energy in a positive way."
In 2004, Kevin Dorr quit the band and touring guitarist Greg Trammell later became an official member.
Their second album, Potter's Field came out in 2004. Both albums were supported with heavy touring. Clint Amereno and then Aaron Hill were brought in to play bass for the shows. After the tour, the band decided to take a break from the band to be with their respective families.
Trammell left prior to the recording of the next album, leaving the band without a second guitarist. After completion of the CD, one of its collaborators, ex-Breaking Point guitarist Justin Rimer, took over this position. The new lineup was later completed with the addition of former Presence bassist DJ Stange.
Their third album, Anthem For The Underdog, was released in 2007. The album is said to be inspired by the effects of Hurricane Katrina on their hometown.
Shortly after the album's release, Stange quit and was replaced by Shawn Wade, formerly of the band Silence Is Broken.
12 Stones released an EP entitled "The Only Easy Day was Yesterday in the summer of 2010. Shortly after its release, the band left Wind-up Records.
After a lengthy search, they found a new home with EMI. EMG's Jacob Capricciuolo said of the latest expansion move of the company, "signing 12 Stones marks a pivotal turn for Executive Music Group to not only continue its established rock success, but to now elevate its presence in Rock to a much broader audience. Myself and VP Jimmy Swan believe 12 Stones has been underrated within the music industry for far to long. We live for radical movements and artists ready to make radical changes within those movements such as 12 Stones. The excitement to work with their amazing talent is more than exhilarating to say the least! It's an honor to have on our roster a group of hard working guys stopping at nothing for global success!"
They entered the studio in the spring of 2011 to record their 4th full length LP. The first single "Bulletproof" from the new album entitled "Only Human" was released on July 11, 2011 to much fanfare.
Eric's Song
12 Stones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm lost inside my thoughts and I don't know what to say
I know I need you now more every day
I push I pull I run so far away
And I'm sick and tired of living this way
Sick and tired of being alone
Sick and tired of running from your love
Sometimes I feel like I am so far away
I'm lost inside my mind won't you help me find my way
And I know I need you now more every day
I push I pull I run so far away
Well I'm sick sick sick and tired baby
of feeling lost and alone, of constantly running away and trying to escape from the love and support that's waiting for me. These lyrics convey a deep sense of emotional turmoil and the feeling of being trapped within one's own thoughts and fears. The singer speaks candidly about their struggle to connect with others, and the inner demons that prevent them from fully embracing the love and acceptance of those around them.
The repetition of "sick and tired" highlights the exhausting nature of this state of mind, while the plea for help in finding a way out suggests that the singer is aware of the need for change. The repetition of the first stanza in the second verse emphasizes the sense of being trapped in a cycle of negative thinking, and the need for someone to come alongside and offer guidance and support.
Overall, the song speaks to universal themes of loneliness and the struggle to find connection, as well as the difficulty of escaping one's own negative thought patterns. The plea for help and the sense of desperation conveyed by the lyrics make for a powerful emotional message that many listeners can relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I feel like I am so far away
I feel emotionally disconnected and isolated from everything around me.
I'm lost inside my thoughts and I don't know what to say
I feel overwhelmed by my own thoughts and unable to express myself clearly.
I know I need you now more every day
I realize that I need someone to rely on and be there for me regularly.
I push I pull I run so far away
I struggle with commitment and push people away from me when things get too close or overwhelming.
And I'm sick and tired of living this way
I'm exhausted from constantly feeling disconnected and pushing people away.
Sick and tired of being alone
I'm tired of feeling lonely and isolated from others.
Sick and tired of running from your love
I'm tired of avoiding love and pushing people away who want to care for me.
Sometimes I feel like I am so far away
I still struggle with feeling disconnected and isolated even though I want to change.
I'm lost inside my mind won't you help me find my way
I need someone to help me sort through my thoughts and emotions so I can figure out who I really am.
And I know I need you now more every day
I am aware that I need someone to trust and rely on more and more every day.
I push I pull I run so far away
Despite wanting to change, I still struggle with commitment and pushing people away from me.
Well I'm sick sick sick and tired baby
I am incredibly frustrated and exhausted from dealing with my emotional struggles.
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: ERIC WEAVER, KEVIN DORR, PATRICK QUAVE, ANTHONY MCCOY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind