(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.
It was You
12 Stones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That showed me who I am
And taught me how to stand
For what I know is real
I was sick of all the pain
Tired of all the shame that I felt
But you showed me a way
And always to believe in myself
Now I see
[Chorus 1]
It was you
That showed me who I am
And taught me how to stand
For what I know is real
[Chorus 2]
Now I'm breathin' for the first time
And I'm leavin, all this behind
I've become, what I am because of you
It was you
I'm so sorry 'bout the ways
ut I can't take away my past
But you love me anyway
And now I wanna do
Everything for you that I can
Even though it won't erase
The foolish things that I've done
Things that blinded me
But now I see
It was you
That showed me who I am
And taught me how to stand
For what I know is real
Now I'm breathin' for the first time
And I'm leavin, all this behind
And taught me how to stand
For what I know is real
So how can I make this up to you
I'll fight and I'll push and I'll strive
Can't you see
[Chorus 1]
[Chorus 2]
I can see the writing on the wall
As time begins to crawl away from me
And I've become what I am
Because of you
It was you
The lyrics of the song "It was You" by 12 Stones is a heartfelt acknowledgement of the influence of someone special in the singer's life. Throughout the song, the singer addresses the person who has given him the strength and courage to realize his true identity and to stand up for his own beliefs. The song starts with the acknowledgement that the person has taught him how to overcome pain, shame, and doubt that were weighing him down. He admits that he had been blind and made foolish choices, but with the guidance and love of this special person, he has found his purpose and direction in life.
Through the lyrics of the song, the singer expresses his gratitude towards the influential person who has helped him to overcome his struggles and become the person he is today. The singer feels that he is breathing for the first time and leaving behind his past because of the impact of this person. He acknowledges the significance of the person's love for him, admitting that he can never make up for his past mistakes, but he wants to do everything to make this person proud. The song ends with the singer's realization that the person has changed his life, and he has become who he is because of them.
Overall, the song "It was You" by 12 Stones is a touching tribute to the transformative power of love and guidance. It communicates the message that even in the midst of darkness and despair, one person can make all the difference and help us to see the light.
Line by Line Meaning
It was you
The person being addressed is responsible for transforming the singer's life
That showed me who I am
The person being addressed revealed the singer's true self to them
And taught me how to stand
The person being addressed coached the singer on how to be strong and resilient
For what I know is real
The person being addressed helped the artist develop the ability to recognize and stand up for what they believe in
I was sick of all the pain
The artist was fed up with suffering
Tired of all the shame that I felt
The singer was exhausted from feeling embarrassed and guilty
But you showed me a way
The person being addressed presented the singer with a path forward
To never have a doubt
The person being addressed taught the artist to have confidence in themselves
And always to believe in myself
The person being addressed encouraged the artist to trust in their abilities
Now I see
As a result of the person being addressed's guidance, the artist has gained a new perspective
Now I'm breathin' for the first time
The singer feels reborn or renewed
And I'm leavin, all this behind
The artist is moving on from their past struggles and pain
I've become, what I am because of you
The person being addressed is the reason for the singer's transformation and growth
I'm so sorry 'bout the ways
The singer apologizes for their past mistakes and regrets
But I can't take away my past
The singer cannot change what has already happened in their life
But you love me anyway
Despite the artist's flaws and errors, the person being addressed cares for and supports them
And now I wanna do
The artist feels motivated to make things right and improve their circumstances
Everything for you that I can
The singer is committed to doing whatever they can for the person being addressed
Even though it won't erase
The singer understands that their actions cannot undo the past
The foolish things that I've done
The artist acknowledges their past mistakes and poor choices
Things that blinded me
The artist's past experiences caused them to lose sight of what was important
So how can I make this up to you
The artist wants to make amends and asks for guidance on how to do so
I'll fight and I'll push and I'll strive
The singer is determined to work hard and persevere
Can't you see
The artist is requesting that the person being addressed recognize their earnest efforts
I can see the writing on the wall
The singer can sense that change is coming or something important is about to happen
As time begins to crawl away from me
The singer feels like time is moving slowly or slipping away
And I've become what I am
The singer is proud of their personal growth and development
Because of you
The person being addressed is responsible for the artist's positive changes
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: ANTHONY MCCOY, SKIDD MILLS, JUSTIN MARK RIMER, ERIC WEAVER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind