12 Stones is a post-grunge band that formed in 2000 in Mandeville, Louisian… Read Full Bio ↴12 Stones is a post-grunge band that formed in 2000 in Mandeville, Louisiana, a suburb north of New Orleans. The first line-up consisted of Paul McCoy (vocals), Kevin Dorr (bass), Eric Weaver (guitar), Stephen Poff (guitar/vocals) who left to finish One Like Son's Goodbye and Patrick Quave
(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.

Open Your Eyes
12 Stones Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When I look into your eyes
I see a lot of hate
Pushing me away
You're haunted by a past
A past that brings you down
So you throw it all away
Again

Just try to find a place deep within your soul
And don't deny the child living deep inside
Open your eyes and find
This life's better than you know
It's in your hands now
Just open up your eyes

Deep inside of your mind
You're forced to believe
That nothing's gonna change
So I take you by the hand
And I lead you to a place
A place of happiness
Like this

Don't throw it away

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of 12 Stones's song Open Your Eyes describe a person who is being pushed away by someone who is haunted by their past. The singer looks into the other person's eyes and sees a lot of hate that is bringing them down. The person is unable to let go of their past and is throwing away their future. The singer encourages them to look deep within their soul and not to deny the child living inside them. The singer wants them to open their eyes and realize that life is better than what they know and that it’s in their hands.

The singer highlights that deep inside the person’s mind they believe that their situation will never change. The singer then takes them by the hand and leads them to a place of happiness, where they should stay and not throw it away. Overall, the song Open Your Eyes is about encouraging someone who is lost and afraid to open their eyes to the possibilities of life and happiness.

Line by Line Meaning

When I look into your eyes
I noticed sadness reflecting in your eyes

I see a lot of hate
I see anger and dissatisfaction

Pushing me away
You are retreating yourself from our relationship

You're haunted by a past
Your past haunts you and it affects you in the present

A past that brings you down
Your past negatively affects you and leaves you feeling discouraged

So you throw it all away
You give up on yourself because of your past

Just try to find a place deep within your soul
Look within yourself to find a better place

And don't deny the child living deep inside
Don't ignore the part of you that still hopes for something better

Open your eyes and find
Be aware of what's around you and find something better

This life's better than you know
Life brings unexpected surprises and untapped potential

It's in your hands now
It's up to you to make changes