(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.
Shadows
12 Stones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A place surrounded by the hate
That hides in the shadows
Inside of you, inside of me
What can we ever hope to see
If we're not looking
Don't you want to find your own way home again?
When will you learn to just be you?
Find your own way
When will you learn to follow through?
Make your own way
Looking for something to believe
I find the answer starts with me
Each time I follow
Inside of you, inside of me
What can we ever hope to be
If we're not trying
Don't you want to find your own way home again?
Just leave your hate behind
When will you learn to just be you?
Find your own way
When will you learn to follow through?
Make your own way
When will you learn to just be you?
Find your own way
When will you learn to follow through?
Make your own way
Find another way to get inside me
Find another way to get inside me
Find another way to get inside me
find yourself
Find another way to get inside me
Find another way to get inside me
Find another way to get inside me
Find yourself
Don't you want to find your own way home again?
Just leave your hate behind
When will you learn to just be you?
Find your own way
When will you learn to follow through?
Make your own way
When will you learn to just be you?
Find your own way
When will you learn to follow through?
Make your own way
(Make your own way, make your own way)
When will you learn to just be you?
(Make your own way)
When will you learn to follow through?
(Make your own way)
The lyrics of Shadows by 12 Stones encourage the listener to look inside oneself and find their own way in life. The song highlights the negative influences of hate and encourages the listener to leave it behind. The song also emphasizes the importance of taking action and following through with one's goals.
The opening lyrics of the song suggest that a lot of negativity surrounds the characters and that hate tends to hide in the shadows. The song seems to suggest that people can overcome their internal conflicts if they take a moment to pause and look for something positive to believe in. The line "each time I follow" suggests that the singer has found a path and is urging the listener to find their own way too.
The chorus repeats the idea of finding your own way and leaving hate behind. The idea of "making your own way" suggests that the listener needs to take action and not just sit back and hope for the best. The repetition of "when will you learn" indicates that the singer is trying to encourage the listener to take responsibility for their actions and their life.
Overall, the song's lyrics are empowering and encourage the listener to take control of their life and make positive changes.
Line by Line Meaning
Look around and tell me what you see
Observe your surroundings and express what you perceive.
A place surrounded by the hate
The location is encompassed by negative emotions.
That hides in the shadows
The hate remains obscure and secretive.
Inside of you, inside of me
Negative emotions are present within each individual.
What can we ever hope to see
There is little to be gained if one fails to observe their surroundings.
If we're not looking
Without active observation, we are blind to our environment.
Don't you want to find your own way home again?
Do you desire to rediscover your personal path?
Just leave your hate behind
Abandon negative emotions in order to move forward.
When will you learn to just be you?
When will you realize the importance of being true to oneself?
Find your own way
Seek out your personal path in life.
When will you learn to follow through?
When will you realize the necessity of committing to your goals?
Make your own way
Forge your own path in life, regardless of the judgment of others.
Looking for something to believe
The search for meaning and purpose in life is ongoing.
I find the answer starts with me
The solution to one's problems lies within themselves.
Each time I follow
Every instance of following results in something new being discovered.
What can we ever hope to be
Without effort and focus, little can be accomplished.
If we're not trying
Without effort and persistence, there can be no progress.
Find another way to get inside me
Discover alternative methods to gain understanding of oneself.
Find yourself
Rediscover your true identity and purpose in life.
(Make your own way, make your own way)
When will you learn to just be you?
When will you realize the importance of being true to oneself?
(Make your own way)
When will you learn to follow through?
When will you realize the necessity of committing to your goals?
(Make your own way)
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: KEVIN W. DORR, AARON GAINER, ANTHONY PAUL MCCOY, GREG TRAMMELL, ERIC WEAVER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind