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.

Unsaid
12 Stones Lyrics

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Sitting on a swingset
Watching days go bye
Conversations about nothing
Streets light on
It's time to go home

I'm not worried about tomorrow
Cause it's only a day away

And I know it's not my fault
Never dreamed this day would come
Now I'm wishing for my yesterday
So many things are left undone

So many things are left undone

As I pull into the driveway
I feel myself go numb
And the tears of pain begin to fall
Now my worlds undone

And I know it's not my fault
Never dreamed this day would come
Now I'm wishing for my yesterday
So many things are left undone

And I know it's not my fault
Never dreamed this day would come
Now I'm wishing for my yesterday
So many things are left undone

Yes you never know
You never know
You never know
You never know tomorrow

You never know
You never know
You never know
You never know tomorrow

And I know it's not my fault
Never dreamed this day would come
Now I'm wishing for my yesterday
So many things are left undone

So many things are left undone

Overall Meaning

In 12 Stones's song "Unsaid," the singer reflects on the pain of losing someone unexpectedly. He begins by describing a memory of sitting on a swingset, enjoying a carefree conversation with a loved one. However, the song takes a dark turn when the singer pulls into his driveway and realizes that his world has been shattered by the news of his loved one's death. As he struggles to process the loss, he laments the things left undone and wishes for a chance to go back to yesterday.

The song captures the raw emotion of grief and the sense of helplessness that often accompanies it. Despite the singer's belief that tomorrow is only a day away and his attempts to convince himself that it's not his fault, he cannot escape the overwhelming feeling of loss. The repetition of "you never know tomorrow" underscores the message that life is unpredictable and that we should not take our loved ones for granted.

Overall, "Unsaid" is a poignant meditation on the pain of loss and the importance of cherishing the relationships we have while we can.

Line by Line Meaning

Sitting on a swingset
Reflecting on my surroundings and my life

Watching days go by
Observing the passage of time

Conversations about nothing
Small talk and filler conversations

Streets light on
Streetlights illuminate my surroundings

It's time to go home
The day is over and it's time to return home

I'm not worried about tomorrow
I'm not anxious about what the future holds

Cause it's only a day away
Tomorrow is not far off

And I know it's not my fault
I understand that I am not to blame

Never dreamed this day would come
I didn't expect this situation to happen

Now I'm wishing for my yesterday
I long for a time before this situation