Formed in 2009, the act was originally a means to expand the solo project of Dustin Payseur. That same year bassist John Peña and guitarist Christopher Burke were recruited as the lineup for their initial tour. Their debut single, Daydream / Desert Sand was released in February 2010 on Captured Tracks. In May 2010, their debut album Beach Fossilswas released and met with favorable reviews.
The following years saw a number of changes to their lineup, including when John Peña left the band in 2011 to form Heavenly Beat, and guitarist Cole Smith, who left for his solo project, DIIV. In 2012, Tommy Gardner stepped in as the drummer to form their current lineup.
Clash the Truth was released in early 2013, peaking at number 40 on the Independent Albums chart. Paysuer described it as being an album about what happens after you've solved the immediate problems that come with moving away from home - "something that just doesn't feel like it makes sense yet".
In 2017, after a long break, the third album Somersault was released
Twelve Roses
Beach Fossils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And what's the biggest chase?
How will we be listening when we're slipping out of the race?
Roses pushed inside my palm
And rusting with the fun
You've already finished it
When the notion's just begun
Can't say why you would be here
And I've seen roses twelve feet tall
Hearts on their shoulders
And that's not all
And I've seen roses six feet all
Hearts on their shoulders
And that's not all
The song Twelve Roses by Beach Fossils appears to be about the feeling of being lost and unsure about one's place in life. The opening lines of the song ask the question "What have I been doing here?" which suggests that the singer is questioning their own actions and motivations. The next line "What's the biggest chase?" could be interpreted as the singer wondering what their ultimate goal in life is. The following lines "How will we be listening when we're slipping out of the race?" suggest that the singer is aware of the passage of time and the inevitability of getting older and eventually passing away. The idea of "slipping out of the race" could be a metaphor for death, and the singer is contemplating how they will be remembered when they are gone.
The lyrics "Roses pushed inside my palm and rusting with the fun" could be interpreted in a number of ways, but one possibility is that the roses represent something beautiful and fleeting, like youth and good times. The phrase "rusting with the fun" suggests that even the good times can decay and turn into something less desirable. The line "You've already finished it when the notion's just begun" could be interpreted as the singer realizing that life is short and precious, and that they need to make the most of it while they can.
The chorus of the song repeats the lines "And I don't know what I'm doing here and I/Can't say why you would be here." This could be interpreted as the singer questioning their own existence and also the existence of others. The final verse of the song repeats the image of roses with hearts on their shoulders, but this time the roses are different heights. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the different experiences and struggles that people go through in life.
Line by Line Meaning
What have I been doing here?
I am unsure of my purpose and actions in this situation.
And what's the biggest chase?
What are the most important and valuable things to pursue?
How will we be listening when we're slipping out of the race?
How will we perceive information and experiences when we are approaching the end of our lives?
Roses pushed inside my palm
I am holding onto and carrying something fragile and ephemeral.
And rusting with the fun
Despite the enjoyable memories associated with this object, it is slowly decaying and losing its beauty.
You've already finished it
You have moved on and completed this phase or task, while I am still stuck in the same situation.
When the notion's just begun
When I have only just started to understand or consider this concept or idea.
And I don't know what I'm doing here and I
I am lost and confused about my current situation, and as a result...
Can't say why you would be here
I do not understand why you would choose to be in the same position as me.
And I've seen roses twelve feet tall
I have witnessed the enormous growth and potential of people and things that were once small and insignificant.
Hearts on their shoulders
Their emotions and intentions are on full display and they are carrying the weight of their feelings.
And that's not all
This is just the beginning or the surface level, there is much more beneath the surface to discover and explore.
And I've seen roses six feet all
I have observed people and things that were once flourishing and full of life, slowly wither away.
Hearts on their shoulders
Their emotions and intentions are on full display and they are carrying the weight of their feelings.
And that's not all
This is just the beginning or the surface level, there is much more beneath the surface to discover and explore.
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JAMES DUSTIN PAYSEUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind