Upon the band's formation, they released one extended play (EP) in 2007, titled This Is Your Way Out, and shortly after, the group underwent significant line-up and sound changes, dropping their metalcore influence and leaning towards a more rock sound. The band released their debut studio album, Relativity (2008), which featured vocalist Jonny Craig and rhythm guitarist Jonas Ladekjaer. Their second studio album, Emarosa, was released in June 2010, to critical acclaim, and was Craig's final album with the group.
Following Craig's departure, the band toured briefly with a fill-in vocalist before entering a period of inactivity. Eventually, Craig was formally replaced by Walden. Emarosa then released their third studio album, Versus, on September 9, 2014, which peaked at No. 61 in the Billboard 200. The band signed to Hopeless Records and released their fourth and fifth studio albums, 131 (2016) and Peach Club (2019). A sixth, Sting, is set for release in January 2023.
===Current members===
ER White – lead guitar (2006–present); rhythm guitar (2014–2016, 2022–present); bass (2022–present)
Bradley Walden – lead vocals (2013–present)
===Past members===
Chris Roberts – lead vocals (2006)
Mike Bryant – rhythm guitar (2006)
Chris Roetter – lead vocals (2006–2007)
Madison Stolzer – rhythm guitar (2006–2007)
Jonny Craig – lead vocals (2007–2011)
Lukas Koszewski – drums (2006–2014)
Jonas Ladekjaer – rhythm guitar (2007–2014)
Will Sowers – bass (2006–2016)
Jordan Stewart – keyboards (2006–2018)
Matthew Marcellus – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2016–2022; touring member 2014–2016)
Robert Joffred – bass, backing vocals (2018–2022; touring member 2016–2018)
I Am the Waves
Emarosa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I won't let go but I'll walk away
I've got this fear of flying
I'll pick myself up off of the floor
And I'm still standing
I'm holding on this time
And I won't let you go this time
I'm watching the world as they're pulling you down
It's better to believe
I know it's better to believe
Nothing can stop this from happening
Is this what you wanted?
Is this what you need?
I watched you shaking
Calling out for me
Could it get any better
Better to believe
I think it's getting better
Better to agree
Is this what you call home
As you turn it around
I know you'll never mean it
You'll never get the hope that you deserve
It's no suprise that the air keeps you still
On this stable ground that
Once shook so lightly
The lyrics to Emarosa's song I Am Waves seem to be about a painful breakup or separation. The first stanza suggests the singer feels stuck in a situation they can't walk away from but are also afraid to stay in. They've fallen and hit rock bottom but have managed to pick themselves up with the resolve to hold on and not let the person they love go this time. The second stanza is more confrontational and says the singer will let things fall apart and watch their partner crumble because it's better to believe in a painful truth than to keep denying reality. The final stanza seems to be about the aftermath of the breakup, where the singer realizes they'll never be happy with this person, even if they try to reconcile, because they'll never get the fairytale ending they deserve.
The chorus seems to be a mix of self-doubt, defeatism, and hope despite everything. The singer questions whether this is what their partner wanted or needed, and notes the physical and emotional distress they've caused with their presence. They almost seem to be apologizing for hurting their partner but are also saying that things are looking up and things could only get better from here.
Overall, the song is a raw and emotional portrayal of a relationship that has seen better days. The lyrics speak of painful truths, damaging actions, and the harsh reality of moving on when everything seems impossible.
Line by Line Meaning
My hands lie in vain
I feel powerless and useless with my hands.
I won't let go but I'll walk away
I won't physically leave, but I will emotionally detach myself from this situation.
I've got this fear of flying
I'm afraid of taking risks and making big changes.
I'll pick myself up off of the floor
I'll recover from this tough situation.
And I'm still standing
Despite everything, I'm still here and haven't given up yet.
I'm holding on this time
I'm determined to stay committed this time.
And I won't let you go this time
I won't give up on you and our relationship.
I'll let it fall apart and watch you tremble
I'll allow everything to crumble and see how you react.
I'm watching the world as they're pulling you down
I see you being affected by the negativity around us.
It's better to believe
Optimism is key.
I know it's better to believe
I firmly believe in the power of positivity.
Nothing can stop this from happening
This situation will happen no matter what.
Is this what you wanted?
Is this the outcome you desired?
Is this what you need?
Is this what you truly require to be happy?
I watched you shaking
I saw you visibly upset and scared.
Calling out for me
Asking for my help and support.
Could it get any better
Is there any chance for improvement?
I think it's getting better
I have a positive outlook and think things are improving.
Is this what you call home
Is this place/feeling where you belong and feel safe?
As you turn it around
As you try to change the situation.
I know you'll never mean it
I know you don't truly intend to change or follow through.
You'll never get the hope that you deserve
You won't achieve the optimism and positivity that you truly deserve.
It's no suprise that the air keeps you still
It makes sense that you are stagnant and unchanging.
On this stable ground that
In this comfortable and predictable environment.
Once shook so lightly
That used to be so uncertain and unstable.
Contributed by David D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Makoto the Witch
you know what I love most about this album? The continuity, how every song blends into the next one and you get one epic piece of music
Mr.Gavin
these were the good days. i wish emarosa was still like this
AJ Smith
Mr.Gavin that's real. Just glad some screams bands are still kickin it and have a fan base.
Chris S.
+Cody Webb I'm sad of what this could have been without them completely changing their entire sound with jonny.. Might as well have been called another band at that point because after this album the only similarities were the name only.. oh well.
Cody Webb
Fa sho. i could fend off an army listening to this album. so much talent with these songs and this direction they WERE GOING!!
Eduardo Coelho
Still 2020, top 10 best post hardcore albums ever
iluvcookies
Yessirrrr love this album
yosida easie
yea
Naomi Ruth
One of my most favorite albums ever.
Heitor
I literally haven't heard this song in years... this used to be my alarm, it takes me back man!