Their music is a mix of hard rock styles. The band cites influences such as Rage Against The Machine, Foo Fighters, Incubus, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Nirvana.
Early on, vocalist Lacey Mosley began playing music with drummer James Culpepper. Later on guitarists Jared Hartmann and Sameer Bhattacharya were recruited. "Sameer and Jared are really experimental with melodies and pedals, and we all had different influences that were all blending together with the same passionate and hopeful heart, and that brought out this beautiful feeling. It was magical," said Mosley. When they were still playing as Listen, they played with bassists Josh C. and Jonathan B.. The bassist was replaced by Kirkpatrick Seals in 2002 after he left his previous band The Grove.
All five members of the band are of the Christian faith. This faith in Jesus influences their music, but lead singer Lacey Mosley doesn't necessarily believe that makes Flyleaf a strictly Christian band. "We all share the same faith. And so when we deal with the whole 'Christian band thing,' we kind of think about something P.O.D. says, like, 'If you're a Christian, it affects everything in your life. So if you're a plumber, does that make you a Christian plumber?'" Mosley said. "I don't know the answer. We're a band, it's part of who we are, so it comes out in our music, and it's the fuel for what we do. And finding Christ saved my life. So I'm not ashamed of it at all. And most of our album reflects that".
Flyleaf released a song "Cassie" that was about the shooting of Cassie Bernall and Rachel Scott. They were shot in the head after admiting they were Christian. This is just one example of how Flyleaf are touched by events and touch others through their music.
Flyleaf released their first full-length studio album, "Flyleaf", in October 2005. The album was re-released in United States in October 2007 along with their latest digital EP, "Much Like Falling", that was released onto the iTunes store. The re-released version of "Flyleaf" contains additional acoustic tracks.
On the 10th of November 2009, Flyleaf released their second album, called "Memento Mori". The album is a little less heavy than their debut album. Two songs that were released before the official release are "Beautiful Bride" and "Again".
Songfacts reports that their third album will be called "New Horizons". The title track premiered on 89X Radio on August 1, 2012, and will be released on iTunes on August 21, 2012.
On October the 22nd 2012, Lacey Sturm/Mosley declared that she was leaving Flyleaf and that the band was splitting up. This was only a week before their new album was due to be released (New Horizons - 30th October 2012).
On November 7, 2022, it was announced by Flyleaf that Sturm had returned to the band, with the band now calling themselves "Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm".
Official site: www.flyleafmusic.com
Enemy
Flyleaf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I have been my own enemy
I am asking for you to forgive me
For everything
If you don't
You're worthy of compassion
If you do
If you don't know, you're my family
Enemy
I'm sorry
Oh, enemy, family
Forgive me
If you don't
You're worthy of compassion
If you do
You're a better man than I am
If you do
You're a better man than I am
Enemy, enemy, family, family
The lyrics to Flyleaf's song "Enemy" delve into the concept of inner turmoil and self-reflection, as the singer confesses to being both an enemy to themselves and to someone important to them. The opening line, "I have made you an enemy," expresses the guilt and regret the singer feels for their actions towards the other person, whom they have caused to become their enemy. This is followed by the acknowledgement of their own self-destructive tendencies, saying "I have been my own enemy."
The second verse shifts the focus to the singer's plea for forgiveness and reconciliation with their enemy, whom they address as "family." They recognize the strength and compassion it takes for someone to forgive them and acknowledge that if the other person decides not to forgive them, they are still worthy of compassion. The repeated lines at the end emphasize the complexity and blurry lines between being an enemy and being family, and the deep emotional connections that exist between them.
Overall, the lyrics of "Enemy" confront the difficult journey towards self-forgiveness and acceptance, as well as the power dynamics and emotional complexities in repairing damaged relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I have made you an enemy
I've acted in a way that makes us adversaries
I have been my own enemy
I've been self-destructive and caused harm to myself
I am asking for you to forgive me
I'm requesting your forgiveness for what I've done
For everything
For all the ways I've hurt you and affected our relationship
If you don't
If you can't bring yourself to forgive me
You're worthy of compassion
I understand your point of view and feel empathy for your decision
If you do
If you are able to forgive me
You're a better man than I am
You possess a level of mercy and grace that I aspire to
If you don't know, you're my family
Even if our relationship is strained, we are still connected as family
Enemy
The animosity between us that I've created
I'm sorry
I feel genuine remorse for my actions
Oh, enemy, family
Despite the conflict, our relationship still holds familial ties
Forgive me
I'm asking for your forgiveness and hope to reconcile our relationship
Enemy, enemy, family, family
The turmoil and conflict within our familial relationship
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JAMES CULPEPPER, JARED HARTMANN, KIRKPATRICK SEALS, LACEY NICOLE STURM, SAMEER BHATTACHARYA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind