Discography:
2007 - Memphis May Fire (EP)
2009 - Sleepwalking
2010 - Between the Lies (EP)
2011 - The Hollow
2012 - Challenger
2014 - Unconditional
2016 - This Light I Hold
2018 - Broken
In early 2007, the band recorded and self-released an EP, and began creating a local following. Shortly thereafter, Memphis May Fire caught the attention of Josh Grabelle, the president of Trustkill Records. In September 2007 the band had officially signed to Trustkill, and their self-titled EP (Memphis May Fire)was reissued through the label in December 2007.
Memphis May Fire hoped to release their debut album by summer 2008, however, during the recording sessions for the album, lead singer Chase Ryan decided to leave the band. Chase explained that he felt that his priorities should be with his newborn child and not a band. Upon announcing his resignation, bass player Austin Radford also decided to part ways with the band shortly thereafter. He would be replaced by Cory Elder. Open auditions were held shortly after Chase's departure, and he was eventually replaced by a new vocalist, Matty Mullins. By this time, Memphis May Fire had already recorded their instruments for the new album with producer Casey Bates and only needed Mullins to contribute his vocals.
Their debut full-length studio album, Sleepwalking, was released on July 21, 2009, through Trustkill Records. Memphis May Fire has described the album as "a new breed of rock n' roll" and musically it has "more aggressive guitar work and noticeably more melodic, but still retains that southern swagger." Their song "Ghost in the Mirror" was used on the soundtrack for the movie Saw VI.
The official music video for "Ghost in the Mirror" was released on February 2nd, 2010 through the Trustkill YouTube page.
Memphis May Fire released a second EP entitled Between the Lies on November 2, 2010, through Bullet Tooth Records with more energy and a different style than their previous releases. On December 9, 2010 the band post in their Facebook that the song "Action/Adventure" will be featured in the video game Rock Band 3. In 2010, Matty Mullins was featured in the song "That's What She Said", from Kid Liberty's debut album Fight with Your Fists.
On January 17, 2011, Rise Records announced Memphis May Fire signed to the label and that a new album will be released in spring. The band recently wrapped up the recording of their upcoming full-length record at Chango Studios (Of Machines, I See Stars, Sleeping with Sirens, etc.) in Orlando, Florida.
On March 3, 2011, a full album teaser for their sophomore album The Hollow was released via Rise Records YouTube page, including its release date of April 26, 2011. On March 22, a full song from The Hollow, titled "The Sinner", was released to Rise Records YouTube page and on iTunes. On April 23, the entire album was released on the Rise Records YouTube page.
On September 15th, the video for the lead single from The Hollow, "The Sinner", directed by Thunder Down Country was released on YouTube.
On February 15th, 2012, a live music video recorded in Orlando Florida for the song titled "The Unfaithful" was released on their YouTube Page.
On February 11th it was announced by Kellen McGregor that the band will be working with Cameron Mizell shortly again, to record their third studio album, Challenger. The album was released June 26th, 2012 through Rise Records while the band is on Warped Tour. On April 11th around midnight, Ryan Bentley announced he has parted ways with the band in a tweet saying "I'm no longer in Memphis May Fire. Details later." On April 17th, the band announced that Anthony Sepe (ex-Decoder) would be replacing Ryan Bentley as their new guitarist:
"For those who may not know already, we recently decided to part ways with our guitarist, Ryan Bentley, and wish him nothing but the best. He's a talented individual and we have no doubt that he will be successful no matter where life leads him. With that said, we'd like all of you to give a warm welcome to our new guitarist Anthony Sepe."
On March 25, 2014, their album Unconditional was released. On October 28, 2016, the band released the album This Light I Hold and on November 16, 2018, the album Broken was released, these last three all through Rise Records.
Current members:
Kellen McGregor – lead guitar, backing vocals, programming, keyboard (2006–present), lead vocals (2006)
Matty Mullins – lead vocals (2008–present)
Cory Elder – bass (2008–present)
Jake Garland – drums, percussion (2010–present)
Touring:
Samuel Penner – rhythm guitar (2017–present)
Former members:
Tanner Oakes – bass (2006–2007)
Ryan Dooley – drums (2006–2007)
Chase Ryan Robbins – lead vocals (2006–2008)
Jeremy Grisham – drums (2007–2008)
Austin Radford – bass (2007–2008)
Daniel De Los Santos – bass (2008)
Joel Seier – rhythm guitar (2009–2010)
Eric Molesworth – drums (2008–2010)
Ryan Bentley – rhythm guitar (2006–2009, 2010–2012)
Anthony Sepe – rhythm guitar (2012–2017)
Speak Now I'm Listening
Memphis May Fire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Make it clear this is not
A test of the system they want you to believe
Understanding the paths that we take
Relay's signals from our nerves to our brain
Don't get lost in the upside down ways
This world has a heavy hold on your heart
things aren't always cut just to fit you
Uncertain of what's at stake
This question is killing you
So many think they know it all
All they know is that It's gonna end
Gotta live while you can gotta live while you can
You'll find it hard harder now just to believe
Give it some time give it time
Give it face needed time
Crashing through the open doors
Fall flat on our faces again
This is the life that you chose
you've got the time make your amends
Crashing through the open doors
Fall flat on our faces again
This is the life that you chose
you've got the time make your amends
I know sometimes It's so hard
Afraid to show your weakness but were all so weak inside
So don't listen make up your own mind
Listen with your ear to the sky
And keep your feet moving persevere persevere
You have the power to make this life your own
Its time to test the limits of your heart
Make it clear make it clear
This is not a test of the system
In a world a world that is broken
a world that is broken
I'm afraid of a world that is breaking
a world that is breaking down
In a world that is broken and dead
I am afraid that there's nothing left
In a world that is broken and dead
I am afraid that there's nothing left
In a world that is broken and dead
I am afraid that there's nothing left
Show them how strong you are
You've come this far don't fall
The song "Speak Now I'm Listening" by Memphis May Fire encourages the listener to persevere in the face of adversity and to trust their own intuition. The lyrics urge the listener to stay true to themselves and not conform to societal pressures or the expectations of others. The opening lines, "Persevere persevere, it's time to test the limits of your heart," is a call to action for the listener to push themselves to their limits, even when it feels difficult or uncomfortable. The song acknowledges the challenges of life and the uncertainty that comes with it but offers an empowering message to the listener to stay strong and keep moving forward.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest and not taking it for granted. It warns of the dangers of complacency, urging the listener to "make your amends" and not fall flat on their face again. The lines "In a world that is broken and dead, I am afraid that there's nothing left" paint a bleak picture of the world but ultimately, the song offers a message of hope and resilience. It is a reminder that even in difficult times, there is still power in individual agency and perseverance.
Line by Line Meaning
Persevere persevere It's time to test the limits of your heart
Stay strong, it's time to push yourself to the limit.
Make it clear this is not
A test of the system they want you to believe
Don't play by someone else's rules, this is your life.
Understanding the paths that we take
Relay's signals from our nerves to our brain
Don't get lost in the upside down ways
This world has a heavy hold on your heart
Be mindful of the choices you make, our experiences shape us, don't let the negative aspects of the world consume you.
You've know from day one that
things aren't always cut just to fit you
Life isn't easy, and it's not always going to go our way.
Uncertain of what's at stake
This question is killing you
Not knowing what the future holds can be daunting.
So many think they know it all
All they know is that It's gonna end
Gotta live while you can gotta live while you can
People claim to have all the answers, but in reality, no one knows the fate of the world, so live life to the fullest.
You'll find it hard harder now just to believe
Give it some time give it time
Give it face needed time
It's natural to feel doubtful, but time can heal and clarify things.
Crashing through the open doors
Fall flat on our faces again
This is the life that you chose
you've got the time make your amends
Life is full of obstacles, but we have the chance to make things right even when we stumble.
I know sometimes It's so hard
Afraid to show your weakness but were all so weak inside
So don't listen make up your own mind
It's difficult to open up about our vulnerabilities, but it's important to value our own opinions in the face of external criticism.
Listen with your ear to the sky
And keep your feet moving persevere persevere
You have the power to make this life your own
Stay hopeful, persevere and never give up, because in the end you have the power to control your own life.
In a world a world that is broken
a world that is broken
I'm afraid of a world that is breaking
a world that is breaking down
The world can seem chaotic, confusing and scary.
In a world that is broken and dead
I am afraid that there's nothing left
Sometimes everything can feel like it's falling apart and we fear there is nothing left to hold onto.
Show them how strong you are
You've come this far don't fall
Prove to the world just how resilient you can be, and remember not to give up now that you've made it this far.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind