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)
The Rose
Memphis May Fire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's been this way from day one.
Always an uphill battle,
We never got a single handout from anyone.
From anyone.
So tell me, if we were "Damaged goods",
Then what does that make you?
You're nothing more than just a worthless suit.
We are the rose
We are the rose, we are the rose
That grew from the crack in the concrete,
I never doubted for a second even when you left us on our own.
Don't you wish you would have known,
How does it feel now that you're in the back seat?
I guess you should have had a little more faith in me.
Now I won't take all the credit,
But you sure don't deserve an ounce.
So go and talk the talk while we walk the walk.
There's no way that you can stop us now!
We are the rose, we are the rose
That grew from the crack in the concrete,
I never doubted for a second even when you left us on our own.
Don't you wish you would have known,
How does it feel now that you're in the back seat?
I guess you should have had a little more faith in me.
You can lie, you can cheat your way through life,
You can take what you don't deserve until you die.
You can lie, you can cheat your way through life,
You can take what you don't deserve until you die.
You can lie, you can cheat your way through life,
You can take what you don't deserve until you die.
But you can never take away our pride,
Because when they said we couldn't
We did!
One day you'll be forgotten,
When they said we couldn't
We did!
They'll remember our name forever,
Because when they said we couldn't, we did.
I forgive you.
It's not your fault you couldn't see what I saw,
You never were to care about the underdog.
We are the rose, we are the rose
That grew from the crack in the concrete,
I never doubted for a second even when you left us on our own.
Don't you wish you would have known,
How does it feel now that you're in the back seat?
I guess you should have had a little more faith in me.
We are the rose, we are the rose
That grew from the crack in the concrete,
I never doubted for a second even when you left us on our own.
You left us on our own.
I guess you should have had a little more faith in me.
The song "The Rose" by Memphis May Fire is an anthem about rising above obstacles and persevering despite naysayers. The lyrics powerfully convey the idea of being an underdog, but refusing to give up or let others define one's worth. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, painting the picture of constantly battling against the current and never relying on handouts from anyone. The singer questions those who label them as "damaged goods," turning the tables and asking what that makes those who underestimate them. The chorus proclaims the band's resilience and determination, stating that they are like a rose that grew from a crack in concrete, a metaphor for overcoming seemingly impossible odds. The bridge highlights the contrast between the band's hard work and success, and those who take shortcuts and cheat their way through life.
The repetition of the phrase "we are the rose" emphasizes the unyielding spirit of the band, while the final lines provide closure and forgiveness for those who doubted them. Overall, the song celebrates the idea of fighting for what one believes in and rising above adversity, embodying the message of hope and empowerment in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Swimming against the current,
We have been going against the norm and fighting hard to succeed.
It's been this way from day one.
This has been our reality from the start.
Always an uphill battle,
Our journey has been a constant struggle.
We never got a single handout from anyone.
We never received any help or support from others.
From anyone.
This has been a solo effort for us.
So tell me, if we were "Damaged goods",
If you think poorly of us, then what does that imply about you?
Then what does that make you?
What kind of person does that make you?
As far as I'm concerned,
In my opinion,
You're nothing more than just a worthless suit.
You are merely an insignificant individual.
We are the rose
We are strong and resilient like a rose.
That grew from the crack in the concrete,
We emerged triumphant despite the harsh environment.
I never doubted for a second even when you left us on our own.
We always believed in ourselves, even when no one else did.
Don't you wish you would have known,
Don't you regret not seeing our potential earlier?
How does it feel now that you're in the back seat?
You are no longer the one in power or control.
I guess you should have had a little more faith in me.
You should have trusted in me and what I could accomplish.
Now I won't take all the credit,
I acknowledge the support I received from others.
But you sure don't deserve an ounce.
You are not entitled to any credit for our success.
So go and talk the talk while we walk the walk.
We are going to let our actions speak louder than your words.
There's no way that you can stop us now!
Your attempts to hinder us are futile.
You can lie, you can cheat your way through life,
You may deceive and take advantage of others in your life,
You can take what you don't deserve until you die.
You can continue this behavior until the end of your life.
But you can never take away our pride,
Our sense of accomplishment and self-worth cannot be diminished by you.
Because when they said we couldn't
Despite the doubts of others,
We did!
We succeeded and proved them wrong.
One day you'll be forgotten,
Eventually, you will be insignificant and forgotten.
They'll remember our name forever,
Our legacy will live on for eternity.
Because when they said we couldn't, we did.
We overcame the odds and achieved greatness.
I forgive you.
I am letting go of any negative feelings I had towards you.
It's not your fault you couldn't see what I saw,
You were unable to recognize the potential in me.
You never were to care about the underdog.
You never had compassion for those who are disadvantaged or underestimated.
You left us on our own.
You abandoned us to fend for ourselves.
I guess you should have had a little more faith in me.
You should have believed in me and what I could accomplish.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@that_hoody_guy5027
I just discovered this band and they are awesome
@luisislas8037
Que hermoso video ..🤩
Me encantas mucho memphis may fire 🥺❤️
@snareagon2119
This honestly puts a whole new spin on the song... It's pretty great
@oldmanhorton2
Best song on the album, and very cool video.
@mariaabbruscato3384
I really dig this song!
@eleniklg4281
Coolest video ever..There's no more than I love you guys ❤❤ Keep being awesome 👍
@lauryn1884
i forgot how much i love this band.
@SadRatDad
I saw them live in Memphis two weeks ago. Matty actually danced to this and it was the best thing ever
@delilaheros3699
Memphis May Fire lyrics are perfect.
@Loucifer2
I haven't listened to them in while and oh how i've missed them.