Ana’s Song (Open Fire) is a song by the Australian rock band Silverchair. It was released in May 3, 1999 as the second single from their third album, Neon Ballroom. The song is about lead vocalist Daniel Johns‘ struggle with anorexia nervosa. Ana’s Song peaked at No. 14 on Australia’s ARIA Singles Chart, at No. 12 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, and at No. 28 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. At the ARIA Music Awards of 1999, it was nominated for two awards. The track also earned Silverchair a Comet Award in Germany. Ana’s Song (Open Fire) was written by the group’s lead singer, Daniel Johns. In 1999, Johns announced that he had developed the eating disorder anorexia nervosa due to anxiety and depression. Johns noted that the lyrics to Ana’s Song (Open Fire) dealt with his disorder, where he would (eat what he needed to stay awake). Ana is the nickname given to anorexia nervosa by people affected by it. He revealed that his eating problems developed from the time of Freak Show (May 1996) and when Neon Ballroom was written he (hated music, really everything about it), but felt that he (couldn’t stop doing it; I felt like a slave to it). Johns sought therapy and medication but felt (It’s easier for me to express it through music and lyrics). Johns eventually overcame the disorder, realising that he would never be cured of the disease but could live a fulfilled life by learning to cope with it.
Tracklist:
Australian CD single
- Ana’s Song (Open Fire)
- Trash
- Anthem for the Year 2000 (a cappella)
- Ana’s Song (Open Fire) (acoustic)
The music video was directed by Cate Anderson, who also made the band’s video for the song Emotion Sickness. Australian actress Sarah Aubrey played the girl at the sink washing her hands, while having a distorted image of their cleanliness through the mirror. The video was nominated for an ARIA Award for Best Video in 1999.
Silverchair
Daniel Johns: vocals, guitar
Ben Gillies: drums
Chris Joannou: bass
