Anya was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., and grew up in the Silicon Valley area of California as a capricious child with Russian-Agnostic/Irish-Catholic professor parents (psychology and russian literature/math) and a younger sister. After finishing high school, Anya moved to Los Angeles as an aspiring actress. With stints in the British American Drama Academy (taught by Richard Dreyfuss, Marsha Mason, Anne Jackson and Eli Wallach) and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena, Anya has also acted in television and film (in 2001, she starred in the feature film, 100 Girls). She eventually moved back home to earn a college degree in English and writing at Santa Clara University. She continued to struggle as an artist -- working in acting, musical theatre, music, improv and comedy -- but eventually found a job as a radio DJ on KSCU, Santa Clara University's college station.
After graduating, Anya took a radio station job in San Diego with Mike Halloran at XHRM-FM (92.5). After the station was bought out by another corporation, Halloran hired Anya at Y107 in Los Angeles before they both moved to Premium Radio 92/1 in San Diego's North County. After leaving that station, both disc jockeys landed at FM94/9.
It was in San Diego that Anya played her first open mic night and began to write her own songs. She quickly developed a live stage act using what she learned as an actress, comic and impressionist. Her recorded debut was a five-song EP called Exercises in Racketeering, which eventually led to a full-length album, Miss Halfway, which was released in early 2005. Anya subsequently opened for such artists as Jason Mraz and Rhett Miller. She was named one of the "Best Unsigned" acts by San Diego CityBeat.
The songs on Miss Halfway talk about her upbringing, ex-boyfriends and all the after-effects. Anya's album was also produced by Scott Russo, the frontman for rockers Unwritten Law, along with Peter King from The Surfers. The record eventually earned a San Diego Music Award for Best Recording. The title track also landed on Grey's Anatomy and was featured as the fifth song on the second Grey's Anatomy (soundtrack) disc along with The Fray, KT Tunstall, Gomez and Snow Patrol.
The internet radio station KGRL featured her as their Flower-Powered Artist for March of 2007. The feature includes an exclusive interview, CD Review of Miss Halfway, and an on-demand audio stream of an unreleased Anya Marina track titled "Try It And Like It."
Felony Flats
Anya Marina Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Left alone
Bars on the windows and doors
We used to call this home
Felony flats
Yes, I know where I'm at
I could tell by your face
Here in felony flats
You better know where you're at
Know where you're going to
Felony flats
I can't believe that I'm back
Won't forget where I'm coming from
'Cause it took all that I could bet
To get away and just forget felony flats
Here in felony flats
You're always watching your back
Know where you're going to
Felony flats
I can't believe that I'm back
I won't forget where I'm coming from
'Cause it took all that I could bet
To get away and just forget
Yeah, it was all that I could do
To get away from me and you, felony flats
It's a long way to get back home
It's a long, long way to get back home
Felony flats
Can't erase
(Felony flats)
From your veins
(Felony flats)
You can't begin until you can face
What's at your back
What's at your back?
Felony Flats
Felony flats, come on
Felony flats, come on
Come on and get it
Come on and get it
Come on and get it
'Cause it took all that I could bet
To get away and just forget
Yeah, it was all that I could do
To get away from me and you
Yeah, it took all that I could bet
To get away and just forget
Felony flats
The song "Felony Flats" by Anya Marina describes the artist's reconnection with her past, particularly a place she used to call home, which is now a rundown neighborhood with barred windows and doors. The title "Felony Flats" suggests that this place is notorious for crimes and criminal activities. The lyrics convey a sense of foreboding and caution as the artist sings about watching her back, knowing where she's going, and facing what's at her back. The repetitive phrase "felony flats" emphasizes the weight of this place on her life and identity.
The second half of the song takes a reflective and determined tone, with the artist acknowledging the difficulty in escaping her past but also celebrating her triumphs over it. She sings about how it took everything she had to leave and forget about that place, but now that she's back, she won't forget where she's coming from. The line, "Can't erase from your veins," suggests that the memories of her past are ingrained in her and continue to influence her life. The song ends with the repeated refrain of "Felony flats, come on and get it," which can be interpreted as both a challenge to confront the past and a resolve to move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Southeast of the tracks
This area is located to the southeast of some railway tracks.
Left alone
The singer feels abandoned and isolated.
Bars on the windows and doors
The houses in the area have metal bars on their doors and windows as a security measure.
We used to call this home
The area used to be the artist's home, but they no longer feel welcome there.
Felony flats
The area is known as Felony Flats, suggesting it has a high crime rate and dangerous reputation.
Yes, I know where I'm at
The singer is familiar with the area and knows the danger it poses.
I could tell by your face
The singer can see from someone's expression that they disapprove of the area they are in.
I was late
The artist arrived late to a meeting in this dangerous area.
Here in felony flats
The artist is present and located in the Felony Flats area.
You better know where you're at
The artist warns that it's important to be aware of your surroundings and understand the danger of the area.
Know where you're going to
It's important to have a plan and clear direction when navigating through Felony Flats.
I can't believe that I'm back
The artist is surprised to find themselves back in Felony Flats after leaving previously.
Won't forget where I'm coming from
The singer will always remember the struggle it took to escape Felony Flats.
'Cause it took all that I could bet
The singer risked everything to leave Felony Flats behind and start a new life.
To get away and just forget felony flats
The singer wanted to escape the danger and trauma of Felony Flats and leave it behind completely.
You're always watching your back
There is a constant fear and need to be aware of danger in Felony Flats.
Can't erase
The memory or danger of Felony Flats cannot be forgotten or erased.
From your veins
The trauma and fear of Felony Flats runs deep and cannot be removed.
You can't begin until you can face
The singer suggests that it's necessary to confront and overcome the fear and trauma of Felony Flats before moving on.
What's at your back
The dangers and trauma of Felony Flats can feel like a weight and burden on the artist.
Felony Flats
The danger and trauma of Felony Flats is a constant presence and reminder.
It's a long way to get back home
The artist suggests that it will take time and effort to overcome the trauma of Felony Flats and feel at home again.
Can't begin until you can face
The singer reiterates the importance of confronting and overcoming the trauma of Felony Flats.
Come on and get it
The artist encourages listeners to face their fears and overcome the danger and trauma of Felony Flats.
'Cause it took all that I could bet
The singer risked everything to leave Felony Flats behind, and encourages listeners to do the same.
To get away and just forget felony flats
The singer emphasizes the importance of leaving the danger and trauma of Felony Flats behind and moving forward.
Contributed by Nathan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.