.Flay was born Kristine Meredith Flaherty in Wilmette, Illinois, on June 30, 1985. She attended nearby New Trier High School. When she was seven, her parents divorced and her mother remarried soon after, bringing in a stepbrother and a stepsister. When she was 14 years old, her biological father—a guitarist who loved all musical genres—died of undisclosed causes related to his alcoholism; many of her songs include references to him. Flaherty's stepfather helped raise her and later adopted her. She has described herself as a tomboy during childhood, preferring baggier clothing and rejecting "all things girly". In 2003, she enrolled at Stanford University, pursuing a double major in psychology and sociology. According to Flaherty, many people she met during her time at Stanford influenced her musical style.
K.Flay began her music career in 2003, believing that most hip-hop hits on the radio were "simplistic, misogynistic and formulaic". After bragging to a friend that she could write similar songs, she wrote "Blingity Blang Blang", which she described as a "low-budget rap parody that contained far too many obscenities". After writing and performing the song, Flaherty realized that she enjoyed writing and recording music. She continued to experiment with music by writing songs and performing and recording them on her computer. She released a mixtape called Suburban Rap Queen in 2005, which she produced on her laptop, and began performing.
In 2010, K.Flay released her self-titled EP, and in 2011 self-released the mixtape I Stopped Caring in '96, which she later remarked was a career turning point. K.Flay signed with RCA Records in 2012, releasing two EPs: Eyes Shut in 2012, with songs produced by Liam Howlett from the British band The Prodigy, and What If It Is in 2013. She parted ways with RCA Records in 2013 because of differences of opinion. Upon leaving RCA Records, she left behind more than 60 songs she had written while signed under RCA Records, but no longer owned the rights to. K.Flay has described her time with RCA Records as similar to "an ill-advised marriage".
In late April 2014, K.Flay announced the release of her album Life as a Dog, by offering fans the ability to pre-order via PledgeMusic, reaching 196 percent of her initial goal. She wanted the project to be "DIY [and] self-motivated". It was recorded and produced in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, with the final mix produced at San Francisco's Different Fur.
Life as a Dog was released independently on June 10, 2014. The album reached No. 14 on the Billboard Rap Albums chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. K.Flay toured extensively once the album was released, including headlining a tour and joining tours with AWOLNATION, Third Eye Blind, and Dashboard Confessional in 2014. In 2014 and 2015 she toured Germany, France, and other European countries. K.Flay also performed on the Warped Tour in 2014, saying that it "was almost like an exercise in becoming a better performer".
In 2015, K.Flay collaborated with Louis the Child on their song "It's Strange". The single was praised by Taylor Swift, who added "It's Strange" as one of her "Songs That Will Make Life Awesome" list and was featured on the FIFA 16 soundtrack. The song peaked at number 38 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. On March 25, 2016, K.Flay released her single "FML". Later that year, K.Flay announced she had signed to Interscope Records as the first artist signed to Dan Reynolds' Night Street Records imprint. Her EP Crush Me was released 10 days later on August 19. The EP's song "Blood in the Cut" appeared on the soundtrack for XXX: Return of Xander Cage, Netflix's original series BoJack Horseman (season 4, episode 6), and in a 2017 NFL promo commercial drive.
K.Flay's album Every Where Is Some Where was released on April 7, 2017. The album's first single, "High Enough", was released in March 2017. She was the opening act for the North American and European legs of Imagine Dragons' Evolve Tour. In September 2017, Flay released the book Crush Me, a compilation of notes received from fans. At the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, "Blood in the Cut" received a nomination for Best Rock Song, and Every Where Is Some Where was nominated for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.
On March 1, 2019, K.Flay announced that she was working on her third studio album and released a lyric video for its first single, "Bad Vibes". On March 19, the official music video for "Bad Vibes" was released.[35] On April 29, K.Flay revealed that the new album would be titled Solutions and announced the Solutions Tour. The album was released on July 12, 2019.
In December 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, K.Flay released a three-track EP called Don't Judge a Song by Its Cover which saw her covering "Break Stuff" by Limp Bizkit, "Self Esteem" by The Offspring, and "Brain Stew" by Green Day.
In April 2021, K.Flay announced that a five-track EP called Inside Voices would be released on June 11. The first song from the EP, "Four Letter Words", was released with a music video on April 23. The second song, "TGIF" featuring Tom Morello on guitar, was released with an animated visual on May 21.
In early 2021, K.Flay began live streaming on Twitch; she uses the platform to interact with fans, host live interviews with other musicians, and create and mix original songs in real-time. She also performed at the 2021 Grey Cup halftime show with Arkells and The Lumineers.'' On November 19, 2021, K.Flay released a second five-track EP entitled Outside Voices. The EP's first single, "Nothing Can Kill Us", was released on October 15, 2021; its accompanying music video was released on November 4. A second single, "Weirdo", was released on November 17, two days before the release of the EP. On February 4, 2022, K.Flay's fourth studio album Inside Voices / Outside Voices, was released. The album combines the Inside Voices and Outside Voices EPs along with two additional tracks, "The Muck", and "Good To Drive"
K.Flay has cited a wide range of musicians such as Royal Blood, Missy Elliott, Garbage, Lauryn Hill, Tame Impala, Jeremih, Metric, M.I.A., OutKast, Liz Phair, Cat Power, and Shlohmo as influences. Her work has covered genres including hip-hop, alternative hip-hop, indie, and pop-rock. She has described her sound as "genre-defying" and draws from lo-fi pop and hip-hop with a strong indie component in her sound.
Sunburn
K.Flay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack in the motherfucking box I got quarter pounder distention
Too many made up characters vying for my attention
I’m cold and I’m lonely, just floating toward the light
Think that I might get a kick out of life if life was more like a sitcom
Lies I’ve been fed by some bitch exec, boy that’s what I bit on
So tired, all I wanna do’s just find something to sit on
Don’t tell me I’m melting please help me unh uh wait a minute
Sensing next to nothing but that’s the point exactly
Suppose I better do what my toes have asked of me
People waving, blind to what I’m facing
Watch as I spin these blades
Sun burning on my face
So much I’ll never know
No, I don’t want an answer, answer
If you need to be questioning me I’m separate see, so you can ask her
It takes a dozen hits just to numb out half my pain
My father looks down on me and says what a crying shame
Incompetently navigating treacherous terrain
Sleep or stay awake well it’s really all the same
Popping a handful of xanax just to just to just to manage
Filling my head with feelies til my brain it turns to cabbage
Mapping up out my fate with a random collection of mad libs
Aiming for slightly below average
Sinking slowly, getting sleepy
Living mostly cause it’s easy
Sticking closely to the line
Looking happy, feeling breezy
Walking past now do you see me
It’s getting better all the time
Watch as I spin these blades
Sun burning on my face
So much I’ll never know
No, I don’t want an answer, answer
If you need to be questioning me I’m separate see, so you can ask her
Wasting everything, all my vigor and my youth
Diluting the confusion I am choosing what is truth
I’ve got no use for future plans, used to care but now I don’t
Do almost anything I can to hide the fact I’ll die alone
Not worried about my taxes, not giving a flying fuck
Not worried about my ashes, that one day will turn to dust
Not thinking that I should listen, just wanna be feeling great
Doesn’t matter what’s the prison rest assured I will escape
In K.Flay's song Sunburn, the lyrics paint a picture of a person who is struggling with a lack of purpose and motivation, and who is using drugs as a means of coping. The first verse describes the feeling of drifting off into a new dimension, accompanied by physical discomfort due to overeating. The singer is bombarded by too many distractions and false personas, leaving them feeling cold and lonely as they float towards the light. They express a desire for life to be simpler and more predictable, like a sitcom. However, they acknowledge that the lies they have been fed have only made things worse.
The chorus of the song, "Watch as I spin these blades, Sun burning on my face, So much I'll never know" portrays a sense of helplessness and lack of control. The singer feels that they are caught up in a cycle or a machine that is beyond their control, and that they are unable to escape from it. The second verse describes the singer's struggles with their own thoughts and emotions. They express a desire to numb the pain, and they acknowledge that their father looks down on them with disappointment. They describe themselves as incompetently navigating treacherous terrain, and they find it difficult to distinguish between sleep and wakefulness.
The bridge of the song expresses a sense of apathy and a lack of concern for the future. The singer has little regard for future plans or for their own mortality. They simply want to feel good in the present moment, regardless of the consequences. The final line, "Rest assured I will escape" suggests a determination to break free from the cycle of misery and confusion that they find themselves in.
Line by Line Meaning
Feeling like I might might drift drift off into a new dimension
I feel like I am drifting away into a new dimension.
Jack in the motherfucking box I got quarter pounder distention
I feel bloated from eating too much fast food.
Too many made up characters vying for my attention
I am feeling overwhelmed by fake people trying to get my attention.
I’m cold and I’m lonely, just floating toward the light
I am alone, feeling empty, and just going through the motions.
Think that I might get a kick out of life if life was more like a sitcom
I think my life would be more enjoyable if it was like a sitcom on TV.
Lies I’ve been fed by some bitch exec, boy that’s what I bit on
I fell for the lies that some female executive told me.
So tired, all I wanna do’s just find something to sit on
I am exhausted and just want to sit down and rest.
Don’t tell me I’m melting please help me unh uh wait a minute
Please don't say I'm losing it, but hold on a moment.
So so soporific I’m in the midst of apathy, see
I am feeling so numb and apathetic right now.
Sensing next to nothing but that’s the point exactly
I am trying to feel nothing at all and that is my goal.
Suppose I better do what my toes have asked of me
I should probably do what my instincts tell me to do.
People waving, blind to what I’m facing
People are saying hello to me, but they don't know what I'm going through.
Watch as I spin these blades
Watch as I try to distract myself and let go.
Sun burning on my face
The sun is scorching my skin, but I don't care.
So much I’ll never know
There is so much I don't understand and never will.
No, I don’t want an answer, answer
No, I don't need an answer or explanation.
If you need to be questioning me I’m separate see, so you can ask her
If you have questions about me, ask someone else, I don't want to talk about myself.
It takes a dozen hits just to numb out half my pain
I need to take a lot of drugs to forget about some of my pain.
My father looks down on me and says what a crying shame
My dad is disappointed in me, which makes me very sad.
Incompetently navigating treacherous terrain
I am struggling to navigate a difficult situation.
Sleep or stay awake well it’s really all the same
I am indifferent about whether to stay awake or go to sleep.
Popping a handful of xanax just to just to just to manage
I am taking a large amount of Xanax to cope with my problems.
Filling my head with feelies til my brain it turns to cabbage
I am indulging in things that make me feel good, but it isn't good for me.
Mapping up out my fate with a random collection of mad libs
I have no plan for the future and I'm just improvising as I go.
Aiming for slightly below average
I have very low expectations for myself.
Sinking slowly, getting sleepy
I am getting tired and my spirits are low.
Living mostly cause it’s easy
I am only living because it's easier than giving up.
Sticking closely to the line
I am following a set path and not deviating from it.
Looking happy, feeling breezy
I may look happy, but I am feeling lost and carefree.
Walking past now do you see me
As people walk past me, they may not even notice me.
It’s getting better all the time
Things may be slowly improving for me.
Wasting everything, all my vigor and my youth
I am wasting away my life and energy.
Diluting the confusion I am choosing what is truth
I am trying to clear my mind and figure out what is really true.
I’ve got no use for future plans, used to care but now I don’t
I don't care about making plans for the future anymore.
Do almost anything I can to hide the fact I’ll die alone
I am afraid of dying alone and will do anything to avoid facing that fear.
Not worried about my taxes, not giving a flying fuck
I don't care about anything, including things like taxes.
Not worried about my ashes, that one day will turn to dust
I am indifferent about what will happen to my body after I die.
Not thinking that I should listen, just wanna be feeling great
I'm not really considering anything else and just want to feel good.
Doesn’t matter what’s the prison rest assured I will escape
Regardless of the situation, I will find a way to escape or transcend it.
Contributed by Alexander G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jonam Rodriguez
Feeling like I might might drift drift off into a new dimension
Jack in the motherfucking box I got quarter pounder distention
Too many made up characters vying for my attention
I’m cold and I’m lonely, just floating toward the light
Think that I might get a kick out of life if life was more like a sitcom
Lies I’ve been fed by some bitch exec, boy that’s what I bit on
So tired, all I wanna do’s just find something to sit on
Don’t tell me I’m melting please help me unh uh wait a minute
So so soporific I’m in the midst of apathy, see
Sensing next to nothing but that’s the point exactly
Suppose I better do what my toes have asked of me
People waving, blind to what I’m facing
Watch as I spin these blades
Let my mind just fly
Sun burning on my face
Time to say goodbye
So much I’ll never know
No, I don’t want an answer, answer
If you need to be questioning me I’m separate see, so you can ask her
It takes a dozen hits just to numb out half my pain
My father looks down on me and says what a crying shame
Incompetently navigating treacherous terrain
Sleep or stay awake well it’s really all the same
Popping a handful of xanax just to just to just to manage
Filling my head with feelies til my brain it turns to cabbage
Mapping up out my fate with a random collection of mad libs
Aiming for slightly below average
Sinking slowly, getting sleepy
Living mostly cause it’s easy
Sticking closely to the line
Looking happy, feeling breezy
Walking past now do you see me
It’s getting better all the timeWatch as I spin these blades
Let my mind just fly
Sun burning on my face
Time to say goodbye
So much I’ll never know
No, I don’t want an answer, answer
If you need to be questioning me I’m separate see, so you can ask her
Wasting everything, all my vigor and my youth
Diluting the confusion I am choosing what is truth
I’ve got no use for future plans, used to care but now I don’t
Do almost anything I can to hide the fact I’ll die alone
Not worried about my taxes, not giving a flying fuck
Not worried about my ashes, that one day will turn to dust
Not thinking that I should listen, just wanna be feeling great
Doesn’t matter what’s the prison rest assured I will escape
Maggie Alvarez
Feeling like I might might drift drift off into a new dimension
Jack in the motherfucking box I got quarter pounder distention
Too many made up characters vying for my attention
I’m cold and I’m lonely, just floating toward the light
Think that I might get a kick out of life if life was more like a sitcom
Lies I’ve been fed by some bitch exec, boy that’s what I bit on
So tired, all I wanna do’s just find something to sit on
Don’t tell me I’m melting please help me unh uh wait a minute
So so soporific I’m in the midst of apathy, see
Sensing next to nothing but that’s the point exactly
Suppose I better do what my toes have asked of me
People waving, blind to what I’m facing
Watch as I spin these blades
Let my mind just fly
Sun burning on my face
Time to say goodbye
So much I’ll never know
No, I don’t want an answer, answer
If you need to be questioning me I’m separate see, so you can ask her
It takes a dozen hits just to numb out half my pain
My father looks down on me and says what a crying shame
Incompetently navigating treacherous terrain
Sleep or stay awake well it’s really all the same
Popping a handful of xanax just to just to just to manage
Filling my head with feelies til my brain it turns to cabbage
Mapping up out my fate with a random collection of mad libs
Aiming for slightly below average
Sinking slowly, getting sleepy
Living mostly cause it’s easy
Sticking closely to the line
Looking happy, feeling breezy
Walking past now do you see me
It’s getting better all the time
Watch as I spin these blades
Let my mind just fly
Sun burning on my face
Time to say goodbye
So much I’ll never know
No, I don’t want an answer, answer
If you need to be questioning me I’m separate see, so you can ask her
Wasting everything, all my vigor and my youth
Diluting the confusion I am choosing what is truth
I’ve got no use for future plans, used to care but now I don’t
Do almost anything I can to hide the fact I’ll die alone
Not worried about my taxes, not giving a flying fuck
Not worried about my ashes, that one day will turn to dust
Not thinking that I should listen, just wanna be feeling great
Doesn’t matter what’s the prison rest assured I will escape
Dawnelle Sarosy
im in love with this girl on so many levels...obviously shes got that dark, smokey sexy as fuck thing goingon but then her writing is just brutally honest and there is nothing more beautiful than that. i hope i get to a show one day...i will throw my panties lmao
Foxeye
Dawnelle Sarosy i went to one! I started balling.
Ian h
i was baked asf walkin through the woods just tryin to feel nothing and the sun was melting my face and this song was playing it was perfect
Ian h
Aaron Bryant its not deep its just chronic depression
Ian h
Man i was homeless when i wrote this four years ago and now im not but im not sure if im happier now than i was back then
Kristina Nolan
yessss I remember the first time I heard this I was driving down pennsylvania back roads in the winter and the sun was shining and I was taking a little blunt ride & this memory is fr engraved in my mind, it was just perfect for that moment.
iusethisplatform - Jacob
This is, in my opinion, the best song off of Eyes Shut 🤧
korisuta Spencer
When she says watch as I spin these blades I think she's talking bout cutting herself off from those around her so that she can continue to party and make bad decisions without anyone else around her getting hurt. I feel it girl...I feel it so hard
Norma J.
I was wondering what that meant, thanks.
Symbol Lavender
I have a sunburn, and I fuckin loveee this song sooo much. K.flay has made the best music I have ever heard. Along with The Neighbourhood, twenty one pilots, Halsey, Sia, Melanie Martinez, ODESZA, and OMAM.