Herald-Sun
Thursday March 4th
Daniel Johns caused concern when the band began publicising their new album, Neon Ballroom. In the latest photos, Daniel Johns seems frightfully thin. One of Neon Ballroom's songs, Ana's song, was written at the time of the disorder. "At the time of writing the song I was experiencing an eating disorder" Daniel said."I was just coming out of it. It's just one of those things that's totally psychological and it's really hard to explain why it happened". Daniel says that he was warned by people that the song could be a 'mistake, lyrically'. "People said it might be a bad thing, but I wanted to do it". Daniel thinks that "it will help people more than people realise". Daniel revealed that he was told to 'reconsider' writing such open lyrics. Daniel denies any reports that the eating disorder was caused by his veganism. "It wasn't related to me being a vegan, it was 2 years after I became a vegan". Daniel claims that he has almost recovered from the disorder, which he declines to name. Daniel admits that he spends most of his time at home watching movies, and doesn't enjoy meeting people. "It's not an arrogance thing, I just don't like talking very much. I have trouble with people. I get anxiety attacks. Sometimes after shows I get the shakes, and look like I'm mental. So I try not to be around people in case I erupt". "I have always tried not to censor myself in anyway. I really respect artists who totally express themselves in the truest fashion". "I'm definitely a lot better than I was, when I was writing that song".
Ana's Song(Open Fire) is the song being referred to about the eating disorder, anorexia. The lyrics are below.
Ana's Song(Open Fire)
Please die Ana
For as long as you're here we're not
You make the sound of laughter
And the sharpened nails seem softer
And I need you now somehow
Open Fire on the needs
Designed on my knees for you
Open fire on my knees
Desire's what I need from you
Imagine pageant
In my head the flesh seems thicker
Sandpaper tears, corrode the film
And I need you now somehow
And you're my obsession
I love you to the bones
And Ana wrecks your life
Like an anorexia life
© Daniel Johns 1998
