“Anna Begins” by Counting Crows
To begin with, the “Anna” in this song’s title (“Anna Begins”) belongs to a real person that Adam Duritz once knew. According to him, he met her while he was in Greece vacationing. This was way back in the late 1980s. To be specific, the year was 1989. Duritz and Anna fell in love and began a romantic union shortly after their meeting in Greece.
However, the relationship didn’t survive for long. According to Duritz, she sadly left him heart broken. He further revealed that the incident happened long before he became a celebrity.
Apparently, while Duritz deceived himself into believing that the said romantic relationship as a serious one, Anna didn’t. In Anna’s eyes, it was just a fling (which it actually was). So simply put, Duritz was in a huge state of denial.
Deep down within him, he knew it was nothing more than a brief sexual relationship. However, he chose not to believe that. And that denial is what the entire lyrics of this song are about.
When was “Anna Begins” released?
It was released from Counting Crows’ maiden album entitled “August and Everything After”. The album itself was released on the 14th of September, 1993. Since it wasn’t one of the singles from the album, it shares the same release date as the album.
Composition and Production
“Anna Begins” was written by Adam Duritz and the following:
- Martin Jones
- Lydia Holly
- David Bryson
- Toby Hawkins
It’s production was handled by noted American music producer and songwriter T Bone Burnett. FYI, Burnett played a primary role in kick-starting the career of Counting Crows.
More Facts
A very popular cover of this song was released in 2008 by a singer named Craig Owen. Craig is best known for his membership of the band Chiodos.
“Anna Begins” featured in season 2, episode 14 of “Everwood”, an American TV series created by Greg Berlanti. It was also used in Easton Ellis’ 2002 comedy, “The Rules of Attraction”.
Duritz revealed that after becoming famous and releasing this song, he and Anna still kept in touch. He stated that she not only reacted very positively when she heard the song but went on to become a huge fan of it.
FYI: Anna eventually got married to someone else.
Art will always be subjective. But for my money, this is one of the greatest songs ever written…and sung for that matter. It’s rather like a song of praise to one’s personal god. Just really, really moving. And thanks Adam (and Anna) for it.
My first girlfriends name was Anna so this song definitely hits different as an older man and not being with the same person you were first with due to very messed up circumstances that still bother me till this day. Makes me sympathize with the writer now not knowing if the other person took it seriously or if it was all just my fault.