My Petersburg

In the song "My Petersburg" from the Anastasia Broadway musical, Dmitry, a street-smart young man, reflects on his tough upbringing in the streets of Petersburg. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of his life, marked by hardship and resilience. Dmitry describes growing up in the gutters, learning to survive by any means necessary, whether it be bartering, stealing, or using his wits. The phrase "A Russian rat is clever, clever or he ends up dead" encapsulates the harsh reality of his existence, where only the shrewdest survive.

Despite the adversity, Dmitry's relationship with Petersburg is complex. He acknowledges the city's dual nature, with its grand palaces and grimy alleyways, and how it has shaped him. There's a sense of reluctant affection in his words, as he admits that even when you hate a place, something in you can still love it. This duality is a common theme in many stories of survival, where the environment that challenges you also becomes an integral part of your identity.

The song also touches on themes of independence and destiny. Dmitry speaks of learning from his father to see what's ahead and not being held back by anything or anyone. The lyrics suggest a sense of freedom and possibility, as he and his companion are "on the fly" and just in time to seize new opportunities. The final lines, "But tonight there’s a sky and quite a view, Welcome to My Petersburg," convey a moment of reflection and perhaps a hint of hope, as Dmitry stands on the cusp of a new chapter in his life, shaped by the city that has been both his adversary and his home.