Sanctus
"Our 3rd foray into the Roman Catholic Latin liturgy, Sanctus' musical inspiration began with the four chords that make up theSabaoth, Dominus Deus section, and almost came to life as a repetitive mantra. This prayer is another that I sang frequently as a boy soprano, albeit most often in its English incarnation "Holy, Holy Holy..." Again this time, Anael seemed to have a special connection with our Latin adaptations, allowing the vocals to be recorded quite quickly in a minimum of takes. Clearly, the cathartic impact of these few words cannot be denied."

Ask Me Like A Song
"NVC, or non-violent communication was this song's direct inspiration, a concept which promotes the careful choice of words in verbal interaction with others. Words are powerful psychological tools, which, when used thoughtlessly or unwarily, can be extremely harmful. Music has a history of being a great and noble communicator, bestowed with the magic gift of instant clarification. Recurringly, many ideas just make more sense when they're sung or performed. The title, then, simply means, "speak to me the way music does."

Listen to Your Heart
"A prelude of sorts to Don't Trade In Your Dreams in that its lyrics capture the time frame which should precede all pursuits, while predicating the key component of everything worthwhile: the heart. The clutter of modern day living can very easily obstruct a clear view to the source, making the heart sometimes the only true compass for the direction we should or shouldn't take. Of course, skeptics will tell you that this key organ can also get you into trouble, but truth is, when you follow your heart, even when faced with an undesired outcome, you can still find peace of mind knowing you did the right thing. And most always, this serenity of spirit is worth more than anything else."

Willows
"The Jester plays for his Queen and dreams of love..." It could just as easily have been the artist and his muse, and perhaps still is... Nothing very profound here, just verses of lyrical imagery that try to conjure up visions of a far off, wonderful place where time seems to stand still. Flowing water, a soft breeze, music, pageantry, the promise of love - what could be better? The oldest song on the album, it dates from 1985 and was originally entitled "Watching Me See Another World." The basic feel has always been the same, a relaxed groove which is both comforting and upbeat in mood, and a lot of fun to play."

Come Again, I Believe
"While writing, the "it" in this song was intended to represent inspiration. In time since, I've realized that it's larger in scope, evoking all forms of radiant energy that surround us. Naturally, in the life of a creator, it is perhaps the most sought after experience that exists, so volatile in its intangibility that the other key ingredient in this song, "time," can often become a force which becomes insurmountable. It is as though a perpetual see-saw is in motion, with time on one end, glaring at you from his perch... and then, suddenly - the magic sets in, and in a flash you're up on top, high in the air, with that nemesis no longer in sight."

Around You, Inside
"At certain moments, we can actually feel everything that surrounds us, as though it had permeated us to become a part of our being. I like the oxymoronic effect of "around you, inside," as it describes two very opposing states. As we become more sensitized to our surroundings, this transition is not as great as it seems. The song speaks of a visitation by one of our guides or angels, (perhaps the ultimate example of "around you, inside,") conveying the experience in a mainly dreamlike, euphoric fashion. The music and some of the lyrics date back to 1987 (Ottawa), but the storyline had been germinating, and wasn't completed until this past spring."

Aeterna
"A collage of bits and bites, delivered in a pseudo-operatic, over-the-top type approach. A piece which went through several changes throughout the course of recording, and ultimately, one of the most frustrating to complete, as Anael didn't completely understand or like the musical direction I'd undertaken. As with Dona Nobis Pacem from 'LoR', the combination of fairly serious liturgical themes with almost paradoxically joyous musical accompaniment makes for an interesting and thought provoking listen."

Don't Trade In Your Dreams
"The world is full of compromise, much of it simply unavoidable. Sadly, though, it's also filled with the popular notion that dreams have an expiry date. At the first stroke of midnight, under the sheen of an unforgiving moon, off they go, dreams in tow, fumbling headfirst down reality check boulevard... So what is the greater sacrifice? DeMuestra Guestbooking a life that includes a scrape-by income, an empty fridge, a whole lot of 'less is more' and a few impossible dreams? Or simply making a living and waking up one day with the realization that you haven't been who you'd have liked to be? Another song which dates back a few years (1990), written during an 8 month stay in Vancouver. Originally more straightforward in arrangement, its current form was inspired by the opening vocal swell, taken from the last chorus of its 2nd incarnation. The result is a more meditative feel which subtilely paraphrases the lyrics."

The Age of Reason
"Several sources played key roles in this song's development (see album credits), and consequently, it is one of my favorites on the album. The juxtaposition of reason is of course the key element here, and it's fascinating how some things never change. Man still seems to need "tangible proof" of something's physical existence, even when I'm convinced that mankind was created with blind faith capacity for a specific purpose. Personally, I like the idea of believing in something that I can't necessarily touch or see. It's somehow reassuring. Frequently, having too many answers is the greatest burden."

Unconditional
"Most of the ideas presented here are directly from a letter written by Anael that I had lying around for a couple of years. Almost biblical in its straight forward presentation, the lyrics speak of ageless truths and wisdom. The "branches" in the last verse are the less travelled tributaries of our paths, revealed to us often by a secondary source (the wind). The chorus is like a glorious overview of everything said in the verses, and a tribute to this highest of human virtues. It is also the first time I've selected a song title to bear the name of an entire album... It wasn't a tough decision!"