When I write a song like this I feel like those people.  I feel isolated and distant and ignorant.  I mean what the hell do I know what it’s like to live in Bangladesh?  I feel like some people might laugh at my perspective.  Some people might even be offended.  Sometimes my first instinct is to want to just communicate what people want to hear through the song.  I try not to do that.  Sometimes I don’t even know what people would like to hear anyway and I’m sure that’s for the best.  I like to come across with a unique and individual opinion from my experience and that follows naturally from what I’ve read.  I try to come across with a passionate piece of art that conveys a strong perspective and tells a compelling story.  In the end I think it’s always best to share something honest.  

    In this song I invoked the name of “Allah” quite a few times.  To me it’s just a word.  Fortunately or unfortunately it is a word that holds a lot of power for many people.  I try to invoke that idea here.  There is a subtle mockery and at the same time a certain reverence for the power, a fascination and respect for it.  There’s something there that drives individuals and nations, relationships and Love and assassinations.  

    That having been said, here’s some things to think about while you listen to the song:  What is it like to live in a society ruled so obviously through violence?  Also, think about all the violence that our government is involved in that they work so hard to hide from us.  Why is the concept of God or Allah so powerful?   Why do we give our leaders that power?  You’ll notice that this song has some pitchiness in the voice and some looseness to the piano part.  I chose not to try to refine these things. I’ve heard the Islamic calls to prayer at sunset in Jerusalem.  It’s haunting.  It’s bewitching.  It’s enchanting.  It’s powerful.  There’s parts of this song that have a moment like that but there’s also the “iffy” parts where you hear my “humanity,” the flat tones and the jumbled notes.  Why does music have such power?  How easy is it for people to be misled through sounds and images that “feel right,” that enchant them and impress their senses?