One of the lines in the first verse says, “I am what I am, zero to nine”. What exactly does it mean to be “zero to nine”? Alex does a lot of work with numerology as it relates to physics and spirituality. And much of the numerological work settles around new theories on math involving onl...y the single digit numbers (one through nine). Those numbers are represented on a circle and through those representations many theories and deeper calculations can be made. On the circle, nine is also in the same place as zero. So when the protagonist in our story says this line, it is referring to all parts of himself, beginning to end.

This is the song where our protagonist has begun to fully make a change. He says, “I have already gone, no hesitation”. Yet he still struggles with himself by following that up saying, “I have long way to run, have some patience”. He has internalized the need for spiritual re-emergence but is battling himself. It is a battle against his ego which all of us are destined to one day dispel. It could be said that life itself is a struggle to defeat this inner adversary.

This struggle is represented through the vocal lines in the song. It begins with one solo voice which grows to two and then three with each successive verse. Each of the voices in the verses represent a different part of the inner monologue of our protagonist. The lead line is his general outward focus and thoughts. The second line that is introduced in the second verse is his conscious talking back to him. If you listen closely you will hear that this line is making a commentary on the lead line’s thoughts. The third line is the negative line inside him that is still lingering. Each are in counterpoint with each other and sung at the same time. The lines are distinct yet somehow work together in the same way the various parts of his inner monologue work together.

Similarly the choruses grow in numbers until at the end there are 8 vocals singing 4 parts. This may represent the growing momentum of his journey. As he begins not only does he pick up steam but he inspires others to come along with him. He is not just making a change within himself but also affecting others as he does so.