(« Introspection » by Alberto Baumann)

« Introspection I » is the third part of « The Chrome Lake, » and its first section with vocals.

As implied by the title, the piece is about looking into oneself. More precisely, it speaks of having the courage to look at the places which have been hurt, despite the pain, for this is part of the healing process.

The chorus hints at the empowerment that comes from exposing oneself, including one's areas of vulnerability. Finding the strength to bring to the outside what is hidden inside allows for a successful completion of the self-therapy.

Here are the lyrics :

I see you're down you know you can always confide in me
Over your head in haze, I will always reflect the true story
The picture that I see may not be complete but just the same
Since you don't open up, I'll start, it's a part of our game

The one I see before me is lost, it's not a pretty sight
A living dead, a ghost, a black hole starving for some light
I see you feel ignored, exploited, always out of breath
I see you feel damaged, depressed, contemplating death

It's too hard on your nerves to recall who you must be
The way you must behave to please, please everyone you see
You don't know who you are, you just try to fit their scheme
You even let your mind become slave, slave to their dream
Looking for advice it's about time you found

Another you - the real you
Afraid of the way they will see
The one who hides inside
Another you - let them see
The flame in your heart
Shine
Only you can end your misery

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« The Chrome Lake » is 12-minute long suite in seven sections that constitutes the core middle chapter of a trilogy entitled « Entering The Stream » which depicts a life-changing retreat of soul-searching, triggered by a one-too-many outburst of accumulated dissatisfaction with the way one's life is going.

The title of the suite was inspired by Voivod's « X-Ray Mirror » from their « Nothingface » album :

I can't believe I am the image
Within the mirror
Into the chrome lake
The glass is broken
But I look the same