The bittersweet nature of his voice is the added touch. A typical character inhabits the album-opening title track. As always, Mason packs a lot into his lines. Many East Coast musicians have told the tale of the lad who went west in search of fame and fortune only to end up with neither. Few make the character come so alive.
Some characters struggle more with their identity and their anchoring.
The simple melody is an enhancement to the lyrical poignancy, as well, in the comparatively chilling Eye of Innocents. Sometimes, Mason's song subjects are intensely personal, such as the song for his son, All My Love. It is, perhaps, the most widely format-accessible piece Mason has ever delivered. Cut from the same cloth is an old Deadhead's elegy for Jerry Garcia entitled, Wait For the Dew. In some other songs, matters addressed are more universal in scope.