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This song, like all of the album, is in an open D minor 9th tuning. It was written concurrently with Big Dave, the song that follows. They were the first songs that made it clear to me that I was composing music in tune with things outside of myself. Shining Bird is the Shipibo name given to one of Guillermo's apprentices, and the song reflects the intense beauty this person carries inside.

There is a phrase in the middle where I cannot help but think that Mozart might turn his head to hear for a second. I know that sounds... presumptuous, but hey, I love his music too!