The previous version of the concept started and ended in a circular way. The first and last song, both titled 'Tempus Fugit', shared the same harmony and lead melody. They served as an introduction to the World War II scenario (Part 1 contained a war siren sample and the BBC war radio broadcast) and a hopeful exit at the same time. The minor key of Part 1 subtly turned into a major in Part 2, which was also intended as a ‘end credits’ feature for a theatrical live version of the album.

When it came to refactor the album, there was a section of 'Tempus Fugit Part 1' that I always liked, as it was more evocative and had an eerie feel to it. It was also, coincidentally, the section that I personally wrote for that tune. I kept it, discarded everything else before and after, and rebuilt a song around.

The core bass line was the key feature to me, so I started with it, along with the playground sound effect. In the end, the song is a representation of 13-year-old me who went to the cinema to watch a film, The Day After, and came out traumatised. I created a new piano progression around the bass groove and everything started making sense.