: The central melody is a traditional Sufi chant that McKennitt researched as something Marco Polo might have heard during his travels.
: Oud, Bouzouki, Acoustic Guitar, and Guitar Synthesizer Donald Quan : Tabla and Keyboards Nigel Eaton : Hurdy Gurdy Osama : Violin Bob White : Shawm (a medieval woodwind instrument) Manu Katché : Drums Conceptual Background Loreena McKennitt Marco Polo
: The arrangement utilizes a diverse array of instruments, as detailed on Discogs: Loreena McKennitt : Accordion : The central melody is a traditional Sufi
: While the track is largely instrumental, it includes evocative wordless vocalizing and vocal drones . According to Rock Era Magazine, the song aims
McKennitt conceived the track as part of her "path of exploration" into how history and identity connect. According to Rock Era Magazine, the song aims to capture the "smell of the deserts, the heat waves, the taste of spices," and the general sense of wonder experienced by the merchant traveler during his 28-year journey across Asia.