One of the key things that separates Joshua Perahia from most groups is a sense of purpose and profundity in the group founder Joshua Perahia’s lyrics. They are fables of virtues and values, told simply, yet with underlying themes as deep as man and his beliefs. In Perahia’s words, one can see the underpinnings of traditional spiritual teachings, yet they are presented so disarmingly in stories of contemporary truths that one gets the message without even being aware there might have been a moral to the story. We spoke with Perahia about his refreshing take on spirituality, awakening, commitment and accountability.

Q. The spiritual side of life seems central to many of your songs. What does it mean to you?

Perahia: The number one theme in my songs is the spiritual side of life. That which is unseen but felt. For me, it's God. I’m often afraid to enter this realm of discussion in interviews, because I know it disturbs a lot of people. I’m not trying to indoctrinate the world with one doctrine, it’s my thing. If someone else sees a peace in it, I’m very happy. I don't like people who force their beliefs on others, saying “I’ve got the only way, you should follow me.” I do believe that there is nothing wrong with trying to direct and guide -- respectfully, without insulting or being superior in any way to any one else’s beliefs. Everything seems to revolve around that for me. Because spirituality induces the best of humanity, such as love, how we live, decisions we make, and how we treat our friends and family, it is the center of our function here. When a person has no spiritual nature, you can tell within a five-minute conversation with him or her.

Q. All told, is “Something To Say” a Christian rock album?

Perahia: To me yes, to other people, no. If someone is Jewish, Hindu or Muslim, I’m sure they could find teaching, done in love, and respect that would bring them to a higher spiritual awakening. Many faiths connect with similar teachings.

Q. Tell us about the title track.

Perahia: Well the title track “Something to Say,” is about Christ. The movie, “The Copper Scroll" which uses the song over the credits, pretty much describes it. It’s the life and times of Christ when he was on this world. Not only am I Christian (Greek Orthodox), I’m half-Jewish, so I had the best of both worlds. Raised in a Judeo/Christian household, I wrote this song about a Being who came to earth, as a lamb to the slaughter. However, in the past if someone wrote about this subject matter, it was often anti-Semitic. I wrote it from the position, of the Lord, being a Semite, and here to help us. His coming was predestined, and was even predicted in the Hebrew Torah. Through the written word, and through his miracles, love, and forgiveness. No other man ever preached anything like, “If they strike you on one cheek, turn the other." That more than anything convinced me that this was Truth. He couldn’t have been a man. Because man’s instinct tends to be violent by nature.

Without ramming down a doctrine, he taught love and fellowship through helping one another. Pure unadulterated and uncondition­al love. In this song, we describe His life and times, as people mocked Him, and spat upon him even at the time of his death. Why, at the moment of His deaths did He not blast everyone to smithereens even though he had the power to do it? But he didn’t get angry. It’s amazing.

Q. What aspects of spirituality do you most like writing about? Perhaps the point of awakening, or the path that we walk upon…

Perahia: All of the above. For instance, there's always a spiritual awakening for the enlightened. You shouldn't just say “mom and dad believe in this, so that’s what I am all about.” You have to come to a place in life where you yourself make a decision, then study it, live it, and see if it really is a truth that works for you. Some people just go through life; get their job, and just don’t reflect at all. You’re only here 60 or 80 years, if you’re lucky, and is that all there is? Account for something while you’re here -- whether you are a writer, construc­tion worker or doctor. We all have the opportunity to help one another.

Q. What have you done with your opportunity?

Perahia: I have had many opportunities to help others, through the examples of my own lifestyle and with what I’ve written. There is a lot of power in music. If someone is going to call me on something, I have to be on my toes and live the life I’ve written about. Such as not lying, or back-stabbing or double-crossing. Being a man of your word. Keeping commitments, like marriage. For some people, these days, marriage seems like the most difficult thing in the world. It can be rather rough. We all must try to back up our commitments and vows. Credibility goes down the drain when we don’t. Even politicians can hurt millions by lies they tell. Everyone has to do their best to live unselfishly, with love and commitment. I try through my music.