Being As One musically presents four scenes for bass voice and piano, during which we experience
the corrosive effects from pollution, especially from gasoline and diesel vehicles. A colorful and pristine opening is transformed into one which is marred, grotesque, and polluted. The work seeks to capture the feelings that pianist and environmentalist Jim Yang experienced in his early years walking to and from school. During these walks, Jim experienced firsthand the pollutive nature of gasoline and diesel vehicles, which he states was the impetus for his devotion to working for a greener planet.

The composition was commissioned by Jim, and it is warmly dedicated to him and his environmental advocacy.