[2] The theme is set up by lyrics such as "Don't be fooled by the radio/the TV or the magazines/They'll show you photographs of how your life should be/But they're just someone else's fantasy...Just remember that it's all a Grand Illusion/And deep inside we're all the same.
[5] In his review of the album, Allmusic critic Mike DeGagne said that "De Young pretentiously struts his singing prowess throughout the title track.
[7] Dome said called it "pomp rock with style, confidence, command and ingenuity" with lyrics "about separating reality from fantasy.
"[8] Ultimate Classic Rock critic Sterling Whitaker rated it DeYoung's 4th best rock song, calling it "a rumination on the media and the illusory nature of success, set to a track that juxtaposes heavy guitar power chords, blazing solos and DeYoung's flair for classical composition.
[9] Midder rated it as Styx's 3rd best song, calling it "a masterpiece that showcases the band’s ability to seamlessly blend progressive rock with catchy pop melodies" and praising the "hauntingly beautiful lyrics and intricate instrumentation.