In writing about "Exile" in 2002, Roma believed its theme of loneliness from the separation of one's love is also met with "hope and determination" that they will return. The song was originally recorded with wordless vocals, but Dickins thought it would work better with lyrics, in particular poetry by Wilfred Owen. Roma was familiar with some of Owen's works, and wrote a set of lyrics inspired by their style. Enya and Nicky wished to incorporate the shakuhachi, a Japanese flute, on the track but they could not find a player confident enough. Instead, as Nicky explained, they resorted to hiring "a gypsy guy to play the flute". The vocal version was released as a B-side to Enya's 1992 single "Book of Days", titled "As Baile".