Meaning of "Entangled" by Genesis

"Entangled" can be interpreted as an exploration of the strange and often unsettling nature of dreams and the human subconscious. The song begins with the mention of being shown aerial views while asleep, suggesting a departure from the physical world into a realm where one's perceptions are altered and guided. The lyrics portray a sense of being lost, as the narrator describes the rooftops and houses as trying to be seen but ultimately failing in their attempts.

The theme of control and manipulation is present throughout the song. The mesmerized children who are meant to be seen but not heard represent a suppression of individuality and agency. The repeated plea to "stop me from dreaming" and the response of "don't be absurd" highlight the struggle to escape from the dream state and regain control over one's own thoughts and experiences.

The figure who offers to help the tired and ill narrator, counting backwards to make their eyes become heavier, represents a larger force exerting control. The request for consent to experiment further taps into the vulnerability that comes with being in a dream-like state. The madrigal music and the plea to leave the patient undisturbed further emphasize the surreal and otherworldly atmosphere of the song.

The final section of the song introduces the idea of being sentenced to drift far away, suggesting a disconnection from reality. The phrase "Nothing is quite what it seems" points to the blurred lines between dreams and reality, and the potential entanglement one can find themselves in. The overall message of the lyrics seems to be a warning about the dangers of losing oneself in dreams, where one can become passive and easily influenced.