The lyrics describe a conversation about someone's mother and their belongings, questioning if the mother is alive and who will inherit her Virgil and home.

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Meaning of "Altered State" by Mike Oldfield


The repetitive nature of the lyrics in "Altered State" by Mike Oldfield seems to reflect a sense of confusion and disorientation, perhaps mirroring the altered state of the title. The questioning of the mother's whereabouts and her potential death reflects a theme of loss and uncertainty. The mention of the belongings, like the Virgil and home, could symbolize the material possessions left behind after someone's passing, highlighting the inevitable process of inheritance and mortality. The nonsensical ad-libbed sounds and laughter interspersed throughout the lyrics add to the surreal and dreamlike quality of the song, suggesting a sense of detachment from reality or a distorted perception of the situation. Overall, the lyrics of "Altered State" evoke a mood of perplexity and ambiguity, exploring themes of loss, inheritance, and the impermanence of life.