Meaning of "Recollection" by Rick Wakeman

The lyrics of "Recollection" delve into themes of reflection, regret, and mortality. The protagonist is haunted by memories of his past life on earth, symbolized by flashes of home, friends, and contemplation of his worth. Despite being trapped beneath the earth, he is tormented by pain and fear that obscure the beauty he once experienced. The vivid imagery of caverns and the Silurian epoch evokes a sense of entrapment and finality, leading to a realization that it's too late to change the course of his life. The references to crystals and chandeliers hint at the transient nature of existence and the fleeting moments of beauty in a life marred by regret. The sudden shift to a fantastical world within a world serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's internal journey of self-discovery and acceptance of his fate.