Pana-vision

The Smile's 'Pana-vision' is a haunting exploration of perception, self-awareness, and the cyclical nature of existence. The song opens with the narrator's eyes wide open, symbolizing a heightened state of awareness or enlightenment. The imagery of seeing someone 'without your robes on, without your crown' suggests a stripping away of pretenses and societal roles, revealing the true essence of a person. This raw exposure leads to a complex emotional response, where the narrator grapples with feelings of fascination and the desire to avoid hatred.

The recurring motif of a door opening wide and the high altar evokes a sense of spiritual awakening or a journey into the unknown. The plea for heavenly assistance and the reference to time hint at an existential crisis or a moment of profound realization. The lyrics 'beginning, without end, never lost, never die' and 'unending, a beam of light, a tunnel, in my mind' suggest an infinite loop or a continuous cycle, emphasizing the eternal nature of the human experience.

As the song progresses, the narrator describes a wide view that 'holds me in its gaze,' indicating a powerful, almost overwhelming perspective that forces introspection. The act of dancing over broken glass for pennies and staring straight ahead symbolizes the struggle and perseverance in the face of adversity. The repeated lines 'forget everything you knew' and 'like a new born child' imply a rebirth or a fresh start, urging the listener to embrace a new perspective and let go of past beliefs. The song's conclusion, with its repetition of 'a child,' reinforces the theme of innocence and the potential for renewal.