Karn Evil 9: First Impression Lyrics

Lyric discussion by msecondi 

Cover art for Karn Evil 9: First Impression lyrics by Emerson, Lake & Palmer

I think Rayman and malec2b are right and this song is about the future.
There are plenty of uncannily accurate descriptions of the future in this song. For example "There behind a glass is a real blade of grass be careful as you pass." relates to today's global warming issues very well.