@@wendellwiggins3776yes, the student has become the Master! There’s a reason Yes chose Geddy to play in Chris Squire’s place at The Rock n Roll hall of fame induction ceremony.
@@scottlaughlin9897 I don't completely disagree but often the awardees don't choose the introducers but, in this case, having Geddy there was convenient since clearly, he's a fan inspired my YES. Unfortunately, RUSH never reached anywhere near the level of their virtuosity & creativity
YES! 😊 The lyrics can sometimes be very cryptic with YES. The lead singer Jon Anderson is a very spiritual person, but sometimes he picks words for how they sound and not necessarily for the meaning. Thanks for reviewing this band...they are my favorite of all time. They always take you on a journey with their music.
I chuckle every time someone tries to find the deeper meaning within the Yes lyrics. The frequent looks of bewilderment and drops of, "I wonder what they meant by that?"
@@erickvermeulen9734 He's on record stating he sometimes wrote lyrics that were essentially meaningless, just because the words sounded good together in the melody.
Lots of chess references in this song. Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to figure out Jon Anderson’s lyrics. They’re usually intentionally vague and mysterious. Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman famously said, “I love Jon. He’s the only guy I know trying to save this planet while (mentally) living on another.”
they are not vague and mysterious if you have studied a bit of Ancient Mystery Teachings. As Above So Below and what not. Jon is a Christian Mystic to be specific but I know he is also into Native American wisdom as well. These teachings go as far back as written history takes us and most likely before that as well. It's the kinda of wisdom that now modern day Quantum Physics is telling us...that all things are Energy and All is One. The Sumerians knew this, The Egyptians, Pythagoras, The Essene, Jesus, The Gnostics, The Cathars. They teach this in The Ancient Hindu texts as well as the Jewish Mysticism of Kabbalah. Every Ancient culture seemed to know all this Mystical Science and we are only Now recently catching up and 'Remembering'
@@courtneywallace871 you are correct though when you say Mysterious as that is the whole thing about Ancient Mystery Teachings... they were only taught to a select few, it has never been Mainstream knowledge.
I don't think that's it. They're GOOD people, not people indifferent to the problems of the world. They turn their heads because they are lively and alert. With such a good situation, the singer can continue on his way, knowing (satisfied) that good people are turning their heads to whatever they need to attend to. It's more like the B-52's "Shining Happy People."
The main lyric is about how the counterculture youth of the late '60s were perceived by society. These kids at the time had long unkempt hair, wore outlandish clothes, did drugs, and listen to wild music. So when the "good people" (usually the older generation) who upheld what polite society expected as right and proper came across these kids they turned their heads away not wanting to interact with and glad to be rid of them.
I'm pretty sure that "flute sound" is a recorder. Synthesizers weren't as sophisticated as they are today. The Yamaha DX7 hadn't been invented yet. It would be more trouble to try to program a Mini-Moog or an Arp Odyssey to do that sound than to just pull a recorder out of your pocket. Many times Yes lyrics are purposefully vague so you can find your own meaning in them. The lead guitar was mostly a Gibson ES-175, a great big single cutaway lhollowbody.
Yes, the chess imagery runs through the lyrics, but while chess is ultimately a game of conquest and maneuvering to gain control (a standoff between two armies) the lyrics here are about building relationships based on comfort, love and mutual care.
I think the message is intentionally vague and cryptic so it can have a different meaning for each listener. With that said, I believe the song captures the YES spirit of hopefulness, positivity, love, and peace. You can hear Jon Lennon’s “all we are saying is give peace a chance” in the background before the transition to the gospel joyful/dancing section. I love your reviews. You are clearly a very skillful and knowledgeable musician. ❤
You gotta check out some of their much crazier stuff: Heart of the Sunrise, Sound Chaser, Siberian Khatru. The whole Close to the Edge album is a masterpiece
" All we are saying: 'is give peace a chance' ". This is a part of the chorus in the 1st part of this song which is not transcribed. It's an anti-war song. The live songs usually stress that chorus phrase mentioned above more than this studio version.
Yes Jon Anderson - lead vocals, percussion Chris Squire - bass guitar, backing vocals, bass pedals[13] Steve Howe - laúd wrongly listed as vachiala, electric guitars, backing vocals Tony Kaye - Hammond organ, piano Bill Bruford - drums, percussion Additional musicians Colin Goldring - recorder on "Your Move"
The 'flutes' are real wooden instruments, known as 'recorders' played by guest musician Colin Goldring (from the band Gnidrilog). Children at elementary school are often taught to play on cheap plastic recorders. Typically they overblow them so they sound squeaky and harsh. But a good recorder sounds really sweet and a proficient player uses their tongue to control the attack of the note as they blow into the mouthpiece. The deep bass notes are probably Taurus bass pedals being played with his feet by bassist Chris Squire. He did that live too. Yes often play in E for the reasons you say. The guitarist uses a Gibson ES175 semi on this and many other tracks. He often hybrid picks in a country or jazz style. The bass player sang in a well known church choir in London as a boy. He usually arranged the vocal harmonies in Yes. With your sharp ears and musical knowledge, you will love some of their deeper and longer cuts.
Quite true, that's a recorder and Goldring is credited on the album. Wooden recorders (known in German and Nordic languages as Blockflöjt/-flöte, "block flute") are often used as a "starter instrument" when a child is planning to learn some other instrument, because they offer an easy way to learn scales, keys, the names of notes, understanding rhythm, finger positions and so on. But there's also a substantial classical repertory for them, not least frm the renaissance and baroque eras. My older brother began by playing a standard recorder but went on to play older alto and sopranino (like, high piccola range) recorders, music from the 17th/18th centuries; he later played drums and keyboards, He also introduced me to this amazing band... "Your Move" is a brilliant song, and a very human and heartfelt statement about love and wisdom.
I'm very surprised that you don't have MORE subs!! I ❤️ your channel and commentary. I love this song, but my fave by YES is CHANGES. Soooo different but soooo good! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
With the references to game of Chess with the Queen of Hearts in Alice In Wonderland in the first part, I've always seen the 2nd half as a reference to everyone around the queen. The all good people.... I'm on my way... The author knows something is wrong, but he sees all the good people, turning their heads each day... turning a blind eye to the evil being done... So satisfied I'm on my way.... Well, if good people don't think this is wrong, then it must not be... My curiosity at what I know is wrong must be wrong because everyone else... all good people aren't saying it's wrong, so my uneasiness at the wrong is satisfied, and I can go on with my life as if nothing is wrong. Reminds me of Germany during WWII... turning a blind eye to the horrors of what was being done to the Jews because so the other good people say it's right.
Ladies and gentlemen YES the greatest show on earth. The first part was always a sing-along live. As for Anderson's words, he would not necessarily pick words for their meaning but for their percussive quality. Perpetual Change is a bass players delight. ✨️🎶✨️ YES IN THE CHURCH!
This song references the chess pieces 8n Alice in Wonderland and its sequel, Through The Looking Glass. It also pays homage to John Lennon, with the phrases “Send an Instant Karma to me” and “Give Peace A Chance”.
"People often turn away to feel safe in their own bubble but if we help each other on the game of life we'll be better-off" BUT YOUR HEAD IS GOING TO EXPLODE if you spend too much time trying to interpret YES lyrics. It's like figuring out a Cubist painting by Picasso. Jon Anderson's lyrics are written first and for most "FOR THEIR SOUND' then he introduces Metaphoric abstract poetics to inject & enhance his UPLIFTING, POSITIVE & often Spiritual (New Age) ideas & perspective. Interpret the OVERALL feeling of both the words and music as ONE. I believe the song is generally telling us that, as Pawns on this game of life, only TOGETHER can we bring PEACE & LOVE. Brought to the front during their LIVE shows, the subtle background hidden lyrics are "All we are saying is give peace a chance", which were taken from a popular John Lennon song. I WARN YOU: This song is a BABY STEP! The DEEPER you DIVE into YES water, the Lyrics and music will only become more extreme & abstract but that's the BEAUTY of THEM. The Lyrical complexity is designed to be in sync Musically with their unexpected perfect transitions in Time, Tempo, Rhythm, Mood, Atmosphere & Chord changes.
That Ricky tone - stereo- played the bridge pickup through one amp to one set of speakers and the neck pickup through a different amp and different speakers.
Jon Anderson explained: "The song is about initiation of yourself into the idea that there is more to life than war and fighting within religions and things like that. So when we were singing 'see all good people,' it's like, 'we can see you all in the audience because you're good people no matter what, and when you're with music you're enlightened, you're good, you're happy, you're excited.' And music is the kingpin of it all. It's not just Yes, it's music that brings people together like no other energy on such a level."
I love your channel Church Boy! I also thoroughly enjoy all your “What does that mean??” moments regarding the cryptic lyrics. I admire your desire to understand the context and meaning behind the lyrics. I’m also so impressed by your incredible ear and gift of having perfect pitch.✌️I’m always here for your Rush reactions, and now Yes as well! 🔥
You nailed it! He's saying all people are good. Jon Anderson is the biggest advocate for love you could ever meet. As far as the lyrics go Jon didn't worry so much about meaning. He wanted whatever the words were to sound good. He thought of words as more of a note than anything else.
Jon Anderson (lead vocalist) stated in interviews when asked about the lyrical meanings of yes’ song and he stated that the meaning was whatever any individual took them to mean. I was listening to Yes on the early ‘70s and was curious about the meaning too. After reading Anderson’s newer, it all made sense!!!!
Saw Rick Wakeman in Toronto, (1974/75?) Journey to the Centre of the Earth tour. Like Neil Peart surrounded by all his drums, Wakeman was surrounded by multiple keyboards and he danced from one to the other all night. Quite the performance…
You are over thinking it Church Boy. Hahahaha. It's actually really simply once you figure it out. So to 'Turn your Head' just simple means to 'Get a New Perspective on Things'. Right, a different angle a different view. All good people....I guess All people have good in them, some less than others but...And So satisfied I'm on my way....Well I have listened to and studied Yes lyrics for years and years and I know for a fact that Jon Anderson is into a lot of the Mystical Ancient Wisdom of the past (that is now matching up exactly by the way to what Modern Quantum Physics is telling us) and Ancient Wisdom tells us that enlightenment is a constant Journey, and you cannot Journey if you are standing still. Standing still is the exact opposite and it's known as Stagnating. A Journey is when you are moving ahead (physically or mentally), always getting better, always learning, always experiencing life. So when he says I'm on my Way....well there you go. Love your videos my brutha!! Keep up the great work. If you wanna hear some newer more tripped out YES check out the song Homeworld from the 1999 album The Ladder.
I’ve always taken the chess metaphor as a way to live your life, by not being the center of your own world. I’ve never missed a Yes tour since my first show in 75. It literally showed me a different way to be as a human. All of their music is so powerful and positive. Hence- YES!
Jon Anderson (lead vocal), Steve Howe (guitar), Trevor Rabin (guitar/vocals joined later "Owner of the Lonely Heart"), Bill Bruford (drums), Rick Wakeman (keyboards), and RIP Chris Squire (bass). Saw them 3 times and I was surely blessed! These guys are other worldly talented. Never be matched!
The harmonies are done by the lead vocalist Jon Anderson, the bassist Chris Squire and the guitarist Steve Howe. One of Yes' many virtues are their harmonies and how they experiment with it. As mentioned by others, Anderson's lyrics do have underlying meanings but he uses words to suit the sound he want to get from is voice. He's more of a vocal musician than a singer. Yes is made up of high caliber musicians: Chris Squire is a sited as one of the greats on bass (revered by musicians like Getty Lee of Rush). And Steve Howe, among other things, was voted as the Best Overall Guitarist in Guitar Player magazine FIVE years in a row, somewhere between 1972 to 77. Then there is Bill Bruford on drums, a masterful jazz influenced drummer who went on to play for 'experimental prog/art rock legends, King Crimson. A suggestion for the next reaction - another song from the same album as I've Seen All Good People > Yours is No Disgrace, or/and Starship Trooper. Do these before moving on to there more complex longer epics. Going chronologically is best - so that you'll hopefully be more prepared for what comes next..
Ah yes. Many years spent pondering these questions. Who are these "Good People"? Why are they so satisfied? What specifically does "I'm on my way" mean? Is it negative? Maybe I'm repulsive to the Good People, and they're happy to turn their backs to me as I head away from them? Is it positive? Maybe, when I finally take the risk of my life, Good People turn and notice and feel good about my success? Whenever it starts to get to me, I just remember to move on back two squares.
If you want to hear Chris Squire shine on the base, give Tempus Fugit a listen. My favorite Yes song might be "I'm Running." It also represents some of the best Squire has to offer. Ignore Yes lyrics. They do not make sense.
When even drummer Bill Bruford said that no-one but Jon Anderson knew what the lyrics meant, let alone the band members, I think that says it all. I gave up years ago even trying to decipher Yes lyrics - just roll with whatever they may be. "Does It Really Happen?" is probably one of the pinnacles of Yes bass showcasing - check it out.
The lyrics to this tune have eluded me for years. I too get the chess reference but I can't connect the rest. Anyway you would really like Jesus is Just Alright by the Doobie Brothers. Give that a listen.
Jon Anderson wrote these lyrics. He wrote lyrics as if they were another musical instrument. A voice that went along with the song. The words didn't need to mean anything. A line at a time is cool, but there is no narrative.
First, Go Braves! You get a taste of the musical talent of this group here. It’s top shelf stuff. Btw, would love to hear you do some reactions to NF, a Christian who raps. Great artist, and he has an army of fans.
I’ve long interpreted this song to be about: > Forging a society based on service to all by following an altruistic higher power: The title refrain holds up a mirror to all the self-described “good people” in the world who “turn their heads each day” away from the suffering of others and instead feel satisfied that in their opinion they’re “on their way” down the path of righteousness and salvation. The “news” is scripture be it the Bible, Quran, Torah, Tao, Gita, or whatever. The queen is the earthly power entrusted to lead (literally, too, as the band is from the U.K.) but “remembering that the goal is for us (all) to capture all we want, anywhere” AKA universal human rights and freedoms. > Extolling the virtues of rejecting ego: “Don’t surround yourself with yourself.” > Embrace love as life’s central calling: “Send Instant Karma w/ loving care” (a nod to John Lennon as the backing vocals reference “Give Peace A Chance”) as karma is the belief that the sum of your actions decides your fate in future existences. This interpretation is based on me reading a few interviews of Jon Anderson over the years and learning that his beliefs encompass both spiritual and humanist viewpoints. The genius of cryptic and symbolic lyric writing is that each individual has to fill in the blanks for themselves, thereby collaborating with the artist to create a uniquely personal experience. So like they say in commercials, “your milage may vary…”
Most of the English bands were obsessed with black music 50s and 60s and as we all know, most of our music comes out of the black church. :) And the black church is *still* the incubator for great musicians to this day!
Steve Howe joined Yes and made major contributions immediately. He is the best classical guitarist I've ever heard and seen . Tony Kaye plays organ , Yes decided to replace him with Rick Wakeman on there next album " Fragile " , there is also an instant improvement with his moog and melotron wizardry . There contributions led to Yes becoming the best progressive rock band ever !!
You've done as good a job interpreting the lyrics in one listen as I've been able to do after 40 years as a fan. I think a lot of Anderson's lyrics are intentionally vague, abstract, non-sensical and left up to individual interpretation and the imagination. Yes were a product of their culture: the late 1960s. I mainly listen to Yes for the bass lines and other musicianship, the composition, arrangements and overall artistry. For me, the lyrics, while insightful and thought provoking at times, for the most part just come along for the ride.
I think he’s saying that he’s seen all good people (the self-righteous) turn their heads (ignore human suffering in their own neighborhoods) each day, so to an enlightened being observing from outside this dimension, he feels that until the species evolves to a level where they help each other, he’s not going to interfere.
i want to thank you, Man! In all the probably thousands of times I have listened to this song I never realized that the “diddit” part echoed the bass drum that, according to Bill Bruford, was indeed a heartbeat. So the “diddit” is more heartbeat in the vocal expression of the song. Love this! That is the thing about Yes, endless spins gives ever new revelations.
Lyrics are positive, illogical but emotionally effective in elevating the listener's mood. For me anyway. For best effect don't over analyse the lyrics - let them into your gut - not your brain. For a deep spiritual journey try Awaken. Their anti war epic (Viet Nam) was Gates of Delirium and a shorter one was Yours is No Disgrace - referring to the innocent draftees. Yes can be enjoyed on so many levels, that it usually takes many many listens to fully appreciate it. Even after hundreds of listens there can be more to hear and feel. The answer to any question you may have is Yes! We long time fans have 50 years on you!
These are two separate songs which they joined together, "Your move" followed by "I've seen all good people". For me I always thought that your move was about living your life like a game of chess. Don't box your self in, leave yourself space to move etc. For the later, I imagined Squire walking down the street passing by friends on his journey. I'm sure everyone has their own take on the meanings of these songs.
This song is an Anti - war song." I've Seen All Good People" is kinda of seeing the good in all people to include those you see as your enemy. I found this quote by Jon Anderson the lead man from Yes during an interview with Songfacts "The song is about initiation of yourself into the idea that there is more to life than war and fighting within religions and things like that. So when we were singing 'see all good people,' it's like, 'we can see you all in the audience because you're good people no matter what, and when you're with music you're enlightened, you're good, you're happy, you're excited.' And music is the kingpin of it all. It's not just Yes, it's music that brings people together like no other energy on such a level." Like your reaction and hope to see more Yes!! Blessings to you and yours and to All Good People!
If you stick with reacting to Yes songs, you’ll have many more opportunities to ask “What did lead singer Jon Anderson mean when he wrote those lyrics?” Generally, you can say that his lyrics come from a place of peace and love. Beyond that, good luck. This was a good song to start with. It was the first Yes song that many of us heard on the radio, and it remains a popular tune during their concerts to this day. Songs like “Yours Is No Disgrace” or “Starship Trooper” from the same album require a little more from the listener. It’s worth the effort though. Enjoy.
i alwats thought it meant, good people often turn their heads away in order not to confront unpleasant truth, and remain satisified. So he's on his way past the willing blindness of the crowd
Ah, Yes. One of my favorite bands, right up there with Rush. Let the words flow over you without too much analysis and you’ll be OK. Enjoy this rabbit hole - it’s deep.
It's always fun watching new reactors trying to figure out the immensely obscure lyrics Jon Anderson came up with back in the day. 😂 Honestly, I think the message Yes tried to put out there was one of spiritual happiness and fulfillment. Jon just made lyrics that sounded good together sometimes and didn't give much thought to the literal meaning. When you want to listen to something on the longer side, you should check out Close to the Edge. The whole album of the same title was comprised of only three songs, and every single one of them was amazing. Here then is the title cut...I promise you, an acceptable live version, from 1972 (yup, 52 years ago!): th-cam.com/video/SDdy1IrklYc/w-d-xo.html THIS is the lineup that blew everyone's minds back in the 70s. P.S. Get ready for a LOT of church organ!
Earlier it said “ don’t surround yourself with yourself “. So, I thought it was about stepping out into the world, maybe not be self conscious, don’t be afraid bad things will happen,(I’ve seen all GOOD people), notice ( turn their heads each day), so (satisfied I’m on my way), nothing bad happened so he kept going. I thought the chess reference was about overthinking. Just my guess.
Hi Churchboy, Your next Yes song has a key to unlock the very abstract lyrics in most Yes songs. The 2nd part of Starship Trooper gives the clue this way. "Take what I say in a different way and it's easy to say that this is all confusion. But as I see a new day in me, I can also show it to you, and you may follow." Much of Yes lyrics seem to not make much sense. Then weeks, months, years, and decades later, you find out the meaning of bits of songs when you know for certain that it cannot mean anything else. 55 years of Yes music, and I still occasionally find out something in a song I've heard hundreds of times over 50 years, like Roundabout recorded in 1972. It was in 2003 that I found out what "24 before my love, and I'll be there." means when I was reading Revelation chapter 4. There it says that there are "four and twenty elders ROUND ABOUT the throne." That left no doubt whatsoever the meaning of that line I didn't know for 30 years. Yes music is filled with things like that. Even instrumental sections have deep meaning that words do not express.
🤗 This is 1 of my favorite YES harmonies to sing and 🤔 also 1 of the hardest. Even harder than 'Owner of A Lonely Heart' harmonies. 😍 Jon has such a unique voice, like Geddy Lee does! 🥰🐰
Yes's lyrics aren't always supposed to make sense. Jon Anderson used words and phrases for their musical quality as opposed to their literal or even figurative meaning. But he says that eventually his lyrics came to mean something to him, and so he figures that in time they will come to mean something different to everyone else.
Church boy you're just starting to enter the world of the greatest band that has graced this planet.Start with The Yes album you have no idea what awaits you. From 1970 - ' 77 they ruled the prog world.
Young man, are you in for a treat. Wait until you hear the epic Yes. You think you’re in church now. Awaken, Close To The Edge, The Gates Of Delirium, The Revealing Science Of God and more will all lift you up and lay you low at the same time. Enjoy. Keep your enthusiasm and be well. And let the lyrics accompany the music as they were meant to, as another instrument. Obsess less and enjoy more!
Vietnam War era.. The govt (military) move the chess pieces around(solders). People turning their heads away refers to the indifference to the people dying in Vietnam
Singer and composer Jon Anderson is a Buddhist with a Christian background. Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia about the song: "The first part of the song, "Your Move", alludes to the game of chess as a metaphor for male-female relationships. Examples include the phrases "move me onto any black square", "make the white queen run so fast", and "the goal is for us all to capture only one". A reference to John Lennon's work is in the lyric "send an instant karma to me", with "Instant Karma!" being a single released by Lennon in 1970. Another reference occurs just before the three-minute mark of the song, in the closing moments of "Your Move", where the chorus of Lennon's song "Give Peace a Chance" is sung by the backing vocalists under the main melody. More generally, Anderson has stated that the line "'cause it's time, it's time in time with your time" was an attempt to say that he would "do anything that is required of me to reach God" and that he wants the listener to feel "in tune and in time with God.""
He is saying that he sees good people turn their heads away from the evil and everything bad in this world and so he’s satisfied with that and he’s on his way because he’s agreeing with the people turning their heads away from evil.
Greetings! You really need to check out the band: UFO. Check out: Belladonna; Born to Lose; and Profession of Violence. On every other day, UFO is my all time favorite band, the other days it's Rush. The guitar player in the majority of their songs is Michael Schenker. He started playing professionally at age 16. He is my favorite guitarist. Vocals are spot on (Phil Moog). I suggested less known songs. I'm sure their mainstream songs will be suggested. I just think jumping into the deep end is the best way to 'learn'.
I think that the best way to listen to Yes is to not worry too much about the meaning and just let the sounds do their stuff. After a few hundred listens, some kind of inexplicable meaning takes shape in your mind. Jon Anderson is one of these guys who talks to elves and sprites etc... He's trying to speak to a part of your mind that's not part of your cerebral cortex.
I know what I said but here I am again anyway again your comment section spot on with Mr Lennon and I think what they are indicating here are all the wars that we've had to endure and remember the Vietnam War was going on at this time so much protest so much hate back and forth but remember this whatever country you're from you have a due diligence in life with your military life and I am so proud of my son for having served in the US Army and if you really reference British bands they are all about that collectively words to live by music such as free peace out my music lover
You have to try thinking of most Yes lyrics as syllabic melodies based entirely on phonics. Imagine it as a foreign language. There is no message to get. It's loosely connected thoughts or unconnected bits of poetry based entirely on how it sounds phonetically, not the words themselves. Keep this in mind as your Yes journey continues. Keep it up, you're doing great!
People tend to overthink Yes lyrics in a literal sense. In addition there are people that dismiss the lyrical meaning, feeling that the lyrics are wordplay that doesn't mean anything. I don't feel that to be true. Jon Anderson, the main lyricist, is a very spiritual person in a non-denominational sense. He relates his words to life, love, the human struggle and our ability to transcend and be one with the source. He sings of God. And You And I for example, many think is a love song. He is actually singing about the future along with his relationship with God. 70's Yes music doesn't shy away from human suffering in quite a few songs, but always exemplifies our ability to overcome. If you keep this in mind and relax your literal intake, you can find great comfort in the lyrical messaging. Don't overthink, the pastel imaging doesn't shy to far from the basic tenets. I interpret I've Seen All Good People similarly to you in one of your comments; Seeing so many good people in life gives hope that the world is not at it's core, bad. This gives him the optimism that love prevails. (and he's on his way!)
It's absolutely a bass guitar being played by one of the greatest Chris Squire (R.I.P.) who was one of Geddy Lee's bass heros.
SMH not Geddy again!
@@wendellwiggins3776yes, the student has become the Master! There’s a reason Yes chose Geddy to play in Chris Squire’s place at The Rock n Roll hall of fame induction ceremony.
@@scottlaughlin9897 I don't completely disagree but often the awardees don't choose the introducers but, in this case, having Geddy there was convenient since clearly, he's a fan inspired my YES. Unfortunately, RUSH never reached anywhere near the level of their virtuosity & creativity
YES! 😊 The lyrics can sometimes be very cryptic with YES. The lead singer Jon Anderson is a very spiritual person, but sometimes he picks words for how they sound and not necessarily for the meaning. Thanks for reviewing this band...they are my favorite of all time. They always take you on a journey with their music.
That's true of all lyrics. Lyrics have to service the instrumentation and so will twist artistically to do so.
I chuckle every time someone tries to find the deeper meaning within the Yes lyrics. The frequent looks of bewilderment and drops of, "I wonder what they meant by that?"
It can be about chess, but it can also be a metaphor. Wonder if Jon Anderson understands all the lyrics he wrote.
@@erickvermeulen9734 He's on record stating he sometimes wrote lyrics that were essentially meaningless, just because the words sounded good together in the melody.
Lots of chess references in this song. Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to figure out Jon Anderson’s lyrics. They’re usually intentionally vague and mysterious. Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman famously said, “I love Jon. He’s the only guy I know trying to save this planet while (mentally) living on another.”
they are not vague and mysterious if you have studied a bit of Ancient Mystery Teachings. As Above So Below and what not. Jon is a Christian Mystic to be specific but I know he is also into Native American wisdom as well. These teachings go as far back as written history takes us and most likely before that as well. It's the kinda of wisdom that now modern day Quantum Physics is telling us...that all things are Energy and All is One. The Sumerians knew this, The Egyptians, Pythagoras, The Essene, Jesus, The Gnostics, The Cathars. They teach this in The Ancient Hindu texts as well as the Jewish Mysticism of Kabbalah. Every Ancient culture seemed to know all this Mystical Science and we are only Now recently catching up and 'Remembering'
@@ChrisAddotta5373 😮
@@courtneywallace871 you are correct though when you say Mysterious as that is the whole thing about Ancient Mystery Teachings... they were only taught to a select few, it has never been Mainstream knowledge.
That’s sooo Wakeman!
Listen to Yes - Heart of the Sunrise
GREAT call. That intro....
all good people are their audiences at their concerts. The band "turn their heads" and they leave satisfied after a killer performance.
He watches all good people, self satisfied, turn their heads away from the problems of the world. He's out of here.
A college professor said that in a book. Maybe you read the book. He's from a Chicago college.
I don't think that's it. They're GOOD people, not people indifferent to the problems of the world. They turn their heads because they are lively and alert. With such a good situation, the singer can continue on his way, knowing (satisfied) that good people are turning their heads to whatever they need to attend to. It's more like the B-52's "Shining Happy People."
It's a melatron?
The "fute" sound is two recorders, played by people.
The main lyric is about how the counterculture youth of the late '60s were perceived by society. These kids at the time had long unkempt hair, wore outlandish clothes, did drugs, and listen to wild music. So when the "good people" (usually the older generation) who upheld what polite society expected as right and proper came across these kids they turned their heads away not wanting to interact with and glad to be rid of them.
No synthesizers….that flute sound is two recorders….like the plastic flutes they have in grade school music class.
YES! Heart of the Sunrise.
I'm pretty sure that "flute sound" is a recorder. Synthesizers weren't as sophisticated as they are today. The Yamaha DX7 hadn't been invented yet. It would be more trouble to try to program a Mini-Moog or an Arp Odyssey to do that sound than to just pull a recorder out of your pocket.
Many times Yes lyrics are purposefully vague so you can find your own meaning in them.
The lead guitar was mostly a Gibson ES-175, a great big single cutaway lhollowbody.
The first part of this is called "Your Move". I always thought they were comparing life to a game of chess.
Yes, the chess imagery runs through the lyrics, but while chess is ultimately a game of conquest and maneuvering to gain control (a standoff between two armies) the lyrics here are about building relationships based on comfort, love and mutual care.
Jon plays music for the good of everyone, everywhere. All Good People! Ty & take good care.
I think the message is intentionally vague and cryptic so it can have a different meaning for each listener. With that said, I believe the song captures the YES spirit of hopefulness, positivity, love, and peace. You can hear Jon Lennon’s “all we are saying is give peace a chance” in the background before the transition to the gospel joyful/dancing section. I love your reviews. You are clearly a very skillful and knowledgeable musician. ❤
If he heard the cathedral organ on "Close To The Edge", he'd probably freak.
You gotta check out some of their much crazier stuff: Heart of the Sunrise, Sound Chaser, Siberian Khatru.
The whole Close to the Edge album is a masterpiece
" All we are saying: 'is give peace a chance' ".
This is a part of the chorus in the 1st part of this song which is not transcribed.
It's an anti-war song. The live songs usually stress that chorus phrase mentioned above more than this studio version.
Yes
Jon Anderson - lead vocals, percussion
Chris Squire - bass guitar, backing vocals, bass pedals[13]
Steve Howe - laúd wrongly listed as vachiala, electric guitars, backing vocals
Tony Kaye - Hammond organ, piano
Bill Bruford - drums, percussion
Additional musicians
Colin Goldring - recorder on "Your Move"
The 'flutes' are real wooden instruments, known as 'recorders' played by guest musician Colin Goldring (from the band Gnidrilog). Children at elementary school are often taught to play on cheap plastic recorders. Typically they overblow them so they sound squeaky and harsh. But a good recorder sounds really sweet and a proficient player uses their tongue to control the attack of the note as they blow into the mouthpiece.
The deep bass notes are probably Taurus bass pedals being played with his feet by bassist Chris Squire. He did that live too.
Yes often play in E for the reasons you say.
The guitarist uses a Gibson ES175 semi on this and many other tracks. He often hybrid picks in a country or jazz style.
The bass player sang in a well known church choir in London as a boy. He usually arranged the vocal harmonies in Yes.
With your sharp ears and musical knowledge, you will love some of their deeper and longer cuts.
Quite true, that's a recorder and Goldring is credited on the album. Wooden recorders (known in German and Nordic languages as Blockflöjt/-flöte, "block flute") are often used as a "starter instrument" when a child is planning to learn some other instrument, because they offer an easy way to learn scales, keys, the names of notes, understanding rhythm, finger positions and so on. But there's also a substantial classical repertory for them, not least frm the renaissance and baroque eras. My older brother began by playing a standard recorder but went on to play older alto and sopranino (like, high piccola range) recorders, music from the 17th/18th centuries; he later played drums and keyboards, He also introduced me to this amazing band...
"Your Move" is a brilliant song, and a very human and heartfelt statement about love and wisdom.
I'm very surprised that you don't have MORE subs!! I ❤️ your channel and commentary.
I love this song, but my fave by YES is CHANGES. Soooo different but soooo good! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
"Changes" is definitely one of their best!
As a kid I thought this song was about “Alice Through the Looking Glass”. Like beauty, art is in the eye of the beholder. Beautiful song.
Metaphors to the max😁, you are the key to yourself, happy life,baby.🎉
With the references to game of Chess with the Queen of Hearts in Alice In Wonderland in the first part, I've always seen the 2nd half as a reference to everyone around the queen. The all good people.... I'm on my way...
The author knows something is wrong, but he sees all the good people, turning their heads each day... turning a blind eye to the evil being done...
So satisfied I'm on my way....
Well, if good people don't think this is wrong, then it must not be... My curiosity at what I know is wrong must be wrong because everyone else... all good people aren't saying it's wrong, so my uneasiness at the wrong is satisfied, and I can go on with my life as if nothing is wrong.
Reminds me of Germany during WWII... turning a blind eye to the horrors of what was being done to the Jews because so the other good people say it's right.
Ladies and gentlemen YES the greatest show on earth. The first part was always a sing-along live. As for Anderson's words, he would not necessarily pick words for their meaning but for their percussive quality. Perpetual Change is a bass players delight. ✨️🎶✨️
YES IN THE CHURCH!
This song references the chess pieces 8n Alice in Wonderland and its sequel, Through The Looking Glass. It also pays homage to John Lennon, with the phrases “Send an Instant Karma to me” and “Give Peace A Chance”.
Listen to "Awaken" from Yes album Going for the One
Probably my favorite song ever!
"People often turn away to feel safe in their own bubble but if we help each other on the game of life we'll be better-off" BUT YOUR HEAD IS GOING TO EXPLODE if you spend too much time trying to interpret YES lyrics. It's like figuring out a Cubist painting by Picasso. Jon Anderson's lyrics are written first and for most "FOR THEIR SOUND' then he introduces Metaphoric abstract poetics to inject & enhance his UPLIFTING, POSITIVE & often Spiritual (New Age) ideas & perspective. Interpret the OVERALL feeling of both the words and music as ONE. I believe the song is generally telling us that, as Pawns on this game of life, only TOGETHER can we bring PEACE & LOVE. Brought to the front during their LIVE shows, the subtle background hidden lyrics are "All we are saying is give peace a chance", which were taken from a popular John Lennon song. I WARN YOU: This song is a BABY STEP! The DEEPER you DIVE into YES water, the Lyrics and music will only become more extreme & abstract but that's the BEAUTY of THEM. The Lyrical complexity is designed to be in sync Musically with their unexpected perfect transitions in Time, Tempo, Rhythm, Mood, Atmosphere & Chord changes.
See, this is why this guy is the best. He hears little, sometimes tiny, features and then hears hiw that are then picked up as musical elements later.
That Ricky tone - stereo- played the bridge pickup through one amp to one set of speakers and the neck pickup through a different amp and different speakers.
Yep, then Geddy Lee followed with same.
Jon Anderson explained: "The song is about initiation of yourself into the idea that there is more to life than war and fighting within religions and things like that. So when we were singing 'see all good people,' it's like, 'we can see you all in the audience because you're good people no matter what, and when you're with music you're enlightened, you're good, you're happy, you're excited.' And music is the kingpin of it all. It's not just Yes, it's music that brings people together like no other energy on such a level."
I love your channel Church Boy! I also thoroughly enjoy all your “What does that mean??” moments regarding the cryptic lyrics. I admire your desire to understand the context and meaning behind the lyrics. I’m also so impressed by your incredible ear and gift of having perfect pitch.✌️I’m always here for your Rush reactions, and now Yes as well! 🔥
enjoy the trip to yes they have a lot of good music !
You nailed it! He's saying all people are good.
Jon Anderson is the biggest advocate for love you could ever meet.
As far as the lyrics go Jon didn't worry so much about meaning. He wanted whatever the words were to sound good. He thought of words as more of a note than anything else.
Jon Anderson (lead vocalist) stated in interviews when asked about the lyrical meanings of yes’ song and he stated that the meaning was whatever any individual took them to mean. I was listening to Yes on the early ‘70s and was curious about the meaning too. After reading Anderson’s newer, it all made sense!!!!
I suggest "Heart Of The Sunrise" by Yes and "Close To The Edge" by Yes - they are both really great songs
I’ve heard Jon say the lyrics “Time its Time is Time” is speaking about GOD & all things are GOD’S TIME.
Actually Steve Howe, the guitarist on this song is playing a Gibson ES-175 hollowbody. He did play a tele on later albums.
Saw Rick Wakeman in Toronto, (1974/75?) Journey to the Centre of the Earth tour. Like Neil Peart surrounded by all his drums, Wakeman was surrounded by multiple keyboards and he danced from one to the other all night. Quite the performance…
You are over thinking it Church Boy. Hahahaha. It's actually really simply once you figure it out. So to 'Turn your Head' just simple means to 'Get a New Perspective on Things'. Right, a different angle a different view. All good people....I guess All people have good in them, some less than others but...And So satisfied I'm on my way....Well I have listened to and studied Yes lyrics for years and years and I know for a fact that Jon Anderson is into a lot of the Mystical Ancient Wisdom of the past (that is now matching up exactly by the way to what Modern Quantum Physics is telling us) and Ancient Wisdom tells us that enlightenment is a constant Journey, and you cannot Journey if you are standing still. Standing still is the exact opposite and it's known as Stagnating. A Journey is when you are moving ahead (physically or mentally), always getting better, always learning, always experiencing life. So when he says I'm on my Way....well there you go. Love your videos my brutha!! Keep up the great work. If you wanna hear some newer more tripped out YES check out the song Homeworld from the 1999 album The Ladder.
The sound you describe as like a synth, is a recorder, play by Colin Goldring. A recorder is sort of a flute like wind instrument.
I’ve always taken the chess metaphor as a way to live your life, by not being the center of your own world. I’ve never missed a Yes tour since my first show in 75. It literally showed me a different way to be as a human. All of their music is so powerful and positive. Hence- YES!
Sounds to me like he’s on his way toward satisfaction.
Jon Anderson (lead vocal), Steve Howe (guitar), Trevor Rabin (guitar/vocals joined later "Owner of the Lonely Heart"), Bill Bruford (drums), Rick Wakeman (keyboards), and RIP Chris Squire (bass). Saw them 3 times and I was surely blessed! These guys are other worldly talented. Never be matched!
I just knew you'd love them musically and they have a HUGE catalog to listen too. Early or late their stuff is great! 90125 Owner of a lonely heart
No synthisisers on the first 3 Yes albums. This song is from the 3rd album. Rick Wakeman joins the band on their next album with synths.
There's a small amount of Minimoog on The Yes Album, but Tony wasn't a big fan of it.
@@adam872 And it was played on bass pedals by Jon.. Cheers!
The harmonies are done by the lead vocalist Jon Anderson, the bassist Chris Squire and the guitarist Steve Howe. One of Yes' many virtues are their harmonies and how they experiment with it. As mentioned by others, Anderson's lyrics do have underlying meanings but he uses words to suit the sound he want to get from is voice. He's more of a vocal musician than a singer. Yes is made up of high caliber musicians: Chris Squire is a sited as one of the greats on bass (revered by musicians like Getty Lee of Rush). And Steve Howe, among other things, was voted as the Best Overall Guitarist in Guitar Player magazine FIVE years in a row, somewhere between 1972 to 77. Then there is Bill Bruford on drums, a masterful jazz influenced drummer who went on to play for 'experimental prog/art rock legends, King Crimson. A suggestion for the next reaction - another song from the same album as I've Seen All Good People > Yours is No Disgrace, or/and Starship Trooper. Do these before moving on to there more complex longer epics. Going chronologically is best - so that you'll hopefully be more prepared for what comes next..
The guitarist, Steve Howe, was using a Gibson hollow body. It was his first quality guitar and remains his one true instrument.
Ah yes. Many years spent pondering these questions. Who are these "Good People"? Why are they so satisfied? What specifically does "I'm on my way" mean?
Is it negative? Maybe I'm repulsive to the Good People, and they're happy to turn their backs to me as I head away from them?
Is it positive? Maybe, when I finally take the risk of my life, Good People turn and notice and feel good about my success?
Whenever it starts to get to me, I just remember to move on back two squares.
the guitar player steve howe influence or guitar hero was the virtuosos country guitar player chet atkins known for his fast picking !
The organ at the end of the Your Move section is awesome. It's absolutely majestic. It's also pretty damn good in the coda of the section section too!
If you want to hear Chris Squire shine on the base, give Tempus Fugit a listen. My favorite Yes song might be "I'm Running." It also represents some of the best Squire has to offer. Ignore Yes lyrics. They do not make sense.
Yeah! TEMPUS fugit and the entire DRAMA album
Ps i can interpret the lyrix
Don’t surround yourself with yourself..
This is a great one to react to, a great deep cut from these guys is called aim high shoot low, check it out, please
When even drummer Bill Bruford said that no-one but Jon Anderson knew what the lyrics meant, let alone the band members, I think that says it all. I gave up years ago even trying to decipher Yes lyrics - just roll with whatever they may be. "Does It Really Happen?" is probably one of the pinnacles of Yes bass showcasing - check it out.
I heard one of his bandmembers once said that Jon wrote lyrics that changed a world, even while he was living on another planet
The lyrics to this tune have eluded me for years. I too get the chess reference but I can't connect the rest. Anyway you would really like Jesus is Just Alright by the Doobie Brothers. Give that a listen.
That's Ironic I just listened to that Doobies song in my car today, one of my favorite DB's song along with It keeps you running and without you.
@@Rob-oy2hr That's cool. Yeah love The Doobie Brothers as well.
Jon Anderson wrote these lyrics. He wrote lyrics as if they were another musical instrument. A voice that went along with the song. The words didn't need to mean anything. A line at a time is cool, but there is no narrative.
You said it at the end. Love each other, take care of each other. Don't turn your head away and not care.
Check out when they got inducted to the Rock and Roll hall of fame when Geddy was on the bass!!
First, Go Braves! You get a taste of the musical talent of this group here. It’s top shelf stuff. Btw, would love to hear you do some reactions to NF, a Christian who raps. Great artist, and he has an army of fans.
I’ve long interpreted this song to be about:
> Forging a society based on service to all by following an altruistic higher power: The title refrain holds up a mirror to all the self-described “good people” in the world who “turn their heads each day” away from the suffering of others and instead feel satisfied that in their opinion they’re “on their way” down the path of righteousness and salvation. The “news” is scripture be it the Bible, Quran, Torah, Tao, Gita, or whatever. The queen is the earthly power entrusted to lead (literally, too, as the band is from the U.K.) but “remembering that the goal is for us (all) to capture all we want, anywhere” AKA universal human rights and freedoms.
> Extolling the virtues of rejecting ego: “Don’t surround yourself with yourself.”
> Embrace love as life’s central calling: “Send Instant Karma w/ loving care” (a nod to John Lennon as the backing vocals reference “Give Peace A Chance”) as karma is the belief that the sum of your actions decides your fate in future existences.
This interpretation is based on me reading a few interviews of Jon Anderson over the years and learning that his beliefs encompass both spiritual and humanist viewpoints. The genius of cryptic and symbolic lyric writing is that each individual has to fill in the blanks for themselves, thereby collaborating with the artist to create a uniquely personal experience. So like they say in commercials, “your milage may vary…”
Most of the English bands were obsessed with black music 50s and 60s and as we all know, most of our music comes out of the black church. :) And the black church is *still* the incubator for great musicians to this day!
Steve Howe joined Yes and made major contributions immediately. He is the best classical guitarist I've ever heard and seen . Tony Kaye plays organ , Yes decided to replace him with Rick Wakeman on there next album " Fragile " , there is also an instant improvement with his moog and melotron wizardry . There contributions led to Yes becoming the best progressive rock band ever !!
"And You And I" by Yes would certainly be a contender (well, not contender, but beautiful just the same).
You've done as good a job interpreting the lyrics in one listen as I've been able to do after 40 years as a fan. I think a lot of Anderson's lyrics are intentionally vague, abstract, non-sensical and left up to individual interpretation and the imagination. Yes were a product of their culture: the late 1960s. I mainly listen to Yes for the bass lines and other musicianship, the composition, arrangements and overall artistry. For me, the lyrics, while insightful and thought provoking at times, for the most part just come along for the ride.
It's Jon Anderson.
Welcome to the club.
I think he’s saying that he’s seen all good people (the self-righteous) turn their heads (ignore human suffering in their own neighborhoods) each day, so to an enlightened being observing from outside this dimension, he feels that until the species evolves to a level where they help each other, he’s not going to interfere.
i want to thank you, Man! In all the probably thousands of times I have listened to this song I never realized that the “diddit” part echoed the bass drum that, according to Bill Bruford, was indeed a heartbeat. So the “diddit” is more heartbeat in the vocal expression of the song. Love this!
That is the thing about Yes, endless spins gives ever new revelations.
Lyrics are positive, illogical but emotionally effective in elevating the listener's mood. For me anyway. For best effect don't over analyse the lyrics - let them into your gut - not your brain. For a deep spiritual journey try Awaken. Their anti war epic (Viet Nam) was Gates of Delirium and a shorter one was Yours is No Disgrace - referring to the innocent draftees. Yes can be enjoyed on so many levels, that it usually takes many many listens to fully appreciate it. Even after hundreds of listens there can be more to hear and feel. The answer to any question you may have is Yes! We long time fans have 50 years on you!
These are two separate songs which they joined together, "Your move" followed by "I've seen all good people".
For me I always thought that your move was about living your life like a game of chess. Don't box your self in, leave yourself space to move etc.
For the later, I imagined Squire walking down the street passing by friends on his journey.
I'm sure everyone has their own take on the meanings of these songs.
This song is an Anti - war song." I've Seen All Good People" is kinda of seeing the good in all people to include those you see as your enemy. I found this quote by Jon Anderson the lead man from Yes during an interview with Songfacts "The song is about initiation of yourself into the idea that there is more to life than war and fighting within religions and things like that. So when we were singing 'see all good people,' it's like, 'we can see you all in the audience because you're good people no matter what, and when you're with music you're enlightened, you're good, you're happy, you're excited.' And music is the kingpin of it all. It's not just Yes, it's music that brings people together like no other energy on such a level." Like your reaction and hope to see more Yes!! Blessings to you and yours and to All Good People!
If you stick with reacting to Yes songs, you’ll have many more opportunities to ask “What did lead singer Jon Anderson mean when he wrote those lyrics?” Generally, you can say that his lyrics come from a place of peace and love. Beyond that, good luck.
This was a good song to start with. It was the first Yes song that many of us heard on the radio, and it remains a popular tune during their concerts to this day. Songs like “Yours Is No Disgrace” or “Starship Trooper” from the same album require a little more from the listener. It’s worth the effort though. Enjoy.
You should check out Yes' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame where Geddy Lee plays bass on Roundabout.
i alwats thought it meant, good people often turn their heads away in order not to confront unpleasant truth, and remain satisified. So he's on his way past the willing blindness of the crowd
If you are into church, react to AWAKEN and let Yes take you to heaven! Do the studio version! It is one of their greatest masterpieces.
Ah, Yes. One of my favorite bands, right up there with Rush. Let the words flow over you without too much analysis and you’ll be OK. Enjoy this rabbit hole - it’s deep.
rush are terrible, 3 men trying to sound like 5 and failing badly
Bassist Chris Squire is also on the voice harmonies, and sometimes also guitarist Steve Howe joins in
I think the flute-like sound is a recorder. They didn't have samplers in 1970.
one way or another, Anderson's lyrics are always a puzzle to be interpreted and deciphered
Definitely recommend that.
It's always fun watching new reactors trying to figure out the immensely obscure lyrics Jon Anderson came up with back in the day. 😂 Honestly, I think the message Yes tried to put out there was one of spiritual happiness and fulfillment. Jon just made lyrics that sounded good together sometimes and didn't give much thought to the literal meaning. When you want to listen to something on the longer side, you should check out Close to the Edge. The whole album of the same title was comprised of only three songs, and every single one of them was amazing. Here then is the title cut...I promise you, an acceptable live version, from 1972 (yup, 52 years ago!): th-cam.com/video/SDdy1IrklYc/w-d-xo.html
THIS is the lineup that blew everyone's minds back in the 70s.
P.S. Get ready for a LOT of church organ!
Earlier it said “ don’t surround yourself with yourself “. So, I thought it was about stepping out into the world, maybe not be self conscious, don’t be afraid bad things will happen,(I’ve seen all GOOD people), notice ( turn their heads each day), so (satisfied I’m on my way), nothing bad happened so he kept going. I thought the chess reference was about overthinking. Just my guess.
Hi Churchboy, Your next Yes song has a key to unlock the very abstract lyrics in most Yes songs. The 2nd part of Starship Trooper gives the clue this way.
"Take what I say in a different way and it's easy to say that this is all confusion. But as I see a new day in me, I can also show it to you, and you may follow."
Much of Yes lyrics seem to not make much sense. Then weeks, months, years, and decades later, you find out the meaning of bits of songs when you know for certain that it cannot mean anything else. 55 years of Yes music, and I still occasionally find out something in a song I've heard hundreds of times over 50 years, like Roundabout recorded in 1972. It was in 2003 that I found out what "24 before my love, and I'll be there." means when I was reading Revelation chapter 4. There it says that there are "four and twenty elders ROUND ABOUT the throne." That left no doubt whatsoever the meaning of that line I didn't know for 30 years. Yes music is filled with things like that. Even instrumental sections have deep meaning that words do not express.
Awesome!
"This is church music" haha lol Great video.
Brilliant song
🤗 This is 1 of my favorite YES harmonies to sing and 🤔 also 1 of the hardest. Even harder than 'Owner of A Lonely Heart' harmonies. 😍 Jon has such a unique voice, like Geddy Lee does! 🥰🐰
Yes's lyrics aren't always supposed to make sense. Jon Anderson used words and phrases for their musical quality as opposed to their literal or even figurative meaning. But he says that eventually his lyrics came to mean something to him, and so he figures that in time they will come to mean something different to everyone else.
In the 70s 7here was a saying Keep on Truckin. I think what he's saying 8s he doesn't care what anyone thinks, he's just moving on.
Church boy you're just starting to enter the world of the greatest band that has graced this planet.Start with The Yes album you have no idea what awaits you. From 1970 - ' 77 they ruled the prog world.
Young man, are you in for a treat.
Wait until you hear the epic Yes.
You think you’re in church now.
Awaken, Close To The Edge, The Gates Of Delirium, The Revealing Science Of God and more will all lift you up and lay you low at the same time.
Enjoy.
Keep your enthusiasm and be well.
And let the lyrics accompany the music as they were meant to, as another instrument. Obsess less and enjoy more!
Vietnam War era.. The govt (military) move the chess pieces around(solders). People turning their heads away refers to the indifference to the people dying in Vietnam
All good people are heroes
Give peace a chance in your left ear, reference to John Lennon
Singer and composer Jon Anderson is a Buddhist with a Christian background. Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia about the song:
"The first part of the song, "Your Move", alludes to the game of chess as a metaphor for male-female relationships. Examples include the phrases "move me onto any black square", "make the white queen run so fast", and "the goal is for us all to capture only one".
A reference to John Lennon's work is in the lyric "send an instant karma to me", with "Instant Karma!" being a single released by Lennon in 1970. Another reference occurs just before the three-minute mark of the song, in the closing moments of "Your Move", where the chorus of Lennon's song "Give Peace a Chance" is sung by the backing vocalists under the main melody. More generally, Anderson has stated that the line "'cause it's time, it's time in time with your time" was an attempt to say that he would "do anything that is required of me to reach God" and that he wants the listener to feel "in tune and in time with God.""
He is saying that he sees good people turn their heads away from the evil and everything bad in this world and so he’s satisfied with that and he’s on his way because he’s agreeing with the people turning their heads away from evil.
Greetings! You really need to check out the band: UFO. Check out: Belladonna; Born to Lose; and Profession of Violence. On every other day, UFO is my all time favorite band, the other days it's Rush. The guitar player in the majority of their songs is Michael Schenker. He started playing professionally at age 16. He is my favorite guitarist. Vocals are spot on (Phil Moog).
I suggested less known songs. I'm sure their mainstream songs will be suggested. I just think jumping into the deep end is the best way to 'learn'.
Jon Anderson’s lyrics are understood only …diagonally…, not directly. He lets you put it together how you want.
I think that the best way to listen to Yes is to not worry too much about the meaning and just let the sounds do their stuff. After a few hundred listens, some kind of inexplicable meaning takes shape in your mind. Jon Anderson is one of these guys who talks to elves and sprites etc... He's trying to speak to a part of your mind that's not part of your cerebral cortex.
I know what I said but here I am again anyway again your comment section spot on with Mr Lennon and I think what they are indicating here are all the wars that we've had to endure and remember the Vietnam War was going on at this time so much protest so much hate back and forth but remember this whatever country you're from you have a due diligence in life with your military life and I am so proud of my son for having served in the US Army and if you really reference British bands they are all about that collectively words to live by music such as free peace out my music lover
You have to try thinking of most Yes lyrics as syllabic melodies based entirely on phonics. Imagine it as a foreign language. There is no message to get. It's loosely connected thoughts or unconnected bits of poetry based entirely on how it sounds phonetically, not the words themselves. Keep this in mind as your Yes journey continues. Keep it up, you're doing great!
People tend to overthink Yes lyrics in a literal sense. In addition there are people that dismiss the lyrical meaning, feeling that the lyrics are wordplay that doesn't mean anything. I don't feel that to be true. Jon Anderson, the main lyricist, is a very spiritual person in a non-denominational sense. He relates his words to life, love, the human struggle and our ability to transcend and be one with the source. He sings of God. And You And I for example, many think is a love song. He is actually singing about the future along with his relationship with God. 70's Yes music doesn't shy away from human suffering in quite a few songs, but always exemplifies our ability to overcome. If you keep this in mind and relax your literal intake, you can find great comfort in the lyrical messaging. Don't overthink, the pastel imaging doesn't shy to far from the basic tenets. I interpret I've Seen All Good People similarly to you in one of your comments; Seeing so many good people in life gives hope that the world is not at it's core, bad. This gives him the optimism that love prevails. (and he's on his way!)