Long Distance Runaround

"Long Distance Runaround" is a song by the progressive rock group Yes first recorded for their 1971 album, Fragile. Written by lead singer Jon Anderson, the song was released as a B-side to "Roundabout", but became a surprise hit in its own right as a staple of album-oriented rock radio. The song's 3:30 running time was uncharacteristically brief for a group known for expansive songs often longer than ten minutes, though it and "The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)", into which it segues, may be considered a single opus of 6:09.

"Long Distance Runaround"
Single by Yes
from the album Fragile
A-side"Roundabout"
Released
  • 26 November 1971 (UK)
  • 4 January 1972 (US)
GenreProgressive rock
Length3:30
LabelAtlantic
Songwriter(s)Jon Anderson
Producer(s)

Yes co-founder Jon Anderson wrote the lyrics to this song while allegedly remembering his encounters with religious hypocrisy and competition he experienced in attending church regularly as a youth in northern England. "Long time / waiting to feel the sound" was a sentiment toward wanting to see a real, compassionate, non-threatening example of godliness.[1][2]

Composition and recording

The song shifts keys between A minor and B minor and is polymetric in the verses - the drums are playing in 5/8 time against the rest of the group playing in 4/4 time.

Personnel

Cover versions

References
  1. "Long Distance Runaround - Yes". AllMusic. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  2. Steer, M. (1997). Music and Mysticism: Parts 3 and 4. Taylor & Francis. p. 23. ISBN 9780203401538. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
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