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.

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 is in the key of B minor and polymetrically in 4/4 time. In the verses, the vocals, bass, guitar and keyboard are playing in 4/4 time, while the drums are playing in 5/8.

Cover versions

• The Bad Plus (album: For All I Care).
• Red House Painters (album: Songs for a Blue Guitar).
• A Kid Hereafter (album: Rich Freedom Flavour).
• The Joggers (album: Bridging The Distance).
• Syphilis (album: The Burning Question).
• Parzival's Eye (album: Defragments).

Personnel

• Jon Anderson – lead and backing vocals
• Steve Howe – electric guitars
• Chris Squire – bass guitar
• Rick Wakeman – RMI 368 Electra-Piano and Harpsichord, grand piano
• Bill Bruford – drums, percussion

References

• "Long Distance Runaround" at AllMusic

External links

Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics