"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. On Fragile it segues into "The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)".
| "Long Distance Runaround" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Yes | |
| from the album Fragile | |
| A-side | "Roundabout" |
| Released |
|
| Genre | Progressive rock |
| Length | 3:30 |
| Label | Atlantic |
| Songwriter(s) | Jon Anderson |
| Producer(s) |
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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
- The Bad Plus (album: For All I Care).
- Red House Painters (albums: Songs for a Blue Guitar and the vinyl version of Ocean Beach).
- The Joggers (album: Bridging The Distance).