Length 3:30 | ||
Released 26 November 1971 (UK)4 January 1972 (U.S.) | ||
"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.
Contents
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.
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.