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 D Major and polymetrically in 4/4 time. In the verses, the vocals, bass, and guitar are playing in 4/4 time, while the drums and keyboard are playing in 5/4.

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).

References

• "Long Distance Runaround" at AllMusic