 Close To The Edge (1972) [ larger cover art ] |
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'''I. The Solid Time Of Change'''
A seasoned witch could call you from the depths of your disgrace
And rearrange your liver to the solid mental grace
And achieve it all with music that came quickly from afar
And taste the fruit of man recorded losing all against the hour
And assessing points to nowhere, leading every single one
A dewdrop can exalt us like the music of the sun
And take away the plain in which we move
And choose the course you're running
Down at the end, round by the corner
Not right away, not right away
Close to the edge, down by a river
Not right away, not right away
Crossed the line around the changes of the summer
Reaching out to call the color of the sky
Passed around a moment clothed in mornings faster than we see
Getting over all the time I had to worry
Leaving all the changes far from far behind
We relieve the tension only to find out the master's name
Down at the end, round by the corner
Close to the edge, just by a river
Seasons will pass you by
I get up, I get down
Now that it's all over and done
Now that you find, now that you're whole
'''II. Total Mass Retain'''
My eyes convinced, eclipsed with the younger moon attained with love
It changed as almost strained amidst clear manna from above
I crucified my hate and held the word within my hand
There's you, the time, the logic, or the reasons we don't understand
Sad courage claimed the victims standing still for all to see
As armoured movers took approached to overlook the sea
There since the cord, the license, or the reasons we understood will be
Down at the edge, close by a river
Close to the edge, round by the corner
Close to the end, down by the corner
Down at the edge, round by the river
Sudden cause shouldn't take away the startled memory
All in all, the journey takes you all the way
As apart from any reality that you've ever seen and known
Guessing problems only to deceive the mention
Passing paths that climb halfway into the void
As we cross from side to side, we hear the total mass retain
Down at the edge, round by the corner
Close to the end, down by a river
Seasons will pass you by
I get up, I get down
'''III. I Get Up, I Get Down'''
In her white lace, you could clearly see the lady sadly looking
Saying that she'd take the blame
For the crucifixion of her own domain
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
Two million people barely satisfy
Two hundred women watch one woman cry, too late
The eyes of honesty can achieve
(She would gladly say it amazement of her story)
How many millions do we deceive each day?
(Asking only interest could be layed upon the children of her domain)
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
In charge of who is there in charge of me
(She could clearly see the lady sadly looking)
Do I look on blindly and say I see the way?
(Saying that she'd take the blame
For the crucifixion of her own domain)
The truth is written all along the page
(She would gladly say it amazement of her story)
How old will I be before I come of age for you?
(Asking only interest could be layed upon the children of her domain)
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
'''IV. Seasons Of Man'''
The time between the notes relates the color to the scenes
A constant vogue of triumphs dislocate man, so it seems
And space between the focus shape ascend knowledge of love
As song and chance develop time, lost social temp'rance rules above
Ah, ah
Then according to the man who showed his outstretched arm to space
He turned around and pointed, revealing all the human race
I shook my head and smiled a whisper, knowing all about the place
On the hill we viewed the silence of the valley
Called to witness cycles only of the past
And we reach all this with movements in between the said remark
Close to the edge, down by the river
Down at the end, round by the corner
Seasons will pass you by
Now that it's all over and done
Called to the seed, right to the sun
Now that you find, now that you're whole
Seasons will pass you by
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
| calypsus_1 | Posted: May 06, 2010 - 23:29  Yes by ~JSaurer ©2008-2010 ~JSaurer "close to the edge" - the giants of british Art Rock in the 70s airbrush, water colours, 1998 |
| calypsus_1 | Posted: Dec 01, 2009 - 10:41
Yes - "Soon" Live in Amsterdam (2002): |
| pope183 (Vinyamar) | Posted: Sep 14, 2006 - 13:04 According to the band's official website, Yesworld, the song is inspired by Hermann Hesse's book Siddhartha, an explanation which can cast the cryptic and mysterious lyrics in a new light, tracking the awakening of Hesse's character "close to the edge" of a river (and, symbolically, of the serial lifetimes of his soul) where he experiences a spiritual awakening. from the wiki -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close_To_The_Edge (click here) |
| pope183 (Vinyamar) | Posted: Apr 16, 2006 - 10:48  |
| stradaduro (Vancouver) | Posted: Aug 17, 2002 - 20:32 Originally Posted by Mot:
Few songs connect me with my musical awakenings like Yes. 'nuff said, cause words can't quite describe it. Apparently music can't quite describe it either, if they need 18 minutes of being "prog" and still don't really go anywhere. Gotta say "NO" to Yes. |
| Teko (Cincinnati, OH) | Posted: Aug 17, 2002 - 20:11 The only radio station on earth who'd follow Perry Farrell and Joni Mitchell with a magnum opus by Yes. Three cheers. |
| kevinc (Richardson, TX) | Posted: Aug 07, 2002 - 15:00 Originally Posted by drover:
Hell's teeth. No wonder bands like The Ramones came along to simplify things a bit. What a jumble of incoherent noise masquerading as musical profundity. Bands like Yes came around because wanted play music and play it the best they could. They wanted do music that was beyond the realm of the typical 4 minute song. The lyrics of yes songs are, in general, irrelevant. Anderson's voice is just another brush applied to the canvas. Bands like the Ramones came around because they wanted to play music rooted in early 60's rock and they did it the best way that they could. I don't see much of a difference. Both bands were great at what they did. If you want to slag Yes, then slag them for constantly touring on the same songs with sets that frequently seem to mirror sets from '72 or '73. I saw them 5 years ago, but there was only one song from the 90's, 2 from the 80's, 2 from the late 70's and the rest from the early 70's...and they were touring for a new studio album! What a disapointment. Haven't gone again since Kevin |
| johnsjr (El Cajon, CA) | Posted: Aug 07, 2002 - 14:47 please no Yes....this kind of music is the primary reason that disco became popular.  |
| Gabygaby07 (Cap-Chat) | Posted: Jul 28, 2002 - 09:26 I always thought that Yes music was a bit pretentious. But, 30 years ago I liked to listen to them sometimes. Close to the edge is great, better than a lots of things they made after. It is sure not going to please american people used to simple stuff. But, this progessive time got things we're not going to see anymore, unfortunately: musicians had freedom to try what they wanted. Nowadays, they're just majors' puppets. Marc-André |
| girlafraid (Holly Springs, NC) | Posted: Jul 18, 2002 - 04:26 god.. what an awfully long song.. no more please |
| peter75 (paris) | Posted: Jul 18, 2002 - 04:17 Oh my God, I thought I would never have to suffer this dreadful s***e again when I gave the album away more than 20 years ago!!!!! Please turn it off!!! |
| mbosche (Washington, DC) | Posted: Jul 07, 2002 - 22:06 Oh my gosh! Shut up already!  |
| (former member) (Shadow Valley Condos) | Posted: Jul 07, 2002 - 21:51 Man, at about 2 minutes into this thing when Howe brings in the guitar theme... Chills, sedate bliss, decades of music appreciation, relief - that there is genius in the world... |
| steveinmaine (3186.01 miles from Radio Paradise, as the Car drives a few miles down the road from Poland, ME) | Posted: Jun 27, 2002 - 16:22 I like this song. No, I don't actually own any Yes music, but it's nice to hear every now and again. |
| gillespp (Portland, OR) | Posted: Jun 27, 2002 - 16:18 Dated, maybe, but I never get tired of this. |
| Videll (Morgantown, WV) | Posted: Jun 17, 2002 - 12:53 Originally Posted by Jacques:
Hey, don't get your panties in a twist, it stopped, the world didn't explode, nor did you have a coronary... relax. I was NOT a huge YES fan and I'd probably never buy this album, but it is was great to hear this on Radio Paradise, I'd never get to hear this anywhere, and that alone was worth the time, albeit a bit long. Chill out, you want Top 40? I'm sure you can dig up 50 stations on the radio in no time at all... this is the right place to hear a 12 minute (or however long it was) prog rock dinosaur, that's why it's "eclectic" there is no formula... no good or bad song... just stuff to make you think. However, if Bill ever loses it and plays Britney Spears, then by all means, we'll join you in your please of "For the love of of, make it stop". Cheers Jacques Hey Jacques -- Thanks for the comments. I had my nurse read them too me while I was hooked up to my EKG. To be honest, I had a much better time reading it than listening to the song. I agree that RP is the place for eclectic intelligent rock. In fact, I'm the first one in the office to jump for joy when Bill spins a classic Floyd tune or better yet, the 2nd side to Abby Road. However, these boys could have got the point across in 5-6 minutes & it would have been a whole lot better. In fact, this song almost seems like showing off. 12 minutes for the sake of 12 minutes. Don't get me wrong, I'm greatful the 70's were filled with this stuff. Hell, songs like this are why guys like Rotten, Jones, Strummer, and the like started bands...and look where that got us (thanks boys!). |
| Jacques (Brossard, Qc) | Posted: Jun 17, 2002 - 11:46 Originally Posted by Videll:
Please, Please, Please, for the love of God, just make it stop! Hey, don't get your panties in a twist, it stopped, the world didn't explode, nor did you have a coronary... relax. I was NOT a huge YES fan and I'd probably never buy this album, but it is was great to hear this on Radio Paradise, I'd never get to hear this anywhere, and that alone was worth the time, albeit a bit long. Chill out, you want Top 40? I'm sure you can dig up 50 stations on the radio in no time at all... this is the right place to hear a 12 minute (or however long it was) prog rock dinosaur, that's why it's "eclectic" there is no formula... no good or bad song... just stuff to make you think. However, if Bill ever loses it and plays Britney Spears, then by all means, we'll join you in your please of "For the love of of, make it stop". Cheers Jacques |
| KAJMK (Glendale, AZ) | Posted: Jun 17, 2002 - 11:42 I reading some of the comments, I'm reminded of the Harry Chapin song "Flowers are Red" Here is a link to lyrics ... http://littlejason.com/chapin/songs/flowers.html |
| imgarten (Santa Fe, NM) | Posted: Jun 17, 2002 - 11:31 Incredible stuff. While I'm always happy to hear anything from Yes from "Going For the One" and before, their newest CD, "Magnification", is exceptional - some of the best orchestral integration ever done on a "rock" album. |
| kirch (St. Louis, MO) | Posted: Jun 17, 2002 - 11:31 Originally Posted by Videll:
Please, Please, Please, for the love of God, just make it stop! What do you have against 18 minutes "art rock" songs from the 70's? :D |
| Videll (Morgantown, WV) | Posted: Jun 17, 2002 - 11:29 Please, Please, Please, for the love of God, just make it stop! |
| KAJMK (Glendale, AZ) | Posted: Jun 17, 2002 - 11:28 Originally Posted by loveslave:
Is that Jon Anderson singing? Yes that is Jon Anderson. |
| KAJMK (Glendale, AZ) | Posted: Jun 17, 2002 - 11:23 What and apropos song in view of your sojourn! Hope yo all have a wonderful time and safe journey. |
| geoffs (Boulder, CO) | Posted: Jun 17, 2002 - 11:22 Haven't heard this one in ages--I think Yes is one of those (sometimes unfairly) maligned "prog rock" bands that are due for a new appreciation and rennaissance of their ouevre. Yes, some of their later stuff is, for want of a better word, crap, but they have some absolutely classic works, also. I enjoyed hearing it... |
| kirch (St. Louis, MO) | Posted: Jun 17, 2002 - 11:19 Ah the good ole days, when you could go to a concert and people would actually sit in their seats and listen to the music (instead of standing the whole freakin' time). Yes, you either love 'em or hate 'em. I still love them. In fact, they're on the Geezer tour and coming to a city near you this summer. Anderson, Squire, Howe, Wakeman and White. |
| roguewarer (Bloomfield, MI) | Posted: Jun 17, 2002 - 11:18 Originally Posted by drover:
Hell's teeth. No wonder bands like The Ramones came along to simplify things a bit. What a jumble of incoherent noise masquerading as musical profundity. Though I'm a fairly avid Yes fan, I wholeheartedly agree with respect to the cacophonous intro! Ugh! Just get to the music, will ya!!?? |
| Relayer (Oviedo, FL) | Posted: Jun 07, 2002 - 05:51 Originally Posted by loveslave:
Is that Jon Anderson singing? But of course! |
| tombell (State College, PA) | Posted: Jun 07, 2002 - 05:50 I thought this was boring when it was first released. It hasn't aged well. |
| loveslave (Uppsala) | Posted: Jun 07, 2002 - 05:46 Is that Jon Anderson singing? |
| Relayer (Oviedo, FL) | Posted: Jun 07, 2002 - 05:41 So wonderful to hear this song.....perfect example of how great art rock can be. I discovered Yes in the late 80s as a teenager (Big Generator), and only then started to discover their incredible past. I must be one of their younger fans, but great music knows no age limit. :D :D :D :D :D |
| drover (Chicago, IL) | Posted: May 17, 2002 - 18:23 Hell's teeth. No wonder bands like The Ramones came along to simplify things a bit. What a jumble of incoherent noise masquerading as musical profundity. |
| (former member) (Shadow Valley Condos) | Posted: Apr 17, 2002 - 16:32 Godlike. This is what eclectic, intelligent music sounds like. |
| jheckle (Lafayette, CA) | Posted: Apr 06, 2002 - 17:32 Wonderful sound. Again Radioparadise plays another of my old time favorites.Rare that one hears the whole thing. Thanx again. :D |
| bruce (Calgary) | Posted: Apr 06, 2002 - 14:51 The 70's were crazy? Thank God, I thought I was the only one! |
| thirolle (Durham, NC) | Posted: Mar 27, 2002 - 11:25 Good God, I almost forgot how damn good these guys were - and no, you don't have to be over forty to love them. I found Yes in high school in the 80s, with their more poppy 90125 album, and worked my way backward through their albums, and was a huge fan throughout my college years. I still love them, tho' I don't listen as much as I used to. That epic rock transports me! Pure bliss! :p |
| Mot ([RPT+2] Middleton, WI) | Posted: Mar 16, 2002 - 20:11 "No one does that epic rock song painting thing quit like those guys" -- Well said BillG! And they have the album covers to prove it. 
Few songs connect me with my musical awakenings like Yes. 'nuff said, cause words can't quite describe it. |
| Antigone (Elkton, VA) | Posted: Mar 06, 2002 - 10:19 Originally Posted by justlistening:
Well, this is a song that was fun to listen to with headphones during the crazy "daze" of the 70's. Brings back memories for me, but I can understand that for others it may be dated sounding and monotonous. This is my reaction, exactly. This song brings back some incredible memories and so I like it, but others without those memories might hate it! |
| rolo (New Orleans, LA) | Posted: Mar 06, 2002 - 10:05 This is a GREAT SONG .... from one of the most Original and Musically Tallented bands of the past 30 years !*!*!*!* :D |
| rgrace (Berkeley, CA) | Posted: Mar 06, 2002 - 10:00 One of the original greats, long before they went pop. Anyone who doesn't like this is entitled to their opinion but is also showing their (negligible) age. Get over it. There was music before Green Day, y'know. |
| Platypus (Baltimore, MD) | Posted: Mar 06, 2002 - 09:59 definitely "Godlike"!!! we need more Yes on RP :D |
| Absolute_Motion (Longwood, FL) | Posted: Mar 06, 2002 - 09:59 What a surpirse! A flashback to the early days of real AOR radio. Where else would you here an 18 minute cut these days? |
| Cy (Gardena, CA) | Posted: Feb 13, 2002 - 14:12 Originally Posted by justlistening:
Well, this is a song that was fun to listen to with headphones during the crazy "daze" of the 70's. Brings back memories for me, but I can understand that for others it may be dated sounding and monotonous. Yeah, this always was a favorite album of mine. Nice to hear long tracks like this from the "good old days" in the RP mix. Hopefully the younger listeners will indulge us and not complain too loudly. :p |
| JrzyTmata (NJ) | Posted: Feb 13, 2002 - 13:48 I love this song! |
| GF (Eudowood, MD) | Posted: Feb 13, 2002 - 13:46 tuneless. |
| justlistening (Irvine, CA) | Posted: Jan 23, 2002 - 18:00 Well, this is a song that was fun to listen to with headphones during the crazy "daze" of the 70's. Brings back memories for me, but I can understand that for others it may be dated sounding and monotonous. |
| red (San Diego, CA) | Posted: Jan 23, 2002 - 17:52 boring. |