"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)".

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 shifts keys between A minor and B minor and is polymetric in the verses - the drums are playing in time against the rest of the group playing in time.

Personnel

• Jon Anderson– lead and backing vocals

• Steve Howe– electric guitars

• Chris Squire– bass

• Rick Wakeman– RMI 300B Electra-Piano and Harpsichord, grand piano

• Bill Bruford– drums, percussion

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).

References