“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s a moment in every music lover’s journey when they stumble upon a piece that transcends time, one that echoes not just in the ears but in the very soul. For me, that moment came with “Close to the Edge” by Yes. The intricate melodies, the sprawling compositions, and the sheer audacity of the music challenged everything I thought I knew about rock. It was more than a song; it was an experience—a journey to the edge of musical possibilities.
About The Composition
- Title: Close to the Edge
- Composer: Jon Anderson, Steve Howe
- Premiere Date: September 13, 1972
- Album/Opus/Collection: Close to the Edge
- Genre: Progressive Rock
Background
“Close to the Edge,” released in 1972, stands as one of the most iconic pieces in the progressive rock genre. It was the title track of Yes’s fifth studio album and was heavily influenced by Jon Anderson’s interest in Hermann Hesse’s novel Siddhartha. The album came at a time when Yes was solidifying its reputation as pioneers of progressive rock. The band’s meticulous approach to crafting music, often blending complex structures with profound lyrical themes, was both celebrated and criticized at the time of release. However, as years passed, the track—and the album—garnered critical acclaim, becoming a cornerstone of progressive rock and influencing countless artists across multiple genres.
Musical Style
“Close to the Edge” is a masterpiece of progressive rock, divided into four movements that flow seamlessly into one another. The composition is known for its ambitious structure, which spans over 18 minutes. It starts with “The Solid Time of Change,” featuring an intricate guitar and keyboard interplay that sets the stage for the epic journey ahead. The piece then transitions into “Total Mass Retain,” where Chris Squire’s bass work shines, adding depth and complexity. “I Get Up, I Get Down” slows the pace, showcasing Yes’s ability to blend contrasting elements, with serene vocals and lush keyboard textures. The final movement, “Seasons of Man,” brings the piece to a dramatic conclusion, encapsulating the cyclical nature of the themes explored throughout the song.
The song’s use of odd time signatures, complex harmonies, and dynamic shifts in tempo and mood are hallmark traits of the progressive rock genre. Yes’s use of Moog synthesizers, Mellotron, and elaborate vocal arrangements further distinguish this piece as a bold exploration of the boundaries of rock music.
Lyrics/Libretto
While “Close to the Edge” is predominantly recognized for its musical complexity, its lyrics deserve equal attention. Jon Anderson’s lyrics are abstract and heavily inspired by the spiritual journey described in Siddhartha. The recurring themes of seeking enlightenment, the cycles of life, and the pursuit of inner peace resonate throughout the song. The lyrics, much like the music, are open to interpretation, allowing listeners to draw their meanings from the rich tapestry of words and sounds.
Performance History
“Close to the Edge” has been a staple in Yes’s live performances since its release. Its complex structure presents a challenge, but one that Yes consistently rises to in their performances. Over the decades, the song has been performed in various forms, sometimes with extended improvisations or slight rearrangements. Each performance breathes new life into the piece, maintaining its relevance and excitement for both new listeners and long-time fans.
Cultural Impact
“Close to the Edge” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural artifact that has influenced countless musicians and bands. Its innovative approach to composition has been cited by many artists as a pivotal influence in their musical development. The piece has transcended its genre, appearing in various forms of media, including films and documentaries that explore the evolution of rock music. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the transformative power of music and its ability to challenge and inspire.
Legacy
Today, “Close to the Edge” is revered as one of the greatest progressive rock songs of all time. It continues to inspire musicians, critics, and fans alike with its bold exploration of musical boundaries. The piece’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a profound level, inviting them to embark on a journey of self-discovery and musical exploration.
Conclusion
“Close to the Edge” remains a towering achievement in the world of rock music. Its complexity, depth, and beauty make it a piece that resonates deeply with those who dare to listen. I encourage anyone with a love for music to explore this masterpiece, whether through Yes’s original recording or one of the many live performances that capture its essence. For those ready to venture to the edge of musical possibility, “Close to the Edge” is a journey worth taking.
Video
Lyrics
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,
Then 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 edge, 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
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 armored 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 call 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
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
How many millions do we deceive each day?
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
In charge of who is there in charge of me
Do I look on blindly and say I see the way?
The truth is written all along the page
How old will I be before I come of age for you?
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
I get up, I get down
The time between the notes relates the color to the scenes
A constant vogue of triumphs dislocate man, it seems
And space between the focus shape ascend knowledge of love
As song and chance develop time, lost social temperance 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
I get up