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"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. ^{[1] [2]}

Composition and recording

The song shifts keys between A minor and B minor and is polymetric in the verses - the drums are playing in 5/8 time against the rest of the group playing in 4/4 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

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• 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

• "Long Distance Runaround" at AllMusic