Yes’ Mesmerizing Performance of ‘Roundabout’

“Roundabout” is a progressive rock song by the British band Yes. It was released on their 1971 album titled “Fragile” and has become one of the band’s most iconic and enduring songs.

“Roundabout” is notable for its complex and intricate musical arrangement, featuring virtuosic performances by each band member. The song begins with a distinctive and memorable bass riff played by Chris Squire and is known for its intricate interplay between Steve Howe’s guitar work and Rick Wakeman’s keyboard contributions.

The lyrics of “Roundabout” are somewhat cryptic and poetic, offering a sense of nostalgia and a journey-like theme. The opening lines, “I’ll be the roundabout / The words will make you out ‘n’ out / I spend the day your way / Call it morning driving through the sound and in and out the valley,” set the tone for the song’s dreamlike and introspective atmosphere.

“Roundabout” features multiple sections and time signature changes, which are characteristic of progressive rock music. The song is known for its extended instrumental passages, including a prominent acoustic guitar solo by Steve Howe.

The song was released as a single and received significant radio airplay, helping to establish Yes as a prominent progressive rock band in the early 1970s. “Roundabout” remains a classic of the genre and is often cited as one of Yes’s greatest compositions. It’s celebrated for its musicianship and the band’s ability to blend rock with complex and virtuosic instrumental passages.