Roundabout
Yes
1994‐08‐26: Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Jon Anderson, Steve Howe
Listen to the Song
Open in YouTubeSummary
As the standout opening track of the 1971 album Fragile, 'Roundabout' solidified Yes as pioneers of progressive rock. It is legendary for Steve Howe's acoustic guitar harmonics and Chris Squire's punchy Rickenbacker bass, becoming a massive crossover hit that brought complex symphonic rock to mainstream radio.
Musical Analysis
A crown jewel of the 1971 album Fragile, 'Roundabout' is a masterclass in progressive rock’s symphonic approach to harmony. The song is anchored in E minor, but it creates a shifting tonal landscape by oscillating between the Aeolian and Dorian modes. The driv…
Chords
History
The song was written primarily by Steve Howe and Jon Anderson while traveling on tour buses between shows.
“The song was originally much longer and was edited down for radio play.”
📝 Lyrics
mystical · energetic · whimsicalTheme
The cyclical nature of time and the journey of self-discovery through movement and nature.
Surface
A descriptive account of a long road trip through the Scottish Highlands, passing through many roundabouts and scenic vistas while traveling back home.
Deeper meaning
An impressionistic exploration of the passage of time and human experience, where the physical journey serves as a metaphor for spiritual transition and the interconnectedness of nature and the self.
Symbols
Full Musical Analysis
The song features complex harmonies and chord progressions, typical of progressive rock. There's extensive use of extended chords and modulations.
The song shifts between various rhythmic feels, from a driving rock beat to more syncopated and complex passages.
The melody is memorable and soaring, with intricate vocal harmonies. Anderson's vocal style is distinctive and contributes to the song's unique sound.
The song was written primarily by Steve Howe and Jon Anderson while traveling on tour buses between shows.
As the standout opening track of the 1971 album Fragile, 'Roundabout' solidified Yes as pioneers of progressive rock. It is legendary for Steve Howe's acoustic guitar harmonics and Chris Squire's punchy Rickenbacker bass, becoming a massive crossover hit that brought complex symphonic rock to mainstream radio.
Song DNA
Genre
Rock
Era
70s
Mood
Euphoric
Tempo
Upbeat
Key
Minor
Texture
Layered
Sound
Guitar-driven
Feel
Syncopated
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Listen & Learn
Statistics
2.0M
Plays
362K
Listeners
100%
Popularity
3:28
Duration
4/4
Time
Credits
Written by
Produced by
From the album Fragile
Chord Sheet
Song Structure
Intro-Verse-Chorus-Verse-Instrumental Bridge-Chorus-Outro
Chords Used
Chord Fingerings
Standard
Standard