Inspiration Behind Roundabout:
The concept for Roundabout came from a chance observation during a 1971 tour. After a gig in Aviemore, Scotland, Yes traveled by bus from Aberdeen to Glasgow. Encountering numerous roundabouts along the way, this classic hit was spawn. Smoking pot while in route, lead singer Jon Anderson to describe this experience as vivid and mystical. After passing through the 40th round about, this song was cemented.
Biblical Application:
“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything, Luke 15:13-16.
Exegesis of Roundabout:
[Verse 1]
I’ll be the roundabout
The words will make you out-and-out
I spend the day your way
Call it morning driving through the sound and in and out the valley
Observations while riding on a bus in the countryside of England.
[Verse 2]
The music dance and sing
They make the children really ring
I spend the day your way
Call it morning driving through the sound and in and out the valley
The opening instrumental sets the tine for Roundabout. Making you want to sing and dance while riding in the bus through the country landscape.
[Chorus]
In and around the lake
Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there
One mile over, we’ll be there and we’ll see you
Ten true summers, we’ll be there and laughing, too
Twenty-four before my love, you’ll see I’ll be there with you
Possibly alluding to leaning with the bus through roundabouts. A reference to fog with scenic views blocked then becoming visible. After another reference to traveling, memories of a summer with a significant other.
[Verse 3]
I will remember you
Your silhouette will charge the view
Of distant atmosphere
Call it morning driving through the sound and even in the valley
This was a memorable trip during their tour. Using this particular bus ride as a means for lyrics.
[Verse 1]
I’ll be the roundabout
The words will make you out-and-out
I spend the day your way
Call it morning driving through the sound and in and out the valley
Roundabouts were uncommon in America until a recent trend as removing stop signs in favor of roundabouts.
[Verse 2]
The music dance and sing
They make the children really ring
I spend the day your way
Call it morning driving through the sound and in and out the valley
The day your way line suggests someone else set up this bus tour. The sights and scenes are weaved into the lyrics.
[Chorus]
In and around the lake
Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there
One mile over, we’ll be there and we’ll see you
Ten true summers, we’ll be there and laughing, too
Twenty-four before my love, you’ll see I’ll be there with you
The chorus is repeated with generic references to what was visible.
[Verse 3]
I will remember you
Your silhouette will charge the view
Of distant atmosphere
Call it morning driving through the sound and even in the valley
Remembering the scenery, not necessarily a person. Appreciating the elevation changes as well as the twists and turns.
[Chorus]
In and around the lake
Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there
One mile over, we’ll be there and we’ll see you
Ten true summers, we’ll be there and laughing, too
Twenty-four before my love, you’ll see I’ll be there with you
This reminds me a traveling on vacation as a child, coming up with silly songs and words as you watch the scenry.
[Bridge]
Along the drifting cloud, the eagle searching down on the land
Catching the swirling wind, the sailor sees the rim of the land
The eagle’s dancing wings create as weather spins out of hand
Go closer, hold the land feel partly no more than grains of sand
We stand to lose all time, a thousand answers by in our hand
Next to your deeper fears, we stand surrounded by a million years
I’ll be the roundabout, the words will make you out-and-out
I’ll be the roundabout, the words will make you out-and-out
The focus changes to the wildlife, fascinated by an eagle soaring overhead. Using topography to craft a unique bridge.
[Instrumental Break]
[Interlude]
In and around the lake
Mountains come out of the sky, they stand there
Twenty-four before my love and I’ll be there
Repeating images from earlier in the song.
[Organ Solo]
[Verse 4]
I’ll be the roundabout
The words will make you out-and-out
You spend the day your way
Call it morning driving through the sound and in and out the valley
A reference to the 40 plus roundabout that this bus passed.
[Chorus]
In and around the lake
Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there
One mile over, we’ll be there and we’ll see you
Ten true summers, we’ll be there and laughing, too
Twenty-four before my love, you’ll see I’ll be there with you
Weaving in and out of the country.
[Outro]
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da (Doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot)
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da (Doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot)
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da (Doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot)
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da (Doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot)
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da (Doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot)
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da (Doot)
A fun ending that connects with the opening instrumental.
Final Thoughts:
Some songs are fun to sing even if you don’t have a clue what a band is trying to express. The beginning of Roundabout engages audiences, which promotes singing. Before doing this research, I enjoyed this song. However, after spending 2 weeks on a cruise in Alaska, I understand how pictures and views become etched within your mind. I’m glad that the members of Yes were able to share this special trip by making Roundabout into a song.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 