Many Yes fans, as well as lead singer/songwriter Jon Anderson himself, consider this song to be the best track in the band's entire recorded output: "We had a hit record! I loved listening to 'Awaken', at last we had created a Masterwork." Like many extended Yes pieces, the song has a very complex harmonic and rhythmic structure and enigmatic lyrics.
Along with the track "Parallels", also released on Going for the One, the song features a church organ played by Rick Wakeman. According to the booklet of the 2003 CD reissue, these parts were recorded at St. Martins Church, Vevey, Switzerland. In addition the track features a harp played by Jon Anderson, especially prominent in the quiet middle section beginning at 6:38 in the song.
--- LYRICS ---
High vibration go on
to the sun, oh let my heart dreaming
past a mortal as me.
Where can I be?
Wish the sun to stand still.
Reaching out to touch our own being
Past a mortal as we
Here we can be
We can be here,
be here now.
Here we can be.
AWAKEN SUNS HIGH STREAM THRU AWAKEN
GENTLE STRONG DREAMS BEGIN HERE AWAKEN
MASS .)(. MASS
TOUCH STAR,SONG,AGE,LESS TOUCHING
Workings of man
set to ply out historical life.
Reregaining the flower of the fruit of his tree.
All awakening, all restoring you.
Workings of man, crying out from the fires set aflame.
By his blindness to see that the warmth of his being
is promised for his seeing, his reaching so clearly.
Workings of man
driven far from the path.
Rereleased in inhibitions
So that all is left for you
all is left for you
all is left for you
all this left for you now.
Master of things. Master of light.
Songs cast alight on you. All pure chance.
Hark thru dark ties. As exists cross divided.
That tunnel us out of sane existence. In all encircling mode.
In challenge as direct. Oh closely guided plan.
As eyes see young stars assemble. Awaken in our heart.
Master of soul. Master of time.
Set to touch. Setting sail.
All impenetrable youth. Over all of our lands.
Ask away. And as we look.
That thought be contact. Forever closer.
With all thats clear. Shall we now bid.
Be honest with yourself. Farewell, farewell.
Theres no doubt, no doubt.
High vibration go on
to the sun, oh let my heart dreaming
past a mortal as me.
Where can I be?
Wish the sun to stand still.
Reaching out to touch our own being
Past a mortal as we
Here we can be
We can be here.
Like the time I ran away
and turned around
and you were standing close to me.
Like the time I ran away
and turned around
and you were standing close to me.
---------------------------------------------------------
Released 1977
Recorded 1977
Genre Progressive rock
Length 15:31
Label Atlantic Records
Composer Jon Anderson/Steve Howe
Producer Yes
