The Meaning Behind The Song: Onward by Yes
Yes, a British progressive rock band, has been in the music industry for over four decades and has produced multiple hit songs. One such song is “Onward,” which is a ballad from their 1978 album, “Tormato.” The music of the song is by Yes guitarist, Steve Howe, while the lyrics were written by bandmate, Jon Anderson. “Onward” is a beautiful and poignant song that speaks of hope and perseverance.
Background of “Onward” By Yes
“Onward” was written during a challenging time for the band. The members had been struggling with each other’s creative differences, and their music was not as popular as it used to be. In an interview with Guitar World, Steve Howe said that “It was a difficult time for Yes. We had just recorded ‘Going for the One’, and we had achieved some wonderful things, but we weren’t always seeing eye-to-eye.” The song “Onward” was written as a message of hope and encouragement to the band, and it quickly became a fan favourite.
Analyzing “Onward” By Yes
The song opens with a soft acoustic guitar solo, which sets the mood for the rest of the song. Jon Anderson’s vocals soon join in, and the gentle melodies and harmonies start to weave a story. The song is about the journey of life and the struggles that we face along the way. The lyrics speak of “starlight guiding us through the night,” which is a metaphor for hope and perseverance. Anderson’s voice is pure and ethereal, and it emphasizes the message of the song. The lyrics are simple but effective, and they speak directly to the listener’s heart.
The Lyrics Of “Onward” By Yes
The lyrics of “Onward” are inspiring and hopeful. They speak of the power of love and how it can help us overcome our struggles. The chorus goes, “Don’t forget the journey to the top/ But never look down.” Anderson’s lyrics are a reminder that we must stay focused on our goals and not get bogged down by obstacles along the way. The song ends with the words, “Onward, upward, and always today,” which is the perfect message of hope and encouragement.
The Music Of “Onward” By Yes
The music of “Onward” is soothing and calming, and it reflects the message of the lyrics. Steve Howe’s acoustic guitar playing is the highlight of the song, and it perfectly complements Anderson’s vocals. The soft harmonies and melodies of the song give it a dreamy effect that captures the listener’s imagination. Although the song is minimalistic in terms of instruments, it is impactful and memorable.
The Legacy Of “Onward”
“Onward” has become a fan favourite and is considered one of Yes’s greatest songs. The song’s meaning has resonated with listeners for over four decades and continues to inspire people. In fact, “Onward” has been covered by multiple artists, including Bette Midler and Jon Anderson himself. The song’s legacy is a testament to its timeless message of hope and perseverance.
FAQs
What is the meaning behind the song, “Onward” by Yes?
“Onward” is a song about hope and perseverance. It speaks of the journey of life and the struggles that we face along the way.
What inspired Yes to write the song “Onward”?
The band had been struggling with creative differences, and “Onward” was written as a message of hope and encouragement to each other.
What are the most memorable lyrics in “Onward” by Yes?
The most memorable lyrics in the song are, “Don’t forget the journey to the top/ But never look down.”
What impact has “Onward” had on listeners?
The song’s message has resonated with listeners for over four decades and has become a source of inspiration and hope for people.
Who wrote the music for “Onward”?
The music for “Onward” was written by Yes guitarist, Steve Howe.
Who wrote the lyrics for “Onward”?
The lyrics for “Onward” were written by Jon Anderson, Yes bandmate.
What instruments are featured in “Onward”?
The song features Steve Howe’s acoustic guitar playing, minimalistic in terms of instruments.
What album was “Onward” featured on?
“Onward” was featured on Yes’s 1978 album, “Tormato.”
Has “Onward” been covered by other artists?
Yes, the song has been covered by other artists, including Bette Midler and Jon Anderson himself.
What is the legacy of “Onward”?
The song’s legacy is a testament to its timeless message of hope and perseverance.
What makes “Onward” such a fan favourite?
“Onward” is a beautiful and poignant song that speaks directly to the listener’s heart, making it a fan favourite.
What message does “Onward” send?
The message of “Onward” is one of hope and perseverance. Even when faced with struggles, we must keep moving forward. The song encourages listeners to stay focused on their goals and not get bogged down by obstacles along the way.
In conclusion, “Onward” by Yes is a timeless song that speaks of hope and perseverance. The song’s message has resonated with listeners for over four decades and continues to inspire people today. Its simple yet effective lyrics and soothing music have made it a fan favourite and a classic in the world of rock music.
