Union
Union is the thirteenth studio album by British progressive rock band YES, released in 1991. It was so called because it brought together the previous YES album’s lineup (Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Trevor Rabin, Alan White, Tony Kaye) and the then ex-YES members group Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman, and Steve Howe).

All former Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe members (except Anderson, who was member of both bands) left YES following the Union Tour, making Union the last YES album with its original drummer Bruford, and the last album with guitarist Howe and keyboardist Wakeman before their return in 1995. It is also the only YES album featuring guitarist Rabin in which he did not play any keyboards, and the only with YES being an octet.

Personnel

Jon Anderson
Vocals

Bill Bruford
Percussion

Steve Howe
Guitars, Vocals

Tony Kaye
Keyboards

Trevor Rabin
Guitars, Vocals

Chris Squire
Bass, Vocals

Rick Wakeman
Keyboards

Alan White
Percussion, Vocals

Recommended Versions

Union
Union is available as:
CD at Amazon
MP3 Downloads at iTunes, Google Play, Microsoft Store
Streaming at Apple Music

Listen

Soundcloud excerpts

Union CD Liner Notes

In the unpredictable tradition of YES, it took a twist of fate to bring about the completion of this album.

While Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe were in Europe collaborating with producer Jonathan Elias on tracks for their second ABWH album, Chris Squire, Alan White, Tony Kaye and Trevor Rabin were working in Los Angeles on their own new songs, including developing collaborations with a number of singers.

When Jon arrived in Los Angeles to work on vocals for the ABWH tracks, he called Trevor, who took the opportunity of playing Jon several new songs that he was in the process of writing. When Jon heard the music, he immediately felt he wanted to be a part of it and suggested he add his vocals to the songs. Trevor, in turn, realised that Jon’s unique vocal style was just what the music needed. Jon also heard some new music that Chris, Tony and Alan had been working on with producer Eddy Offord and added his vocals to this also.

In this new spirit of harmony, it was only logical that Chris add his distinctive vocals to the new ABWH tracks, which by then had been completed by Bill, Rick and Steve. Naturally, it followed that, in the light of all the ideas and action, they should all aim to do one album, on album of enormous effort and creation.

A “Union.”

Lyrics

Click on the song title to view the lyrics.

I would have waited forever – For you to return into my life
I would have waited forever – I would have given you everything I had
I would have waited forever – There’s no question, no question at all

So true in the prize, would you wait for me?
All because you got burned, so you took what you needed.
Some will always turn away, say it’s reason enough;
It’s another game of exploration.
Something calls at reverse and it comes to you;
Experience everything as it comes true.

So – It will be then
Change – It will happen
See – That we feel it
All – Is completed.

Don’t you want the world to stop short of giving?
Anytime of night or day, the magic things you love.
Everybody hurts when you shout, when you walk away;
Talk about it according to you.

I would have waited forever – For you to return into my life
I would have waited forever – To give you everything I had
I would have waited forever – There’s no question about it at all

So in between the perfect flame of you, this love will never let you down.
Just take it as it comes, for everything will come around.

You put your hand up: stop the flow of where you’re going to;
It’s another game called exploration.
How we imagine everything that we think we’re going through;
It’s another reason to make the break.
Everyone will move with you now to the riverside;
Experience everything, but don’t let the land slide…

I would have waited forever – For you to return into my life
I would have waited forever – To give you everything I had
I would have waited forever – No question in my body and soul
Forever…

 

WRITTEN BY

Jon Anderson/Steve Howe/Jonathan Elias

PERFORMED BY

All vocal and instruments performed by Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe. Bass by Tony Levin. Vocals by Chris Squire

Shock to the system,
But you’re going back inside of the light.
Shock to the freedom,
Only one more body of love, and they’re rolling – They’re rolling back to you!
Dreaming all the time; they be dreaming all the time.

Shock to the politicians;
You know they just got burned by the fire.
Shock to the freedom whispers;
They’re only coming after, they’re rolling – They’re rolling, coming over!
Dreaming all the time; they be dreaming all the time.

So, in answer to the prayer,
The one you want is there,
The one you feel inside of you.
So, in answer to the dream,
This time you are so clear;
It’s always got to be this way!
Forever…

Shock to the future;
Shock to the rights of Mankind.
And they won’t even go blind,
When they can’t see what’s going on.

So, in answer to the prayer,
The one you feel is there,
The one you feel so close to (The order of the Sun).
And everyone is one,
And all the pieces fit together.
Did it all begin with someone?
Did it all begin with someone?
I couldn’t have pictured being alive!

Shock to the system…

WRITTEN BY

Jon Anderson/Steve Howe/Jonathan Elias

PERFORMED BY

All vocal and instruments performed by Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe. Bass by Tony Levin. Vocals by Chris Squire

Instrumental

WRITTEN BY

Steve Howe

PERFORMED BY

Steve Howe

Look around – Got no place to stay.
God I hate this town, depending on the day.
You look me up, you look me down – Alright, OK.

While I got no life, I’ve got no hope;
Of falling in love.
Help me through the fight;
Help me win tonight – I’m calling. Calling.

What to do I find it hard to know;
The road I walk is not the one I chose

Lift me up and turn me over;
Lead me on into the dawn.
Take me to the highest mountain;
Tie me up, love in a storm.

Have you decided on my fortune?
Facing the future in your eyes,
With your imperial behaviour
We fight amidst the battle cries.

Open doors that may be closed to me;
The fire’s still burning in my heart…

While I got no life, I’ve got no hope;
Of falling in love.
Help me through the fight;
Help me win tonight – I’m calling. Calling.

What to do I find it hard to know;
I want to turn my life around…

Lift me up and turn me over;
Lead me on into the dawn.
Take me to the highest mountain;
Tie me up, love in a storm.

Have you decided on my fortune?
Facing the future in your eyes,
With your imperial behaviour
We fight amidst the battle cries.

Open doors that may be closed to me;
The fire’s still burning in my heart…

Lift me up and turn me over;
Lead me on into the dawn.
Take me to the highest mountain;
Tie me up, love in a storm.

WRITTEN BY

Trevor Rabin/Chris Squire

PERFORMED BY

All vocal and instruments performed by Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Chris Squire, Alan White and Tony Kaye

 

Hold still now for the moving information close to you.
You could never force it in your life: this decision to break it.
Without hope, you cannot start the day.

It’s coming clear I’ve noticed;
It’s a different face you’re showing.
It’s another “Welcome Back”.
I don’t imagine it could be this way — So jealous!
Only you can tell it; tell me why.
Only you call tell it.
Only you can say.
In between this moving out to save your soul it came away,
And took it out;
Oh why?

Fire burning wild, burning in the night, chasing in the wind;
Shadows always dance in the rain, ringing into the fire.
Doesn’t matter who, who can see in the smile.
Hope in the rain, open the flame, coming back in the night.
I can see the rhythm of the rain; I can see it shout back under:

I can see what you’re thinking of
I can see what you think you need
I can see what you’re thinking of
I can see that it must be love

Shadows come alight from the vision that flowed;
Shake it off – Passion is the flame that fired.
Does it matter? Can you give? Can you hear it come?
Can you see you’re like?
What’s the matter? Don’t you want to risk? Don’t you want to hold me?
Hold me, dance in the rain.
I can see the love in your eyes; I can see you coming.

I can see what you’re thinking of
I can see what you think you want
I can see what you’re thinking of
I can see that it must be love

Sweet suffering, love protection: Need it, You need; Come to me.
Believe it, better by far, your heart is there;
Most of all: Believe it.
Perfection Reaction…

WRITTEN BY

Jon Anderson/Jonathan Elias

PERFORMED BY

All vocal and instruments performed by Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe. Bass by Tony Levin. Vocals by Chris Squire

In the street where we live there’s a place called desire.
There’s a stone-cold intrusion of mad man’s fire,
But he leaves when the lust and desire released,
And you’re left with an empty room in peace.

Saving my heart for you – You do what you want to do
There’s a place in my heart for you – This time I’m watching you
Till the blood in my veins run dry – I’ll be there to testify
There’s a place in my heart for you…

I’ve been lost in the maze of emotional confound.
I believe that you knew our faith was secure;
How you kept up your smile with a cool disposition,
Are you stocking the fire with a new sense of reason…

You tell me to take it easy, but it’s not my style.
There’s something around the corner; it’ll pass you by.
I wanna hold you closer to connect my fortunes.
I want take you higher, taking off like we did before.

WRITTEN BY

Trevor Rabin

PERFORMED BY

All vocals and instruments performed by Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Chris Squire, Alan White and Tony Kaye

Hold on to the miracle of life…

Sacred lives emotions been washed away like mud.
You don’t want my devotion;
You’d rather be washed in blood.
Can we turn away from this open anger?
Can it all betray?
Can’t you feel the danger to the miracle of life.

Sing when open hearts are calling,
Shout with open eyes (To the miracle of life)
Far below the deepest treasure
To the miracle of life

Living in times of luster, waiting for the flood.
We don’t agree with your concepts;
You’d rather be washed in blood.
Is it any wonder? (In my lifetime)
Cold depth of blue water…
Is it any wonder? (In my lifetime)
Rising tide to slaughter…

Sing when open hearts are calling,
Shout with open eyes (To the miracle of life)
Far below your deepest pleasure
To the miracle of life
Pacifica…Indian…Atlantica…Antarctica

WRITTEN BY

Trevor Rabin/Mark Mancina

PERFORMED BY

All vocals and instruments performed by Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Chris Squire, Alan White and Tony Kaye

Does it matter if you broke this spell
So unreal is the future life along the way
They dare you
To turn around, it all comes through this feel.
It doesn’t ring true.

Silent talking in the system, ringing to this beautiful world.
Silent talking, always dreaming, sing me to this beautiful world.
Silent talking in the system, ringing to this beautiful world.
Silent talking, always dreaming, sing me to this beautiful world.

WRITTEN BY

Jon Anderson/Steve Howe/Rick Wakeman/Bill Bruford/Jonathan Elias

PERFORMED BY

All vocal and instruments performed by Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe. Bass by Tony Levin. Vocals by Chris Squire

You and I can change the world;
The more we live, the more we learn, the more we know.
From this moment on we share the world;
The more we give, the more we love, the more we grow.
The spirit of imagination can lead us through the dark;
The more we see, the more we try, the more we show.
The evidence of our confusion, life has left its mark;
The more we fear, the more we lie, the more we hide.

As we walk into tomorrow
(Turning away from the path we know)
Holding the future with our hands
(We carry the weight of the world we go)
It’s up to you and I — We hold the key; we hold the answers

All our thoughts of doubt and fear are leaving one by one
The more we live, the more we learn, the more we know.
For each of us the road is clear and life has just begun;
The more we give, the more we love, the more we grow.
It’s time to reach the goals we’ve set for ourselves;
The more we fear, the more we lie, the more we hide.
All we need is just to believe in ourselves;
We face the truth, we see it clear, with no disguise.

Cast away our doubt and sorrow
(Turning away from the past we know)
The Universe at our command
(Conserving the fate of the world we grow)
Together you and I, we hold the key to all the answers

Let go

WRITTEN BY

Chris Squire/Billy Sherwood

PERFORMED BY

All vocals and instruments performed by Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Chris Squire, Alan White and Tony Kaye

Out of the brightest tree the moon became the morning sun,
And there again reflected on the dreams of everyone.
Out of the starlight night the telling of all our lives,
And racing faster than the Northwestern World.

Starpoint to signal our endlessness
Starpoint to signal this evermore
Starpoint to compass: We look to the North
To return to the centre: Angkor Wat.

WRITTEN BY

Jon Anderson/Rick Wakeman/Jonathan Elias

PERFORMED BY

All vocal and instruments performed by Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe. Bass by Tony Levin. Vocals by Chris Squire

Come into the light, passing through wisdom.
Hoping for love, all of the moves
Don’t come across; you get too much.
Everybody needs it; don’t show your body.

So dangerous – This fear of love
So dangerous – Can you handle it?
So dangerous – To love
So dangerous – Everyone else can do it

Walking the street, you’re breaking your love.
Lose your heart, all in a mess.
In the middle of the night, looking for a little
Hands to the sun; don’t show your body.

Death defying – Hurt by love
Passing through shadows – Don’t lose your body

So dangerous – This fear of love
So dangerous – Can you handle it?
So dangerous – To keep this fear of love
So dangerous – To let it go

I don’t imagine, I don’t imagine as it is;
Don’t get confused.
In the light, through the night…
Look in the light, through the night
Look in the light of what you’re searching for.

Hide from your heart here in the arms of wanting.
Hide from the dark here in the arms of love.
Run from the fear inside the darkest reaches.
Look to yourself; you’ll see the path is clear

So dangerous – This fear of love
So dangerous – Can you handle it?
So dangerous – To love
So dangerous – Everyone else can do it
Take what you have into the arms of wanting (to the arms of love)…

WRITTEN BY

Jon Anderson/Jonathan Elias

PERFORMED BY

All vocal and instruments performed by Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe. Bass by Tony Levin. Vocals by Chris Squire

See the searching…
See the people…

Out in the darkness and soul searching
Did you find what we had lost?
All this time I’ve got to thinking about the promises;
How long this energy of Winter?
How many times that we could never love?
How many times is time enough?

All the foolish notions: When we’ll die that’s all that is.
We can never really understand the broken promises.
All along we run together (Remember?)
All along we run as one (Remember?)
When you find a perfect union, you’ve got to follow it.

Stop that reasoning (you’ve got the answer)
Stop that thinking out loud! (you’ve got the answer)
Go where your heart takes you to (you’ve got the answer!)
You’re not that innocent! You’ve been around!
You’re not that innocent…

Got to be right; got it coming to you.
How many times is time enough? (Time enough…)
Your time is just beginning out of all where we came from.
Holding on: This point receiving; there it is, there it is, there it is

Holding on, Can you remember
Holding on, Was it ever like this?
Holding on, It’s the most important thing.

It was the first time that I saw you
It was the first time that I knew
Out of all my disbelieving,
Holding on, I was holding you.

WRITTEN BY

Jon Anderson/Jonathan Elias/Steve Howe

PERFORMED BY

All vocal and instruments performed by Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe. Bass by Tony Levin. Vocals by Chris Squire

Instrumental

WRITTEN BY

Tony Levin/Bill Bruford

PERFORMED BY

All vocal and instruments performed by Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe. Bass by Tony Levin. Vocals by Chris Squire

Take the water to the mountain;
Take the river to the sea.
Let the forest be salvation
Long before it needs to be.

Take the water to the mountain;
Let your body flow upstream.
Let it cascade off your shoulders;
Be the body of your dreams.

Take the water to the mountain;
Let the sun shine on your ground.
You decide your every movement;
Let the water to the land.

Take the water to the mountain;
Cross the Great Divide of Love.
Give to Nature all you can give;
Let the Mother know your heart.

Take the water to the mountain;
Let’s become alive again.
Holy water, holy mountain,
Holy river, holy tree.

Pica!

WRITTEN BY

Jon Anderson

PERFORMED BY

All vocal and instruments performed by Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman and Steve Howe. Bass by Tony Levin. Vocals by Chris Squire