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
Re regaining 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
Re released 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
Songs cast alight on you
Hark thru dark ties
That tunnel us out of sane existence
In challenge as direct
As eyes see young stars assemble
Master of light
All pure chance
As exists cross divided
In all encircling mode
Oh closely guided plan
Awaken in our heart
Master of soul
Set to touch.
All impenetrable youth
Ask away
That thought be contact
With all that's clear
Be honest with yourself
There's no doubt, no doubt
Master of time
Setting sail
Over all of our lands
And as we look
Forever closer
Shall we now bid
Farewell Farewell
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
