A Thousand Times Yes

Yoko Ono · Onobox [1992]

I said yes, I said yes, I said yes

I prayed a thousand times yes

And the no that was hanging over the buildings

Faded like the moon at dawn

When I was young I thought I was facing

A very aware world ahead

I didn't know it was going to be

Beware of dogs instead

I said no, I said no, I said no

I said no a million times to no

But the yes that was in it's last breath

Still hovered in a room with a permanent flu

When I was young I didn't know

That one can only read life in braille

I was still struggling

To catch life on it's tail

I said why, I said why, I said why

I asked why for the billionth time

And my bone slowly lost it's moist

Like a leftover coke bottle on the street

Yes, this dry whiteness of a thing

On the square, thats my bone

It lets the wind pass over like the last tender fraud

Makes a little noise like old campaign billboard

I said yes, I said yes, I said yes

I prayed a thousand times yes

And the no that was hanging over

Faded

A Thousand Times Yes

Released on the 1992 album Onobox, 'A Thousand Times Yes' stands as a pivotal work in Yoko Ono's solo career, marking her transition from collaborative projects to a distinct solo voice. The track exemplifies her signature style of blending minimalist composition with spoken-word elements, often incorporating the sounds of the environment to create an immersive auditory experience. As part of her broader exploration of peace and anti-war themes, the song reflects her deep commitment to social commentary through music. Its inclusion on Onobox highlights her continued relevance in the electronic and art music scenes of the early 1990s, offering a reflective piece that invites listeners to engage with the message rather than just the melody.