A Venture

Yes · Other Songs - Yes

Once a peaceful man laid his old head down by a river,
Thought about his childhood life, his father and forgiver,
Who couldn't hide away, hide away.

He controlled his horses with a handclap or a whisper,
Drink he couldn't combat but in all he was no sinner,
Couldn't hide away, hide away.

He told all his sons of all the antics of a venture,
Then he told another one who drove himself to drink
Not to hide away, hide away.

Better men have realised alone is not a venture,
A peaceful man would realise alone is no adventure,
Just to hide away, hide away.

He told all his sons of all the antics of adventure,
Then he told another one who drove himself to drink
Not to hide away, hide away.

About A Venture

"A Venture" stands as a pivotal track in the discography of the progressive rock ensemble Yes, embodying the band's signature blend of intricate composition and atmospheric soundscapes. Released during a period of intense creative exploration, the recording showcases the group's mastery of complex time signatures and synthesizer textures, hallmarks of their mid-to-late era output. The song serves as a testament to the band's ability to weave narrative-driven melodies with technical proficiency, reflecting themes of ambition and movement that permeate their broader body of work. As a standalone piece, it captures the essence of Yes's evolution from their earlier psychedelic roots to a more polished, studio-centric approach, influencing countless subsequent artists in the progressive and art rock genres. Its enduring appeal lies in its structural ambition and the seamless integration of vocal performance with orchestral arrangements.