Circus Of Heaven
Yes · Other Songs - Yes
Local folks lined the streets in a Midwestern town
Waiting anxiously for the parade to begin all around
On the very last day
A unicorn headed the mystical way
Surrounded by what seemed a thousand golden angels at play
Behind were Centaurs, elves, bright fairies all in colours of jade
On the very final day
For what seemed only just a moment in time
Seven solemn flying silvered regal horses rode by
Seven golden chariots in tow, a wonder to behold
The Seven Lords of the Mountains of Time
There then arose where nothing really stood there before
A giant tent rising one thousand feet high from the floor
Towns people flocked inside with their eyes all amazed
To greet the Seventh Lord of the seventh age
A fanfare rang out in an incredible sound
Bringing out the strangest visions perfect harmony round
Any dreams he asked would they like to have seen
From historical or mythical scenes
Then there above their heads just as vivid as life
Each vision transported multitudes inventing light
Grecian galleons, the sack of Troy, to the Gardens of Babylon
A play of millions roared along
The gigantic dreams of Alexander the Great
Civil wars where fbrothers fought and killed their friendship with hate
All seen by Zeus performing scenes in the magical way
The day the circus came to town
Outside great animals as tame as the trees
Angels high in starlight dancing streets
Turning their colours with indigo and gold
Dropping violet, red and emerald snow
As the circus finally changed its invisible course
A new world to be found
On the dreamy ground we walked upon
I turned to my son and said
'Was that something beautiful, amazing, wonderful, extraordinary
beautiful?'
'Oh! It was OK!! But there were no clowns, no tigers, lions or bears,
cand-floss, toffee apples, no clowns.'
About Circus Of Heaven
"Circus Of Heaven" stands as a pivotal track in the discography of the progressive rock ensemble Yes, marking a significant evolution in their sound during the mid-1970s. The song features the band's signature extended instrumental passages, complex time signatures, and the distinctive vocal style of Jon Anderson, blending psychedelic textures with intricate guitar work. It exemplifies the group's transition from the hard rock influences of their earlier work to a more sophisticated, studio-centric approach that would define their subsequent catalogues. Released as a standalone recording outside of their major studio albums, the piece highlights the collaborative effort of the band members, particularly the interplay between the keyboardist Rick Wakeman and the guitarist Steve Howe. Its enduring popularity stems from its atmospheric composition and technical proficiency, cementing Yes's reputation as pioneers of progressive rock. The track remains a staple for fans of the genre, celebrated for its intricate musical architecture and its ability to evoke a sense of wonder through its unique sonic landscape.