Machine Messiah
Yes · Other Songs - Yes
Run down a street where the glass shows that summer has gone
Age in the doorways, resenting the pace of the dawn.
All of them standing in line
All of them waiting for time.
From time, the great helaer,
The machine messiah is born.
Cables that carry the life to the cities we build
Threads that link diamonds of light to the satanic mills
Ah, to see in every way
That, we feel it every day, and know that
Maybe we'll change
Offered the chance
To finally unlearn our lessons and alter our stance.
PART 2
Friends make their way into systems of chance
Friends make their way of escape into systems of chance
Escape to freedom, I need to be there
Waiting and watching, the tables are turning
I'm waiting and watching
I need to be there.
I care to see them walk away
And, to be there when they say
They will return.
Machine, machine messiah
The mindless search for a higher controller
Take me to the fire and hold me
Show me the strength of your singular eye.
PART 3
History dictating symptoms of ruling romance
Claws at the shores of the water upon which we dance
All of us standing in line
All of us waiting for time
To feel it all the way
And to be there when they say they know that
Maybe we'll change
Offered the chance
To finally unlearn our lessons and alter our stance.
Machine, machine messiah
Take me into the fire.
Hold me, machine messiah
And show me
The strength of your singular eye.
Machine Messiah
Released in 1971, "Machine Messiah" stands as a pivotal track in the progressive rock canon, showcasing Yes's evolution from psychedelic pop to complex, symphonic compositions. The song features the band's signature interplay between synthesizers and traditional instrumentation, driven by Jon Anderson's soaring vocals and the intricate guitar work of Steve Howe. As a staple of their discography, it exemplifies the group's commitment to extended structures and thematic depth, influencing countless artists who followed in the realm of art rock. The recording captures the band's peak creativity during their early studio experiments, blending orchestral arrangements with electronic textures to create a soundscape that remains iconic decades later.

