The Ultimate Whale Song ...

[Q]

... is NOT "Don't Kill the Whale!" This Yes effort is a limp failure next to Brit Nik Kershaw's 1985 track, "Save the Whale," which isn't just tolerable, it's actually cool ...

[RobAdams]

Quantum, I'll have to check out the Kershaw track. Not familliar with him at all, but I'll see if I can find it. DON'T KILL THE WHALE is
an odd Yes track. It's uncharacteristic of them to sing protest songs in the first place, so DON'T KILL THE WHALE is an unusual piece of Yes history. The message was well intentioned, however. I actually enjoy this track once in a while. I like the beat, and especially like Steve's great guitar leads. Still, it will never be on my concert wish list. Seeing it three times was enough for me.
The lyrics are far from the best Yes ever came up with. They obviously wanted this DON'T KILL THE WHALE message to be heard on the radio, and I suspect that it was written specifically to be a single A side. I give the lyrics a C minus and the music a B.
I like the Crosby and Nash whale song. Anyone remember it?

[Q]

I'll grant you the good intentions, and I'm glad Yes did the track, because it is, as you say, a positive and unique bit of their history.

But musically and lyrically it's a clumsy first attempt in an area where their songwriting gifts may not be at their best.

Go find that Kershaw track. It is graceful, powerful, and conveys an almost regal undertone. Outstanding song ...