What do you think of Yes' new song: "Don't Go"?

[haroldthebarrel]

Hey!

I have been thinking about Yes' new song "Don't Go"....and personally, I don't like it. I was thinking about the whole "I thought we'd be friends forever" lyric, and don't you think that sounds like something Brittney Spears would say in a song. I am only concerned because I bet Yes will use this as their Radio single and embarrass themselves. I don't want to be wearing my Yes shirts and have someone come up to me going "You like Yes? Ha! 'i thought we'd be friends forever', la la la" and all that at me. So since this is the area where people have either HEARD the songs by seeing the show or will be soon. So let's vote, is "Don't Go" a song we like or a song we dislike?

[Devotee]

I like it. I think that it does stand a chance on the airwaves If any of the stations will play it. My fav. Yessong is Ritual. But When Owner came out I was thrilled. Wow MY band had a hit! COOL. Ya gotta remember there's more to Yes than some of the lyrics.....

[luckyseven]

I did not think it was the greatest song, and yes, some of the lyrics are kind of cheesy. Jon does not seem to be as cryptic with his lyrics as he used to be. They are all in a different stage of their lives now, and I think the music reflects that. Jon is deeply in love with his wife, and I think he is tending to write about that a lot, or with that state of mind. That is the impression I get from the lyrics.

[ktrek]

Maybe for this to be a fair poll we should divide by how many males like and dislike and vice versa on the females. Just out of curiousity of course! Peace!
Kevin :silly:

[smatt]

Well I only heard it live twice, it's hard to form an opinion. My first thought is blahhh. But, with Yes music it's hard to tell, in six months I might like it. I really need to hear the studio version a few times. Some songs just don't come across live. In other words "dunno".


Matt

[nightliner]

After hearing Don't Go about a dozen times now, I don't care for it. I was hoping the version I have on the bootleg from Vancouver was just a weak version, but it sounded the same tonight in concert. I have the studio version, but haven't had a chance to hear it yet...but I don't think it will change my opinion. I'll let you know if I'm wrong.

Dave

[Jeffrae]

Hi,

This song does have a catchy Beat. Allthough I think the song is "OK" I would have rather seen them make something like "Lightening Strikes" if they wanted to go Mainstream.

Why didn't they send Lighten Strikes to radiostations for Airplay? The other song they sent from the ladder was too Adult Contemperary in my opinion

I hope this new album has a song on it that really JAMS! That would Rock!! IT seams like they are going towards Adult Contemp.. I don't think Yes should do this.

The ladder was a positive step forward.. Whay not go from that? It was pretty creative..

Jeff

[ronw]

"Don't Go" actually sounds better on the CD than it does live which is unusual for Yes. Maybe because its new. Jon said himself self last night new songs are like kids, sometimes there good sometimes they are bad. Referring to being played live. Gates and Ritual were out of this world last night, Ritual probably went about 28 minutes but I didn't have watch on. Setlist was the same except LDRA and AYAI are reversed from original post.

[bataisflow]

They did play Lightning Strikes on the radio here in NY - that's how I knew the new Yes album was out in '99. I heard it on the radio and was like - hey wait that's Yes - cool song sounds like ABWH - I still like it.

[Aragorn]

Here are the lyrics to Don't Go,as best as I can understand them. The parts I could not figure out are idicated by '...'
Maybe this will help make up one's mind :confused:

don't take love for granted
don't be so cruel hurting yourself
dont' be so greedy making it back
don't be so dark ...
don't spend a day waiting for me

after all you didn't have to do it
you broke your own heart
hurt you so bad
why don't you take your defense down a little
or you won't understand at all

don't take love for granted
we were supposed to be together forever
don't take love for granted
we were supposed to be together forever
yeah, yeah

don't be so sad
scream at the moon
don't let your words
come out too soon
you did yourself up
... ... ... ... ... ...
hey waiting for me

I can see you had to ...
I know we walked out on you
hey but that's in the past
you see you don't ever ...
your just fooling yourself again

don't take love for granted
we were supposed to be together forever
yeah, yeah
don't take love for granted
we were supposed to be friends forever
yeah, yeah

so he booked himself a trip, extended holiday
... always working late
the porter took him to his room
he headed for the bar
to get another drink

she got a phone call saying
her love had run away
just another phone call, another bad day
she packed her things got out of town
stole her best friends car
promised she would bring it back
that's what friends are for

hey do me a favor
call me sometime
you're in too deep
don't waste a minute waiting for me

don't take love for granted
we were supposed to be together forever
(repeat 3x)

[Devotee]

I've never been able to judge a song by it's lyrics - esp. Jon's. I think that as these guys get older they are doing what they want. And if that's a pop tune, go ahead. They have never limited themselves before, and I don't see them doing that now. There was some really strong stuff on the Ladder, and some sappy stuff too. I like the beat of Don't Go, and will probably use it in my teen Jazz class. Even Mozart wrote minuet's.................

[luckyseven]

I agree devotee. If one were to look at some of the lyrics from other albums, standing alone the lyrics do not get across the whole message. Put into context, they seem much more powerful. Unlike many groups that I used to listen to, I am interested in all of the members of Yes and how they play. It is astounding how these guy's styles mesh so well.... We are lucky they found eachother! :cheers:

[vtoman]

I have quite mixed feelings about the song. After first listen I didn't like it, but after some time I think it isn't so bad. I've only heard the live version, maybe the recorded version sounds better and less amateurish.
But what I can say is that the song
has something strong in itself: after listening to it, I constantly hear the rhythm and the bass line of it and can't stop singing it for myself!

Vojta

[ronw]

I bought the CD at the Lewiston show. I'll admit hearing it for the first time that night live I was kind of taken back, it did't sound very YES like. After listening to the CD about 50 times though Don't Go really is pretty good, not their best but it is fun to hear.
"In the Presence Of" is a wonderful, beautiful song. If the rest of the album is like that it will be one of the best, a real classic, to bad we will probably never hear it again live after this tour though. Can't wait to see them again Sunday in Saratoga.

[Jeffrae]

Hello,

I wish Yes would get their act together.. They didn't even have the Special Edition EP forsale in Milwaukee, WI. I would have liked to hear the studio version of Don't go. I hear the studio version is better.. No Cowbell. And the Studfio version has layers of voice tracks opening up the song.

Where might I obtain a MP3 of this studio track. The Album seams to be pushed bac every other day I check on it.


Jeff

[1yesfan]

I added a 3rd option to the poll for folks that do not have access to the new stuff yet!

[Devotee]

Originally posted by Jeffrae
Hello,

I wish Yes would get their act together.. They didn't even have the Special Edition EP forsale in Milwaukee, WI. I would have liked to hear the studio version of Don't go. I hear the studio version is better.. No Cowbell. And the Studfio version has layers of voice tracks opening up the song.

Where might I obtain a MP3 of this studio track. The Album seams to be pushed bac every other day I check on it.


Jeff
All I can say is that is not up to the band to have these things ready. This is a huge organization, and I think releasing the cd at the shows was an after thought courtesy for the fans. Yes ALWAYS has delays in their release dates. I'm so used to it I don't care any more. Remember how long the Keys duo took??????????????
Ah well, that's life.

After reading the lyrics that Aragorn published, I'm afraid I like it even less than before. It sounds to me about some guy who is full of himself and is blaming his sig-other for waiting around for him--blaming her for, pardon the terminology, not having a life. "Don't spend a day waiting for me...you broke your own heart. ...I know we walked out on you, but hey that's in the past". I could be completely wrong but that's how it looks to me.

That perspective is meanspirited and is meant to displace one's own failings onto another, if they will accept it. It hardly seems like a Yes song at all, but then again, so does, If Only You Knew. Love is a cruel taskmaster...messing with one's creative juices/endeavors.



What ya gonna do when the lightning strikes and hits you

[ronw]

I agree not their best, but this song sounded alot better last night at Saratoga, a new intro to it. I post my review of the show later.

[RobAdams]

I've grown to really like DON'T GO. For the short pop-ish tune it is, it really has a great sound. I love Steve's guitar on this a lot. Lyrically it's not much different than a lot of Jon's solo stuff. DON'T GO is cool. Hardly in my YES TOP 40 list, but I enjoy it!

[Kevin Still]

My least favorite on Magnification. The rest of the cd is inspiring.

[Thoughtbecontact]

I was just reading over these posts. A lot of you just don't get it. One of these days when I finally get to posting my analysis of the songs on MAG, maybe you'll understand why. It fits the disc's theme.

[RobAdams]

The first few posts here were posted before MAGNIFICATION had been released. My first impression of DON'T GO was "What the???".

I think it's a good track.

[yessongs72]

Gezzzz....we must be desperate for a topic pulling this thread out of the vault from September, 2001. lol Go figure.

[Faceintheplace]

I'm not crazy about it, but its pretty good. I like it more than I like "Time is Time." I have an early live version with no orchestra which I really like. The only reason I don't like it more than I do is it just sounds like their trying too hard to be radio friendly and Yes-like at the same time, and both sides lose. As a song its good, as a Yes song its not.

[PastPresentMover]

Hmmm..Well, after listening to this song for several months I must confess that I don't like it at all. I love the idea of the song "Don't Take Love for Granted" but that's pretty much it. This album gets a lot of play at my place (as does the Symphonic DVD) but when this song comes on now, I pass it. "I know you had to be your own father..I know he walked out on you, hey, but that's in the past"?????..please, I'm not buying it.

[PastPresentMover]

Bataisflow is correct. Lightning Strikes was debuted on radio in NY. I remember they announced it for several days and my partner and I were glued to the radio at the appointed hour. Not only were we getting a new YES album, but the single was being featured on radio! Whoa!!!!!!! We couldn't wait. When was the last time there was so much to do , on radio, over a YES release? We are perfectly content to buy YES albums without hits, so we figured, OK..this is a plus. Wrong...the listening public said NO!! This group is just not in sync with what record companies want to put on the air. Don't hold your breath for hit singles from this group. It's just not what they do. At least not within the current scope of the music industry. I for one hope this group continues to make music without concern for hit singles. In my opinion, they get into trouble when they try. Just make good music and screw the hits. Just my opinion.

[Joedude]

I listened to Magnification for the first time in a while today. Don't Go is a decent tune, probably as close to a pop tune as Yes will go with this line-up. It's catchy, I like it.

[Thoughtbecontact]

Joedud,
You're right "Don't Go" is a decent tune, it's not my favorite by a longshot on MAG, but it still belongs. Now listen to "Give Love Each Day." Pretty easy since they follow one another. Listen closely to the words of both and you should be able to figure it out.

[therifferoo]

I have to agree with Thoughtbecontact....it fits.

But, I agree, also, with PastPresent....the lyrics get a little over-the-top here n there....

Here's an interesting proposal: Could it possibly be that our ears object to hearing Jon sing about more tangible things?

Just a thought....and maybe a topic for discussion.


One thing I observed with Don't Go is this: Once I hear it, I can't get the damn hook line out of my head!!!!!

DON'T ~ TAKE ~ LOVE ~ FOR ~ GRANTED......

~Riff.

[Thoughtbecontact]

Rif,
My theory with Don't Go is that a good part of those lyrics come from personal experience, but not all. The parts that are over the top, aren't. And if you listen closely, Don't Go is a prelude to Give Love Each Day.

[BrianD]

After all this time I still can't get into this song - to me its the low point of the album. Lyrically it may fit neatly before Give Love Eac Day but musically it doesn't.

In contrast, while Time is Time also seems a bit odd, its a song I really enjoy.

[doctor_how]

I enjoyed it a lot on the Yessymphonic DVD. I wouldn't say it's as simple as a boy band song, but it isn't grand opus or anything. You can't expect them to keep cranking out these awesome complex multi-movement masterpieces! It's short, simple, and I'm sure the guys liked the break from the hardcore prog rockin'

[R'tanys]

I like it for what it is. I never have expectations where Yes is concerned. They can do it all. And do it well.

[Dr Yes]

I think it's cr@p. Sorry.

Another instance of Anderson's tendency towards sentimentality - back, back I say - get back to The Ladder and Open Your Eyes with those other wishy washy, lovey dovey songs.

Imagine your mates (knowing how much you love the band) hearing a Yes album of:

Don't Go
Soft as a Dove
If Only You Knew
Wonderlove
From the Balcony
Love Shine
Saving My Heart
Almost Like Love
Holy Lamb

Yuk! I shudder to think at the embarrassment.

Of course this list is bound to draw I "I'd love a compilation made up of those songs", but there's no accounting for taste! Only kidding. But seriously, Gates, CttE, Awaken etc. they ain't.

The only thing missing is a funktastic, metaphysically, mumbo-jumbo inspired reworking of Kum Bye Ya My Lord, with Steve on hurdy gurdy, Alan on tambourine, Chris with his harmonica and nose flute, Rick on - well leave him out cos he's already done it - and Jon on ocarina.

[STARRSHIP TROOPER]

I think Don't Go would have done well on the charts back in the 1980ts. A bright pop tune with little effort for the MTV generation of the day to catch on to. Sounds like Trevor wrote it. See he still has some influence on the band.
Starrship Trooper

[John Khatru]

This song seems to be somewhat loathed ever since it's release on Magnification.

I happen to like it... I liked it 3 years ago when Magnification was released. To me it has a strong Beatles/McCartney vibe to it.. It's certainly a "pop-ish" song and is the type of song that would have been a hit back in the 70's or 80's. One thing is for certain, I like Don't Go more than anything that's on Open Your Eyes.

just my belated 2 cents

[umgekehrt]

I never really understood why they chose this song to perform during the YesSymphonic tour instead of Dreamtime. Imagine the whole orchestra doing the Dreamtime outtro!

[mattquarterstein]

I like Don't Go. It was the only song I liked from the first listen from Magnification.

Now I like most of the tracks. ;)

[the'YES'kid]

that's probably the ONLY Yes song I HATE

:stick:

[gathernear]

Man, is THIS an old thread!

[Vic Anderson]

this thread is so old it will break if you blow on it :)

[True Believer]

Yep, it's an old thread - but I still can't stand Don't Go.

[pedro skychaser]

gee its good,shiny+up tempo--i forsee a fertile period for YES as they seem in a good place........writing together............only 2001....what promise does this new decade show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BrianD]

Sad thing is that its still not too far off being the last new Yes song

[Wakey's #1 Fan]

Where can I choose "I love it"? Magnification is one of the most underrated Yes albums ever. I can't believe it...even though I'm a Wakey fan, I love Magnification and especially Don't Go.

[YESOLA]

Yesola say it crapola....

But seriously, I don't really like it. Spounded like they were trying to get a hit, sort of like Lightnight Strikes. Those two tracks remnind me of each other.

Otherwise I like Magnification.

[relayeire]

Sad thing is that its still not too far off being the last new Yes song

all the more reason they MUST do new music before touring next year...

[True Believer]

all the more reason they MUST do new music before touring next year...
I don't think there's much chance of that. Seriously, do you?

[Jackaranda]

I like it, especially the live version. Magnification is a very nice album, the best they did since Talk, imho.

[sirlespaul]

Hey!

I have been thinking about Yes' new song "Don't Go"....and personally, I don't like it. I was thinking about the whole "I thought we'd be friends forever" lyric, and don't you think that sounds like something Brittney Spears would say in a song. I am only concerned because I bet Yes will use this as their Radio single and embarrass themselves. I don't want to be wearing my Yes shirts and have someone come up to me going "You like Yes? Ha! 'i thought we'd be friends forever', la la la" and all that at me. So since this is the area where people have either HEARD the songs by seeing the show or will be soon. So let's vote, is "Don't Go" a song we like or a song we dislike?
Good point. that is almost kinda scary...

[gathernear]

Hey!

I have been thinking about Yes' new song "Don't Go"....and personally, I don't like it. I was thinking about the whole "I thought we'd be friends forever" lyric, and don't you think that sounds like something Brittney Spears would say in a song. I am only concerned because I bet Yes will use this as their Radio single and embarrass themselves. I don't want to be wearing my Yes shirts and have someone come up to me going "You like Yes? Ha! 'i thought we'd be friends forever', la la la" and all that at me. So since this is the area where people have either HEARD the songs by seeing the show or will be soon. So let's vote, is "Don't Go" a song we like or a song we dislike?

Hey Joe! Where did you go? Do you still have my Dean posters, man? Vanished, in the mist of time. Joe wrote one of the funniest reviews of a Masterworks show I've ever read. I'll have to dig that up.

Larry

[pianozach]

It sounds fine to me, but I'll agree that it's lyrically a bit, well, earthbound for a Yes song.

I like the orchestra in it.

I love the arrangement of the vocals, except that the tin can vocal effect in the middle seems like an afterthought.

The bass and guitar lines are really quite clever - almost reggae-ish.

[Steve Mahoney]

that's probably the ONLY Yes song I HATE

:stick:

I cannot Stand Owner Of a Lonely Heart.
I think it is Garbage.

Steve

[YesJen357]

My deepest regret is that 'Don't Go' didn't hit the airwaves and help to create a new generation of 'fans.'
Surely that was the intention with the song.
Lets face it; 'Don't Go' is still better than most of the cr*p getting airplay in radio circles today.
Now, I understand how you feel, Steve, about 'Owner' but wouldn't it be wonderful to have a new 'Owner' whether you like pop songs or not.
For me it would be just fantastic to not have to explain who YES are, every time I have a conversation about musical interests with someone. (sigh)

[Doctor Flang]

To my ears, Don't Go is too poppy and half-commercial to fit on Magnification. It would have made an ok b-side or decent out-take...

Anyway, as a song it's ok.

[Balrog]

My deepest regret is that 'Don't Go' didn't hit the airwaves and help to create a new generation of 'fans.'

Good point Jen, I downloaded "Don't Go" onto my 12 year old daughter's MP3 player along with "In the Presence Of". Well she likes "Don't Go" and because of that she gave "ItPO" enough listens and now she likes it also. A new young Yes fan is born!

[Roan's Lady]

So he booked himself a trip, extended holiday
None of this always working late
The porter took him to his room; he headed for the bar
To get another drink
She got a phone call saying her lover had ran away
Just another phone call, another bad day
She packed her keys got out of town
Stole her best friend’s car
Promised he would bring it back
That’s what friends are for

Hey do me a favor call me sometime
Do a good deed
Don’t waste a minute waiting for me
Don’t take love, take take take it in
For granted, take take take it out
Don’t go, don’t go let it in
We were supposed to be together forever, forever.
Don’t take love, take take take it in
For granted, take take take it out
Don’t take love, take take take it in
For granted, take take take it out
We were supposed to be together forever, yeah yeah
Don’t take love for granted
Don’t take love for granted
We were supposed to be together forever, yeah yeah
Don’t go take it out
Don’t go let it in


VERSUS:


Now Roan, no more tears
Set to work his strength
So transformed him
Realizing a form out of stone
His work so absorbed him
Could she hear him?
Could she see him?
All aglow was his room dazed in this light
He would touch her
he would hold her
Laughing as they danced
Highest colors touching others

Did her eyes at the turn of the century
tell me plainly
How we meet, how we'll love, oh let life so transform me

Like leaves we touched, we danced
We once knew the story
As autumn called and we both
remembered all those many years ago
I'm sure we know

Was the sign of the day with a touch
As I kiss your fingers
We walk hands in the sun
Memories when we're young
Love lingers so

Was it sun through the haze
that made all your looks
as warm as moonlight?
As a pearl deep your eyes
tears have flown away
all the same light

Did her eyes at the turn of the century
tell me plainly
when we meet how we'll look
as we smile time will leave me clearly

Like leaves we touch, we see
We will know the story
As autumn calls we'll both remember
all those many years ago


The former is an embarrassment.

[Wakey's #1 Fan]

So he booked himself a trip, extended holiday
None of this always working late
The porter took him to his room; he headed for the bar
To get another drink
She got a phone call saying her lover had ran away
Just another phone call, another bad day
She packed her keys got out of town
Stole her best friend’s car
Promised he would bring it back
That’s what friends are for

Hey do me a favor call me sometime
Do a good deed
Don’t waste a minute waiting for me
Don’t take love, take take take it in
For granted, take take take it out
Don’t go, don’t go let it in
We were supposed to be together forever, forever.
Don’t take love, take take take it in
For granted, take take take it out
Don’t take love, take take take it in
For granted, take take take it out
We were supposed to be together forever, yeah yeah
Don’t take love for granted
Don’t take love for granted
We were supposed to be together forever, yeah yeah
Don’t go take it out
Don’t go let it in


VERSUS:


Now Roan, no more tears
Set to work his strength
So transformed him
Realizing a form out of stone
His work so absorbed him
Could she hear him?
Could she see him?
All aglow was his room dazed in this light
He would touch her
he would hold her
Laughing as they danced
Highest colors touching others

Did her eyes at the turn of the century
tell me plainly
How we meet, how we'll love, oh let life so transform me

Like leaves we touched, we danced
We once knew the story
As autumn called and we both
remembered all those many years ago
I'm sure we know

Was the sign of the day with a touch
As I kiss your fingers
We walk hands in the sun
Memories when we're young
Love lingers so

Was it sun through the haze
that made all your looks
as warm as moonlight?
As a pearl deep your eyes
tears have flown away
all the same light

Did her eyes at the turn of the century
tell me plainly
when we meet how we'll look
as we smile time will leave me clearly

Like leaves we touch, we see
We will know the story
As autumn calls we'll both remember
all those many years ago


The former is an embarrassment.
That's a tough competition...both are great and I also like the lyrics!

[Roan's Lady]

That's a tough competition...both are great and I also like the lyrics!

You're a good soul, Nina. :)

[YesJen357]

You're a good soul, Nina. :)
Indeed she is....
I second that motion!