I've Seen All Good People

Yes

About I've Seen All Good People

"I've Seen All Good People" is a song performed by the English progressive rock band Yes. Written by Yes members Jon Anderson and Chris Squire, it was first included on 1971's The Yes Album and has appeared on several later albums. As with many progressive rock songs, the track consists of multiple distinct movements spliced together to form a cohesive longer work. The first movement, titled "Your Move", was released as a single. It became a top 40 hit in the United States, which helped the group build momentum. Later, album-oriented rock stations would frequently play the entire nearly seven-minute track, including both "Your Move" and the second movement titled "All Good People"; this version remains a staple of classic rock stations to today. The tune uses chess as a lyrical metaphor for navigating interpersonal relationships, and contains several allusions to the music of John Lennon. It has received positive reviews from several critics and has been considered one of Yes's best-known songs, with AllMusic's Mike DeGagne stating that "the harmonies are resilient from start to finish" and that the track "still stands as one of their most appealing" works. Music critic Robert Christgau has also singled it out for praise. 


Year:
1991
7:08
3,818 
#4

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I've seen all good people turn their heads each day
So satisfied I'm on my way
I've seen all good people turn their heads each day
So satisfied I'm on my way

Take a straight and stronger course
To the corner of your life
Make the white queen run so fast
She hasn't got time to make you a wife

'Cause it's time, it's time in time with your time
And its news is captured
For the queen to use!
Move me on to any black square
Use me anytime you want
Just remember that the goal
Is for us all to capture all we want (Move me on to any black square)

Don't surround yourself with yourself
Move on back two squares
Send an instant karma to me
Initial it with loving care (Don't surround yourself)

'Cause it's time, it's time in time with your time
And its news is captured
For the queen to use!

Diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit didda
Diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit didda (Don't surround yourself with yourself)

Don't surround yourself with yourself (Don't surround yourself)
Move on back two squares
Send an instant karma to me (Send an instant karma to me)
Initial it with loving care (Don't surround yourself)

'Cause it's time, it's time in time with your time
And its news is captured
For the queen to use!

Diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit didda (All we are saying)
Diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit didda (Is give peace a chance)
Diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit didda (All we are saying)
Diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit diddit didda (Is give peace a chance

'Cause it's time, it's time in time with your time
And it's news is captured

I've seen all good people turn their heads each day
So satisfied I'm on my way
I've seen all good people turn their heads each day
So satisfied I'm on my way
I've seen all good people turn their heads each day
So satisfied I'm on my way
I've seen all good people turn their heads each day
So satisfied I'm on my way
I've seen all good people turn their heads each day
So satisfied I'm on my way
I've seen all good people turn their heads each day
So satisfied I'm on my way
I've seen all good people turn their heads each day
So satisfied I'm on my way
I've seen all good people turn their heads each day
So satisfied I'm on my way
I've seen all good people turn their heads each day
So satisfied I'm on my way
I've seen all good people turn their heads each day
So satisfied I'm on my way
I've seen all good people turn their heads each day
So satisfied I'm on my way

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Yes

Yes are an English rock band who achieved success with their progressive, art and symphonic style of music. They are distinguished by their use of mystical and cosmic lyrics, live stage sets and lengthy compositions, often with complex instrumental and vocal arrangements. Seventeen musicians have been a part of the band's line-up in its history, which has consisted of singer Jon Davison, guitarist Steve Howe, bass guitarist Chris Squire, keyboardist Geoff Downes, and drummer Alan White since February 2012. more »

8 fans

Written by: CHRIS SQUIRE, JON ANDERSON

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Background Information
"I've Seen All Good People" is a song by progressive rock band Yes.
Released in 1971
The song was released in 1971 as part of their fourth studio album "The Yes Album".
Song Format
It is a two-part song consisting of "Your Move" and "All Good People".
Chart Performance
The song peaked at No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
Single Release
The single release, edited down to 3:30 from its original 6:56 length, consisted only of "Your Move".
Chess Reference
The song references to the game of Chess with phrases like "move me onto any black square" and "make the white queen run so fast".
Vocalist
The song was majorly sung by Jon Anderson, the band's vocalist, lyricist, and creative force.
Musical Structure
It combines acoustic guitar, layered vocal harmonies, progressive keyboard, and tight rock guitar work.
Live Performances
"I've Seen All Good People" became a live staple for Yes and frequently features in the band's concert setlists.
Appearances in Media
The song was included in several TV shows and films including "Almost Famous" and "Freaks and Geeks".
Inspirations
Anderson once mentioned that The Beatles were a huge influence when he wrote "Your Move".
Limited Edition
In 2019, a limited edition 7-inch picture disc of "Your Move" was released on Record Store Day.
Versions and Covers
Over the years, various artists have covered "I've Seen All Good People," including notably Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs in 2009.
Song Legacy
Fans of the band view "I've Seen All Good People" as one of Yes's best and most popular songs, and it is remembered as a key highlight of their early years on stage.

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