Siberian Khatru

"Siberian Khatru" is the third and final song on progressive rock band Yes' album Close to the Edge. Live versions of the song are found on the Yessongs, Keys to Ascension, and Live at Montreux 2003 albums, and it also is on several compilation albums. It is notable for being the only song on Close to the Edge that is not a multi-part suite. However, Siberian Khatru contains several separate melodies, tones, and sections in the tradition of progressive rock. The live version on the 2-disc album set Yessongs is preceded by Igor Stravinsky's Firebird Suite. The word 'khatru' was apparently invented by Jon Anderson. Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring is an acknowledged influence on the song. Structure Siberian Khatru begins with an introductory guitar riff, after which the main instrumental theme (played by the keyboards) is introduced. The structure of this theme is a four-measure phrase consisting of three bars in common time (4/4) and the last bar in 3/4. This theme is repeated until the verse section begins. The lyrics start at about 1:05. The song progresses through various sections, featuring solos by Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman. There is a polyrhythmic section featuring the guitar, playing in a meter of 12, and bass and drums playing in a meter of 8. The conclusion is similar to the introduction, returning to the main instrumental theme with a guitar solo on top of it. Musicians inspired by "Siberian Khatru" John Frusciante, the guitarist of Red Hot Chili Peppers has cited the guitar solo at the end of "Siberian Khatru" as the main influence for his own guitar solo on the 1999 Red Hot Chili Peppers song "Get on Top": "I was thinking about Steve Howe's solo at the end of Yes' "Siberian Khatru". The band sound is really big-and they're playing fast-and then this clean guitar comes out over the top. It's really beautiful, like it's on its own sort of shelf. For "Get On Top", i wanted to play something that would create a contrast between the solo and the background."

[Verse 1] Sing, bird of prey Beauty begins at the foot of you Do you believe the manner? Gold stainless nail Torn through the distance of man As they regard the summit [Chorus] Even Siberia goes through the motions Hold out and hold up Hold down the window (Outboard, river) Hold out the morning that comes into view (Bluetail, tailfly) River running right on over my head [Verse 2] How does she sing? Who holds the ring? And ring and you will find me coming Cold reigning king Hold all the secrets from you As they produce the movement [Chorus] Even Siberia goes through the motions Hold out and hold up Hold down the window (Outboard, river) Hold out the morning that comes into view (Bluetail, tailfly) River running right on over the [Refrain] Outboard, river Bluetail, tailfly Luther, in time Dood'ndoodit, dah, d't-d't-dah [Instrumental (3:05 - 4:12)] [Bridge] Hold down the window Hold out the morning that comes into view Warm side, the tower Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru [Verse 3] Gold stainless nail Torn through the distance of man As they regard the summit Cold reigning king Shelter the women that sing As they produce their movement [Refrain] River running right on over then over my head Outboard, river Bluetail, tailfly Luther, in time Suntower, asking Cover, lover June cast, moon fast As one changes Heart gold, leaver Soul mark, mover Christian, changer Called out, saviour Moon gate, climber Turn round, glider [Instrumental (6:16 - 8:53)]