Born in Pelton, County Durham, White began learning to play the piano at age six and after switching to drums, played publicly with a local band at 13. Later he worked with a number of bands during the late 1960s, notably the Alan Price Set, before being invited to join Ginger Baker's Airforce with Steve Winwood in 1968. The following year, 1969, White received a call from John Lennon (he thought it was a prankster) asking him to join the Plastic Ono Band for a show that became the hit album, Live Peace in Toronto. He also performed with Lennon on the legendary Imagine album and the single, "Instant Karma". When Lennon introduced White to fellow Beatle alumnus, George Harrison, he was asked to perform on the All Things Must Pass album, including the single, "My Sweet Lord".
In 1972, White was touring with Joe Cocker when he received an invitation to join Yes, to replace Bill Bruford who had left to join King Crimson. Three days after meeting with Jon Anderson and Chris Squire, White played at the first show of the group's US Close to the Edge tour. Despite the fact that White had spent time in the studio with the band and even tried playing some of the Close to the Edge material, it is something of a legend that he learned the entire repertoire of extremely complex music in just three days. White and the band gave each other three months to see if he fit in, as a member for almost 50 years, appeared on every Yes album until his death.
Alan White released his only solo album, Ramshackled, in 1976. However, it is usually considered a White solo album in name only, as everything except the drumming (and including all the songwriting) is done by the various musicians White gathered to help with the project.
In addition to his drum playing, White played piano and written music for several Yes albums. When he was not performing with Yes or travelling around the world conducting drum clinics, White spent time with his wife of over twenty years, Gigi, and their two children, Jesse (also a musician) and Cassi.
Alan White had guested with local Seattle band MerKaBa on a number of occasions and Alan White and MerKaBa also had links with another local band, Treason. In 2003, Alan White joined sessions for a new MerKaBa album, but these evolved into a new band, called White, and an album's worth of demo recordings under the name Loyal. As well as Alan, the band consisted of Kevin Currie (from MerKaBa; lead vocals), Karl Haug (from Treason; electric & acoustic guitars, lap steel), Steve Boyce (from MerKaBa; bass, guitar, backing vocals) and Ted Stockwell (from Treason and MerKaBa; keys, guitar). Stockwell left the band and, in April 2005, was replaced by Alan's former colleague in Yes, keyboardist Geoff Downes. A new album, White, was recorded, partly based on the Loyal demos. The album was released in 2006, with a cover by Roger Dean.
The band played live (with various keyboardists) in the Seattle area. They were due to join the abortive More Drama Tour. The More Drama Tour, scheduled to begin in North America in August 2005, was to have seen three acts, The Syn, White and Steve Howe touring together, with Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Alan White and Geoff Downes playing Yes material at the end of the evening (with Kevin Currie handling lead vocals). However, the tour was cancelled shortly before it was due to begin. Alan White later joined The Syn touring band for dates in the first half of 2006.
In the 2000s, Alan White worked on projects with Billy Sherwood, notably a new band, Circa:, with a third Yes alumnus, Tony Kaye.
On the Run
Alan White Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Time to breathe a moments grace
For the hunter and the hunted
Taking time to break the pace
Are you hopeful are you haunted
By the ghost of Christmas past
Face the future Undaunted
Run with the fox
Into the wind on to the dawn of tomorrow
Run with the fox
Into the wild into the wild and the cold
Beware of the rocks
And be prepared prepare for love comes and goes
Run with the fox
Every year the revolution
Won or lost before begun
While we thrive on mass confusion
Thus we walk before we run
Run with the fox
Into the wind on to the dawn of tomorrow
Run with the fox
Into the wild into the wild and the cold
Beware of the rocks
And be prepared prepare for love finally grows
Let us live to tell our story
Here on earth and out in space
Forward on the road to glory
History records the chase
Have yourselves that certain Christmas
Eat be glad and drink the wine
Leave your sadness by the river
Giving love and given time
Across the ice of frozen lakes
Run with the fox
Along the lanes a lover takes
Run with the fox
Beneath the moon a Christmas moon
Run with the fox
And sing a tune a dreamers tune
Run with the fox
Across the bridge of many ways
Run with the fox
On to the planes where dreamers play
Run with the fox
The lyrics to Alan White's song "On the Run" can be seen as a reflection on the end of a year and the transition into a new one. The first verse talks about taking a moment to breathe and break the pace of life, and the question of whether one is hopeful or haunted by the past. The chorus then encourages the listener to "run with the fox", to face the future boldly and to be prepared for the rocks and the cold, but also for love.
The second verse continues with the theme of revolution and confusion, and the idea of learning to walk before running. The chorus again urges the listener to run with the fox, to embrace the wild and the cold, and to prepare for love to grow. The bridge emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest, telling one's story, and pursuing glory. The final verse then shifts to a more specific focus on Christmas, encouraging listeners to eat, drink, and be glad, to leave sadness behind, and to give and receive love.
Overall, the song can be seen as a call to action to embrace life, face the future boldly, and be prepared for the challenges and joys that come with it. It emphasizes the themes of learning, growth, and love, especially in the context of the new year and the Christmas season.
Line by Line Meaning
Now the season now the question
As a new season begins, there are uncertainties and unanswered questions.
Time to breathe a moments grace
It's time to pause for a while and take a moment to breathe and find grace.
For the hunter and the hunted
For both those who chase and those who are being pursued.
Taking time to break the pace
It's necessary to slow down and take a break from the usual pace of life.
Are you hopeful are you haunted
Do you have faith in the future or are you troubled by your past?
By the ghost of Christmas past
Haunted by memories of Christmases gone by.
Face the future undaunted
Be courageous and face the future without fear.
Step aside or take your chance
Either choose to stay out of the way or take an opportunity.
Run with the fox
Embrace adventure and run with freedom.
Into the wind on to the dawn of tomorrow
Move forward bravely towards a new day in the face of challenges.
Into the wild into the wild and the cold
Venture out into the unknown where danger and uncertainty await.
Beware of the rocks
Be cautious and aware of obstacles and difficulties.
And be prepared prepare for love comes and goes
Be ready for the highs and lows of love and relationships.
Every year the revolution
Every year has the potential for major change and upheaval.
Won or lost before begun
The outcome may already be determined before the action is taken.
While we thrive on mass confusion
We sometimes find excitement and energy in chaotic situations.
Thus we walk before we run
Before taking big leaps forward, we must first take small steps.
Let us live to tell our story
Let's make the most of life experiences and have a tale to tell.
Here on earth and out in space
Both on this planet and beyond our world.
Forward on the road to glory
Moving ahead with determination towards our ultimate goal.
History records the chase
Our actions and decisions will be remembered and recorded for future generations.
Have yourselves that certain Christmas
Enjoy a joyous and festive holiday season.
Eat be glad and drink the wine
Celebrate with good food, joy, and the company of loved ones.
Leave your sadness by the river
Leave your worries and sorrows behind and move forward.
Giving love and given time
Give and receive love, and take the necessary time to do so.
Across the ice of frozen lakes
Travel across treacherous landscapes.
Along the lanes a lover takes
Follow the path of love and romance.
Beneath the moon a Christmas moon
Under the light of the holiday season's moon.
And sing a tune a dreamers tune
Get lost in the music and let your imagination roam free.
Across the bridge of many ways
Cross the bridge of choices and possibilities.
On to the planes where dreamers play
Explore the vast and endless world of dreams and imagination.
Run with the fox
Embrace adventure and run with freedom.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG Rights Management
Written by: ALAN WHITE, CHRIS SQUIRE, PETER JOHN SINFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
saveg squad
Two of my heroes, both gone now but never forgotten. God bless you both 🌲
The Ox
These last years have been terrible and suddenly a simple song has been able to give me some hope again. Being a fan of YES practically all my life, I had no idea of the existence of this musical miracle after 40 years of its recording. Totally superb work. Chris' beautiful yet powerful leading voice and perfect diction is from another world. Of course he will never leave you unsatisfied with his cosmic and gorgeous bass lines. Thank you Alan and Chris, both of you will always be with me, your humble servant.
Martin Jones
YES!glad you found it 👍first heard it when the mighty Chris Squire sadly passed on a tribute to him on planet rock
pinkyandrexa
As a Christian, and a choir member, and one who suffers from depression, I dislike Christmas because it happens in winter, and most Christmas pop songs annoy me so much I have to walk out of pubs and stand outside until they are over. But Run with the Fox is a little-known gem that was never played enough. I love playing along with this on my tin whistle, and when the choir comes in, I sing along and feel so much better about it being December. What a wonderful, uplifting song.
Michael Harris
Pinkyandrexa, I hope God releases you from this it can be debilitating and I will pray for you and listen to this song as I also listen to progressive music, I purchased Alan Whites White because I loved the cover alone.
Zephaniah 3:17
I can empathise with you! I too am a Christian and choir member, and I do battle with poor self-image rather than depression, but both are pretty disabling I know. December, and all the festive tat that comes with it, rarely fails to get me down, I know just how you feel! But I love singing along to this song!
Keep running with the fox, leave the sadness by the river, and remember that the Lord's in charge (to quote a very old carol, he is our King and Lord of all this revelling).
Joe Hook
@pinkyandrexa. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. This song is one of my favs too…
Michael Harris
Pinkyandrexa, you sound like a transparent one, who is humble and likes uplifting songs.
Great going and may God Bless you.
BGM 123
RIP Alan and Chris. The greatest rhythm section ever!
terrypussypower
Chris Squire had one of the most recognisable singing voices and bass tones I’ve ever heard,