They formed in 1979 after Vangelis had been rumoured to replace Rick Wakeman in Yes a few years before. Anderson had contributed to Vangelis' albums "Heaven and Hell", "See You Later" and "Opera Sauvage".
They released a total of four albums with Anderson writing the lyrics and Vangelis composing the music: "Short Stories" in 1980, "The Friends of Mr. Cairo" in 1981, "Private Collection" in 1983, and "Page of Life" in 1991, which got re-released in 1998 with some additional tracks of which Vangelis reportedly did not approve. There are also two compilations, called "The Best of Jon & Vangelis" (1984) and "Chronicles" (1994)
So Long Ago So Clear
Jon & Vangelis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How we chased a million stars
And touched as only one can
Once, we did play
How the past delivered you
Amidst our youth we'd dream away, away
As if I knew the words I'm sure you'll hear
Once, we did love
Long ago how did I forget
Holding you so closely
Look, how I move
Chance would have me glance at you
To know how you move me, me
All barriers fall around us as we hear
Of memories known and matters so long ago, so clear
Once, we did run
How we chased a million stars
And touched as only one can
The song "So Long Ago So Clear" is a nostalgic reflection on past experiences and emotions. The lyrics describe a time when the singer and the person they are addressing were young and romantic, full of dreams and chasing stars. The singer remembers the intensity of their connection and the joy they felt in each other's company, as well as the pain of losing touch and forgetting what they once had. Throughout the song, there is a sense of longing and sadness for what is lost, mixed with a deep appreciation for what once was.
The lyrics also speak to the power of memory and the ability of certain moments to stay with us forever. The singer speaks of the memories they share with the person they are addressing, as well as the emotional impact those memories still have. The repetition of the phrase "so clear" emphasizes the clarity and intensity of these memories, and the songwriter implies that they have been carried with them throughout their lives. The song is ultimately a bittersweet reflection on the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing what we have while we have it.
Line by Line Meaning
Once, we did run
In the past, we used to run together
How we chased a million stars
We were filled with wonder and chased after numerous stars
And touched as only one can
We shared an unbreakable bond that no one else could comprehend
Once, we did play
We used to have fun together
How the past delivered you
The past brought you into my life
Amidst our youth we'd dream away, away
During our younger years, we used to dream about endless possibilities
As if I knew the words I'm sure you'll hear
It feels as though I already know the words that you will hear
Of how we met as you recall so clear
We are reminiscing about how we first met, and you remember it so vividly
Once, we did love
We used to love each other
Long ago how did I forget
I can't believe I forgot about our past love
Holding you so closely
We used to hold each other tightly
Look, how I move
Watch how I am moving now
Chance would have me glance at you
By chance, I happened to glance at you
To know how you move me, me
To understand how deeply you affect me
All barriers fall around us as we hear
As we listen to each other, all obstacles disappear
Of memories known and matters so long ago, so clear
We are discussing old memories and things from so long ago that still feel vivid and real
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JON ANDERSON, EVANGHELOS: SEE "VANGELIS" PAPATHANASSIOU
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@augustocaie
Once, we did run
How we chased a million stars
and touched as only one can
Once, we did play
How the past delivered you
Amidst our youth we'd dream away, away
As if I knew the words I'm sure you'll hear
Of how we met as you recall so clear
Once, we did love
Long ago how did I forget
Holding you so closely
Look, how I move
Chance would have me glance at you
To know how you move me, me
All barriers fall around us as we hear
Of memories known and matters so long ago, so clear
[interlude]
Once, we did run
How we chased a million stars
And touched as only one can
@johntaylor6517
I swear Jon Anderson is an angel sent from another world to bless us. His voice is utterly beautiful and real.
@Matheologia
I'm just crying and crying... This reminded me that there is still some goodness among humanity. God forgive us that we have gone so far from that ideal you so long ago imagined for our existence - love.
@sthelenshistorychannel
God doesn't make mistakes, no one is lost - just be an observer and learn!
@neile2001
One of the most downright beautiful songs of the last 70 years.
@gwinniboots
neile2001 Yes, so very moving.
@karlanderson7780
The most beautiful song every!
@Nacholympic
I can hear this song hundred of time and I'll never get bored of it...
It takes you to another level.. it's sublime, touching, delicate....
I was 15 when I heard it for ths first time, in the album "Portraits"...
In that year my grandma had passed away and I amagined her walking in another dimension, full of green grass, colorful flowers and glitering stars...
@jaredharris1940
Indeed!
@GS195
Everyone is here... crying... mourning...
@jcs5436
Why mourning ? It's the hymn of life.