Yes are an English progressive rock band formed in London in 1968 by lead s… Read Full Bio ↴Yes are an English progressive rock band formed in London in 1968 by lead singer Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony Kaye, and drummer Bill Bruford. The band has undergone numerous lineup changes throughout their history, during which 20 musicians have been full-time members. Since February 2023, the band has consisted of guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Geoff Downes, bassist Billy Sherwood, singer Jon Davison, and drummer Jay Schellen. Yes have explored several musical styles over the years and are most notably regarded as progressive rock pioneers.

Onward
Yes Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Contained in everything I do
There's a love, I feel for you
Proclaimed in everything I write
You're the light
Burning, brightly
Onward through the night
Onward through the night
Onward through the night of my life

Displayed in all the things I see
There's a love you show to me
Portrayed in all the things you say
You're the day
Leading the way
Onward through the night
Onward through the night
Onward through the night of my life

Onward through the night

Onward through the night
Onward through the night of my life

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Yes's song "Onward" convey a message of love that is present in everything the singer does and sees. The love he has for his partner is contained within his every action and is proclaimed in all that he writes. The love he receives from his partner is displayed within everything he sees and is portrayed in all that she says. The imagery of light is used to convey the importance and purity of the love that these two share. The love is compared to a burning light in the darkness which leads the way through the night of their lives. This is reiterated through the repetition of the phrase "onward through the night" which signifies the journey through the challenges of life that they face together.

The song reflects on the power of love and how, despite the challenges and darkness that life may bring, it can help one move forward. The harmony and melody of the song are uplifting, and the lyrics are poetic and dreamy, evoking a sense of hope and warmth. Overall, the song captures the essence of a deep, pure, and enduring love that can sustain one throughout life's struggles.

Line by Line Meaning

Contained in everything I do
My actions are governed by love for you

There's a love, I feel for you
I have strong affection for you

Proclaimed in everything I write
My words express my love for you

You're the light
You guide me through dark times

Burning, brightly
Your light is strong and vibrant

Onward through the night
We persist despite challenges or difficulties

Displayed in all the things I see
I notice your love in everything around me

There's a love you show to me
You demonstrate your affection for me

Portrayed in all the things you say
Your words convey your caring nature

You're the day
You bring light and positivity

Leading the way
You inspire and guide me

Onward through the night
We persist despite challenges or difficulties

Onward through the night of my life
We move forward together through all of life's struggles

Onward through the night
We persist despite challenges or difficulties

Onward through the night of my life
We move forward together through all of life's struggles

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS SQUIRE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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01Future Times

02Rejoice

03Don't Kill the Whale3:56

04Madrigal1:30

05Release, Release

06Arriving UFO6:02

07Circus of Heaven5:03

08Onward4:04

PT4M4S

Yes

09On the Silent Wings of Freedom8:39

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

olga gladys Vázquez Coco

9y↑67

Yes - Onward - Wonderful song
Contained in everything I do
There's a love, I feel for you
Proclaimed in everything I write
You're the light
Burning brightly
Onward through the night
Onward through the night
Onward through the night of my life

Displayed in all the things I see
There's a love you show to me
Portrayed in all the things you say
You're the day
Leading the way
Onward through the night
Onward through the night
Onward through the night of my life

Onward through the night
Onward through the night
Onward through the night of my life

All comments from YouTube:

Lynda Wilczak

5y↑48

This was going to be my loves and mine wedding song but he died 4 months before our wedding. Our son was 4 now he’s 18. I still miss and love my Gary and never got into another relationship since his death in 2004. This song is so special to me.

Arcade Hollywood

Lynda, deeply sorry for your loss…this song is so beautiful.

claude JACQUEY

At least he is in peace now

joanna noel

3y↑3

My husband of 41 years died 3 years ago and this was our song....it is heart wrenchingly beautiful..So sorry for your loss and for your son losing a dad so young...much love.....

Rex Luminus

4y↑1

Hope you feel a little better now.
Respect & love.Thx.

Mateus Theo

4y↑3

oh my god, this hurt to read. Good that you already get onward

2 More Replies...

Don Campbell

9y↑89

RIP Chris Squire. The greatest bassist in rock.

Phillip Schlegel

3y↑1

Yes

John Lee

Andy Fraser of Free was the greatest followed by Greg Lake in my opinion.

Dino Camella

4y↑2

Agree

Rex Luminus

4y↑4

Rip. Master. Thank you.

Iambic Pentameter

9y↑87

Just came back from a Yes concert. Before they played, the big screen showed a slideshow tribute to Chris while this song was playing. At the same time, a single stage light shined down on Chris's Rickenbacker bass sitting alone in the middle of the stage. Very gut-wrenching and emotional. R.I.P. Chris Squire.

Jose Carlos

7y↑3

I saw the same thing at their show with Toto. Very touching...

Hal Jalikakick

7y↑6

I cried while listening to this ad reading your story.

Alessandro Arcari

8y↑5

right I was at tour concert in Rome yesterday I cannot imagine how they feel after a life spent creating and playing together when one after the other are missing..

Matteoj

8y↑3

+Iambic Pentameter I just came here for the same thing. What an incredibly beautiful moment.

TheMoot1

9y↑35

Chris Squire actually wrote this - his spirit is clear in this song and it lives on!

Andrew Peak

9y↑29

"Onward" is one of the best tracks on Tormato.
"Parallels" is one of the best tracks on Going for the One.
And today is a very sad day.

Grant Williams

7y↑2

In my opinion Turn of the Century is the best song in Going for the One, I think it's definitely a top 5 or 3 yes song. Check it out it's beautiful, I love Parallels as well

Steve McCoy

5y↑11

This was my wife and my "song" as we were married 22 years ago. It's still meaningful and love celebrating our anniversary by listening to it.

littlebuddyd

7y↑8

Tormato ....very underrated album.. Bought it when it first cane out and loved it!

aeropilot

3y↑1

The tour was actually really good ... in the round if I recall ... 1979 ✨👍🏼

Martin Martinez

10y↑12

God Bless You Yes. Thanks for all your songs. Con el paso del tiempo el Oro de sus canciones brilla cada vez más.

THE SMOKEY DRAGON

8y↑43

Yes they played this at the concert in Bristol 4th May 2016 as the other guy said ,Chris Ric just there on the stage while this played. I will be honest and say tears were streaming down my face. My little boy of 9 was with me at his first concert and he looked at me and said , Its ok dad I know its really sad. Later we went back stage and met them all. Jon and Billy were terrific with my son .They chatted with him for ages . My son also plays Guitar and Piano and Steve Howe was talking to him about playing. Great night but still feel myself looking around for Chris . R I P Chris

Douglas Hammer

Roy Colley
Pplp

Ricky Lewis

i agree with all you said roy

R Gray

8y↑1

Blessings

Craig Parse

6y↑1

Chris is now sailing Onward On the Silent Wings of Freedom. He was an incredible musician, writer and singer.

Dino Camella

4y↑4

Chris Squire my favorite bass player of all time, RIP Bass lord of all time, you are missed dearly

olga gladys Vázquez Coco

9y↑67

Lynda Wilczak

olga gladys Vázquez Coco I had the 8 track and than the album. This is my favorite song

Joe Blow

.,..

Blanca Haza la Torre

9y↑1

¡Gracias, @olga gladys Vázquez Coco! ¡Buen día! :-)

STEED

9y↑3

I bought Tormato when it came out. What an album!! Whales is my fav

Philip Roberts

9y↑1

tormato

Rob Lane

9y↑10

Rest in peace Chris...thanks for all you've given for decades.

Uyung Rahmat

4y↑2

I know this song when i still teenage 13th year old in 1979, my oldest brother always playing cassette of this song with his tape recorder 'Philips', and now i enjoying listening it for that memory🙏

mundo da adelina

6y↑1

Uma obra de arte;graças ao YouTube esta deponivel para toda humanidade🤗

Jamfjr

6y↑2

This song gives me chills

vanilla Gorilla

4y↑2

The Fish will be missed. Thanks for Making the Sound track of my youth Chris, r.i.p brother...

Jeanita Strain

4y↑1

This was our song , it was my wedding march song ! He picked it out , beautiful song ! This song brings back great memories !!

Mozart1220

9y↑16

R.I. P. Chris, thank you for influencing my bass playing.

Daniel Pearson

This is one of the few albums I kept before my dad regretfully sold all of his 300+ vinyl records a few years ago before we moved...(this was before I had gotten into music, I would've protested the sale hahaha but I didn't value it like I do today).
I had just randomly selected a few to keep (Breakfast in America by Supertramp was one of the others - now a favorite of mine), and I've gotta say after finally listening to this....wow.
This song created immense feelings inside, like few others can do - immediate emotion, complete immersion in the language of love.
Just...incredible.
Also, I am a huge Cardigans fan, and there is absolutely no way they weren't inspired by Onward to create Laika/The Junk of the Hearts...either that or it's just a huge coincidence hahaha.
Thankful for music such as this.

carlos ruiz

6y↑1

maravillosa música, maravillosa ejecución. Qué más se puede pedir. Sería bueno que más gente lo escuche.

Van Handla

5y↑1

I have such a hard time listening to this. Chris, you're the reason why I play music. I love you and I miss you.

Flo

4y↑4

I don't know this artist/band but my dad wanted this song to be played at his funeral. So here i am, 12 hours after the funeral, listing to it again (':

Robert Wolenski

3y↑2

I'm sorry. Your dad had good taste in music.

Ramona Maintanis

9y↑5

Chris captured the real essence on this song that fills my heart and will forever be a part of me and you honey

234cheech

6y↑1

we miss ya big man i cant listen to this without welling up inside

Knut N Skår

3y↑1

When Chris joins Jon at 1:21.. Absolutely beautiful 😀

KeeperOfTheGeeks

9y↑4

Ever since Yes tributed Chris with this song, I sob every time I hear it.

JSF Stephens

6y↑1

One of the greatest love songs - prog style.

Dino Camella

With today’s depreciation,this may be the most beautiful song ever

jazeeblue1

5y↑3

The lyrics sum my love for my wife, love this song, thanks for sharing

Nick Burns

4y↑1

Not a great album, but this is a stand out track, love it, happy memories from when I was young, not at all young now but still listen.

Every Villain Is Lemons

3y↑2

Yeah this is by far the best song on Tormato

Ron Villarreal

The orchestration by Andrew Pryce Jackman is incredible wow! What a beautiful song!

Diane

5y↑1

I owned this album and this right here was my most favorite song...listen to that voice, words and music in this....💖💕💖

Enrique Gómez Yafal

9y↑3

This is for you, Chris. Rest in peace.

R Gray

Massive...the last 30 seconds always brought tears
Sort of wondered why this was a Chris only composition
Seriously amazing

aa4967er

9y↑4

RIP Chris. Someday will Meet again. Thank you for all the years of great insperation.

R Gray

9y↑1

Steve Howe......thank you for your crystal guitar ....

Elisa Calvo

8y↑1

Increíblemente bello...gracias!!!

Anna Mlynczak

7y↑2

Wspaniały zespół, cudowny głos Andersona, uwielbiam ich od 43 lat.

Roc Johnson

7y↑5

The Christian overtones are amazing.
All glory to Him

indy_go_blue60

7y↑1

I would meditate and pray, then listen to this song, some Moody Blues, Donovan and Seals & Croft. None of them really spoke of a particular religion (except for S & C who were (are?) devoted Baha'is) but they were all touched by the spirit of God. Such beautiful music and poetry.

ACandyColoredClown

This album doesn’t get enough love

R Gray

9y↑7

Just....beautiful........

Annatar TheMaia

is really special when one realizes that she can say so many things without words "displayed in all the things I see there's a love you show to me"...........

Renato Filho

9y↑4

Chris Squire rocks, now in Heaven. RIP.

Lawrence Mirota

5y↑1

RIP Chris Squire You taught me well

MrGERROCK

11y↑1

Ever and ever, Yes, portrayed in all the things I feel, you, my glorious God.

ChrisBoylan

I don't know if anyone ever noticed this, but pay attention to how Jon sings the word "on" in onward. First time, sung as one syllable. Second time, two. Third time, three. I just find that so interesting. Just one of the many elements that make YES so special.
Miss you Chris, and thanks.

Alistair Currah

Awesome awesome song, period.

R Gray

9y↑5

Contained in everything I do...there is a Love I feel for You

Ricky Lewis

wishing chris squire good health.. beautiful song

marcolinoz

9y↑1

Rest in peace dear Chris

Zoltán Szamosi

10y

Gyönyörű! Fantasztikus!

Fabio Felipetto

8y↑1

Chris RIP!!Fábio from Curitiba Brazil!!

Andre Colomas

9y↑5

Rest in Peace, Chris Squire...

doc roc

To me this could be a love song between people. But it could also be a very spiritual song about God's Love. Just an amazing song.

Bucknaykyd

Love this one...

Martha Villar

9y↑8

I'm sorry for your lost, but remember God has gained an Angel, and a Angel has earned his wings,

richard lozano

Nice

R Gray

9y↑8

You're the Day...Leading the Way............

Geraldino Lopez

9y↑3

Chris has passed away, but his music will be bettween us for the rest of the live!!!!. RIP Chris, a giant , your songs never will die in the world ,

R Gray

Beauty .
I never listen to it because it reminds me of the days .
The days that were not great we all have them .
I Love this song so much ... sitting at the kitchen table alone ...
Wondering if things will be the way they were
I Love You hearts

aeropilot

RIP Chris ✨🕯🙏🏼

R Gray

Rick is playing ' The Birotron '...it does sound like a trumpet :)

Comentarios de lo Real

9y↑19

This is the only song in Tormato I love.

I've just been told Chris passed away. And I came here to here this.

Thnx

and love

ricky4001cs

6y↑1

The entire album is Essential Yes. All of it, perhaps the greatest Yes album of 1979. Hear it ALL

christian Camlin

Onward is very much a gem from that period of their music but Don't Kill the Whale is just as good and none of it is just filler.It however is a shock to their 70's fan base as this was the 1st step in the direction of a more streamlined hard rock sound.

erlus

9y↑3

@hardland Oh, when Chris passed away, I was crestfallen, me and my dad heard on his Album and Yessongs the whole night, as a memory ceremony.

Enrique Gómez Yafal

9y↑2

@hardland same for me!

Joao Schneider

6y↑1

Grand vocal

Farewell Nico

6y↑1

3:15 para cualquier ceratiano, ahi está el sample de "Alma"

Thomas Poslusny

6y↑1

Now in the night of my life and I wouldn't change a thing.

Raynald Etienne

9y↑2

Steve Howe, doigts de fée, nimble fingers!

ken moldoff

great song

So Juorn Er

10y↑7

Chris Squire composition.

mike shaw

Wow great song rip Chris squire

Smart Max

9y↑3

Chris ill bring you in my heart...

Peaceful Pisces

4y↑2

Great Harmonies

TheAntman1265

RIP Chris!

Alan Mcinnes

Beautiful ballad.

paul graham

5y↑1

one of yes great songs

John Broderick

8y↑2

Did you know, Onward is covered in the new movie Youth, starring Michael Caine. They actually play it on 3 occasions during the film. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I told my date, I'll bet no one in this theater has any clue what song this is. I hadn't heard it for so long. It's the reason I came here to listen again to the original Yes version. Forgot how beautiful it is...

Cheesy Cola

8y↑1

+John Broderick Mark Kozelek covered it! He even wrote a song about "Onward" called "Fragile". I can only recommend Mark Kozeleks (Sun Kil Moon) work!

Dredd Dritt

10y↑1

GREAT !!!

Dreaded Ronferd

Let's all be each other's light house!

Mariel Lafferriere

9y↑6

I LOVE YOU YES Amo esta cancion pinche chingados

skyfire62

12y

I love this song

Joe Blow

5y↑1

Did Chris Squire write a more beautiful song?

Pascal Torvic

8y↑1

Chris...Miss you so much

ksjoyjespeace

So beautiful...

Pablo Rodriguez

Hermosa

Blue Moose

5y↑1

4 Years gone RIP Chris.

Dan Calestini

I found this album at a dollar store 30 years ago wow what a fuckin insult just happens to be my favorite band

Nigel Fortune

9y↑2

R.I.P C.S.

NETOMAN47

Chris Squire R.I.P DESCANSE EN PAZ.

domenico costantini

Che emozione!!#è un viaggio

Aero Recruit

9y↑1

Thanks Aunt VALERIE YOU THE BEST

R Gray

Thanks Jon

Tom McKAY

8y↑3

my funeral song

Desert Harley Rider

funny I was thinking the same thing the other day.

jhon drinkwater

sempre grandi .YES

roseelee1

12y

Oh YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

Michel Gervais

COMMENT NE PAS PLEURER SUR CETTE MELODIE....R.I.P. CHRIS SQUIRE !

R Gray

Onward, through the night.......................

jhon drinkwater

NEL PERIODO PUNK C'ERA ANCORA CHI FACEVA MUSICA CREATIVA,DOVE SIAMO FINITI OGGI,E DOVE SIAMO RIMASTI NOI ITALIANI ??

cati mini

Je suis là même si c est Jon qui chante et c est pas Paolo qui dira le contraire. Pas de raison d avoir les chocotes 🙂 comprend qui peut..........

OPDAGODS

Lil B sent me thank you based god

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