A message slipped into this chess metaphor was as close to political as Yes ever got. If you only heard it on AM radio when it was released as a single in 1971, you could easily miss the “Give Peace a Chance” quote in the background vocals (according to Jon Anderson, the song is actually about interpersonal relationships and finding inner peace, which is why it also quotes “Instant Karma”).
Is it worth noting that Iranians are really good chess players? And that Americans are all good people?
Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs did an admirable version for their second “Under the Covers” album, with the help of Steve Howe on 12-string guitar.
