Close to the Edge (I. The Solid Time of Change, II. Total Mass Retain, III. I Get up I Get Down, IV. Seasons of Man)

This song was written by Yes lead singer Jon Anderson and guitarist Steve Howe. Jon Anderson has said that many times the lyrics he writes reveal their meanings to him later. He told Songfacts that this song is one such example. "The lyrics, 'Season witch could call you from the depths of your disgrace,' I realized what I was singing was all about the idea that your higher self will always save you if you keep your heart in the right place," he said.

This song came about at a time when the members of Yes were concerned with how to follow up their successful Fragile album. Rick Wakeman had joined Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, and Bill Bruford on that album. Yes had already amassed an impressive collection of epics that hovered around the 10-minute mark, exceeding what was perceived as the standard length in popular music. But song length itself wasn't the point: the band wanted to take the time to say what they had to say.

It was during the recording of this album, and particularly this song that Bill Bruford decided to part with the band. He felt the group was going too far with the progressive music and he also felt he had nothing to contribute to the new direction (Rick Wakeman would leave for similar reasons after the band's next album, Tales From Topographic Oceans). He quit shortly after they finished the album, prompting Jon Anderson and Chris Squire to politely ask session drummer Alan White to join for the upcoming tour just days away, or be thrown out of the window of the room they were in. He agreed and has been with the band ever since.