Safe (Canon Song)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to the epic vibes of Safe (Canon Song) by Chris Squire from his 1975 solo masterpiece Fish Out of Water! This 15-minute symphonic prog odyssey is a standout track, blending intricate orchestration with Squire’s signature bass wizardry. One juicy piece of trivia: the song’s finale features a melodic nod to Yes’s iconic Close to the Edge, a subtle wink to Squire’s prog roots that fans on Reddit have geeked out over, noting its “lost younger brother” vibe to the Yes classic. The closing passage is a technical marvel—Squire played it on the 4-string bass section of a double-neck guitar but used only the 6-string guitar’s pickups, creating a unique, shimmering tone. Fans on ProgArchives rave about its orchestral grandeur, with one reviewer calling it an “Energizer Bunny of nirvana” for its relentless, uplifting energy. Squire himself, in a 2006 interview included in the album’s Deluxe Expanded Edition, said the track was a labor of love, crafted with childhood friend Andrew Pryce Jackman, whose orchestration gave it a coliseum-sized scope.

Another cool tidbit: Safe (Canon Song) showcases Squire’s bass as a lead instrument, a technique he perfected with Yes. At The Barrier highlights how Squire and drummer Bill Bruford trade phrases with Jackman’s orchestra, creating a seamless fusion of prog rock and classical music. The song’s intro, with its trembling bass, piano, and harp, has been described as “Christmas-season appropriate” by ProgArchives users, evoking a serene, almost sacred vibe. Squire’s vocals, often overshadowed by Jon Anderson in Yes, shine here, carrying a distinct, emotive tone. A YouTube tribute video from 2021 calls it a “15-minute epic,” celebrating its ambitious scope. The track’s complexity and beauty have made it a fan favorite, with r/yesband users ranking it among the best Yes-related songs ever.

Now, let’s rewind to how Chris Squire became the prog legend we know. Born on March 4, 1948, in London, Squire’s musical journey kicked off in his teens as a choirboy at St. Andrew’s Church, where he met Andrew Pryce Jackman. This early exposure to sacred music shaped his love for lush, layered sounds. By the mid-1960s, Squire was gigging with local bands, including The Selfs and The Syn, where he honed his bass skills. His big break came in 1968 when he co-founded Yes with Jon Anderson. Squire’s innovative use of the Rickenbacker bass—think bright, melodic lines that cut through the mix—became a cornerstone of Yes’s sound, earning him the nickname “Fish.” His work on albums like Close to the Edge and Fragile cemented his rep as a bass virtuoso. Last.fm notes he was the only Yes member to play on every album, a testament to his central role. His solo venture, Fish Out of Water, was a bold step, proving he could lead a project while staying true to his symphonic prog roots.

Sadly, Squire passed away in 2015, but his legacy lives on through his music and fan communities. You can dive deeper into his world at his official site, chrissquire.com, though it’s more of a tribute page now. For social media, check out the official Chris Squire Facebook page, which shares updates and memories. His Instagram (@chrissquireofficial) posts nostalgic photos and album art, while the @yesofficial X account frequently honors Squire, like their 2023 post announcing a vinyl reissue of Fish Out of Water. Fans gather at sites like ProgArchives, a treasure trove of reviews and discussions, and the r/yesband subreddit, where Zoo Freaks can nerd out over Squire’s genius. For a more intimate vibe, join the Chris Squire Fan Club on Facebook, where devotees share rare photos and stories. So, crank up Safe (Canon Song), Zoo Crew, and let Squire’s cosmic grooves take you to the stars!