You By My Side

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "You By My Side" from Chris Squire's 1975 solo masterpiece Fish Out of Water. This track, a heartfelt ballad, showcases Squire’s emotional depth and vocal range, a departure from his usual role as Yes’s virtuoso bassist. One juicy tidbit about the song comes from its promotional film, shot in a studio with a small orchestra from the London Symphony Orchestra. According to a 2006 interview with Squire, included in the deluxe edition of the album, the orchestra was booked for just half an hour at a steep £3,000, as they were en route to another gig. The video features Squire miming alongside Bill Bruford on drums, Patrick Moraz on keyboards, and Andrew Pryce Jackman on piano, creating a lush, orchestral vibe that complements the song’s tender lyrics. Fans on Reddit’s r/yesband have called it a “sappy yet beautiful” piece, perfectly blending prog’s complexity with pop accessibility.

Another cool story about "You By My Side" ties to its creation during a unique moment in Yes’s history. In early 1975, after touring for Relayer, Yes took a break, allowing each member to craft a solo album. Squire, in a 2012 reflection, credited much of the album’s magic to his collaboration with childhood friend Andrew Pryce Jackman, who orchestrated the track’s sweeping strings. Jackman, a former bandmate from Squire’s pre-Yes group The Syn, declined co-writing credits despite his significant contributions, as noted in a Cherry Red Records essay by Sid Smith. The song’s lyrics, expressing love and longing, are rumored to be inspired by Squire’s then-wife Nikki, who sang backing vocals on another album track, "Hold Out Your Hand." Prog fans on ProgArchives praise the song for its “orchestra-led warmth,” making it a standout for late-night chill sessions.

Now, let’s dive into how Chris Squire, the legendary bassist, kicked off his musical journey. Born on March 4, 1948, in London, Squire’s love for music sparked early. As a teenager, he sang in the choir at St. Andrew’s Church, Kingsbury, where he met Jackman and choirmaster Barry Rose, both of whom later contributed to Fish Out of Water. By the mid-1960s, Squire was gigging with The Selfs and The Syn, local bands that dabbled in psychedelic rock. His big break came in 1967 when he joined Mabel Greer’s Toyshop, which evolved into Yes by 1968. Squire’s innovative bass playing, using a Rickenbacker 4001 with a split stereo signal for a growling yet melodic tone, became a cornerstone of Yes’s sound. His nickname “Fish,” which inspired the album title, came from bandmate Bill Bruford, poking fun at Squire’s bathroom habits and love for aquariums, as detailed in his Wikipedia bio.

Sadly, Chris Squire passed away in 2015, but his legacy lives on through his music and Yes’s ongoing work. You can explore more about him on Yes’s official website at https://www.yesworld.com. For social media, check out Yes’s Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where fans and the band share tributes and updates. Fan communities are thriving too—join the Yes Fans Facebook group for lively discussions or visit ProgArchives for deep dives into Squire’s discography. Zoo Freaks, keep the prog spirit alive and stay tuned for more vibes from the Zoo Crew!