Ritual: Nous Sommes du Soleil
by Yes

Album: Tales From Topographic Oceans (1974)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Running 21:33, this song takes up all of Side 4 on a 4-song double album. Yes lead singer Jon Anderson calls the track "a love song, something very personal." He added (in Melody Maker, 1974): "We hope people who listen will understand the possibilities of love. I think many people ask for love, strength, a kind of caressing energy."
  • In one section of this song, every band member plays a percussion instrument of some kind. Drummer Alan White came up with the arrangement for this part.
  • The French subtitle means "we are of the sun."

Comments: 2

  • Galactic Walker from Earthsentences move dancing away
    We join, we receive
    As our song memories long hope in away
    Nous sommes do soleil
    Hold me around lasting hours
    We love when we play
    Nous sommes do soleil

    We Have the Keys!
    Lets open the Gate!
    And you and I !
    Now you know who I'M
  • Jules from OregonI can't begin to express how much this song means. I really wish the extreme percussion would have been left out, yet, i am still in love with this.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Randy Newman

Randy NewmanSongwriting Legends

Newman makes it look easy these days, but in this 1974 interview, he reveals the paranoia and pressures that made him yearn for his old 9-5 job.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple PilotsSongwriter Interviews

Stone Temple Pilots bass player Robert DeLeo names the songs that have most connected with fans and tells the stories behind tracks from their Tiny Music album.

John Doe of X

John Doe of XSongwriter Interviews

With his X-wife Exene, John fronts the band X and writes their songs.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.