“Total Mass Retain” is a single part of the 4 part, 18 minute song “Close to the Edge.” Total Mass retain was not originally a standalone song, but was made into its own song for the Deluxe version of the album “Close to the Edge”.
[Chorus]
Down at the end, round by the corner
Close to the edge, just by the river
Seasons will pass you by
I get up, I get down
[Post-Chorus]
Now that it's all over and done
Now that you find, now that you're whole
[Verse 1]
My eyes convinced, eclipsed with the younger moon attained with love
It changed as almost strained amidst clear manna from above
I crucified my hate and held the word within my hand
There's you, the time, the logic, or the reasons we don't understand
Sad courage claimed the victims standing still for all to see
As armoured movers took approached to overlook the sea
There since the cord, the license, or the reasons we understood will be
[Chorus]
Down at the edge, close by a river
Close to the edge, round by the corner
Close to the end, down by the corner
Down at the edge, round by the river
[Verse 2]
Sudden problems shouldn't take away the startled memory
All in all, the journey takes you all the way
As apart from any reality that you've ever seen and known
Guessing problems only to deceive the mention
Passing paths that climb halfway into the void
As we cross from side to side, we hear the total mass retain
[Chorus]
Down at the edge, round by the corner
Close to the end, down by a river
Seasons will pass you by
I get up, I get down
Total Mass Retain was written by Jon Anderson & Steve Howe.
Total Mass Retain was produced by Eddy Offord & Yes.