Mood For A Day
by Yes

Album: Fragile (1971)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This solo guitar piece is the work of Yes guitarist Steve Howe, who told The Guitar Magazine in 1992: "At the time I had settled down and just started new roots in my life and 'Mood For A Day' was supposed to represent a happy mood for a day. I was about 28 when I realized there should be something more in my life than just the guitar."
  • Howe played this on a Condo Flamenco guitar. He had been listening to the Spanish guitarist Sabicas.
  • All five members of Yes contributed one track of their own design to the Fragile album. Steve Howe did "Mood For A Day" as a solo guitar piece; "Cans And Brahms" was not only arranged by Rick Wakeman, but he played all the parts as well; Jon Anderson sang all the vocal parts in "We Have Heaven"; Bill Bruford created "Five Per Cent For Nothing," which was played by the entire group with percussion instruments; "The Fish" was created by Chris Squire using only the bass guitar. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Randy - Chicago Heights, IL

Comments: 7

  • Atc Dave from TexasI’ve listened to this sitting on a hotel rooftop in Toledo, Spain, with the cathedral all lit up at night right next door. A perfect piece to listen to while in Spain! I first saw Yes live in Louisville, Kentucky in 1977 at age 17, Going For The One tour. I’ve been a huge fan for 50 years now.
  • Mk from IllinoisI could only imagine someone who needs to remind themselves there is more to life than guitar could dream up and execute such a masterpiece. The world is of more value now because of this song. Incredible.
  • Brenda from San Clemente, CaMy Dear Friend Mark Norton- former KISS member, passed over a few years ago- learned how to play this song when we were in High School... We had vinyls back then, and had to play the passages over and over- I'll NEVER forget his face when he could play it perfectly .
  • Rick from Mount Ephraim, NjGives me chills listening to this song.
  • Adrian from Brookings, SdYou rarely get to see just how versatile a guitar player Steve Howe really is. He incorporates so many different styles into his playing, but it is only on this and the last third of "The Ancient (Giants Under the Sun" from Tales that you get to hear his classical prowess. Bravo!
  • Max from Sydney, AustraliaA Friend of mine once heard this song being played in a Cafe.


    I really like this song
  • Kent Lyle from Palo Alto, CaSteve's guitar is externally mic'ed, and you can hear him breathing during the transitional parts.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

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.

Penny Ford of Snap!

Penny Ford of Snap!Songwriter Interviews

The original voice of Snap! this story is filled with angry drag queens, video impersonators and Chaka Khan.

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

Barney Hoskyns Explores The Forgotten History Of Woodstock, New York

Barney Hoskyns Explores The Forgotten History Of Woodstock, New YorkSong Writing

Our chat with Barney Hoskyns, who covers the wild years of Woodstock - the town, not the festival - in his book Small Town Talk.

dUg Pinnick of King's X

dUg Pinnick of King's XSongwriter Interviews

dUg dIgs into his King's X metal classics and his many side projects, including the one with Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.