Yes released "Roundabout" as the opening track and lead single from their 1971 album "Fragile," a song that became pivotal to the band's breakthrough in the United States. The track was inspired by a bus journey from Aberdeen to Glasgow, during which singer Jon Anderson was struck by the Scottish scenery and the frequency of roundabouts along the route, prompting him and guitarist Steve Howe to develop the song's lyrics and music together in a hotel room.

The full album version ran to eight and a half minutes, featuring Rick Wakeman's reversed piano chord introduction, Chris Squire's bass, Bill Bruford's drumming and Howe's classical guitar work, all reflecting the band's progressive rock style. Atlantic Records edited the track down to just over three minutes for radio release without the band's prior knowledge; Anderson recalled first hearing the shortened version by chance while driving through Pennsylvania. He later credited the edit with turning the song into a hit that proved crucial to the band's continued success.