I've only properly discovered this superb band in my mid 50s [like any other Brit of a certain age, I was very familiar with Northern Lights]. Just a brilliant group of musicians, with a breathtakingly good singer - one of a *TINY* number of women in Prog during its 70s heyday.

My interpretation of this song, which I've always loved, refers to the end of the era of "flower power". Drug "trips" maybe started as a lark, but after a short while often led to a private, alienated state that,like a carousel, got you no where.

It's a gorgeous song, Annie has such a wonderful voice, I really must listen to more Renaissance.

Really love this tune, it's so haunting and Annies voice is otherworldly. Scheherazade is their long song masterpiece, it's so good.

I know nothing about Renaissance except that one song about the northern lights. They seem like talented musicians.

My favorite band! Thanks. A dream, or a nightmare, it was definitely magical!

❤❤❤

My favorite song of all time. Nothing else even comes close. To me, it's a great start to a perfect album. (just my opinion). By the way, I believe this song is about a date Annie was on when she was taken to the fair. That's what I heard. Thank you for the great reaction.

Great song, album and band. Thanks! Play more!

What a lovely song and oh what a voice, looking back which I seem to find myself doing an awful lot these days, why did I never listen to them more after hearing The Northern Lights. Yes a dream and all the parts which often make a dream up! Another thoughtful reaction, thank you

This is the song that was getting some local air play and drew my attention to this group. Now it's my least favorite on this album, not because it's a bad song but because the rest of the album is just that good.

Lovely song. Its pronounced Sha Hare A Zad. Hope you liked it. Listening now.

According to Annie, the song is about her first date with Roy Wood (ELO). That _Trip to the Fair_ led to a four year relationship and engagement - but no marriage.

Your comments made me think nostalgia is the direct existential opposite of trauma. I think this is more correct than not. Now, I am going to listen to Sisters, which you listened to earlier. Renaissance's "Novella" is the best progressive EP of the 70's next to Thick As A Brick by Jethro Tull. Why they released an EP when they only needed one more song for a proper album, Wikipedia, help me!