Following the 1981 breakup of the band, bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White joined with South African guitarist Trevor Rabin to form a new band called Cinema. An early version of the song "It Can Happen", sung by Squire, was written and recorded during this time.[5]
Squire, White and Rabin eventually joined forces with former Yes members Jon Anderson, Tony Kaye and Trevor Horn, changing the name of their new band Cinema to "Yes" in the process. Anderson rewrote the lyrics of "It Can Happen" and it was included in 90125, with Anderson singing the verses.[5][6]
Cash Box said that "starting off with a thoroughly danceable snare beat, lead vocalist Jon Anderson's smooth voice and the single’s upbeat melody are further proof of the band’s newfound knack for commercial viability" and praised the production and instrumental performances.[7]
The dialogue that can be heard under the guitar solo - about 3 minutes and 17 seconds in - on the 90125 version, is taken from The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. The lines, "...Come, old boy, you had much better have the thing out at once...." and "...that is exactly what dentists always do. Now, go on! Tell me the whole thing" are spoken by the character Algernon Moncrieff in the play.[citation needed]