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‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ – Procol Harum

PROCOL HARUM discography and reviews

About the Song

The Birth of a Masterpiece

“A Whiter Shade of Pale” was released in 1967 as a single by Procol Harum, a band formed in London. The song was an instant sensation, gaining immense popularity and critical acclaim. It’s noted for its dreamy and enigmatic lyrics, which are said to have been inspired by a conversation between the band’s lyricist, Keith Reid, and a friend.

Musical Enigma

One of the unique aspects of the song is its fusion of various musical styles, including rock, classical, and baroque, creating a distinctive sound that sets it apart from other tracks of its time. This blend of genres remains one of the reasons for the song’s enduring appeal.

Endless Covers and Homages

Over the years, “A Whiter Shade of Pale” has been covered by numerous artists, reaffirming its place in musical history. The song has also been featured in various films, television series, and commercials, further solidifying its cultural significance.

Procol Harum’s Legacy

Procol Harum’s contribution to the world of music extends far beyond this single song. They are celebrated for their pioneering efforts in progressive rock and their ability to craft songs with deep, thought-provoking lyrics.

Recognition and Awards

The band’s exceptional work was recognized when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, an honor that underscored their impact on the music industry.Keith Reid, lyricist for Procol Harum, dies aged 76 | Music | The Guardian

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Lyrics: A Whiter Shade of Pale

We skipped the light fandango
Turned cartwheels ‘cross the floor
I was feeling kind of seasick
But the crowd called out for more
The room was humming harder
As the ceiling flew away
When we called out for another drink
The waiter brought a tray

And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly
Turned a whiter shade of pale

She said, “There is no reason
And the truth is plain to see”
But I wandered through my playing cards
And would not let her be
One of sixteen vestal virgins
Who were leaving for the coast
And although my eyes were open
They might just as well have been closed

And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly
Turned a whiter shade of pale

And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale…

Related Post

On May 1, 1967, Elvis Presley was not standing on a concert stage. He was standing at the altar. Inside the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, the King of Rock and Roll waited quietly for the woman he loved. When Priscilla Beaulieu walked toward him in her white wedding dress, friends said Elvis could not take his eyes off her. In that moment, there was no superstar. There was only a man deeply in love.

There was something about Elvis Presley that the world had never seen before. Long before he sang a single note, people noticed him. His striking blue eyes, dark hair, and effortless confidence made him impossible to ignore. But those who met him often said his greatest attraction was not his appearance. It was the feeling he brought into every room.

Elvis Presley spent much of his life fighting battles the world could not see. Behind the sold out concerts and standing ovations was a man living with constant health problems. He struggled with chronic pain, severe digestive issues, migraines, glaucoma, and an inherited heart condition that gradually weakened his body. Yet no matter how difficult life became, he kept stepping onto the stage because he never wanted to disappoint his fans.

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