About the song
**Procol Harum’s** iconic song, *A Whiter Shade of Pale*, is more than just a piece of music; it’s a cultural touchstone that has resonated with audiences for decades. Released in 1967, the song quickly climbed the charts worldwide, becoming a symbol of the psychedelic era and a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting.
At its core, *A Whiter Shade of Pale* is a tale of love, loss, and the passage of time. The lyrics, penned by Gary Brooker, paint a vivid picture of a young man’s infatuation with a mysterious woman. The imagery is both evocative and surreal, drawing inspiration from classical literature and mythology. The song’s opening lines, “The time has come, the walrus said, to talk of many things,” immediately set a whimsical and dreamlike tone.
Musically, the song is a masterpiece of baroque pop. The arrangement features a haunting organ melody, intricate guitar work, and a driving rhythm section. The combination of these elements creates a rich and textured sound that perfectly complements the lyrical themes. The song’s iconic organ riff, which was inspired by Bach’s “D minor Toccata,” has become synonymous with the track and has been sampled and referenced countless times by other artists.
The enduring popularity of *A Whiter Shade of Pale* can be attributed to its timeless appeal. The song’s themes of love, loss, and the passage of time are universal, and its music is both beautiful and haunting. The song’s success also reflects the talent and vision of Procol Harum, a band that was at the forefront of the British Invasion and continues to be celebrated for its innovative and groundbreaking music.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the song for the first time, *A Whiter Shade of Pale* is a must-listen. It’s a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions, tell stories, and connect with people across generations.
Video
Lyrics
First time, we got new album out, uhm
Yeah, thank you very much
(One, two, three, four)
We skipped the light fandango
Turned cartwheels ‘cross the floor
I was feeling kinda 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 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
Would not let her be
One of 16 vestal virgins
We’re leaving for the coast
And although my eyes were open
They might have just as well 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 later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly
Turned a whiter shade of pale