About the song
Certainly! To provide a detailed and engaging introduction to the song by Procol Harum, I’ll need to know which specific song you have in mind. Procol Harum has several notable tracks, but their most famous one is “A Whiter Shade of Pale.” If that’s the song you’re referring to, here’s an introduction based on that:
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“**A Whiter Shade of Pale**” by Procol Harum is a timeless classic that has resonated with audiences since its release in 1967. This hauntingly beautiful song, characterized by its evocative lyrics and melancholic melody, remains one of the defining tracks of the 1960s. Written by Gary Brooker, the band’s lead vocalist and pianist, along with lyricist Keith Reid, the song features a distinctive organ riff inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach, which gives it a unique, almost classical feel.
“A Whiter Shade of Pale” was the debut single of Procol Harum, and it quickly became a massive hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and staying there for six weeks. In the United States, it peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success was not just limited to the English-speaking world; it also topped charts in countries like Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia, among others.
The track was included in the band’s self-titled debut album, “Procol Harum,” released later in 1967. Over the years, “A Whiter Shade of Pale” has been covered by numerous artists and remains a staple in classic rock and oldies radio playlists. The song’s enigmatic lyrics, which mention skipping the light fandango and turning cartwheels across the floor, have sparked much discussion and interpretation, adding to its enduring mystique.
In 1977, “A Whiter Shade of Pale” was awarded the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for “Best British Pop Single” from 1952–1977. Furthermore, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998, cementing its status as a significant cultural and musical milestone.
For many, “A Whiter Shade of Pale” evokes a sense of nostalgia and timeless beauty, capturing the essence of an era while continuing to enchant new generations of listeners. It is a song that transcends time, reminding us of the profound impact music can have on our lives.
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