About the song
Introducing “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum!
“A Whiter Shade of Pale” is an iconic psychedelic rock song that has mesmerized listeners since its release in 1967. Recorded by the British band Procol Harum, this timeless track is renowned for its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and intricate musical arrangement.
Written by Gary Brooker, Keith Reid, and Matthew Fisher, “A Whiter Shade of Pale” is featured on Procol Harum’s self-titled debut album. The song’s enigmatic lyrics, inspired by themes of love, loss, and existentialism, combined with Brooker’s soulful vocals and Fisher’s mesmerizing organ playing, create a mesmerizing sonic experience that transcends time and genre.
Upon its release, “A Whiter Shade of Pale” became an instant sensation, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning widespread critical acclaim. It reached the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
The song’s dreamlike atmosphere and poetic imagery have made it a favorite among fans of classic rock and psychedelic music. Its enduring popularity has been further solidified by its inclusion in numerous films, television shows, and commercials over the years.
So, whether you’re a longtime fan of Procol Harum or discovering “A Whiter Shade of Pale” for the first time, let the ethereal beauty of this timeless classic transport you to a world of mystery and intrigue. Join Procol Harum on a musical journey through the depths of the human soul with “A Whiter Shade of Pale”!
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