About the song
Procol Harum, a British rock band known for their progressive sound and introspective lyrics, released “A Whiter Shade of Pale” as a psychedelic masterpiece that has captivated audiences for decades. This haunting and evocative song, released in 1967, became a hit single and a defining track for the band’s iconic sound.
With their ethereal harmonies and atmospheric arrangements, Procol Harum explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Through introspective lyrics and the band’s emotive performance, listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.
The opening lines, “She said, “I’ve been to the mountains, I’ve seen the sea,” immediately establish the song’s subject and set a reflective tone. The lyrics continue to explore the themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life. The song’s refrain, “A whiter shade of pale, like a misty morning,” conveys a sense of longing and nostalgia.
Throughout the song, Procol Harum’s psychedelic sound creates a captivating and immersive listening experience. The band’s use of orchestral arrangements, ethereal harmonies, and introspective lyrics adds depth and complexity to the music, while also reflecting the spirit of the 1960s counterculture movement.
“A Whiter Shade of Pale” is more than just a popular song; it is a cultural touchstone that has influenced countless artists and generations of music fans. The song’s haunting melody and introspective lyrics continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless and enduring piece of music history.
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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