“A Whiter Shade of Pale” is an enduring classic by Procol Harum that masterfully blends rock and classical elements. Released in 1967, the song’s cryptic lyrics have intrigued listeners for decades. Through a myriad of metaphors and symbolic language, the song narrates a story of revelry, change, loss of innocence, and the sometimes painful truth of reality. Its universal appeal lies in its ambiguity, inviting listeners to derive their own meaning from its poetic lyrics.
A Whiter Shade Of Pale Lyrics Meaning
Verse 1
The lyrics open with a scene of wild revelry, as indicated by the phrases “skipped the light fandango” and “turned cartwheels ‘cross the floor,” which may metaphorically represent youthful enthusiasm, partying, or loss of inhibition. “Feeling kind of seasick” could be interpreted as the speaker feeling overwhelmed or out of place amid the festivities.
“The room was humming harder” may suggest that the situation was growing more intense or chaotic. The line “As the ceiling flew away” seems to indicate a sense of disorientation or a shift in perception, possibly under the influence of alcohol or a heightened emotional state.
Chorus
The recurring chorus, “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,” introduces an air of mystery and ambiguity. The “miller” might be a symbol or metaphor, potentially indicating a storyteller or a purveyor of wisdom or tales, whose words deeply impact the listener.
The transformation of her face turning a “whiter shade of pale” might signify a loss of vitality, innocence, or joy, perhaps as a result of hearing the miller’s tale. This could also be interpreted as the woman becoming visibly upset or distraught.
Verse 2
In this verse, the speaker recounts a conversation with a woman who asserts that “there is no reason, and the truth is plain to see.” This could represent her expressing some form of painful truth or realization. The speaker’s response of “wandering through my playing cards” might imply distraction, denial, or an unwillingness to face the reality of the situation.
The line “One of sixteen vestal virgins who were leaving for the coast” is enigmatic and rich in symbolism. Vestal virgins, in ancient Rome, were priestesses sworn to chastity, and their departure could signify an end to innocence or the onset of change. The phrase “although my eyes were open, they might just as well have been closed” implies the speaker’s inability or refusal to acknowledge or understand the changing circumstances.
Overall, “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum presents a cryptic narrative shrouded in metaphor and symbolic language. Its beauty lies in its vagueness, allowing for a multitude of interpretations based on the listener’s perspective.
A Whiter Shade Of Pale Lyrics
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…
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