A Whiter Shade Of Pale Lyrics: “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum, produced by Denny Cordell and released on May 12, 1967, is a classic song that captures the haze and confusion of intoxication and the search for deeper connections. The poetic lyrics paint a vivid picture of a surreal, dreamlike experience in which the protagonist is attempting to make sense of their surroundings and interactions.
A Whiter Shade Of Pale Lyrics Meaning
Verse 1: A Disorienting Atmosphere
The opening verse describes a lively, disorienting scene where the protagonist is feeling “seasick” amid the chaotic atmosphere. The room’s energy intensifies as the ceiling seems to fly away, and the crowd continues to call out for more entertainment. The protagonist and their companions indulge in more drinks, further amplifying their intoxication.
Chorus: An Enigmatic Encounter
As the miller tells his tale, the protagonist becomes captivated by a mysterious woman whose face turns “a whiter shade of pale.” The chorus suggests a sense of enchantment and a longing to understand the woman’s story, which remains elusive.
Verse 2: Seeking Truth and Connection
The woman states that there is no reason to hide the truth, but the protagonist remains preoccupied with their playing cards and cannot focus on her words. The mention of “sixteen vestal virgins” leaving for the coast adds to the dreamlike atmosphere and the protagonist’s sense of disconnection. Despite having their eyes open, the protagonist admits that they might as well have been closed, indicating a failure to grasp the deeper meaning behind the woman’s words.
Chorus: A Lingering Mystery
The song returns to the chorus, reinforcing the enigmatic nature of the encounter with the woman. Her face, initially ghostly, turns a whiter shade of pale, symbolizing the protagonist’s inability to fully comprehend her story and the connection they sought. The song concludes with the miller’s tale, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of mystery and the unresolved quest for understanding.
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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