What is "Whiter Shade of Pale" about?*

I used to think it was that as well given that the charts in 1966-8 were riddled with songs alluding to themes well outside the traditional 'boy meets girl' format. However, I now see it as psyched-up take on a drunken farewell party for an emigrating woman. The real drama of the song is that even though the protagonist has bluffed to her that he is comfortable/happy with her exit prior to the party, he is secretly crestfallen at her departure. Hence him turning 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' as the party goes on. It's a break-up song in reality.

 

HER face turned a whiter shade of pale, not his.

 

Life. It's about Life.

 

I don't have a definitive answer, but I do know that it is one greatest tracks ever laid down. A true masterpiece imho.

 

I can't point to any place in the lyrics to support my opinion, but I've always gotten a visceral sense of decadence from the song. I find it very effective in that regard.

 

Perhaps the said boutique was Apple's, and/or the boys, being fans and in town to record, arranged to greet him.

 

The music also. It certainly was seemingly enjoyed by then well jaded rock stars.

 

When in doubt, some type of coitus.

 

Sometimes the search for true meaning only leads to disappointment.

The process of looking for meaning is sometimes more rewarding than finding it.

 

Must resist temptation to start thread...

Which track do you prefer, "Whiter Shade Of Pale " or "Nights In White Satin"

 

"There is no whiter shade of pale really. As a matter of fact it's all white."

 

Singer Hayes Carll sang the song last week in Austin, at a benefit concert at the ACL theatre. The song has legs!

 

All I know is that when I hear "A Whiter Shade Of Pale", I am instantly transported back to a particular party at a friend's house....mildly dimmed lights....a home made strobe as I recall....and my girlfriend . I can still smell the incense & Marlboros.

Here's an overly long and rather cheesy video about the group and the song.....the high point of which is that we get to hear Brooker sing the 3rd & 4th verses.

 

I would say it's almost a certainty that they knew Procol Harum had an apt. Just wish someone had recorded it!

 

Its ghostly

 

No and yes

 

I would add that I saw what is now considered Procol Harum in November 2014, at the Dominion Theatre, and to hear Gary Brooker sing AWSOP still sends shivers down the spine.

I do wish, though, that a definitive box set could come out, unlike all these reissues split between Salvo, and Esoteric. There seems to be some horrendous problem re: Procol licensing.

 

Mayfield?

 

People may get the wrong impression with that comment...

 

Its about four minutes long.

 

I always thought it was a woman at a party not feeling too well. Probably one chemical too many. So she turned a whiter shade of pale

 

It's about being drunk.

 

I always enjoyed Doug Sahm's live version where he substitutes "sixteen Austin virgins"
for "sixteen vestal virgins".

 

Too much Miller high life.

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

 

Butt sex.



Aaap. Wrong thread.