Lyric Meaning of: A Whiter Shade of Pale, by Procol Harum - Synth Zone BBS

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Lyric Meaning of: A Whiter Shade of Pale, by Procol Harum

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Author	Topic: Lyric Meaning of: A Whiter Shade of Pale, by Procol Harum
Scottyee Member	posted 06-09-2003 10:17 AM I love the classic sixties Procul Harum song "A Whiter Shade of Pale", and even though I'm a vocalist, I primarily only perform it as an instrumental (utilizing the Yamaha Tyros "Organ Ballad Style"), as I don't really comprehend the 'meaning' of the lyrics. Do the lyrics possibly reflect some kind of 60's drug(?) culture metaphor? I'm hoping someone here might possibly provide some background and insight to the meaning of the title & lyrics? Thanks - Scott A Whiter Shade of Pale, by Procul Harum We skipped the light fandango Turned cartwheels cross the floor I was feeling kind of seasick 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 just have 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. IP: Logged
cam8neel Member	posted 06-09-2003 10:42 AM http://www.songfacts.com/detail.lasso?id=1131 IP: Logged
matias unregistered	posted 06-09-2003 11:16 AM Scott, Take a look at the main author's explanation: http://www.procolharum.com/99/awsop_vulture.htm (1st section) and also at the discussion: http://www.procolharum.com/awsoplyrics.htm I also read that the other official lyrics author, Gary Brooker, gave an interview once, saying that the title means nothing, just a good sounding combination of words. -- José. IP: Logged
Scottyee Member	posted 06-11-2003 11:37 AM Cam8neel & José: Many thanks for providing the insight web links. It seems to lead back to what I initially suspected: that the lyrics resulted from some kind of psychedellic experience, kind of like MacArthur Park (same era). btw: On this topic of trying to figure out the meaning of things, if you don't mind me asking, what does 'Cam8neel' stand for? Just curious, - Scott IP: Logged
Uncle Dave Member	posted 06-11-2003 11:39 AM Been singing that one for about 33 years and have NEVER had a clue what I was saying. The ones that make no sense are the hardest for me to remember. IP: Logged
royandreno Member	posted 06-11-2003 01:32 PM Anyone recall the scene from "Meet the parents" when Robert De Niro finds out what his all time favorite song "Puff the Magic Dragon" really is all about... ------------------ Roy-Andrè IP: Logged
Uncle Dave Member	posted 06-11-2003 03:09 PM DeNiro is so good in that role.. . . . . . .ANY role, actually. IP: Logged
Louis-Simon Ouellet Member	posted 06-15-2003 07:13 AM and I thought my english was bad being french-canadian because i couldn't make sense of those lyrics. I guess it was the psychedelic era and not me Simon IP: Logged
Uncle Dave Member	posted 06-15-2003 01:21 PM The late 60's into the early 70's was NUTS, here in the States. We are a young people with great creativity. I had a blast during that time. I even had HAIR then ! (It WAS required for coolness) IP: Logged
Scottyee Member	posted 06-15-2003 01:58 PM Speaking of the late 60's -70' era, did anyone catch the Beach Boys documentary movie aired on (ABC) network TV last night? Those guys certainly sang beautiful close harmonies (whose musical influence were the 4 Freshmen). Brian Wilson was a creative genious, but the drugs certainly fried his brain. Curious to hear what some of 'your' favorite Beachboys songs are, and which ones (if any) you perform solo with the arranger keyboard & vocal harmonizer (of course). - Scott IP: Logged
Big Red Member	posted 06-15-2003 03:38 PM Hi Scott, We do "In My Room" on my i30 using a rhythm called Flipper 6/8, plus of course, some tweaks to the acc voices. It's a beaut! IP: Logged
Tony W Member	posted 06-15-2003 03:51 PM Hi Scott, I love 'Fun Fun Fun' (at least I think that is the title?) BUT not because I heard the beach boys sing it! I borrowed a Carpenters CD from a friend and part of the cd was like a medley sang as if it was being played on the radio. Part of the medley was this song. I have always thought Karen's voice was / is amazing and remember playing this particular song over and over. ttfn Tony IP: Logged
cam8neel Member	posted 06-15-2003 08:08 PM quote: Originally posted by Scottyee: btw: On this topic of trying to figure out the meaning of things, if you don't mind me asking, what does 'Cam8neel' stand for? Just curious, - Scott Scott - Besides being a music buff, I'm also a huge hockey fan. Cam Neely, who wore number 8, is my all-time favorite player, hence the name. (Kinda boring, huh?) Angelo IP: Logged
Scottyee Member	posted 06-15-2003 09:08 PM Angelo: ahhhh.... Thanks for clearing up the mystery. - Scott IP: Logged

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