This is a hauntingly beautiful song about introspection, specifically about looking back at a relationship that started bad and ended so poorly, that the narrator wants to go back to the very beginning and tell himself to not even travel down that road. I believe that the relationship started poorly because of the lines:
"Take me back to the night we met:When the night was full of terrors: And your eyes were filled with tears: When you had not touched me yet"
So, the first night was not a great start, but the narrator pursued the relationship and eventually both overcame the rough start to fall in love with each other:
"I had all and then most of you"
Like many relationships that turn sour, it was not a quick decline, but a gradual one where the narrator and their partner fall out of love and gradually grow apart
"Some and now none of you"
Losing someone who was once everything in your world, who you could confide in, tell your secrets to, share all the most intimate parts of your life, to being strangers with that person is probably one of the most painful experiences a person can go through. So Painful, the narrator wants to go back in time and tell himself to not even pursue the relationship.
This was the perfect song for "13 Reasons Why"
We skipped the light fandango
Turned cartwheels 'cross the floor
I was feeling kinda 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
Would not let her be
One of sixteen vestal virgins
Who were leaving for the coast
And although my eyes were open
They might have just as well've 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
Turned cartwheels 'cross the floor
I was feeling kinda 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
Would not let her be
One of sixteen vestal virgins
Who were leaving for the coast
And although my eyes were open
They might have just as well've 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
Lyrics submitted by Psycho_pr, edited by Mellow_Harsher, CrimsonApostle, george1037, LoriLmi
A Whiter Shade of Pale Lyrics as written by Keith Reid Gary Brooker
Lyrics © Onward Music Limited
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Reid got the title and starting point for the song at a party. He overheard someone at the party saying to a woman, "You've turned a whiter shade of pale," and the phrase stuck in his mind. The original lyrics had four verses, of which only two are heard on the original recording. The third verse has been heard in live performances by Procol Harum, and more seldom also the fourth. The author of Procol Harum: beyond the pale, Claes Johansen, suggests that the song "deals in metaphorical form with a male/female relationship which after some negotiation ends in a sexual act." This is supported by Tim de Lisle in Lives of the Great Songs, who remarks that the lyrics concern a drunken seduction, which is described through references to sex as a form of travel, usually nautical, using mythical and literary journeys. Other observers have also commented that the lyrics concern a sexual relationship.
Structurally and thematically, the song is unusual in many respects. While the recorded version is 4:03 long, it is composed of only two verses, each with chorus. The piece is also more instrument-driven than most songs of the period, and with a much looser rhyme scheme. Its unusually allusive and referential lyrics are much more complex than most lyrics of the time (for example, the chorus focuses on Chaucer's "The Miller's Tale"). Thus, this piece can be considered an early example of progressive rock.
The phrase a whiter shade of pale has since gained widespread use in the English language, noticed by several dictionaries. As such, the phrase is today often used in contexts independent of any consideration of the song. It has also been heavily paraphrased, in forms like an Xer shade of Y -- this to the extent that it has been recognized as a snowclone — a type of cliché and phrasal template.
I like your interpretation. Makes a lot of sense.
Which came first, this post or the identical one on Wikipedia?
Thanks, @MinisterOTruth, good question. Indeed, my comment wasn't original. This is a great song, worthy of honest, accurate, helpful analysis, which is what I discovered at Wiki and shared here. I'm glad this comment has risen to the top, but can't take credit for the thoughts.
@alanhu a lovely analysis and although correct where meaning is involved, where the technical aspects of the song are discussed there are flaws. The song is actually comprised of four verses. Though the final two are rarely ever heard... the fourth even more so than the third. I'd love to see a breakdown of them, mostly because a pair of lines in the third verse are nearly unintelligible to my ears.
This song is about the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic (April 15, 1912) and the band that played on the deck of doomed ship. Note: Ships were often referred to by feminine names such as "Her", "Lady" and/or "She".
Here is my interpretation:
We skipped a light fandango, (Unsure about this line)
Turned cartwheels 'cross the floor. (It was reported that children were doing cartwheels across the "deck" during the day light hours and adults were afraid that they would fall overboard)
I was feeling kind of seasick, (Just as it says)
But the crowd called out for more. (The Titanic hit the iceberg on April 14, 1912 at approximately 11:00 pm ship's time and sank at approximately 2:20 am on the 15th of April. The passengers knew their fate and that they were going to die. To take their minds off of their pending deaths, they played cards, got drunk, or just listened to music).
The room was humming harder, (The Titanic's crew keep the lights on and the light bulbs back then made noises when the lit)
As the ceiling flew away. (There was a glass and steel dome over the "Grand Ballroom" on the Titanic. The Titanic was sinking bow first and when the water got over the dome, it could not support the extra weight.)
When we called out for another drink, The waiter brought a tray. (The waiters knew they were going to die too, so they gave out all of liquor.)
And so it was that later, (The Titanic hit the iceberg at 11:40 pm and sank at 2:20 am)
As the miller told his tale, (I believe that the correct line is "As the Mayor told his tale". He was just trying to divert attention from his pending death).
That her face at first just ghostly, Turned a whiter shade of pale. (What color does your face turn if you KNOW you are going to die? A whiter shade of pale!!!)
She said there is no reason, (The correct line is "HE said there is no reason. The ship owner Joseph Ismay kept telling passengers that the ship was unsinkable)
And the truth is plain to see (Despite that fact that Ismay kept telling passengers that the Titanic was unsinkable, the truth was plain to see)
That I wandered through my playing cards, And would not let her be (Maybe by some miracle, the boat would STOP sinking)
One of sixteen vestal virgins (Correct line - "One of sixteen vessel virgins" There were 16 new ships making their first voyages in 1912)
Who were leaving for the coast. (Coast of United States from Europe)
And although my eyes were open, They might just as well have been closed. (The narrator could see that the ship is sinking but did not want to believe it)
And so it was later, As the miller told his tale, That her face at first just ghostly, Turned a whiter shade of pale.
"We skipped the light fandango" is in reference to Milton's poem "L'Allegro", "Com, and trip it as ye go, On the light fantastic toe." Wikipedia defines "tripping the light fantastic" as "to dance nimbly or lightly, or move in a pattern to musical accompaniment. It is often used in a humorous vein." It goes on to actually cite Procol Harum's 1967 hit song, "Whiter Shade of Pale", that this phrase is typically attributed to Milton's poem in a modernist perspective. I had no idea that this beautiful song was about the Titanic, and of all the lyrics, the only one I understood was the "fandango" line, the only one you didn't!<br />
I'm sorry, but no. Procol Harum sang this live in 2006, and the video is available on YouTube. He clearly says "she said there is no reason" and "Vestal."<br /> And a fandango is a dance, which goes along with "cartwheels cross the floor."
Although I was at first tempted to believe your theory about the Titanic, listening to the song I clearly hear him say "miller", "she", "vestal". The "she" is the same person as "her", I think.<br /> I have no absolute theory about the meaning of the song but it might actually be about someone sinking, but in some kind of drug trip or alcohol party... ?
@DNungester Man... I think you know a lot of things about 1912 ! What are you ? <br /> <br /> a time tunnel traveler ? lol
@DNungester I've been mishearing "Whiter Shade of Pale" since it was first recorded, never taking a look at the lyrics; now that I have, it's obviously about the sinking of the Titanic. Whether Reid misheard or misunderstood what his muse whispered in his ear, or he's having a little joke on his fans, I can not say. But it's definitely about the Titanic. Thank you for your brilliant analysis and answer.
If I had to guess he was playing a bar while tripping. They gave it all they had to give but the crowd called out for more. The room was humming harder. Bud that's describes acid to a T. And the rest is where your head go's on psychedelics. Seemingly profound stuff that make's infinite sense until the next day. It still sounds pretty so why not leave it.
It does sound like acid, and playing a gig on it. I don't agree that it doesn't make sense, though. The first reply up above seems to have presented a fairly cogent interpretation. Who knows?
Yes, yes, acidy indeed.
@q1605 I'd say after getting drunk she turns from looking bad to looking alright. Acid, tripping I don't think plays into it
@q1605 Yeah! The First time i listened to the song, the lyrics describe a pretty intense acid trip, but i can see\r\nWhy It can be about the Titanic as well, the beuaty of the song is that It sounds like It is about your surrender, the kind\'a surrender that comes with the beuatiful epifanies about life shown to you by psychedelic\'s or the surrender to your fate having boarded the titanic.\r\n
I suppose no one felt like reading all the comments and going to the site linked by DanVitale?
procolharum.com/awsop_lotgs.htm
READ people, only like 3 people who I bet READ before commenting got it right.
Its about getting Drunk and trying to and finally successfully getting in the PANTS of a Girl.
Nothing to do with Acid or Coke or Holocaust or any of that.
Also the writer of the song SPECIFICALLY says that the Millers Tale line has NOTHING to do with Canterbury Tales...
"Although, Reid reveals, the reference to Chaucer is a red herring. 'One thing people always get wrong is that line about the Miller's Tale. I've never read Chaucer in my life. They're right off the track there.' "
"And yet the verse is essential to an understanding of the song.(The one that was dropped as has been quoted in the comments Daciples Edit) We at last learn that the drunken seduction is consummated, and the sea metaphor reaches its apotheosis in the oblivion and forgetfulness of sex, with a neat pun thrown in as a punch-line."
READ people, use your brain the freaking writer of the song out right tells you what its about, trying to get laid while drunk, except done in a vague reference over hauntingly great melody.
Great Song, no in depth meaning tho....
please,could you explain me the "And yet....punch-line" more simply,cause i'm not English and i've read it already at the website but i don't understand so well.Oh and do you know where elsewhere can i find meanings of songs where the composer of the lyrics talks about its meaning?<br />
@Daciple I've been sickly from drinking too much. <br /> Still, today, we get drunk in a variety of ways and this political cycle we have here in America, well, it's such an illusion, yeah? Everyone is drunk on something, anger, fear, obsurdity of it all, leaving us a bit homogenized and well, a whiter shade of pale. They say, "green ain't mean..."
@Daciple Although Reid reveals he's never read Chaucer, neither had his main audience back in the Sixties. However we all knew of the Miller Tale, without knowing the Miller Tale.... People often look for in dept meaning where they don't exist, the worst example being the Beatles Helter Slelter .....
@Daciple Actually, while your interpretation could very well be correct, what definitely can't be said is that there's "no depth in meaning". Especially when all 4 verses of the song that hardly anyone even seem to know exist are taken into account:<br /> <br /> We skipped the light fandango<br /> Turned cartwheels 'cross the floor<br /> I was feeling kinda seasick<br /> But the crowd called out for more<br /> The room was humming harder<br /> As the ceiling flew away<br /> When we called out for another drink<br /> The waiter brought a tray<br /> <br /> [Chorus]<br /> And so it was that later<br /> As the miller told his tale<br /> That her face, at first just ghostly<br /> Turned a whiter shade of pale<br /> <br /> [Bridge 1]<br /> <br /> [Verse 2]<br /> She said, there is no reason<br /> And the truth is plain to see<br /> But I wandered through my playing cards<br /> And would not let her be<br /> One of sixteen vestal virgins<br /> Who were leaving for the coast<br /> And although my eyes were open<br /> They might have just as well've been closed<br /> <br /> [Chorus]<br /> And so it was that later<br /> As the miller told his tale<br /> That her face at first just ghostly<br /> Turned a whiter shade of pale<br /> <br /> [Bridge 2]<br /> <br /> [Verse 3]<br /> She said, 'I'm home on shore leave,'<br /> Though in truth we were at sea<br /> So I took her by the looking glass<br /> And forced her to agree<br /> Saying, 'You must be the mermaid<br /> Who took Neptune for a ride.'<br /> But she smiled at me so sadly<br /> That my anger straightway died<br /> <br /> [Chorus]<br /> And so it was that later<br /> As the miller told his tale<br /> That her face at first just ghostly<br /> Turned a whiter shade of pale<br /> <br /> [Verse 4]<br /> If music be the food of love<br /> Then laughter is its queen<br /> And likewise if behind is in front<br /> Then dirt in truth is clean<br /> My mouth by then like cardboard<br /> Seemed to slip straight through my head<br /> So we crash-dived straightway quickly<br /> And attacked the ocean bed<br /> <br /> [Chorus]<br /> And so it was that later<br /> As the miller told his tale<br /> That her face at first just ghostly<br /> Turned a whiter shade of pale
@Daciple \r\nWell, Bim Skala Bim
@Daciple Don't believe everything you're told. Whether Reid misheard or misunderstood what his muse whispered in his ear, or he's having a little joke on his fans, I can not say. But it's definitely about the Titanic.
Not that this could help much but the chorus line "... as the miller told his tale" I believe is referring to Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. In the Canterbury Tales a variety of people on a pilgrimage tell stories, the miller tells his tale which is knid of dirty and raunchy. Sorry this probably doesn't add much to the meaning, just confuses it more.
Went and re-read "The Miller's Tale" in "The Canterbury Tales" and got the feeling that the song might simple be a retelling of The Miller's Tale from the point of view of the character Nicholas, and possibly tinged with a little psychedelic haze?
@beth21 actually by the author's own admission he'd never read Chaucer and the two have no relation. The line sounded good and so there it is. Perhaps, further disguising the song's meaning was it only purpose.
this song is basically the best song ever.
it sums up life. period.
First off, most Procol Harum lyrics have something to do with the sea. Thus you get mermaids and such. And a whole lot of death. Personally, I think this song is about the sinking of the Titanic. The whiter shade of pale is what one looks like after drowning. I'd like to nail down specifics a little more, but, hey, let us not over analyze something we recognize as beautiful, even without one iota of understanding :)
@beep54 No. It is NOT. Google what the writer tells you of the song. It is all laid out in a response above (with all 4 verses)! Has nothing to do with Chauser! Has nothing to do with Titanic! Has everything to do with drunken sex between a pair who are splitting up.
@beep54 No. It is NOT. Google what the writer tells you of the song. It is all laid out in a response above (with all 4 verses)! Has nothing to do with Chauser! Has nothing to do with Titanic! Has everything to do with drunken sex between a pair who are splitting up.
@beep54 No. It is NOT. Google what the writer tells you of the song. It is all laid out in a response above (with all 4 verses)! Has nothing to do with Chauser! Has nothing to do with Titanic! Has everything to do with drunken sex between a pair who are splitting up.
@apchicago Whether Reid misheard or misunderstood what his muse whispered in his ear, or he's having a little joke on his fans, I can not say. But it's definitely about the Titanic.
@beep54 Procol Harum didn’t write the lyrics
so many songs in the late 60s /early 70s meant nothing at all. although i love many of them, some songs just had "catchy lyrics" to a great sound track, nothing more nothing less. I knew a few roadies back then who worked with some of the top groups. some of the stories they told me were mind blowing.
@fermin1049 Yes I agree, I am a musician and I am sure they had some great stories to tell you, never mind the Miller LOL.. Any way appreciate the music that was written that someway had something to say, unlike some "music" today that does not make any sense at all
Alright, here is my take on this song.
The Miller's Tale By Chaucer.. a paraphrasing..
It's the story told by a Miller making fun of carpenters. Keep in mind he is VERY drunk when he tells his tale. The carpenter has a young wife and has two young students renting a room with him. They both adore his wife. One day one of the students seduces the wife. They have sex. (while the carpenter is away on a job)The other student sings, and tries to seduce the wife but he fails. Longing for more than a quickie the student and the wife (who apparently enjoys the company of the student) decide to trick the carpenter so that they can have more sex. They create a lie. They tell him that another biblical flood is coming and get him to build tubs on the roof of the building for them to ride out the storm in. The student sneaks down with the wife. They have sex in the carpenter's bed.Now for the punch line if you will of the story. Thinking the carpenter is away the other student tries to seduce her by singing again.. he looks in the window and tells her he wants to kiss her. The wife, sticks her ass out the window, which the student kisses. When he realizes this he gets mad and goes to a blacksmith and grabs a hot piece of metal. He returns, the student decides to be the next one to stick his ass out the window. The second student burns his ass with the hot metal, which causes the student to scream. The carpenter hears this and falls out of the tub off the roof and onto the ground, and breaks his arm. That's how the story ends. (this is a paraphrasing of the story, I don't remember it all.. It's all written by Chaucer, so I am not intending to steal his story.. ) SO, back to the song, now that I bored everyone. The song is basically talking about making a fool of yourself in front of someone you want to have sex with or already are (which could lead to a break up) The beginning part of the song is describing how they are dancing, drinking and having a good time..
The second part is after he has made a fool of him self. And she said " there is no reason, the truth is plain to see" So obviously she was embarrassed by his drunkeness (if you say they were together then this causes them to break up, but I personally think they weren't together at the start of the party..) Then later when he is alone he's playing with his cards, and hoping that the lady wasn't a nun. This might be the source of the confusion and embarrassment.. IE the guy is drunk and hits on a nun.. So there is my take.. He should have realized she was a nun, but he was too drunk to realize.. so he was as embarrassed as the Miller after he was done telling his tale.. Moral of the story.. DON'T get drunk and hit on nuns. (BTW as an aside Gary Booker heard someone at a party say.. "She turned a whiter shade of pale" which was partially inspiration for this song.. you can find out more about it by looking it up on Wikipedia. (same thing for the Millers Tale)
@PTCGAZ Way off of the point the song writer says he had in mind!
@PTCGAZ Rule #1 is: "It's ALWAYS about the money". Rule #2 USED to be: "Never forget Rule#1" BUT the NEW Rule #2 is: "Don't believe anything you hear (and only half of what you see)." I've been mishearing "Whiter Shade of Pale" since it was first recorded, never taking a look at the lyrics; now that I have, it's obviously about the sinking of the Titanic. Whether Reid misheard or misunderstood what his muse whispered in his ear, or he's having a little joke on his fans, I can not say. But it's definitely about the Titanic.
I really endorse the cryptic reference to a young Patti Smith
@sexobscura Why? That is NOT the song\'s intention. You are just making it up or going along with someone who made it up. You are not taking the song for what the writer says it is. \r\n