Whiter Shade of Pale

Procol Harum

About Whiter Shade of Pale

"A Whiter Shade of Pale" is the debut single by the British rock band Procol Harum, released 12 May 1967. The single reached number 1 in the UK Singles Chart on 8 June 1967 and stayed there for six weeks. Without much promotion, it reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. One of the anthems of the 1967 Summer of Love, it is one of the best selling singles in history, having sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. With its Bach-derived instrumental melody, soulful vocals, and unusual lyrics – by the song's co-authors Gary Brooker, Keith Reid and Matthew Fisher – "A Whiter Shade of Pale" reached number 1 in many countries when released in 1967. In the years since, it has become an enduring classic. It was the most played song in the last 75 years in public places in the UK (as of 2009), and the United Kingdom performing rights group Phonographic Performance Limited in 2004 recognised it as the most-played record by British broadcasting of the past 70 years. Also in 2004, Rolling Stone placed "A Whiter Shade of Pale" 57th on its list of the "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". 


Year:
2003
78 

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We skipped the light fandango
Turned cartwheels 'cross the floor
I was feeling kinda 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 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

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Procol Harum

Procol Harum are a British rock band, formed in 1967, which contributed to the development of progressive rock, and by extension, symphonic rock. Their best-known recording is their 1967 single "A Whiter Shade of Pale". Although noted for its baroque and classical influence, Procol Harum's music also embraces the blues, R&B and soul. In October 2012, the band were nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. more »

6 fans

Written by: Gary Brooker, Keith Reid, Matthew Fisher

Lyrics © T.R.O. INC., Onward Music Limited

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Date
"A Whiter Shade of Pale" was released on 12 May 1967, making it over 50 years old.
Band Origin
"A Whiter Shade of Pale" is by Procol Harum, a British rock band that originated in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England.
Chart Success
Upon its release, the song reached number 1 on the UK Singles Chart and stayed there for six weeks. It is one of fewer than 30 singles that have ever sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Song Influence
The song was inspired by the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Its melody is influenced by Bach's Cantata No. 140.
Artistic Recognition
In 2004, "A Whiter Shade of Pale" was recognized by the Performing Rights Society as the most-played song in public places in the UK over the past 75 years.
Court Case
There was a court case regarding the song's authorship. In 2006, former Procol Harum organist Matthew Fisher won a lawsuit that recognized him as a co-writer of the music for the song and entitled him to a percentage of the song’s past and future royalties.
Lyrics Mystery
The lyrics, written by Keith Reid, have been a source of speculation for many years due to their mysterious and opaque nature.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Annie Lennox, Willie Nelson, Eva Cassidy, and Sarah Brightman.
Cultural Impact
The song was featured in numerous films, commercials and TV shows, including "The Big Chill", "Helter Skelter", and a memorable Miller beer commercial.
Band's Success
Although Procol Harum had other successful songs, none reached the iconic status of "A Whiter Shade of Pale".
Music Awards
"A Whiter Shade of Pale" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. It was one of the few non-American songs to be recognized with this prestigious honor.

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