Essential Listening #12: Whiter Shade Of Pale
My Comments
I saw an interview where Peter Frampton where he said Whiter Shade Of Pale is the greatest song of all time. Many would agree. It is such a beautiful melody. Procol Harum had several great songs in the 60s. A couple of my favorites are Salty Dog and Conquistador. The guitarist, Robin Trower, went on to have a successful solo career.
Details
“A Whiter Shade of Pale” is one of the most iconic songs of the 1960s, released by the British rock band Procol Harum in May 1967. Here’s an overview of its history, structure, and cultural significance:
Background and Release
- Released: May 12, 1967, as the band’s debut single.
- Album: Procol Harum (1967), though the song wasn’t initially included on the UK version of the album.
- Genre: Baroque pop, psychedelic rock.
- Written by: Gary Brooker (music), Keith Reid (lyrics), and Matthew Fisher (organ part).
- Producer: Denny Cordell.
Song Structure and Influences
The song is notable for its classical music influence, particularly the use of a Bach-inspired organ melody, which is often likened to pieces like “Air on the G String” and “Sleepers, Wake!” by Johann Sebastian Bach. The combination of classical music with rock and roll elements was groundbreaking at the time, and the song’s lush, melancholic sound resonated with the growing countercultural movements.
- Organ Melody: Matthew Fisher’s Hammond organ, inspired by Bach, gives the song a majestic, church-like quality.
- Vocals: Gary Brooker’s soulful voice is filled with emotion, conveying a sense of longing and loss.
Lyrics and Themes
The song’s lyrics, written by Keith Reid, are surreal and mysterious, often compared to the work of literary figures like T.S. Eliot. Reid was inspired by a conversation at a party where a woman said, “You’ve turned a whiter shade of pale,” which he found intriguing.
The lyrics feature abstract and poetic imagery, including lines like:
- “We skipped the light fandango”
- “Turned cartwheels ‘cross the floor”
- “The room was humming harder”
Themes of existentialism, love, and emotional disillusionment are present, though the song’s exact meaning remains elusive. Reid himself has said that the song is about a “love affair that ends in sadness.”
Commercial Success
- The song became an instant hit and reached #1 on the UK Singles Chart and #5 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
- It sold over 10 million copies worldwide, establishing Procol Harum as a leading band of the era.
- It is often cited as one of the defining anthems of the Summer of Love (1967).
Awards and Recognition
- In 2009, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
- It was named the most-played song of the last 75 years in public places in the UK (as of 2009).
- Rolling Stone ranked it on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Legal Controversy
One of the most notable aspects of the song’s history is the legal battle over its authorship. In the early 2000s, organist Matthew Fisher sued for co-writing credit, claiming that his organ part was essential to the song. After a lengthy legal process, the UK courts ruled in his favor in 2009, granting him co-authorship along with Brooker and Reid.
Cultural Impact
- “A Whiter Shade of Pale” is frequently used in films, TV shows, and commercials. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and introspection, making it a popular choice in soundtracks for period pieces or scenes of emotional reflection.
- The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Annie Lennox, Joe Cocker, and Willie Nelson, showcasing its enduring appeal.
Musical Legacy
- “A Whiter Shade of Pale” is considered one of the songs that helped define the progressive rock genre, mixing classical influences with rock and creating a new, sophisticated sound.
- Its timeless quality and haunting organ melody continue to resonate with new generations of listeners.