The Everly Brothers：Meaning of A Whiter Shade Of Pale Songmeaning

The song "A Whiter Shade of Pale" was not performed by The Everly Brothers, but by the British band Procol Harum. Released in 1967, it became an instant hit and is considered as one of the greatest rock songs of all time. The lyrics of the song are open to interpretation, as they contain surreal and abstract imagery. However, the overall meaning and story can be interpreted as a series of encounters and conversations between the narrator and a mysterious woman. In the song, the narrator describes a scene where they are dancing and having a good time ("We tripped the light Fandango"). The narrator mentions feeling seasick, but the crowd demands more from them. As the room intensifies, the ceiling disappears, and the narrator asks for another drink, which the waiter promptly brings. Later, the miller tells his tale, and the woman's face, initially pale and ghostly, turns even whiter. The woman claims there is no reason for her reaction, but the narrator, engrossed in playing cards, doesn't pay much attention. The woman is one of sixteen vestal virgins who are leaving for the coast, but the narrator remains indifferent. Their eyes are open, yet it's as if they are closed. As the miller continues his tale, the woman reveals she is on shore leave despite being miles at sea. The narrator points out this contradiction, and the woman reluctantly agrees. The narrator then playfully suggests that she may be the mermaid who deceived King Neptune. Her sweet smile makes the narrator's anger disappear. The song ends with the repetition of the miller telling his tale, and the woman's face turning a whiter shade of pale once more. The true meaning of the song remains elusive, but it deals with themes of fleeting encounters, missed opportunities, and the mysteries of human connections. Ultimately, "A Whiter Shade of Pale" invites listeners to draw their own interpretations and to get lost in its dreamlike atmosphere and poetic lyrics.