Snarky Posted April 29 Posted April 29 (edited) numerous (unconfirmed) theories have rattled around about the meaning of this song. in fact, it is about becoming a vampire. 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 just as well have 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 As the miller told his tale the repeats at the end are settling into the unending repetition of a vampire's existence, oftentimes haunted by the one who turned them... Edited April 29 by Snarky
Healix Posted April 30 Posted April 30 Inspiration Behind the Lyrics Ah, the lyrics – the heart of the enigma. Keith Reid once remarked that the words came to him when he overheard someone at a party say, “You’ve turned a whiter shade of pale.” This phrase stuck with him, sparking a stream of surreal imagery that would become the song’s verses. But what do vestal virgins, Miller's Tale, and seasick sailors have to do with each other? That’s the beauty of it – the connection is as clear as mud, and that’s precisely what makes it so intriguing. Interpretations and Theories Over the years, fans and critics alike have spun countless theories about the song’s meaning. Some see it as a drug-induced hallucination, others as a sexual encounter, and still others as a Chaucerian tale re imagined for the psychedelic era. The truth? Well, as Reid himself has said, it’s open to interpretation. Isn’t that the hallmark of great art – the ability to mean different things to different people? 1 Forever grateful to be back in my city!
Snarky Posted April 30 Author Posted April 30 16 hours ago, Healix said: Isn’t that the hallmark of great art – the ability to mean different things to different people? I learned in an Art History class that that is what defines art. When something is created, then someone else unconnected sees or hears it, and has a reaction (the stronger the better) then it is indeed Art. Bonus points if it is what the artist intended, but artists are crazy, channeling imagery, sound, and emotion from beyond. So, sometimes the artist is unsure where it is going as well.
ThaOGDreamWeaver Posted April 30 Posted April 30 (edited) 34 minutes ago, Snarky said: So, sometimes the artist is unsure where it is going as well. Yup. Speaking of which, bit of writing advice - or maybe all kinds of creativity... ...don't necessarily worry about having everything planned out. Let it flow, then edit later if you need to. Edited April 30 by ThaOGDreamWeaver 1 1 WAKE UP YA MISCREANTS AND... HEY, GET YOUR OWN DAMN SIGNATURE. Look out for me being generally cool, stylish and funny (delete as applicable) on Excelsior.
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