A Whiter Shade of Pale

[Snarky]

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]

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?

[Snarky]

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]

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