She said there is no reason, and the truth is plain to see

[Robert163]

She said there is no reason, and the truth is plain to see…

(From A Whiter Shade of Pale)

What is it about this song that makes it so compelling? I think that, beside the music, there is obviously a whole lot of backstory to the song, it’s almost like he is singing about some events from a book or a historical event, events that we are all supposed to recognize…

[QuickSilver]

Wiki says:

The author of Procol Harum: beyond the pale, Claes Johansen, suggests that the song “deals in metaphorical form with a male/female relationship which after some negotiation ends in a sexual act.”[13] This is supported by Tim de Lisle in Lives of the Great Songs, who remarks that the lyrics concern a drunken seduction, which is described through references to sex as a form of travel, usually nautical, using mythical and literary journeys.[15] Other observers have also commented that the lyrics concern a sexual relationship.[12]

So not really all that deep or meaningful.

[Robert163]

@QuickSilver

Wiki says:

So not really all that deep or meaningful.

yes, because there have never any novels written about a grate romance and people never fall deeply in love

[QuickSilver]

@Robert163

yes, because there have never any novels written about a grate romance and people never fall deeply in love

There have been plenty of novels written on the subject of romance. It just doesn’t seem to be the case for this particular song. But hey, some of the most memorable songs have been written about trivial things. Doesn’t make them any less [grate].

[Robert163]

@QuickSilver

There have been plenty of novels written on the subject of romance. It just doesn’t seem to be the case for this particular song. But hey, some of the most memorable songs have been written about trivial things. Doesn’t make them any less [grate].

well, actually i said it was compelling… i think “deep and meaningful” would come from the organ and the person singing

[RealityChuck]

It was just Keith Reid doing stream of consciousness lyrics starting with an overheard phrase. Not everything has a meaning.

I wouldn’t put much faith in anything critics say about what a song means. You can come up with whatever you choose using that method.

[Robert163]

@RealityChuck

It was just Keith Reid doing stream of consciousness lyrics starting with an overheard phrase. Not everything has a meaning.

I wouldn’t put much faith in anything critics say about what a song means. You can come up with whatever you choose using that method.

yes, well i agree, it has the effect, to me of “floating memories”. even though there is technically not much there, the effect really seems like you are listening to something that is already deep in your memory/subconscious.

[The_Second_Stone]

I’ve always thought that A Whiter Shade of Pale referred to the goings-on of the various travelers in the Cantebury Tales that were listening to the formal tales. The Miller was telling his tale, and the listeners were busy being entertained and reacting while it was being told, and some were reminiscing and realizing things about their lives and relationships.

[Robert163]

@The_Second_Stone

I’ve always thought that A Whiter Shade of Pale referred to the goings-on of the various travelers in the Cantebury Tales that were listening to the formal tales. The Miller was telling his tale, and the listeners were busy being entertained and reacting while it was being told, and some were reminiscing and realizing things about their lives and relationships.

i love this explanation!!!

[Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew]

For those who don’t know, there are two “missing” verses to this song in addition to the two on the record.

[JKellyMap]

I think it’s just about some guy standing with one foot in the grave. But I’ll have to get bach to you about this.

[Abracadebra]

Reading the additional lyrics, I now believe it’s some really good sex while on acid. The organ sounds like church. Conundrum.

[Robert163]

@Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew

For those who don’t know, there are two “missing” verses to this song in addition to the two on the record.

yes, i saw them on YouTube performing the extra verses
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8jJ1ORIOes

[Just_Asking_Questions]

Remember, if you can’t figure out what a rock song is about, it is about sex.

Or, drugs. It could be drugs.

Or:

@Abracadebra

Reading the additional lyrics, I now believe it’s some really good sex while on acid.

…both.

[Robert163]

@Just_Asking_Questions

Remember, if you can’t figure out what a rock song is about, it is about sex.

Or, drugs. It could be drugs.

Or:
…both.

ok, but the fact that to me the lyrics seem to have so much depth, is that just my imagination???

[johnpost]

poetry and lyrics can be made to be deep and have no meaning or multiple meanings. often the more memorable is the most meaningless because it brings your mind back to it.

great song whoever.

[Robert163]

@johnpost

poetry and lyrics can be made to be deep and have no meaning or multiple meanings. often the more memorable is the most meaningless because it brings your mind back to it.

great song whoever.

ok, but plenty of songs are completely forgettable
so if something is memorable it is not just random chance, is it?

[The_Second_Stone]

@Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew

For those who don’t know, there are two “missing” verses to this song in addition to the two on the record.

That fits with my travelers in a tavern common room way of looking at it. “As the Miller told his tale” is kind of the key for me.

[salinqmind]

I tried to research this song more than once, and all I came up with was ‘drugs’ and ‘words that sound good in a song’. It’s such a special song, I can see why some hope there is some MEANING to the words. There is if you think there is, but in actuality, no.

[Miss_Mapp]

Immortal lines from the very end of The Commitments on WSoP lyrics:

“That’s beautiful, Jimmy. But what does it mean?”

“I’m fooked if I know, Terry.”