whiter shade of pale (both extra verses) - Procol harum
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- Опубліковано 21 сер 2024
- 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 have just as wellve been closed
She said, Im home on shore leave,
Though in truth we were at sea
So I took her by the looking glass
And forced her to agree
Saying, you must be the mermaid
Who took neptune for a ride.
But she smiled at me so sadly
That my anger straightway died
If music be the food of love
Then laughter is its queen
And likewise if behind is in front
Then dirt in truth is clean
My mouth by then like cardboard
Seemed to slip straight through my head
So we crash-dived straightway quickly
And attacked the ocean bed
So lucky to have lived in the best era of music history
Yes, we are so very blessed. Wish I could go back in time. I miss it so much. ❤️💕💔😪😔✌️❤️😕✌️❤️
Is true. We have lived in the best era of pop rock music story. Years 60´s and 70's !
The extra verses make this lovely song so much better. It should always and only be performed with the full set of verses.
This has become a classic for its time. So classical that philharmonic orchestras have given their interpretations of the music. A most enduring piece of music to last the ages.
Agree. You've probably seen/heard it already, but a great video of this is: Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade of Pale, live in Denmark 2006. It has the Danish National Concert Orchestra joining in.
This is from the famed "Redhill" Procol 30th anniversary concert, 1997. That is indeed Matthew Fisher on the organ...nobody has ever played the organ part on this song with the finesse he brings to it. Pure magic.
And Brooker's singing is better here, 30 years later, than it is on the original recording.
Brooker's voice was remarkably mature-sounding in 1967.
And 10 years later he sang it even better at Ledreborg. Anyway at Redhill Matthew had the chance to create marvellous extra Hammond moments. It was a memorable night....
I love this song. We were very lucky to grow up in the 60s through the 90s, the best music came from those decades 🎶 😊❤
The song makes you feel like time has stopped, I'm not the biggest music buff in the world but this is an absolute classic 🙏
Rest in Peace Gary Brooker, this song was amazing in my youth and even better with this live audio.
A Timeless Classic, the only way to out due this is with the actual live video of this perfomance.
The world thanks you and you will be missed.
Great song
❤❤❤❤ we will❤❤
I was 19 and in London visiting from Canada in Aug. '67 when I first heard this song. Some group in a Soho club was covering it. Didn't think too much of it until the next day I heard P.H.'s original version on the radio. Blew me away. Bought the single when I got home in Sept. It's been with me ever since. As a baby boomer, raised on rock throughout the 60's and 70's l thank my lucky stars that l grew up during this most memorable of music times. I'd love to be 19 again, but have to admit that l'm so glad l lived it. And after all these years this is the first time l've heard all 4 verses. Uploading it to my MP3.
Wilf Malette
+Wilf Malette Except for the London and Canada bit, you just posted what I've been saying for years. Oh, what a time, never before seen, never to return. Let's be thankful for the ability to remember and feel pity for the generations before and after. Oh,and whether one was there and revelled in it, or had the misfortune of being born too late, the music is still with us and there are books. Like this one. THAT era, seen through the eyes of one that was there and did it all. Enjoy, if you will. www.smashwords.com/books/view/494589
yp same here
+Aramis Caderousse I went to your smash mouth site. Good one, but how does it work?
+ed schneider Hello. Did you mean Smashword?
Aramis Caderousse yes, what I say? Hey, lets dance. hello
Saying you must be the mermaid , that took Neptune for a ride. Outstanding.
I never knew there was a third and fourth verse 'till I saw this post. I'd only ever heard the studio cut, I knew the song was probably longer but I had no idea that it would've been as epic as this. My dad use to have this on an LP as a child growing up in the late 80's and throughout most of the 90's I use to listen to his vinyl collection. My father showed me what real music was like, and while the other kids round my age didn't get why I would like such old music, they just didn't understand
I love your post!
I think the cuts were a bow to the broadcast industry. We didn't see epic-length songs until MacArthur Park a year later and American Pie 4 years later.
I think the song was originally about 26 mins when I was in the studio and they just deconstructed it to 6 mins. I thought they might have put the 26 minute version out on a greatest hits cd as a extra. It would have been ama
Zing
I have seen the band perform this song with the 3 verses, but first time ever with the 4th verse. What a rare treasure!! For some reason, versions with the 3 verses are always sung in v1,3,2 order. Man I wish there were 8 verses!
Nice comment , nice sentiments. Love from London . - seasaltislove , f b .
Agree song too short
So do i
I wasn't lucky enough to have seen Procol Harum. However, I did have the pleasure of seeing Robin Trower as my very first live concert in 1981.
SAME FEELINGS HERE
there's no one in the world that can sing this as beautiful as Mr Gary brooker! !
+larry bettie And in 2016, he still does.
And 2017 as well...
www.procolharum.com/2017/2017_index.htm
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/04/procol-harum-lead-singer-gary-brooker-given-standing-ovation/
Annie Lennox indeed sings it as magically! Gary's always gonna be the best tho. Check her Verizon out. Gives great respect to the version. What a voice.
Her Version... autocorrect is drunk. 😂
I have never tired of hearing this beautiful song. Love the extra verse.
Me too. I cannot count the many times I've listen & sang to this song!! The organ adds so much!
@@lindahh798 the hammond helps make the song timeless, but the 2 extra verses the radio & most vids screw listeners out of is what truly makes this a masterpiece. Why the need to dumb the song down like that is beyond me. I'm sure the apologists for the industry would say it's in the interests of time. I say BS. Why is it labels have been able to dumb songs down & out of their most pertinent lyrics, usually using "time" as an excuse? Treating listeners like we all have ADD or need to be shielded from meaning in music.
@@lindahh798 Yes, Linda. That haunting organ is so beautiful. This video has been in my favorites for 12 years. I hope it's never removed. Cheers.
I was just a little guy when this came out about the same time my oldest brother was called to Vietnam it tore me apart because all you could see on tv was the war and our guys getting killed and I did not understand all I knew my brother was leaving but through the Grace of God he stood the test of time just like this song has and he came back home to us.
Amen.
Sad to know you were exposed to war so close to home. That Summer of Love was not a good time had by all in the USA......edit: many Americans did not thank those who left as boys, and returned as men. On their behalf, I would like to do just that now, for your brother.......
moon glow Thank you so much for your kind words and yes he is still with us turned 71 yesterday. God has been good to our family. Mom and dad are no with the good Lord and both my brothers and I are doing great.
finally someone uploaded a good extended version, we are gratefull rdcy
Grateful forever , rdcy - Thank You . - I hope you have found some closure .
ya but the sound quality sucks
Thank you for apload the original lyric 🙏😊
therocknthelol I’m 63 now, and my oldest brother was gearing up to go to Vietnam and I didn’t understand why my mother was a mess. Most of their sons were coming home in a pine box as they use to say. I still thank God for what he done for me and my big brother. He brought him right back home to us and not one hair on his head was harmed, it was shorter than I had ever seen it but that was ok too. Thank you God. Amen.
Yes, agreed. Happy to hear this again, as enjoyed 40 years ago in university's dorm.
Most beautiful song ever...
i can say arguably the best song ever.
Agreed.
Definitely a favorite among favorites.
Agreed
Agree
This is probably the GREATEST song ever!! In my opinion. And yes..I looses myself in the song..especially the haunting organ sound. When I listen to it....everything around me disappears. Thats the sign of a great song!!
RIP, Gary Brooker. Loved you man.
Watch him do this in 2006 in Denmark. It will bring tears. just a beautiful song.
2006 Denmark rendition is a masterpiece. The orchestra, choir, and Brooker sounding better than ever! He really poured emotion into it and his voice has become deeper. I was so moved by it I tracked down the DVD of this concert.
this is THE version of this song. THE.
This is one of the few perfect songs that have ever been released. Perfect. It cannot be improved. Period.
Great stills - all these rotting ships makes one realise that everything Mankind does is temporary and transient. All Things Must Pass - George Harrison.
The organ British sound in this song is spiritual and this has to be one of the pure and less overplayed classics from my youth.....which I miss for our youth
Probably the most perfect song ever written, IMO.
I was sfinishing up at college, 1967. Finally had enough money to sit in a bar, have a drink. We were having a beer in the afternoon, when this song came on the juke box. I was mesmerized. Every time I hear it I go back to a very pleasant time in my life.
I was 11yrs old then and I grew up with song and untill now when I pick up a guitar, I'll try to sing this song on the same key, and after singing this song, I never felt so young even though I'm 57 now, I still can belt out this mysterious never-ending melody song. Its like you are trapped in the webs of a cave moving inner and inner to the timeless recess of nowhere. Its an anthem for old rockers. .
I cannot get this song off my mind for the last 55 years and it's still there strong as ever! May his soul rest in peace!
Such an underrated song. A tale about the real way you feel about someone and knowing that they may not feel the same for you. Only further helped by alcohol and the lack of caring if you’re denied the advances you have made while you’re unafraid to show your true feelings. Just people being real for once.
RIP Gary. Thank you (and Keith Reid and Matthew Fisher) for this masterpiece. I might just put on repeat for the few days and toast to you. One of the all time greatest songs that will ever be written.
This song has so many meanings; truly a very psychedelic song, colorful, beautiful, profound, poignant, evocative and brilliant. It's even better if you've been hearing it since it first came out; it gets better every time, so for us, by now, it's completely amazing and true. THANKS!
Yes indeed, a true classic!
they just cant write music like this anymore... this takes talent..
... and a strong background in "classical" (Baroque in this case) music.
Being a senior in HS and just months from being in Vietnam, this has so much memory for me, it is beyond belief. It is the most riveting organ/drum driven song in the style of the Baroque. The lyrics mean to each person what they need to. Enjoy and Peace.
From the sound of Gary's voice and the band, this sounds like a 90's or later concert. I loved this song the 1st time I heard it in 67, even more today. Extra verses add enormously. Back in the 60's, the original WAS a long song. Most were about 3 minutes. Loved it when FM came around for longer versions...enjoying my youth again:)
When I was undergoing radiation for cancer, they used to play music in the room to help me relax. This is one of the songs I remembered. It must have worked because that was 13 years ago and I am still here and listening.
This has 2 b 1 of the all time classics ♥ n 1967 people had no idea what was coming !!!!! Takes me bak & gives me goosebumps ♡♡♡
Awesome song! Nothing beats Gary Brooker and Procul Harum.
Mark Bowman And Keith Reid's amazing lyrics which really make this piece what it is IMO. many of his lyrics to 100% of Procol harum's recorded works (except instruments and covers) are equally compelling, mysterious, metaphorical, trippy, drug-soaked, masterpieces.
i was lucky enough to see them play one of the extra verses in London a couple of years ago...and the tears flowed....How good is this...? Honestly?
Extra verses... and extra organ from Maf.
Just heard the full version at age 55!!! The song makes sense now
This is one of the world`s best songs ever it is divine....
Greatest song of all time....Greatest version of all time.....
"A Whiter Shade Of Pale"... a timeless classic and an important part of my youth... It still moves me. Thank you for posting.
I love this song it gives pause for a great deal of contemplation.
Heard this song first time in South-France on holiday with my parents-it sounded from
every pub`s jukebbox...those memories will never fade....
The extra 2 verses give a totally different meaning to this song. Extra dimensions. Thanks for the reveal.
So they were playing cards.
Very beautiful and haunting. !!!!!!
I still get goose bumps when those Leslies kick in.
Paris. The summer of 1967. I had a small apartment a couple of blocks from the Arc de Triomphe. On those hot summer nights, across the narrow street, an organ would play the haunting sounds of A Whiter Shade of Pale, I fell in love with the song then. And have been in love with it ever since. I have memories of that song weaving it's way through my life. Through relationships with women especially. I have danced to it in living rooms, on patios, in driveways, parking lots and in bedrooms.
The best version of this classic on youtube, enhanced by evocative imagery.
I was born in 59 i was 8 in 68 first time I heard this on my radio. still love the tune !!
I m blown away speechless in tears
I am blown away speechless in tears
One of, perhaps the, greatest songs
We skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels across 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 have just as well have been closed..She said, "I'm home on shore leave," though in truth we were at sea, so I took her by the looking glass and forced her to agree saying, "You must be the mermaid who took Neptune for a ride."..But she smiled at me so sadly that my anger straightway died..If music be the food of love, then laughter is its queen and likewise if behind is in front, then dirt in truth is clean..My mouth by then like cardboard, seemed to slip straight through my head so we crash-dived straightway quickly and attacked the ocean bed......
+Richard Picone Thank you , this is so awesome, wisdom at work
+Richard Picone Thank you , this is so awesome, wisdom at work
Thats an awesome and haunting song.
Nice... thank you...
Awesome! Thank you!!!!!
A classic that will always endure
Thanks mate
I carry a heavy heart with this song. One of my closest friends died of an accidental overdose inhaling freon gas when this song was first a hit. Nobody should have to be pallbearer when they're 16 years old. I miss my friend even now. Love all of Procol Harum's music.......
La merveilleuse chanson du groupe Procol Harum est le plus beau
moment de tous les temps...........WHITER SHADE OF PALE
Une musique envoutante comme par magie.
"you must be the mermaid that took Neptune for a ride"
Larry you're right..Gary does it great. .. the best one singing this song... Regards from Venezuela. ..
The greatest song
...as the mirror told his tale...
It's a reminder to truly truly LIVE this one life we have and to respect life as well.
Spectacular....!
Extra verses...only found out a couple of years ago that there were extra lyrics to one of the greatest tunes of all time!
Just coming up to 13 years old when this was released in 67...55 years on it is still an outstanding piece of music which I never get tired of hearing..in my all time Top Ten at No:1
RIP Gary Brooker..
Now at the age of 65,I hear this song and it turns back all those years to the first time my ears had the pleasure of hearing this song .So hauntly BEAUTIFUL. Still gives me CHILLS!
la più bella canzone di tutti i tempi....
Gian Carlo Gotas .....Yeah it is the most beautiful song ever..!
Best song ever
I love it, too, Rick, but have you watched the YT video of PH in Denmark with full orchestra and choir? It's amazing. They sound fantastic!
Yes I think THAT is Gary's best singing of the song. It has never been shown on UK TV and certainly should be... ditto Union Chapel.
Number 1 favorite song of all time
This is such a great song! I never heard the extended version before! Fantastic!
Brings a tear to the eye, both the audio and the visuals.
I can see why this version was never played on the radio based solely on the length of time, but in my mind the best verse were never heard until this extended version.
LOVE this song, this is the first time I've ever heard all 4 verses! Thanks so much for posting this.....amazing photos, as well!
Thanks for sharing this
My dad passed a few months ago but he introduced me to all the classic songs that last forever! Great stuff i love the extended version it brings true meaning and understand to the song.......thank you for sharing......from Northern California;)
There are a tiny handful of songs of any genre that could be called the greatest of the 20th Century. This is one of those.
Great version! Pics were a pleasure to see too. Thanks.
Should be mentioned that the photos were an excellent addition!
"love the 'extraordinary pictures, thank you very much!" ☮️peacefulness!
@dipper888bp
"If music be the food of love
then laughter is its queen
and likewise if behind is in front
then dirt in truth is clean
My mouth by then like cardboard
seemed to slip straight through my head
So we crash-dived straightway quickly
and attacked the ocean bed".
Actually this is the second verse, and the one rendered by pawntucky is the third; i.e. the recorded version contains the first and the fourth verse. The second verse is extremely rarely heard; ***to rdcu for capturing one4us
THANKS,,,LOVED THEM ALL,,,,))))))))
OMgosh, I'm so ignorant. I thought I had figured out the meaning behind this song 'til I found these extra verses. Well, I guess like most everything else in my life..."It's best if you don't think so hard" :)
immortelle ,infinie, émouvante, cette musique traverse le temps sans prendre une ride et nous plonge en arrière, profondément, dans le passé...deep in our past, endless...
Cool. Very different organ part to this version. nice. The organ line is so iconic to this piece of course that even a small change would be SO noticeable! Making this one totally remarkable.
I always knew there were 2 more verses but never heard them until know. Thank you from the "bottom of my heart." This was the first song that I felt in love with at 18 years old - it sounds just as good now as did so many many years ago, when I was in "my salad days." I bought a CD the other day, a British import full of all the goodies from my beloved band. And oh, what memories come back to me - such good, old tunes, now are my "car tunes". Dec 10, 2015
That must have blown you away - finally hearing the full version , with the ''lost shakespeare'' verses , after having loved the song for many years . Happy for you . The last verse is so utterly gorgeous . Don't you find it staggering that this , the only full version on you tube , to the best of my knowledge , has only 400K odd views , considering the figures on all the other , abbreviated ones ? seasaltislove on fb - the dot com is not ready yet - will have some news shortly on this matter - pinterest has started , instagram cometh . next few weeks .- best wishes .
Look at those waves...
The version take 9 minutes and with the 4 versions altogether. Spectacular.
Still not long enough
yes,,,me too and was only 12 but already into music playing sax and little did I know that I would end up on the road and do all the foolish things that led me to another place, sometimes good and not so good . When I hear MY favorite song it reminds me of past musicians I knew and played with who are no longer with us today. Live on whiter shades of pale...live on. At sixty seven years old now and listening to this song surely brings it all back to me as well. Regards, Canada...Prov..Ontario
This beautiful, unique song is the living proof that "time can be taken back"...
It is easy remember when we were young in 1967... I was only 14, and just by listening this song, I close my eyes, and I can still see, smell, and feel things as I did 45 years ago...
Regards from Mexico...
Thank you sooooo much for posting this !!!! First heard this at age 13 and fell in love with it immediately !!!! Still blown away every time i listen to it !!!!
Perfect music for my depressed Christmas Eve. Thank you.
I hope things are better in Aug 2020, but it's unlikely considering the current state of affairs
素晴らしい‼️
曲が何というか
メロディﾗｲﾝが最高‼️
飽きないねぇ〜
素晴らしいのひと言
I have a historic association with this song and it brings back a lot of memories and emotions long forgotten.
Thanks for posting it.
Rdcu, yes thanks alot for posting this beautiful song, the other two verses are remarkable, it's really a beautiful song!!
I have always felt this song is to a sinking ship
RDCU
Thank you so much for this post. I have never heard this version of this song. I agree with Paul McCarthy, this is the ultimate song of the sixties. So very daunting. This are so many theories about the vessel virgins mentioned in this song
Well done!
PoliteTia BTW it is Vestal Virgins not Vessel . Vestal Virgins; plural noun: vestal virgins
(in ancient Rome) a virgin consecrated to Vesta and vowed to chastity, sharing the charge of maintaining the sacred fire burning on the goddess's altar.
Thanks! Still this songs is so daunting and raises SO many questions. It feels like the lead singer is in unbearable pain.
PoliteTia The only way to listen to the song, is to hear all four stanzas. (Though I would not trust Paul McCartney with rock or music judgments and analysis....)
Nice to know. Thank you. Still, this songs raises so many questions and touches the intellect and emotions
PoliteTia Check out my analysis on the 10 minute video, and version of the song with all four stanzas. This is the same performance, imo, but a different video, and with an introduction. It also mentions other people who have covered it. JGL.
love the pics of ship skeleton remains half buried by the ocean's sandy edge
note that the Prestige did not sink until 2002.that being said the video of the song must have nothing to do with this song?
When I hear this song, I just stop, sit down and ride with the lyrics.
My favorite version of my most loved song. For you, Dorsey. We met over this song..and now..you.. are my most beloved... friend.
Thank you.......you NEVER hear the extra verses!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
That was brilliant.Beautiful and interesting images,and nice to hear the other two verses.Weirdly beautiful lyrics.
I'm only 18, but I know the legend that grew out of my home city of Edmonton, of the first record to incorporate an orchestra with rock music. Although I was too young to see the concert that made history, the one concert that was so good Procol Harum had to perform it twice to satisfy the audience, my dad did see it. Says he remembers it like it was yesterday. He can even point out his exact cheers. It's crazy how rocking a world we live in and we almost never realize it. Like most, this is the first time I ever heard the full version. Heard ABOUT it, and read the lyrics, but never actually heard it. One of my favourite songs, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS. It is really amazing.