White Shade Of Pale

Annie Lennox's rendition of 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' is a hauntingly beautiful interpretation of a song originally by Procol Harum. The lyrics are rich with surreal imagery and metaphors, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that invites listeners to explore deeper meanings. The opening lines, 'We skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels cross the floor,' set the stage for a surreal experience, evoking a sense of disorientation and otherworldliness. This feeling is further amplified by the protagonist's seasickness and the crowd's insatiable demand for more, suggesting a sense of being overwhelmed by external pressures and expectations.

The chorus, 'And so it was later, as the miller told his tale, that her face, at first just ghostly, turned a whiter shade of pale,' introduces a narrative element that adds to the song's mystique. The reference to the miller's tale could be an allusion to Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales,' where the miller's story is bawdy and filled with trickery. This could imply a sense of deception or a loss of innocence. The transformation of the woman's face to a 'whiter shade of pale' suggests a profound emotional or spiritual change, possibly indicating shock, realization, or a deep sense of loss.

The second verse delves into themes of existential questioning and disillusionment. Lines like 'You said there is no reason, and the truth is plain to see' reflect a confrontation with harsh realities, while the mention of 'sixteen virgins who are leaving for the coast' could symbolize a departure from purity or naivety. The repeated refrain of 'a whiter shade of pale' underscores the pervasive sense of melancholy and introspection. Lennox's emotive delivery and the song's ethereal arrangement enhance the overall feeling of a poignant, almost mystical journey through the complexities of human emotion and experience.