Meaning of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Johnny Rivers

The meaning behind "A Whiter Shade of Pale" is open to interpretation, as the lyrics are poetic and ambiguous. One interpretation is that the song describes a drug-induced trip or hallucination. The references to the room spinning and the disappearing ceiling suggest a disorienting and surreal experience. The line about feeling seasick could be a metaphor for the nausea that can accompany drug use. The miller's tale and the mention of vestal virgins leaving for the coast add to the dreamlike and non-linear narrative of the song. The repetition of the phrase "as the miller told his tale" implies that the story being told is significant, but the meaning remains elusive.

Another interpretation of the song is that it explores themes of loss, longing, and emotional detachment. The narrator mentions playing cards and not letting a woman be, suggesting that he is trying to distract himself from his feelings. The line "although my eyes were wide open, girl, they just might as well be closed" implies a sense of emotional numbness or being unable to fully engage with the world. The ghostly and pale face of the woman could symbolize her emotional detachment or her fading away from the narrator's life. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of longing and a search for meaning amidst confusion and emotional distance.