Procol Harum
Procol Harum (1967)
Gary Brooker, Keith Reid, Matthew Fisher
Released in 1967, this debut single became an era-defining anthem known for its iconic Bach-inspired Hammond organ melody and surrealist lyrics. It stands as one of the most commercially successful and enduring classics in the history of British rock.
The song is a masterclass in Baroque-influenced pop harmony. Its defining feature is the perfectly linear descending bass line that spans an entire octave from the tonic C down to the D before resolving. This structure, known as a ground bass or passacaglia, p…
Lyricist Keith Reid wrote the words after overhearing someone at a party say to a woman, 'You've turned a whiter shade of pale.' Gary Brooker composed the music, inspired by the works of J.S. Bach. Matthew Fisher contributed the distinct organ arrangement. The…
“The iconic organ was played on a Hammond M-102.”
The song is a masterclass in Baroque-influenced pop harmony. Its defining feature is the perfectly linear descending bass line that spans an entire octave from the tonic C down to the D before resolving. This structure, known as a ground bass or passacaglia, provides a sophisticated harmonic bed for the soulful, Ray Charles-inspired vocal delivery, creating a unique fusion of classical formal structure and 1960s R&B.
Lyricist Keith Reid wrote the words after overhearing someone at a party say to a woman, 'You've turned a whiter shade of pale.' Gary Brooker composed the music, inspired by the works of J.S. Bach. Matthew Fisher contributed the distinct organ arrangement. The lyrics are known for their surrealist imagery, referencing elements like the 'Miller's Tale' from Chaucer and French cinema.
Released in 1967, this debut single became an era-defining anthem known for its iconic Bach-inspired Hammond organ melody and surrealist lyrics. It stands as one of the most commercially successful and enduring classics in the history of British rock.
Detailed analysis of this section is not yet available for this song.
Genre
Rock
Era
60s
Mood
Melancholic
Tempo
Ballad
Key
Major
Texture
Layered
Sound
Organ-led
Feel
Straight
2.1M
Plays
443K
Listeners
567K
Genius Views
23
Annotations
100%
Popularity
4:01
Duration
4/4
Time
From the album Procol Harum
Harmony The song is a masterclass in Baroque-influenced pop harmony. Its defining feature is the perfectly linear descending bass line that spans an entire octave from the tonic C down to the D before resolving. This structure, known as a ground bass or passacaglia, provides a sophisticated harmonic bed for the soulful, Ray Charles-inspired vocal delivery, creating a unique fusion of classical formal structure and 1960s R&B. Deep Analysis Available Detailed analysis of this section is not yet available for this song. Request Full Analysis
No musician information available for this song yet.
Composition Lyricist Keith Reid wrote the words after overhearing someone at a party say to a woman, 'You've turned a whiter shade of pale.' Gary Brooker composed the music, inspired by the works of J.S. Bach. Matthew Fisher contributed the distinct organ arrangement. The lyrics are known for their surrealist imagery, referencing elements like the 'Miller's Tale' from Chaucer and French cinema. Inspiration: The song is heavily inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach, specifically the 'Air on the G String' from Orchestral Suite No. 3 and the 'Sinfonia' from the cantata Ich steh mit einem Fuß im Grabe (BWV 156). Recording Studio: Olympic Studios Producer: Denny Cordell The iconic organ was played on a Hammond M-102. Session drummer Bill Eyden was reportedly paid a standard session fee of 15 guineas for his work. The song originally contained four verses, but two were removed to keep the single under four minutes for radio play. A 2009 legal ruling granted organist Matthew Fisher a co-writing credit and share of royalties.
Chord Sheet Chords Used Hide functions C I T C/B I/vii Am vi T Am/G vi/v F IV P F/E IV/iii Dm ii P Dm/C ii/i T G V D G/F V7/vii Em iii T G/D V/v Progression by Section Chorus C I T C/B I/vii T Am vi T Am/G vi/v T F IV P F/E IV/iii P Dm ii P Dm/C ii/i P G V D G/F V7/vii D Em iii T G/D V/v D C I T F IV P G V D G7 V7 D Verse C I T C/B I/vii T Am vi T Am/G vi/v T F IV P F/E IV/iii P Dm ii P Dm/C ii/i P G V D G/F V7/vii D Em iii T G/D V/v D C I Am vi F IV G V Chord Fingerings C Standard C/B Standard Am Standard Am/G Standard F Standard F/E Standard Dm Standard Dm/C Standard G Standard G/F Standard Em Standard G/D Standard Harmony Analysis The song is a masterclass in Baroque-influenced pop harmony. Its defining feature is the perfectly linear descending bass line that spans an entire octave from the tonic C down to the D before resolving. This structure, known as a ground bass or passacaglia, provides a sophisticated harmonic bed for the soulful, Ray Charles-inspired vocal delivery, creating a unique fusion of classical formal structure and 1960s R&B. Find Tabs & Chords Songsterr Interactive tabs Ultimate Guitar Chords & tabs Cifra Club Chords
🎶 Similar Tracks Nights in White Satin The Moody Blues A Salty Dog Procol Harum Homburg Procol Harum Born to Be Wild Steppenwolf Wild Thing The Troggs The Air That I Breathe The Hollies 🎤 More by Procol Harum A Whiter Shade of Pale 2.1M plays A Whiter Shade of Pale - Original Single Version 1.1M plays Conquistador 383K plays A Salty Dog 181K plays Homburg 152K plays Repent Walpurgis 122K plays View all Procol Harum songs → Lyrics View Lyrics on Genius
Nights in White SatinThe Moody BluesA Salty DogProcol HarumHomburgProcol HarumBorn to Be WildSteppenwolfWild ThingThe TroggsThe Air That I BreatheThe HolliesA Whiter Shade of Pale2.1M playsA Whiter Shade of Pale - Original Single Version1.1M playsConquistador383K playsA Salty Dog181K playsHomburg152K playsRepent Walpurgis122K playsView all Procol Harum songs →