A Whiter Shade Of Pale
Sarah Brightman · La Luna [2000]
Turned cartwheels 'cross the floor
I was feeling kind of 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 I would not let her be
One of the sixteen vestal virgins
Who were leaving for the coast
And although my eyes were open
They might just as well've been closed
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
A Whiter Shade Of Pale
Sarah Brightman's rendition of 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale' appears on her 2000 album La Luna, marking a significant moment in her transition toward crossover pop and classical styles. Originally a defining hit for Procol Harum in the 1960s, the song has become a staple in Brightman's repertoire, showcasing her signature operatic soprano range. This recording captures her ability to reinterpret classic material with a modern, ethereal sensibility that bridges the gap between traditional pop and classical crossover. The track stands as a testament to her enduring influence in the genre, demonstrating how she revitalizes established works through her distinctive vocal delivery and emotional depth. It remains a key song in her extensive discography, reflecting her status as a leading figure in contemporary classical and pop music.