26 February 2022 | James Porteous | Clipper Media News

Procol were best-known for their first song, Whiter Shade of Pale, and many music lovers moved on from there, but they were consistentely innovative

Their ‘leader,’ Garry Brooker (piano, singer) passed on this week (see my obit Obituary: Gary Brooker (Procol Harum) (76)) but as we always say in such cases, the music remains.

You will find a live and original studio version of the song, plus lyrics, below.

James

Shine on Brightly

My Prussian-blue electric clock’s
Alarm bell rings, it will not stop
And I can see no end in sight
And search in vain by candlelight
For some long road that goes nowhere
For some signpost that is not there
And even my befuddled brain
Is shining brightly, quite insane

The chandelier is in full swing
As gifts for me the three kings bring
Of myrrh and frankincense, I’m told
And fat old Buddhas carved in gold
And though it seems they smile with glee
I know in truth they envy me
And watch as my befuddled brain
Shines on brightly quite insane

Above all else, confusion reigns
And though I ask, no one explains
My eunuch friend has been and gone
He said that I must soldier on
And though the ferris wheel spins ’round
My tongue it seems has run the ground
And croaks as my befuddled brain
Shines on brightly, quite insane

Shine on, hah, shine on, hah, shine on….