A Rum Tale by Procol Harum

Album: Grand Hotel (1973)

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For all the guys who have been torched by a woman and have a burning desire to move to an island, write some memoirs and live on rum and sunshine, Procol Harum gives us "A Rum Tale." Procol Harum's lyricist Keith Reid told us: "There's a song called 'A Rum Tale' on the Grand Hotel which I really like. It's got a real nice melody and it's quite a gentle song.

Reid did not sing or play an instrument with Procol Harum, but was considered a full member of the band for his lyrics, which were very meticulous. Gary Brooker, who founded the band with Reid and put music to his words, told us: "I knew that he had thought very carefully about every single word. Every 'V' and 'N,' there wasn't anything - I mean, if I tried to take even a small adjective out of a line, it would be strongly resisted by Keith, because that would take away the sense that he had."

Comments: 1

Eduardo Hernández from Tamaulipas, MéxicoSuch a classy composition. I can't help but wonder how it wasn't a hit. As far as I know, it was released as a single or b-side. I guess it's about an emotional breakdown of a man who can't handle his relationship anymore for some reason and had enough of living his life. I guess we all can relate at some point to the desire of just give up on everything and escape somewhere we may find peace and rest.

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