Brooker grew up in the seaside resort of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England, as did most of the other founding members of Procol Harum.
He founded The Paramounts in 1962 with his guitarist friend Robin Trower. The band gained respect within the burgeoning 1960s British R 'n' B scene, which yielded The Beatles, The Animals, The Spencer Davis Group, The Rolling Stones, and many others. The Stones, in particular, were Paramounts fans, giving them guest billing on several memorable shows in the early 1960s.
In 1966, Brooker founded Procol Harum. "A Whiter Shade of Pale" is the worldwide hit that Procol Harum is best known for, but Brooker's melancholy vocals and emotive, eclectic piano playing were a key part of Procol's musical mix for the entire course of the band's career. In the early years Brooker, Hammond organist Matthew Fisher, and Trower were the guiding musical forces behind the band, but after disparities in style became too much and Fisher and Trower left, Brooker was the clear leader until the band broke up in 1977.
Brooker sang lead vocal on the Alan Parsons song "Limelight", on their 1985 album, Stereotomy.
A new incarnation of the Procol Harum, led by Brooker, and including Fisher for most of the tours from 1991 through 2003, has continued touring the world. Brooker also toured with Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band in 1997 and 1999, and he was also a member of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings for several years, appearing on three of their albums and touring with the band.
In November 2002 he was among musicians and singers participating in the George Harrison tribute concert, Concert for George, at which he took vocals on their version of "Old Brown Shoe".
Brooker died from cancer at his home on 19 February 2022, at the age of 76.
Let Me In
Gary Brooker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A painted mouth that says it wants to talk
The offer's made and it's hard to miss
But bear in mind that you're running a risk with those
Low flying birds
I wouldn't shoot at 'em
Low fling birds
A tight sweater that tell it all
Just like a trophy hanging on the wall
The scented hair that leaves a trail behind
Something to follow if you don't mind those
Low flying birds
I wouldn't shoot at 'em
Low fling birds
They're far too dangerous
Low flying birds
What would you do with them
Low flying birds
You'd only ruin them
The tightest denim that Levi's make
Slowly peeling to reveal the shape
The blackest hair that's just been done
With make-up looking like a sticky bun, and they're
Low flying birds...
In black suspenders
Low flying birds
In tight sweaters...
The lyrics of Gary Brooker's "Let Me In" describe a woman who is dressed to seduce any man who comes across her path. The first verse mentions her black suspenders and high-heeled walk, as well as her painted mouth and suggestive offer. The singer warns that even though she may seem tempting, there is a risk involved in getting involved with someone like her.
The second verse describes the woman's appearance in more detail, with references to her tight sweater, scented hair, and tight Levi's denim. The singer notes that she leaves a "trail" behind her, implying that she may have many other men who have fallen for her charms. The chorus repeats the phrase "low flying birds," which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the woman's dangerous allure - just like it's dangerous to shoot at low-flying birds, it's equally risky to get involved with someone who presents such a seductive front.
Overall, the lyrics of "Let Me In" paint a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting involved with someone who is all style and no substance. The woman in the song may be beautiful and tempting, but her beauty is fleeting and her intentions are suspect. The singer recognizes this and warns others to watch out for the same pitfalls.
Line by Line Meaning
Black suspenders and high-heeled walk
Describing the attire of a provocative and confident woman who wants to talk and make an offer.
A painted mouth that says it wants to talk
Highlighting the seductive appeal of a woman's lips, inviting conversation and connection.
The offer's made and it's hard to miss
Pointing out the clear invitation and opportunity presented by this woman.
But bear in mind that you're running a risk with those low flying birds
Warning of the potential danger and consequences of pursuing this tempting offer.
I wouldn't shoot at 'em
Metaphorically comparing the potential partner to low flying birds that are too risky to go after.
They're far too dangerous
Reiterating the potential risk and harm in engaging with this woman.
A tight sweater that tell it all
Describing a revealing and suggestive article of clothing on this woman.
Just like a trophy hanging on the wall
Comparing the woman's clothing to a prized possession that draws attention and admiration.
The scented hair that leaves a trail behind
Noting the perfume or fragrance of the woman's hair that lingers in the air, adding to her allure.
Something to follow if you don't mind those low flying birds
Encouraging the listener to pursue this woman despite the potential risks, if they are willing to take the chance.
What would you do with them
Repeating the question about what someone would do with low flying birds, implying they are useless and not worth the effort.
You'd only ruin them
Arguing that going after these birds would only result in their destruction, further warning against pursuing this woman.
The tightest denim that Levi's make
Describing another item of clothing, tight jeans that represent the woman's figure and draw attention to her body.
Slowly peeling to reveal the shape
Suggesting the process of undressing or revealing more of the woman's body and form.
The blackest hair that's just been done
Noting the woman's hair color and styling as a part of her overall appearance.
With make-up looking like a sticky bun, and they're low flying birds in black suspenders and tight sweaters
Tying together the different aspects of the woman's appearance and again emphasizing her sensual appeal, while also acknowledging the associated risks.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NATALIE STEWART, DARREN T. HENSON, KEITH ISAIAH PELZER, MARSHA AMBROSIUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind