"American Pie" by Don McLean is a complex and layered song with multiple interpretations. It is often seen as a commentary on the changing times in America, particularly during the 1960s. The lyrics touch upon significant events, cultural shifts, and the impact of popular music during that era.
The "day the music died" mentioned in the song refers to the tragic plane crash on February 3, 1959, that claimed the lives of three influential musicians: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. This event is symbolic of the loss of innocence and idealism in the music industry.
The song reflects on the nostalgia for the early days of rock and roll, the hope and aspirations of the youth, and the subsequent disillusionment and cultural shifts that followed. It explores themes of societal changes, the loss of traditional values, and the decline of the American dream.
"American Pie" is also filled with references to various musicians, songs, and events, often with symbolic or metaphorical significance. These references include figures like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and more, representing different facets of the musical landscape and its influence on society.
Overall, the song captures a sense of longing, reflection, and introspection about the state of America and its cultural evolution. Its open-ended lyrics have invited interpretations and discussions for decades, making it a timeless and thought-provoking piece of music.
McLean's musical style is a blend of folk, rock, and pop, and he is known for his storytelling abilities and poetic lyrics. He often explores themes of nostalgia, love, and social commentary in his songs. McLean's distinctive voice and his ability to connect with audiences emotionally have made him a respected and beloved figure in the music industry.
Apart from "American Pie" and "Vincent," McLean has released numerous other notable songs throughout his career, including "Crying," "And I Love You So," and "Castles in the Air." His music has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, earning him a dedicated fanbase.
Don McLean continues to write, record, and perform music to this day. His contributions to the folk and singer-songwriter genres have left a lasting impact, influencing many artists who have followed in his footsteps. McLean's songs are often regarded as timeless classics that resonate with listeners of all generations.
"American Pie" by Don McLean:
[Verse 1]
A long, long time ago
I can still remember how that music used to make me smile
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those people dance
And maybe they'd be happy for a while
But February made me shiver
With every paper I'd deliver
Bad news on the doorstep
I couldn't take one more step
[Chorus]
I can't remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died
[Verse 2]
So, bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee
But the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey 'n rye
Singin', "This'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die"
[Verse 3]
Did you write the Book of Love?
And do you have faith in God above?
If the Bible tells you so
Now, do you believe in rock 'n roll?
Can music save your mortal soul?
And can you teach me how to dance real slow?
Well, I know that you're in love with him
'Cause I saw you dancin' in the gym
You both kicked off your shoes
Man, I dig those rhythm and blues
[Chorus]
I was a lonely teenage broncin' buck
With a pink carnation and a pickup truck
But I knew I was out of luck
The day the music died
I started singin'...
[Verse 4]
Now, for ten years we've been on our own
And moss grows fat on a rollin' stone
But, that's not how it used to be
When the jester sang for the king and queen
In a coat he borrowed from James Dean
And a voice that came from you and me
Oh, and while the king was looking down
The jester stole his thorny crown
The courtroom was adjourned
No verdict was returned
[Chorus]
And while Lennon read a book on Marx
The quartet practiced in the park
And we sang dirges in the dark
The day the music died
We were singin'...
[Verse 5]
Helter skelter in a summer swelter
The birds flew off with a fallout shelter
Eight miles high and fallin' fast
It landed foul on the grass
The players tried for a forward pass
With the jester on the sidelines in a cast
Now, the halftime air was sweet perfume
While the sergeants played a marching tune
We all got up to dance
Oh, but we never got the chance
[Chorus]
'Cause the players tried to take the field
The marching band refused to yield
Do you recall what was revealed
The day the music died?
We started singin'...
[Verse 6]
Oh, and there we were all in one place
A generation lost in space
With no time left to start again
So come on, Jack be nimble, Jack be quick
Jack Flash sat on a candlestick
'Cause fire is the devil's only friend
Oh, and as I watched him on the stage
My hands were clenched in fists of rage
No angel born in Hell
Could break that Satan's spell
[Chorus]
And as the flames climbed high into the night
To light the sacrificial rite
I saw Satan laughing with delight
The day the music died
He was singin'...
[Verse 7]
I met a girl who sang the blues
And I asked her for some happy news
But she just smiled and turned away
I went down to the sacred store
Where I'd heard the music years before
But the man there said the music wouldn't play
And in the streets, the children screamed
The lovers cried, and the poets dreamed
But not a word was spoken
The church bells all were broken
[Chorus]
And the three men I admire most
The Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost
They caught the last train for the coast
The day the music died
And they were singin'...
[Outro]
They were singin', "Bye-bye, Miss American Pie"
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey 'n rye
Singin', "This'll be the day that I die"