Don McLean – American Pie

About the song

Don McLean’s “American Pie” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone, a musical epic that resonates across generations. Released in 1971, this masterpiece has stood the test of time, captivating audiences with its poignant lyrics and unforgettable melody.

At its core, “American Pie” is a tribute to a bygone era, a nostalgic reflection on the tumultuous 1960s in America. Through cryptic and metaphorical language, McLean paints a vivid picture of the cultural and social landscape of the time. The lyrics are steeped in symbolism, inviting listeners to decipher their meaning and uncover hidden layers of interpretation.

The song opens with the iconic line, “A long, long time ago, I can still remember how that music used to make me smile.” Instantly, McLean transports us back in time, evoking memories of youth and innocence. As the narrative unfolds, we are taken on a journey through significant moments in American history, from the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper, to the turmoil of the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War.

One of the most captivating aspects of “American Pie” is its enigmatic lyrics, which have sparked endless speculation and analysis. References to figures like “the jester” and “the king” invite interpretations ranging from political commentary to reflections on the state of the music industry. McLean himself has been notoriously coy about revealing the true meaning behind the song, adding to its mystique and enduring appeal.

Beyond its lyrical depth, “American Pie” is distinguished by its infectious melody and sing-along chorus. The song’s catchy hooks and memorable refrains have made it a staple of radio playlists and karaoke nights alike. Its universal themes of nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time resonate with listeners of all ages, ensuring its enduring popularity across generations.

Over the years, “American Pie” has become more than just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It has been covered by countless artists and referenced in films, television shows, and literature. Its legacy lives on as a testament to the power of music to capture the essence of a moment and transcend the boundaries of time.

In conclusion, Don McLean’s “American Pie” is a timeless classic that continues to captivate and inspire audiences around the world. With its evocative lyrics, memorable melody, and enduring legacy, it remains an essential piece of Americana and a testament to the enduring power of music.

Video

Lyrics

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.

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.

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 and rye
Singin’, “this’ll be the day that I die.
“this’ll be the day that I die.”

Did you write the book of love,
And do you have faith in God above,
If the Bible tells you so?
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.

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’,
“bye-bye, miss american pie.”
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
Them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
And singin’, “this’ll be the day that I die.
“this’ll be the day that I die.”

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.
And while lennon read a book of marx,
The quartet practiced in the park,
And we sang dirges in the dark
The day the music died.

We were singing,
“bye-bye, miss american pie.”
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
Them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
And singin’, “this’ll be the day that I die.
“this’ll be the day that I die.”

Helter skelter in a summer swelter.
The birds flew off with a fallout shelter,
Eight miles high and falling 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 half-time air was sweet perfume
While the sergeants played a marching tune.
We all got up to dance,
Oh, but we never got the chance!
`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 singing,
“bye-bye, miss american pie.”
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
Them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
And singin’, “this’ll be the day that I die.
“this’ll be the day that I die.”

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.
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 singing,
“bye-bye, miss american pie.”
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
Them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
And singin’, “this’ll be the day that I die.
“this’ll be the day that I die.”

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.
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 singing,
“bye-bye, miss american pie.”
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
And them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
Singin’, “this’ll be the day that I die.
“this’ll be the day that I die.”

They were singing,
“bye-bye, miss american pie.”
Drove my chevy to the levee,
But the levee was dry.
Them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
Singin’, “this’ll be the day that I die.”