About the song
Don McLean’s iconic song “American Pie” stands as a monumental piece of American musical history, resonating deeply with listeners since its release in 1971. Reflecting on a pivotal era in rock and roll history, the song captivates with its poignant lyrics and memorable melody, solidifying its place as one of the most debated and celebrated compositions of the 20th century.
Recorded and released as the title track of McLean’s 1971 album, “American Pie” quickly soared to the top of the charts, becoming a number-one hit in the United States for an impressive four weeks starting in January 1972. Its popularity extended across borders, topping charts in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, while also achieving notable success in the UK, where it reached number 2 upon its initial release and later climbed to No. 12 in a 1991 reissue.
At the heart of “American Pie” lies a narrative intertwined with cultural commentary and personal reflection. The song’s title itself invokes the tragedy of February 3, 1959, when a plane crash claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens, an event famously dubbed “the day the music died.” This pivotal moment marked the end of an era in early rock and roll, serving as a symbolic backdrop for McLean’s lyrical exploration of the ensuing decade’s cultural upheavals and societal shifts.
McLean’s lyrical genius is evident in the song’s cryptic references and allegorical storytelling, inviting listeners into a narrative that navigates through themes of disillusionment and the loss of innocence. The song’s expansive length—clocking in at 8 minutes and 42 seconds—allowed McLean to craft a sweeping saga that spans from the late 1950s through the early 1970s, encapsulating a tumultuous period of American history.
Throughout the years, “American Pie” has continued to spark discussions and interpretations. McLean himself remained enigmatic about the song’s symbolism for decades, choosing to let listeners decipher its meaning. However, in recent years, he has provided insights into his creative process, shedding light on the song’s intricate tapestry of characters and events.
Recognized for its cultural impact, “American Pie” was inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2017, cementing its status as a significant piece of American musical heritage. Commemorating its 50th anniversary in 2022, McLean embarked on a tour across Europe, reaffirming the song’s enduring relevance and his own legacy as a singer-songwriter whose work transcends generations.
In conclusion, “American Pie” stands as more than a song—it is a testament to the power of music to capture moments in time, evoke emotion, and provoke thought. Its legacy continues to resonate, offering new insights with each listen and solidifying its place as a timeless classic in the fabric of American popular music.
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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
SoBye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinking whiskey in Rye
Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I dieDid 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 and 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 ole boys were drinking whiskey in Rye
Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I dieNow, for ten years we’ve been on our own
And moss grows fat on a rolling 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 Lenin 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’Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinking whiskey in Rye
Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I dieHelter 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 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 singin’Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinking whiskey in Rye
Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I dieOh, 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
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 singin’Bye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinking whiskey in Rye
Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I dieI 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 singingBye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinking whiskey in Rye
Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I dieBye, bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinking whiskey in Rye
Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die