Song
Don Mclean
Album:
American Pie
Meaning of the song American Pie by Don Mclean
"American Pie," a timeless masterpiece by singer-songwriter Don McLean, stands as an iconic and enigmatic anthem that has resonated with audiences since its release in 1971. With its poetic lyrics, catchy melodies, and profound cultural commentary, the song has become a symbol of the turbulent era it emerged from and has maintained its relevance across generations.
At the heart of "American Pie" lies the tragic event known as "The Day the Music Died." This phrase refers to the plane crash on February 3, 1959, which claimed the lives of rock 'n' roll pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. McLean uses this event as a starting point for his narrative, weaving a tapestry of nostalgia, reflection, and mourning.
The song is rich with symbolism and vivid imagery, creating a musical canvas that paints a picture of an America in transition. McLean uses allegorical elements to capture the essence of the 1960s, exploring themes of loss, disillusionment, and the shifting cultural landscape. The lyrics are open to interpretation, allowing listeners to connect with the song on a personal level while contemplating its broader societal implications.
"American Pie" is distinguished by its unforgettable chorus, featuring the famous line, "Bye, bye Miss American Pie, drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry." The catchy melody and sing-along nature of the chorus have contributed to the song's enduring popularity, making it a staple at gatherings and a favorite on classic rock radio stations.
In addition to topping the charts in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, the record was the top hit in the United States for four weeks in 1972. When the song was first released in 1971, it peaked at number two in the UK and remained there for three weeks. On the RIAA project Songs of the Century, the song was ranked as the fifth-highest tune.
Lyrics of the song American Pie by Don Mclean
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 ole boys were drinking whiskey 'n 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?
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 singing bye, bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinking whiskey 'n rye
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 Lennin 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 singing bye, bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinking whiskey 'n rye
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 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
'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 ole boys were drinking whiskey 'n 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 ole boys were drinking whiskey 'n 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 ole boys were drinking whiskey 'n 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 ole boys were drinking whiskey 'n rye
And singin' this'll be the day that I die
