“American Pie,” released in 1971, is one of the most iconic and enigmatic songs in American music history. Written and performed by Don McLean, the song is a nostalgic look back at the shifting cultural landscape of the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. With its memorable chorus, complex lyrics, and references to key moments in rock ‘n’ roll history, “American Pie” has become a defining piece of American pop culture, symbolizing both the innocence lost and the changes that shaped a generation.
About The Song
- Lyrics Interpretation: The lyrics of “American Pie” are famously cryptic and open to interpretation, with McLean himself preferring to leave their meaning up to the listener. The song starts by referring to “The Day the Music Died,” a reference to the tragic plane crash in 1959 that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. The verses that follow use a series of metaphors and allusions to describe the cultural changes and tumultuous events of the 1960s, including the rise of counterculture, the Vietnam War, and the decline of the optimism associated with the early days of rock ‘n’ roll. Lines like “Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry” evoke a sense of loss and longing for a simpler, more innocent time.
- Songwriting Inspiration: Don McLean was inspired to write “American Pie” after reflecting on the impact of Buddy Holly’s death and how it marked a turning point in American music and culture. The song took shape as McLean considered the changes he witnessed in society over the following decade, including political upheavals and the evolution of rock music. “American Pie” became his way of processing these changes and conveying both a personal and collective sense of loss and transformation.
- Chart Success: “American Pie” was a massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972 and remaining there for four weeks. The song’s popularity was bolstered by its catchy melody and intriguing lyrics, which spurred discussions and debates among fans and critics. The American Pie album itself also topped the charts, solidifying McLean’s place in music history. Despite its lengthy runtime of over eight minutes, “American Pie” became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
- Cultural Impact: “American Pie” has become a cultural touchstone, referenced and parodied in numerous films, television shows, and other media. Its lyrics, filled with allegories and historical references, have been analyzed extensively, making it a favorite among music historians and fans alike. The song’s refrain, “Bye, bye Miss American Pie,” has entered the American lexicon as a symbol of nostalgia and reflection on the past. The song’s ability to capture a moment in history while remaining timeless has ensured its continued relevance.
- Song Legacy: “American Pie” remains one of the most celebrated and enduring songs in American music history. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002, and its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists across genres. The song’s complex lyrics and emotional depth have made it a subject of fascination and debate for over five decades. Its status as both a personal and cultural reflection ensures that “American Pie” will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
“American Pie” is more than just a song—it’s a lyrical journey through the history of rock ‘n’ roll and a poignant commentary on the loss of innocence in American culture. Don McLean’s masterful storytelling and haunting melody have made “American Pie” a timeless classic that captures the spirit of a generation while remaining an enduring symbol of reflection and nostalgia.
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Lyric
[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
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[Chorus]
So, bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
And them good ol’ boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
Singin’, “This’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die”[Verse 2]
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
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[Chorus]
I started singin’, bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good ol’ boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
And singin’, “This’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die”[Verse 3]
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 Lenin read a book on Marx
The quartet practiced in the park
And we sang dirges in the dark
The day the music died[Chorus]
We were singin’, bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good ol’ boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
And singin’, “This’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die”[Verse 4]
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 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?[Chorus]
We started singin’, bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good ol’ boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
And singin’, “This’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die”[Verse 5]
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 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[Chorus]
He was singin’, bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good ol’ boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
And singin’, “This’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die”[Bridge]
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[Deleted Verse]
And there I stood alone and afraid
I dropped to my knees and there I prayed
And I promised Him everything I could give
If only He would make the music live
And He promised it would live once more
But this time one would equal four
And in five years four had come to mourn
And the music was reborn[Chorus]
And they were singin’, bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good ol’ boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
Singin’, “This’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die”[Outro]
They were singin’, bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ol’ boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
Singin’, “This’ll be the day that I die”