Don McLean - American Pie

"American Pie" must be some of the most scrutinized and best loved lyrics. The 1971 monumental tribute by Don McLean bundles together the history of rock 'n roll and a state of the union treatise.

The meanings have been hotly debated, while McLean coyly observed ("It means I don't ever have to work again"), he revealed a little more when the original manuscript sold at auction for over $1 million.

The main inspiration was recalling his shock at the plane crash that killed rock 'n roll pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper, coining the term  "the day the music died". The song's main refrain "This'll be the day that I die" neatly subverts Holly's first success "That'll Be the Day".

From there he quickly recounts his adolescence in the 1960s against the backdrop of vivid music (like the "Wonder Years" TV show). References can be attributed for Elvis ("the King"), Bob Dylan ("the jester in a cast" relates to his motorbike crash), Janis Joplin ("girl who sang the blues"), Beatles ("sergeants" refers to Pepper), The Byrds and Rolling Stones ("Jack Flash"). There is also a recurrent religious theme, which is more likely to confirm that rock 'n roll is the new religion, echoing Lennon's bigger than God remark.

However it takes a darker turn, incorporating the Manson killings ("Helter Skelter") and Altamont,  as its purpose becomes clearer. There is a nostalgia for the optimistic past, the loss of the American dream is skilfully encapsulated in the evocative  "Drove my chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry".  A sense of loss and helplessness, similar to Paul Simon's "America".

McLean study of 60s music also taught him the perfect structure -  a slow start, a rocking piano in the middle tailing off to a poignant end. The famous singalong chorus sung en mass by West Forty Fourth Street Rhythm and Noise Choir, apparently included Pete Seeger,  James Taylor and Carly Simon.

At 8 minutes 30 seconds, "American Pie" was an unconventional single, spread across both sides of the vinyl, and reduced by a verse for a radio version. A number 1 US hit, emulating his heroes, is now a classic in its own right.  

A florid elegy, worthy of seminal music, with hints of Dylan's poetry and Spector's grandeur.

Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX_TFkut1PM

Hear Next -  "Vincent" is the other classic Don McLean song.



** The book of "Song from a Quarantine" is now available  on all Amazon sites in paperback and ebook formats.