Meaning and Lyrics of American Pie by Don McLean
Song Lyrics meaning of American Pie by Don McLean
About Don McLean
Don McLean is an American singer-songwriter best known for his iconic 1971 hit “American Pie”.
Born in New Rochelle, New York, in 1945, McLean’s musical journey began in the 1960s folk scene. His breakthrough came with the release of his second album, “American Pie,” in 1971. The title track, an epic 8-minute ballad, became a cultural phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and cementing McLean’s place in music history.
While “American Pie” overshadowed much of his career, McLean continued to produce quality music, including hits like “Vincent” (a tribute to Vincent van Gogh) and “And I Love You So.”
McLean’s influence extends beyond his own recordings, with artists like Madonna and Garth Brooks covering his songs. His storytelling prowess and poetic lyrics have earned him a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Despite the passage of time, McLean’s music continues to resonate, with “American Pie” remaining a beloved staple of American popular culture, its cryptic lyrics still sparking debate and analysis decades after its release.
Born in New Rochelle, New York, in 1945, McLean’s musical journey began in the 1960s folk scene. His breakthrough came with the release of his second album, “American Pie,” in 1971. The title track, an epic 8-minute ballad, became a cultural phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and cementing McLean’s place in music history.
While “American Pie” overshadowed much of his career, McLean continued to produce quality music, including hits like “Vincent” (a tribute to Vincent van Gogh) and “And I Love You So.”
McLean’s influence extends beyond his own recordings, with artists like Madonna and Garth Brooks covering his songs. His storytelling prowess and poetic lyrics have earned him a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Despite the passage of time, McLean’s music continues to resonate, with “American Pie” remaining a beloved staple of American popular culture, its cryptic lyrics still sparking debate and analysis decades after its release.
Meaning of American Pie by Don McLean
“American Pie” by Don McLean is a poignant and enigmatic song that delves deep into the impact music has on culture, society, and individual lives. The lyrics are layered with rich symbolism and references to American history, pop culture, and rock ‘n’ roll icons.
The opening verse sets a nostalgic tone, reminiscing about a time when music had a profound influence on the narrator, bringing joy and happiness to people. However, the tone quickly shifts as the lyrics touch upon themes of loss and tragedy, symbolized by the line “the day the music died.”
The chorus with its iconic refrain, “bye-bye, Miss American Pie,” captures a sense of farewell and loss, reflecting a changing cultural landscape. The imagery of driving to a dry levee and encountering the good ol’ boys drinking whiskey and rye creates a somber atmosphere of disillusionment and reckoning.
Throughout the song, there are allusions to various cultural and musical icons like Buddy Holly, James Dean, and The Beatles, adding layers of complexity and depth to the narrative. The references to faith, love, and the changing music scene further enrich the lyrical tapestry.
The verses paint a vivid picture of a generation grappling with societal shifts, political upheaval, and the loss of innocence. The imagery of a generation lost in space, with no time to start again, captures a sense of desolation and uncertainty about the future.
The bridge introduces a sense of futility and despair, with images of broken church bells, screaming children, and unspoken words. The departure of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost on the last train for the coast symbolizes a departure from traditional values and beliefs, signaling a paradigm shift in society.
The deleted verse, though not included in the final version of the song, adds an intriguing layer of redemption and renewal. The promise of music being reborn and the transformation of the numerical value from one to four suggest a hopeful resolution amidst the chaos and loss depicted in the rest of the lyrics.
The outro revisits the refrain of bidding farewell to Miss American Pie, reinforcing the cyclical nature of history and cultural change. The image of the levee being dry and the good ol’ boys drinking whiskey and rye serve as a haunting reminder of the ephemeral nature of life and the inevitability of change.
In essence, “American Pie” is a timeless masterpiece that combines nostalgia, reflection, and social commentary, inviting listeners to unravel its intricate layers of meaning and interpretation. It serves as a profound reflection on the fleeting nature of culture, the passage of time, and the enduring power of music to evoke emotions and memories.
The opening verse sets a nostalgic tone, reminiscing about a time when music had a profound influence on the narrator, bringing joy and happiness to people. However, the tone quickly shifts as the lyrics touch upon themes of loss and tragedy, symbolized by the line “the day the music died.”
The chorus with its iconic refrain, “bye-bye, Miss American Pie,” captures a sense of farewell and loss, reflecting a changing cultural landscape. The imagery of driving to a dry levee and encountering the good ol’ boys drinking whiskey and rye creates a somber atmosphere of disillusionment and reckoning.
Throughout the song, there are allusions to various cultural and musical icons like Buddy Holly, James Dean, and The Beatles, adding layers of complexity and depth to the narrative. The references to faith, love, and the changing music scene further enrich the lyrical tapestry.
The verses paint a vivid picture of a generation grappling with societal shifts, political upheaval, and the loss of innocence. The imagery of a generation lost in space, with no time to start again, captures a sense of desolation and uncertainty about the future.
The bridge introduces a sense of futility and despair, with images of broken church bells, screaming children, and unspoken words. The departure of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost on the last train for the coast symbolizes a departure from traditional values and beliefs, signaling a paradigm shift in society.
The deleted verse, though not included in the final version of the song, adds an intriguing layer of redemption and renewal. The promise of music being reborn and the transformation of the numerical value from one to four suggest a hopeful resolution amidst the chaos and loss depicted in the rest of the lyrics.
The outro revisits the refrain of bidding farewell to Miss American Pie, reinforcing the cyclical nature of history and cultural change. The image of the levee being dry and the good ol’ boys drinking whiskey and rye serve as a haunting reminder of the ephemeral nature of life and the inevitability of change.
In essence, “American Pie” is a timeless masterpiece that combines nostalgia, reflection, and social commentary, inviting listeners to unravel its intricate layers of meaning and interpretation. It serves as a profound reflection on the fleeting nature of culture, the passage of time, and the enduring power of music to evoke emotions and memories.
Lyrics of American Pie by Don McLean
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 Lennon 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"
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 Lennon 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"
Discography Don McLean
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Upcoming Events for Don McLean
Don McLean
Price Range: $43.99 – 84
Date: 2024-07-13
Location: American Bank Center Selena Auditorium
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Price Range: $49 – 99
Date: 2024-11-30
Location: Wells Hall at The Parker
Don McLean: Starry Starry Night Tour
Price Range: $30 – 70
Date: 2024-11-09
Location: Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds New Buffalo
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American Boys
Release: 2024-05-17
Label: BFD
Popularity: 👏
Christmas Memories – Remixed and Remastered
Release: 2023-10-27
Label: BFD
l
Touch The Sky (Live New York '82)
Release: 2023-07-06
Label: Wolf Tree
l
