Don McLean - American Pie REACTION! I've heard this hook BUT what is this about?

[@edwardhenn3746]

The song is an absolute masterpiece, written as a tribute to Buddy Holly, but with many references to other artists and events. The jester is Bob Dylan, and the line "the jester on the sidelines in a cast" refers to the motorcycle accident that halted Dylan's career. The king is Elvis Presley. The quartet are the Beatles, and the Park is Candlestick Park, Where they played their final concert(another day the music died) Jack flash is Mick Jagger, as is Satan (references to the Rolling stones songs, jumping Jack flash, and sympathy for the devil. "No angel born in hell, could break that Satan's spell" refers to a rolling stones concert where some hell's angels bikers stabbed a young concert goer to death. The girl who sang the blues is Janis Joplin. The father, son and the holy ghost have 2 references. The first being Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the big bopper, who all died in the plane crash. The second reference being to Martin Luther King Jr, JFK, and Bobby Kennedy, who were all assassinated in the 60s. "Helter skelter in the summer swelter" refers to the Charles Manson killings that were inspired by the Beatles song, helter skelter. The sergeants and the marching band refer to the Vietnam war and protesters. "And there we were all in one place" refers to Woodstock. As I said before, the song is an absolute masterpiece

[@lisadavenport2390]

I didn’t know in the 5th grade but know now as an adult

[@rhondaserges5136]

Thank you .. broken down very well..

[@cog4life]

Thank you so much for the breakdown. Much appreciated! Always love to read about it again!! 😊

[@creepyoldlady2995]

Thanks very much for this.

[@Tessie46255]

Thank you for helping us make sense. I’ve always loved this song but got lost in the lyrics.

[@matthawkins8880]

Don McClean has been asked a million times what this song means. His standard answer is, "It means I never have to write another song."

[@wendyryder2708]

lol! I guess that means Don McLean made a LOT of money out of the song!

[@drooney9]

I have also heard him say that, I laughed way too hard at that statement. because, it's very true. However, he did have one other really great song about Vincent Van Gogh , Called, simply .... Vincent... one of my all time favorites.

[@robinlathim8221]

LOL

[@citizenghosttown]

Perfect answer!

[@frauleinmona]

He actually talks about what he was referencing in a Paramount+ documentary. A few things I learned are that 'The Jester' and 'The King' are not Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley. And the part about, "And while Lenin read a book of Marx... " he was talking about John Lennon *and* the real Lenin. Really interesting documentary. It's called "The Day The Music Died. The Story Of Don McLean's American Pie".😊

[@ajbardo2523]

Don McLean's 1971 song "American Pie" is considered a complicated parable with multiple interpretations, but the phrase "bye bye Miss American Pie" is generally thought to be a farewell to the American dream and the optimistic 1950s after the assassination of President Kennedy in the 1960s. The song also conveys a sense of disillusionment and loss, and references other events that marked the decade, such as the deaths of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson, Jr. in a plane crash in 1959, and the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Kennedys

[@RvBDopp]

Also, "Vincent" by Don McLean is a tremdous song he wrote about Vincent Van Gough. Definitely deserves a reaction.

[@rse4379]

Yes!!! Another great song by McLean.

[@pat2562]

Yes!! A poem set to music, it was Tupac's favorite and they played it while he died.

[@coltaine503]

If BP does react to Vincent, I hope it is the version with Van Gogh's paintings on screen with the lyrics running over them. It gives a clear association to the lyrics, even for anyone who has not seen Van Gogh's works.

[@pat2562]

Both Vincent and American Pie are good arguments for knowing at least something minimal before listening. Then again, the endless, pointless speculation about his identity in some reactions, is fun.

[@GloriousDutchPancakes]

There is a Dutch(Vincent's native tongue) version of the song.

[@somerandomthings]

McLean wrote the song, much of it biographical, as a reflection of what was happening in America during the 1960s with the assassinations of the Kennedys, Martin Luther King, Jr, and the Vietnam War. For McLean, it started with what he called the end of the happy 50s, the tragic plane crash of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and JD “the Big Bopper” Richardson in February of 1959. The day the music died.

[@CarolLee-mq8er]

You hit the nail on the head. 💯 right.

[@debisiegel6247]

Yes 👍

[@sarawhiteman7459]

Yep, good explanation of American Pie.

[@EducatedHillbilly]

You nailed it!

[@brinalea7778]

Janis was the girl who sang the blues

[@VirginiaPeden-Harrington-qd5zu]

On Feb. 3, 1959 I was 14 years and 8 months old in a mid sized town in North Dakota and was part of a friend group of eight girls. Buddy Holly was on his way to Fargo, a long, cold, icy, 100 miles away from us but closer than we had ever expected him, until just a few days earlier. One of the girls in our group had won a major radio contest and the prize was dinner with Buddy Holly. He was going to stop in our town to take her to dinner after his shows in Moorhead, Minnesota and Fargo, North Dakota. The excitement was epic for us and our teenage immaturity. We were all going to have the chance to see our Rock and Roll hero and then hear every detail of our friend's dinner with him. But the music died that night. I am now 80 years old and I still remember the gut punching agony shared by all eight of us along with a majority of American high school students. Thank you, Don McClean. It took 12 years but you let the world know what Buddy Holly meant to us.

[@jenjenb7634]

I now live in North Dakota (Minot). I understand how the winter weather is now - I used to live in Southern California.

[@VirginiaPeden-Harrington-qd5zu]

@@jenjenb7634 That is a major change in so many ways! I wish you good luck with the weather. Most ND people are nice and I hope that is your experience.

[@jenjenb7634]

@@VirginiaPeden-Harrington-qd5zu Most are, but there are getting to be some rif raf from the big cities coming in and making our nice little cities their new playground. I can actually relate to the people originally from here and fit in nicely. I am loving it here. Both of my adult daughters came out here too with their husbands and I am now a grandmother will all of the grandchildren within 3 miles of me. Very happy grandma here.

[@adriennerango1519]

That is so sad!!!!!

[@JoAnn-lv8bb]

God bless u. I remember

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

"I met a girl who sang the blues And I asked her for some happy news But she just smiled and turned away" He was speaking of Janis Joplin.

[@MikeM275]

No, he wasn't. This is a rumor that won't die for some reason! He was speaking metaphorically about music itself, not a person. He felt Mick Jagger was straight from the devil, which was reference in the song in multiple lines. Mclean has said that is a metaphorical stanza about good music dying out.

[@jcofortco]

😉 I grew up to this. My Mom would cry every now & then when she heard it. And now I'm the one who gets choked up when I hear it... ❤

[@burnie394]

In that plane crash, Waylon Jennings who played bass for Buddy Holly gave his seat to Ritchie Valens. The bus they were using in the tour had no heat in Iowa. The last interaction Waylon and Buddy had (who were best friends, Buddy got Waylon into the major part of the music game) was when Buddy said ‘I hope your old bus freezes up’ and Waylon responded ‘I hope your plane crashes’. That’s the last thing Waylon said to Buddy,…..it sent him into years of depression and drug use to cope

[@donkeysaurusrex7881]

Buddy Holly was sick ant the time and wanted to be on the plane so he could get there early enough to sleep in a bed.

[@sarahjaneheckscher6737]

Maclean wrote the song in 1971, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper died in 1958, the sixties were a painful time in US history, basically the song mourns the death of innocence and the beginning of struggle. His eyes were opened to the dark reality of it all. This song means so much, it’s nearly impossible to tease out all the nuances.

[@mikefleischauer498]

February 3, 1959 was "the day the music died"

[@AussieSwagAdventures]

Bingo.

[@SebastianSmith-c5t]

Not 1958, February 3rd, 1959. Get the facts straight.

[@albertchambers1307]

-He's singing about the end of one era of music and America and the beginning of another, then covering the major social and musical events from 1959 to 1969. Kinda like 'We Didn't Start the Fire... .

[@lindastewart4768]

yes! the day the music died is about the plane crash! you hit it right on!!

[@rubyslippers8215]

Spot on comparison. I found similarities to Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire", too. Lots of historical references.

[@ghas2429]

I'm late 60's .. This song was a top hit when I was in my teens ... I can still sing every word .. 50 years on ...

[@pamelaharris9318]

Me too!

[@js3599]

There were FOUR people that died on that plane... Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper... Also... DON'T Forget Roger Peterson... He was the PILOT of the plane... He suffered the same fate as his famous passengers...

[@jeremykothe2847]

Good! I mean... not great, but I'd be sadder if the pilot escaped :P

[@ronaldnelson6692]

Waylon Jennings was suppose to be on that flight but lost the seat in a coin toss to Ritchie Valens.

[@SandraP3796]

Thank you for mentioning the Pilot. They are almost always left out. By the way I’m married to a Pilot

[@barbaramatthews4735]

RIP to all that passed on the plane.

[@ronaldnelson6692]

@@SandraP3796 They do have his name on a marker next to the one with Holly, Valens and Bopper at the crash site. It's very nice one with wings.

[@shirleydurr411]

This song is FULL of metaphors and symbols. It's a tribute to the end of an era -- 1950's when McLean's generation started losing its innocence and joy (i.e., the disappointment of a dry levee -- thirst for those lost innocent days of youth?). A lot of people ("those good old boys") would tell you it was a great time to live and yearn to go back to those time when America was great. But I'm a Baby Boomer (born in the 1950's) and I am Black. My childhood in Mississippi is filled with memories of segregation -- the parks we weren't allowed to play in, the library we weren't allowed to enter (my favorite pastime was reading!), the stores where we could purchase clothes and shoes but weren't allowed to try on, the lunch counter that wouldn't serve us even a glass of water on a hot Mississippi day. The day the music died was when a plane crash killed 3 legends of rock and roll. Already named by others . McLean would have been a teen -- so unlikely to have personally known those popular singers -- when that plane crashed in 1959; he was born in 1945. He mentions crying while reading about "his widowed wife" which would be Buddy Holly's wife; she was pregnant with their first child when the plane crashed and miscarried when she got the news of his death. The line also suggests to me that young McLean might have been a paper boy, delivering newspapers. Most teens even then wouldn't be regular newspaper readers. Side Note: I feel for Richie Valenzuela (his real name) being a Latino rock and roller who cut his last name and crossed over. And I have a special liking for Buddy Holly; his group -- the Crickets -- was at first thought to be Black and as a result their first tour was in the Black Belt with famous Black singers of the time like Sam Cook. Back to the song: The lyrics refer to people and songs of that time and some after. The jester is Dylan who wrote about his (futile) desire for peace and justice amidst the Vietnam Peace protests and the Civil Rights Movement. And the king is Elvis (whom some people treated like Jesus with rumors of his "resurrection" -- "Elvis ain't dead!"). Both of them late 50s through the 1960's (and beyond). Helter Skelter does reference Manson but also an early Beatles song (1960's) about an apocalyptic vision. The Beatles brought the British Invasion to the "American" rock and roll pie and their music affected rock and roll thereafter -- another loss?. The Manson connection suggests an evil infection of/by the Helter Skelter song that the Manson family embraced. More loss of innocence? I think the father, son, and Holy Ghost references the 3 who died; taking the train connects to dying and going west (the coast) where the sun sets (dies). I connect it to a popular folk song of the 1960's based on an earlier African American spiritual called "This Train is Bound for Glory" about going to heaven. I think it might also reference something about the music industry which was mostly centered in the midwest and south -- New Orleans, St. Louis, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta. Maybe corruption from the fame and coastal influences -- Hollywood? But I could be wrong; I have been once or twice in my life. 😆😆

[@mr33wmg]

I love your insight and way of explaining your view of the lyrics!

[@3RayJ3]

I too have been wrong once or twice in my life, so I will venture out and say you summed that out mostly right. It is a song that needs interpretation and this many years later we still are.

[@papercup2517]

Great summary, but just to clarify: the Beatles song Helter Skelter is about a traditional fairground /carnival ride popular in the UK which is used in the song as a sexual metaphor. Nothing at all to do with any apocalyptic vision. That was all Manson's imagination.

[@sharispors5564]

There is a documentary on this song... Nobody in here has seen it, clearly. You ought to check it out. Also, some of these musicians are just legend. Like journey guitar player Neil Schon, child prodigy. Jeff Lynn from ELO, genius. It would be so much more interesting if you looked at some of the key members of these groups. The BeeGees, and together as children, etc.

[@gailcrumbley8864]

I agree.

[@donnadoria5066]

Brilliant song! Don McLean wrote it in the cafeteria of Iona College in New Rochelle, New York. It was a catholic College and as you can see, he was a pretty religious dude. He was friends with none of them. He was very much into music and he felt the sting of the 60s and the loss of people that defined his youth musically.

[@deborahfromer1209]

The Levee was a bar across the street from Iona on North Avenue in New Rochelle.

[@ladybeginning60]

Buddy Holley was the King of Rock n Roll and Elvis was the jester that stole his crown. Some of the people felt Buddy would have been the true king of Rock n Rol instead of Elvis. Charles Manson used the Beatles song Helter Skelter. He brought together elements of history, culture and the music of the time. He was influenced by Buddy, as were the Beatles,and rolling stones,. The day the music die commemorates the day when Big bopper,Buddy, and Richie Valley died. They were the music. They all brought something to the start of Rock and roll. Blessings and prayers and peace always.🐘🙌🙃🙏🕊️🎉🌺

[@terigalen3340]

Don McLean was a child when he found out about the plane crash while he was on his morning newspaper route and it affected him profoundly. The song itself is about he saw the world change as he was growing up and as a young man. It's basically the loss of innocence of America as illustrated through the music reflecting the history. And Helter-Skelter is a song done by the Beatles in the 60's about the Tate-LaBianca murders - so you hit the Manson reference on the head. Great song and a good history lesson all wrapped up in one.

[@joegaspard9762]

Helter Skelter was a Beatles song that Manson misinterpreted to support his idea of starting a race war which was his impetus for the murders. The song predates the murders.

[@markdriscoll8119]

The devil part is about mick jagger playing on while the hells angels, that the stones hired for security, were beating people to death in the audience. The king is Elvis, the jester is Bob Dylan. The girl that turned away is Janis Joplin. It’s about the entire growth of rock and roll.

[@lindacouch2131]

America in the 50s thought we had won the war life was good, the culture was optimistic and forward looking but that mirage came to an end in the sixties. In some ways I see this song as mournful for the loss of a time when everything seemed simple: God, family country, no hard questions, no war, no diverse viewpoints, just prom and drinking down at the levee with a pink carnation and a pickup truck. A deeper study of history shows even the 50s were not really simple, but don't we all kinda wish we could go back to the feeling that it was.

[@beckygrant2258]

Helter Skelter is an amusement park ride in England…like a roller coaster. Read the lyrics. It was NOT about the Tate-Bianca murders done by the Manson commune family. It sounded a bit insane because it was our first intro to hard metal music!

[@bertal.rahmey457]

That's right! He was delivering newspapers

[@Pushindazees]

Now check out his song "Vincent" that he wrote as an homage to Vincent Van Gogh. Such a beautiful song.

[@carlahelin5203]

The most beautiful ever!!!

[@LisFayte]

It makes me cry every time for the beauty of the song and the tragedy of Van Gogh’s life and death.

[@txheadshots]

I love Vincent almost as much as American Pie

[@kellicos]

Yes do this one please!

[@HeKeepsMeSinging]

🎶I should've told You Vincent, this world was never meant for one as Beautiful as You🎶 😔

[@rebeccacampitelli9233]

Look at it like Billy Joel's "we didn't start the fire" it's history events of the time.

[@RLDavisHays]

My aunt disclosed to me recently that she was the person in charge of making artists comfortable before they performed on live TV back at 30 rock, and she met Don McLean before his now famous performances of American Pie and Vincent on late night tv. She said he was so nervous, but she got to hear him sing inside the sound room and it was euphoric. This is such a classic.

[@RobertEiserman]

American pie is about the end of American innocence

[@michaelmoslak2975]

Fits perfectly today about the day Biden took( was installed) office!!

[@BrutustheGladiator]

Don McLean's 1971 song "American Pie" is considered biographical and is full of McLean's views on faith, love, and politics. The song's themes include the loss of innocence, cultural changes, and disillusionment of the early rock and roll generation between 1959 and the late 1960s or early 1970s. The song's opening line, "the day the music died", refers to the 1959 plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens, which McLean considers to have marked the end of the early rock and roll era. McLean, who was a fan of Holly as a child, has said that the verse could also be about his own father. The song also reflects on other events of the 1960s, such as the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Kennedys, and the Vietnam War.

[@joeuncoolio]

You got it Black P. It's kind of a historically important song. Sir, keep expanding everyone's horizons.

[@gk5891]

Every line in the song references history (a breakdown is worth reading for anyone). You could make a dozen movies (and they have) out of the events in this song. The song is about the death of our (Americans) innocence.

[@stevedavis5704]

The DJ’s loved this song because in a world of 2 1/2 to 3 minute songs you could throw this one on and go to the bathroom or quickly grab something.

[@cassianfalkener3706]

BP was right about people trying to unlock the deeper meaning ever since it was released. Many of the explanations people have accepted as fact have also been dismissed by Don McLean, or he has refused to confirm them. From a more distant perspective, I've always looked at it as being a mix of the different reactions and feelings people had to the plane crash, and tangentially to the various tragedies and moments of grief in our own lives. "American Pie" was the name of the plane in the crash. A levee is an earthen embankment to hold in water, such as at a reservoir. Not quite the same as a dam, but fair to call them synonyms.

[@phillippyles3613]

Spot on 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧 you got to do Chantilly lace next

[@ChorltonandtheWheelies]

@cassianfaulkener3706 I've sang this song in pubs and bars and I've loved this song since I've bin a kid so a long, long time ago (little American Pie joke for you there!) and I have *never* known the plane was called American Pie 😯 that is so eerie really but fascinating - thank you - I love learning interesting facts ✌

[@jamesparker5068]

"American Pie" is a song by Don McLean that's often seen as a reflection on the changes in American society in the late 1950s and 1960s³⁴⁵. The lyrics are rich with cultural references, and while McLean has generally been reticent about the song's overall meaning, he has confirmed some aspects: - The phrase "The Day the Music Died" refers to February 3, 1959, when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson (a.k.a The Big Bopper) died in a plane crash¹². - The song's title, "American Pie," is a symbolic farewell to a past era, representing a generation passing the torch¹. - The line "Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry" refers to McLean's experiences at a bar called The Levee in New York. The "levee was dry" means that no more adult beverages were being served. - The chorus ends with "That'll be the day that I die," a line taken from a Buddy Holly song¹. However, much of the song is left to interpretation, and listeners have found a wide range of meanings in its lyrics¹²³⁴⁵. It's seen as an impressionistic painting of the cultural and political climate of the time. The song remains a classic in American music, continuing to inspire and intrigue listeners with its lyrical complexity¹²³⁴⁵. Source: Conversation with Bing, 28/03/2024 (1) Understanding Don McLean's "American Pie": A Reflection on American Culture. songstoriesmatter.com/meaning-behind-american-pie-by-don-mclean/. (2) American Pie (song) - Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pie_%28song%29. (3) Don McLean on the tragedy behind American Pie: 'I cried for two years .... www.theguardian.com/music/2020/oct/22/don-mclean-american-pie-its-meaning-family-deaths-tragedy-60s. (4) Meaning of ‘American Pie’ Song Lyrics (Full Explanation). www.musicgrotto.com/american-pie-song-meaning-don-mclean/. (5) Don McLean Reveals the True Meaning of Hit 'American Pie' for 50th .... parade.com/news/don-mclean-american-pie-lyrics-meaning-50th-anniversary-documentary.

[@robinlathim8221]

Thank you.

[@pyroishere]

Amazing break down!😁👍

[@billparlier554]

Homework much?

[@goldorak101music4]

I’m a full grown-up 50 years old man and every time I hear that song,a tears come to my eyes. Thinking about my 3 kids growing up and then let them go. That’s the way I see it, this is so so beautiful.

[@jamescronan7220]

"Chantilly Lace"(1958) - The Big Bopper - will put a smile on your face!

[@vivgoodreads7711]

Yes! Absolutely react to the video. It is wonderful!!

[@prussian5770]

My friend was a local drummer a a popular place in the 70s, and people would always request it. My friend had to sing it and he was soooo sick of it.grwat song, but only so many nights in a row!😁😁

[@MommaOsoIrish67]

Excellent contribution to the comments. Thank you.

[@carlajimenez5483]

The jester is Bob Dylan and the king is Elvis

[@Scooby-Doo84]

I believe the "girl who sang the blues" was a reference to Janis Joplin.

[@BluenoserJo]

And the girl who sang the blue is Janis Joplin. I believe the quartet is the Beatles

[@thomasvoorhees7240]

And the Devil is Mic Jagger

[@danhelphrey6260]

Many of the references are to more than one thing at the same time - yes, he's talking about Dylan and Elvis, but "stealing the thorny crown" is ALSO referring to John Lennon saying the Beatles were "bigger than Jesus".

[@kenkonwick6660]

The girl who sang the blues but just turned and walked away is Janis Joplin. The song is just full of 60s references. Space race, cold War, viet Nam protests, and music guided us thru it

[@threekidzmom04]

I am 67 and grew up loving this song during my high school days and beyond. All I can say is we didn't obsess over the lyrics back in the day, Music wasn't as clear as it is now so a lot of times we didn't know all the lyrics. But we did know it was a tribute or memorial for the four young men killed in the plane crash on the day the music died and that music was changed forever in our world. We also knew that the beat of the music was epic and touched our souls each time we heard it.

[@Giggirl]

Saw him in Liverpool a few years ago & when it came to this song, he put the house lights up so he could see everyone singing with him. It was definitely a moment i’ll never forget, singing American Pie with Don McClean and a few thousand other people 😬❤🎶

[@MichaelCouvillion]

You managed to understand the gist of the song without the benefit of understanding most of the historical references, which is testament to the song's genius and to your perceptiveness. Great job! I've listened to the song hundreds of times, and it still amazes me.

[@CherryBlossom3x3]

That's pretty generous...

[@johnniebradley3101]

It's a story of two decades of American culture. Dissertations have been written about this song.

[@scapito]

This is a very well written song about historical references that I spent so much time dissecting that I could probably write dissertation about it. 😂 Enjoy! This is right up BP alley for amazing lyrics. Compiled American Pie References (all are open to interpretation): A long, long time ago (It took 10 years to write/complete the song) 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 (Inspired to be an artist) And maybe they'd be happy for a while But February made me shiver (When Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Richie Valens died) With every paper I'd deliver (McLean was a newspaper delivery boy) 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 (Buddy Holly had only been married 6 months) But something touched me deep inside The day the music died So bye-bye, Miss American Pie (few can agree on this meaning, but possibly a symbol/metaphor for traditional American life as he knew it) Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry; And them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye (Ths singer's home was New Rochelle, which did indeed feature a bar called "The Levee." Allegedly, this bar shut down or "went dry," causing patrons to drive across the river to Rye, New York.) Singin' "This'll be the day that I die; This'll be the day that I die" (Reference to Buddy Holly’s song ‘That’ll be the Day’) Did you write the book of love, (The Monotones sang a song ‘Book Of Love’ in 1958) and do you have faith in God above, If the Bible tells you so? (Children’s religious song, also a Don Cornell hit song) Now do you believe in rock and roll, can music save your mortal soul; And can you teach me how to dance real slow? (rock and roll music and dancing was considered to be sinful by many, couldn’t have faith in both God and rock and roll) Well, I know that you're in love with him 'Cause I saw you dancin' in the gym (school dances mainly took place in high school gyms) You both kicked off your shoes (students would dance in their socks so that they wouldn’t damage the polished wood floors) Man, I dig those rhythm and blues (musical style popularity was shifting in a major way) I was a lonely teenage broncin' buck (A wild, driven teenager looking for love, meaning, and inspiration, and a desire to be free) With a pink carnation and a pickup truck (Marty Robbins song A White Sport Coat (with a Pink Carnation) But I knew I was out of luck Now for ten years we've been on our own, and moss grows fat on a rollin' stone (Buddy Holly’s lyrics, “Well you know, a rolling stone, don’t gather no moss,” from his hit Early in the Morning; could also be the band Rolling Stones; could also be Bob Dylan’s song ‘like a rolling stone) But that's not how it used to be (Shift from the wholesome 50’s to the changes brought about in the 60’S) When the jester sang for the king and queen in a coat he borrowed from James Dean (Bob Dylan refers to jesters in his songs and wore James Dean’s coat on the cover of his 1963 album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan; The king and queen reference could allude to Pete Seeger and Joan Baez, folk music’s royal couple who took center stage, long before Dylan; could also be president Kennedy and the first lady; could also be Elvis and Priscilla) And a voice that came from you and me (Dylan is considered the voice of a generation) Oh, and while the king was looking down The jester stole his thorny crown (Dylan’s popularity grew and attn shifted away, his lyrics challenged idolized figures) The courtroom was adjourned; No verdict was returned (Suspicious circumstances surrounding JFK’s death; could also be reference to the judgment that Dylan received in the court of public opinion) And while Lenin read a book on Marx (Many believe this is a crafty way to introduce The Beatles and Lennon’s views on Marxism, while others take it very literally; Marx, associated with the Communist Revolution, can be linked to Lennon via the song Revolution) A quartet practiced in the park (The “park” is most likely related to the famous 1966 concert at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park when The Beatles began to create more “straightforward” music) And we sang dirges in the dark (Dirges are funeral songs, possibly an easy to make this a generic reference to mourning many iconic figures deaths; both singers, actors, and politicians) Helter skelter in a summer swelter, (Beatles song Helter Skelter, which is also associated with the Manson murders) the birds flew off with a fallout shelter; Eight miles high and falling fast It landed foul on the grass (The Byrds’ song Eight Miles High; fallout shelter was also known as rehab shelters i.e. the rise in drug use “grass”) the players tried for a forward pass ( Youth culture made a “forward pass” against the government while trying to change and transform the country) With the jester on the sidelines in a cast (Dylan was in a motorcycle accident, took a break from music) Now the halftime air was sweet perfume While the sergeants played a marching tune (Beatles released the album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and picked up where Dylan left off) 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 ( Many say the marching band is the police blocking civil rights protesters. Others say it’s The Beatles preaching non-violence with their 1967 hit All You Need Is Love.) Do you recall what was revealed (Possibly that police brutally cracked down on demonstrators) Oh, and there we were all in one place, a generation lost in space (Rolling Stones’ bloody concert held in 1969 at the Altamont Motor Speedway, approximately 300,000 people in attendance; Lost in Space was a popular TV show and could also be referring to heavy drug use) With no time left to start again So come on, Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, Jack Flash sat on a candlestick (Rolling Stones has a song Jumping Jack Flash; it could also be referencing the quickly enacted policies and changes brought by JFK that helped light a political fire) '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 (Jagger incited people; could also be many of the other revolutionary figures of the time) No angel born in Hell (The Rolling Stones hired the Hell’s Angels for security, but they started to defend the stage violently) Could break that Satan's spell (literal, or figuratively the Hells Angel's intent; some believe that Jagger’s is being referred to as Satan for setting things in motion) And as the flames climbed high into the night (flames could be the bonfires around where the concert was) To light the sacrificial rite (The stabbing of a black teenager by a member of the Hells Angels) I saw Satan laughing with delight (literal or members of Hells Angels) I met a girl who sang the blues, and I asked her for some happy news, But she just smiled and turned away (Janis Joplin) I went down to the sacred store where I'd heard the music years before (Record Store, which lines up with the theme of music as a religious experience) But the man there said the music wouldn't play (Record stores used to be listening booths for customers, but they stopped doing this in the late 60’s) And in the streets, the children screamed; The lovers cried, and the poets dreamed (the death of Joplin and other inspirational artists and political figures) But not a word was spoken The church bells all were broken (Nothing is the same anymore - a once vibrant culture is now dead; again continuing with the theme in the shift of religious beliefs i.e. literally or figuratively 'music') And the three men I admire most; The Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost (Multiple references; literal religious meaning; The 3 musicians that died in the plane crash; The political assassinations of JFK, MLK, and Robert Kennedy) They caught the last train for the coast The day the music died

[@tom7471]

It is certainly one of the most incredible songs ever written. I loved your breakdown!

[@scapito]

@@tom7471 Awww thanks 😊

[@RvBDopp]

Very, very nice response. This is my mom's favorite song and she assumed that he was dead because she never heard him on the radio much. In high school, I recorded the Garth Brooks Live from Central Park concert on VHS and in his encore he brings Don McLean out and they sing American Pie together. Mom was floored. The next year, Don McLean comes to our small Rockabilly city and we sat on the 2nd row and watched Don McLean amaze us with his God given talent. She met him and got some of her CDs signed afterwards. Love that memory so much.

[@shellymarquez9320]

That was the absolute best explanation I have ever heard! Well done!🤘🏼

[@gpxo11]

Excellent response-but I think the generation lost in space might refer to Woodstock and the space race culminating in man's landing on the moon.

[@BluenoserJo]

McLANE is how it's pronounced. I sang the entire 8 minutes and change at a karaoke once, LOL

[@sadfaery]

THIS!!!

[@marybrost7883]

I did too!!

[@BluenoserJo]

@@marybrost7883 YESSSSSS!! I'm not sure if you were as drunk as I was, tho'

[@virtualdmn1]

Big picture: he is talking about the death of the idealism of America. He wrote this in the 1970s in the wake of Vietnam.

[@314jph]

It's a Boomer generation anthem, and it is a masterpiece.

[@QueenAstroParticle]

Exactly. Brilliantly succinct sum-up. Thank you.

[@stephaniekaminsky7497]

I was born in 65 and I remember singing this all the time. As I got older I had a sense it was about Vietnam Nam.

[@christophneumann112]

Don McLean was 13 years old when The Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens, and Buddy Holly died in a tragic plane crash on February 3rd, 1959. Those three musicians were huge at the time so that day was memorialized as "The Day The Music Died". McLean released this song in 1972, eloquently describing what that day was like for everyone. That tragedy was still fresh in people's minds, so the song struck a chord with everyone. Everyone that was alive in 1959 remembers where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news. I imagine it was the same when Elvis Presley or John Lennon passed. In my life time, I have vivid memories of where I was when a few of my favorite artists passed away. Music touches the soul so we remember the ones the who touched our souls the most.

[@mariebishop7357]

Very well said. Thank you for this comment.

[@jed291]

The plane crashed in Clear Lake Iowa and Waylon Jennings had gotten sick, so he gave his seat on the plane to Richie Valens.

[@bella-xp7qd]

It was The Bopper that had the flue not Waylon. Ritchie Valens won one seat on a coin flip with Tommy Allsup, and Buddy assigned the other to his Panhandle pal. But soft-hearted Waylon gave his spot on the warm plane to Richardson, who had come down with the flu. “You're not going with me tonight, huh?” Holly joked at Jennings' expense.

[@justinbehler7072]

If I remember correctly, Buddy told Waylon I hope you freeze on that bus. And Waylon jokingly responded with "I hope your old plane crashes." Said it haunted him the rest of his life

[@stevedavis5704]

@@justinbehler7072The reason for the switch was The Bopper got sick and the bus wasn’t heated so Waylon traded spots.

[@stevedavis5704]

Can you imagine joking with your bud like Waylon was and the last thing you say to him is “I hope that plane crashes”. Ten minutes later you watch the plane crash and everyone dies. My kids say I have a weird sense of humor but I check all of my favorite songs from growing up so I can watch people like you be amazed when you hear them for the first time and realize parts of them are around us everywhere. Keep up the good job you and others like you keep people like me young.

[@justinbehler7072]

@stevedavis5704 yes, he switched with him out of kindness to let the big bopper stay warm and get some rest. He and Buddy were just joking with each other about Waylon's decision

[@compostdave]

This isn't just a song, it's an absolute masterpiece.

[@FinallyTuned]

In sunmary… after the death of his musical idols, his eyes were opened and he saw the raw world and its harsh realities.

[@Jude_196]

WOW - that's the most CONCISE summary I've seen of this song - and, a GOOD ONE (for short)!!!

[@Kim-dm4yb]

Perfectly stated!!!!❤️

[@Kathy-ub8ur]

I think he said when he went to school that day, no one else seemed to care. I had a similar experience on December 9, 1980.

[@lordpike]

The whole song is filled with double entendres and metaphors. It is a time capsule of the 1960s.

[@misterpeppercorn3078]

This song is about the plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. Innocence of American teen music had died in this this plane crash. One of Buddy Holly's hits was "That'll Be the Day." The "Levee" would be the make-out-spot but it was dry because of this terrible plane crash. It's just a metaphor. The boys drinking whiskey and rye were trying to forget. You've got to remember that this song is a reflection of a different time in American society. The line about kicking your shoes off in the gym was because in the 50's and early 60's a school wouldn't allow kids to wear their street shoes on the wooden gym flooring. The shoes would leave marks and maintenance had to work hard to clean the gym floor. I'm 76 now and remember those days vividly. It's a question he's asking "Can music save your mortal soul?" It's a wakeup call. Did teens put too much of their lives and hearts into the music that was popular at the time? I know that Bob Dylan didn't like being called a "Jester" in this song because he never considered himself a Jester! ❤

[@bloodybutunbowed291]

I did a research paper in my creative writing class in college about this song... 1. ‘Drove My Chevy To The Levee But The Levee Was Dry’ There was an advertisement for Chevrolet sang in 1953 by Dinah Shore who was a top-charting female vocalist of the 40s and 50s. The fact it was now dry refers to the change in the social climate in the 60s compared to the 50s. 2. ‘Singin' This'll Be The Day' - in the chorus Likely refers to Buddy Holly's song "That'll Be the Day." 3. ‘But February Made Me Shiver’ Of course refers to the deaths of Buddy Holly, along with singers the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens, and pilot Roger Peterson, perished in a plane incident February 3, 1959. Their small aircraft went down on a snowy late night after a concert in Clear Lake, IA. (Made me shiver - plane crashed in a blizzaed_ 4. ‘With Every Paper I'd Deliver / Bad News On The Doorstep / I Couldn't Take One More Step’ McLean worked as a newspaper delivery boy. And on February 3, 1959, the "bad news" was Buddy Holly's demise, on the cover of every paper that he delivered. 5. ‘When I Read About His Widowed Bride’ Buddy Holly was married to his young wife, Maria Elena Santiago-Holly, for only six months when he perished.His widowed, pregnant new bride was so traumatized by the news of his demise that she had a miscarriage. 6. ‘The Day The Music Died’ Since there was the loss of all three rock musicians in the same incident was seen as a tragedy, and in McLean's mind, marked the end of a musical era that would never be reclaimed. 7. ‘Did You Write The Book Of Love?’ "The Book of Love" is a famous song by The Monotones, a group from Newark, NJ. The song was released in 1958, topping pop and R&B charts. It must have left an impression on young McLean. As the lyrics to the song go: "I wonder, wonder who, mmbadoo-ooh, who...Who wrote the book of love" 8. ‘If The Bible Tells You So?’ "The Bible Tells Me So" was written by Dale Evans in 1955 and recorded by a handful of singers the same year. It was a pop(ish) version of the of the Sunday school song "Jesus Loves Me" 9. ‘You Both Kicked Off Your Shoes’ Refers to sock hops. Teenage dance parties in the '40s and '50s that involved playing popular music in gymnasiums or community halls. Kids were told to take their shoes off to protect the varnish on gymnasiums and dance floors. 10. ‘With A Pink Carnation And A Pickup Truck’ In 1957, Marty Robbins released the heartbreak song "A White Sport Coat (And a Pink Carnation)" about a young man "all dressed up for the dance" and "all alone in romance." 11. ‘And Moss Grows Fat On A Rolling Stone’ A year after Bob Dylan released "Like a Rolling Stone" in 1965, he was involved in a motorcycle accident that made him lie low for a year or two at the height of his career. He had just transformed himself from a folk singer to an electric guitar-playing rock musician, which caused a lot of controversy within the American music scene. Some people believe McLean's intention was to highlight the evolution of music between the '50s and early '70s while also pushing the action of the song into the '60s. 12. ‘When The Jester Sang For The King And Queen’ Bob Dylan is the jester, Pete Seeger is the king, and Joan Baez is the queen. Bob Dylan opened for them at the Newport Folk Festival in 1963, where the three of them sang Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" together on stage. 13. ‘In A Coat He Borrowed From James Dean’ On the cover of his 1963 album The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, Dylan wears a red windbreaker similar to the one worn by James Dean in the film Rebel Without a Cause. 14. ‘And While The King Was Looking Down’ Reference to Pete Seeger looking down on the way Bob Dylan experimented with music in the 1960s. 15. ‘The Jester Stole His Thorny Crown’ Bob Dylan the jester became the king, taking the crown when he won hearts with his brand of folksy rock 'n' roll. Some people believe he took the crown from Elvis, the "King of Rock 'n' Roll." Others stick with Pete Seeger. 16. ‘The Courtroom Was Adjourned / No Verdict Was Returned’ Refering tothe JFK assination. After he was slain in 1963 , the man accused of the slaying, Lee Harvey Oswald, was himself slain. Therefore, "no verdict was returned" because no trial actually occurred. Also, the Warren Commission showed no real explanation to the event. 17. ‘And While Lennon Read A Book On Marx’ The popular theory is that he's singing about the Beatles becoming more political with their music as tensions soared in the '60s. The Beatles, adored by American youth, were deemed inappropriate by older generations who thought their music was too rowdy. Also, the Beatles released songs like "Revolution" in 1968, whose message is in line with the Communist writer Karl Marx, known for The Communist Manifesto.

[@bloodybutunbowed291]

18. ’The Quartet Practiced In The Park’ The quartet is likely the Beatles: Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. 19. ‘And We Sang Dirges In The Dark’ A dirge is a funereal song of mourning, and there a lot of funerals in the '60s: President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy among them. The line could also refer to the Vietnam conflict; many drafted service members sent overseas never made it back home. 20. ‘Helter Skelter In A Summer Swelter’ "Helter Skelter" is a song the Beatles released in 1968, a year of political and social turmoil in the United States. The next August, "in a summer swelter," followers of Charles Manson (who called for racial war he refered to as "Helter Skelter") brutally slayed five people, including the actress Sharon Tate. 21. ‘The Birds Flew Off From A Fallout Shelter’ Some fans speculate this is an reference to the '60s rock band The Byrds. A fallout shelter is a euphemism for a drug treatment center, which one of the band members checked into after being caught with illicit substances. 22. ‘Eight Miles High And Falling Fast’ Eight Miles High is the title of a 1966 album by The Byrds. It is considered one of the first real trippy records. The sound of the album was influenced by plenty of experimentation with acid. 23. ‘It Landed Foul On The Grass’ Referencing the counterculture's overt use of the weed. 24. ‘With The Jester On The Sidelines In A Cast’ In 1966, Bob Dylan (the Jester), was in a very bad motorcycle accident which had him laid up and in a cast. He didn't want to go to a hospital so he moved in with small town doctor, Doctor Ed Thaler and his family, staying in the third-floor bedroom of their home, until he healed. 25. ‘While Sergeants Played A Marching Tune’ The Beatles released their album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" in 1967. It was an album where they changed their style making traditional "rock n roll". Experimenting with different soundscapes, introducing instruments such as brass horns and sitars. 26. ' 'Cause The Players Tried To Take The Field / The Marching Band Refused To Yield’ Talking about the protest movement that seemed to peak in the late '60s and early '70s, from Chicago protests at the Democratic National Convention to the one at Kent State in Ohio where the National Guard opened fire on a bunch of students. 27. ‘Oh, And There We Were, All In One Place’ Woodstock. The 1969 music festival in Bethel, NY, which brought together more than 400,000 people in one weekend. Many of the most well-known rock musicians of the time performed, including Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. The festival is viewed as the height of American hippie culture. 28. ‘Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick / Jack Flash Sat On A Candlestick’ A mashup of the "Jack Be Nimble" nursery rhyme and the 1969 song "Jumpin' Jack Flash" by the Rolling Stones released on their album "Live'r Than You'll Ever Be". The album sold poorly, so this could be read as an insult to the Stones for not coming up with a good comeback to the Beatles' album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". 29. ‘Cause Fire Is The Devil's Only Friend’ The Devil seen to be represented by the Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. The Rolling Stones music potraying rebellion and estrangement, and the pull away from a more innocent time perceived earlier in the '50s and early '60s music as well as the world in general. 30. ‘No Angel Born In Hell / Could Break That Satan's Spell’ "Angel" refering to the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, which started a riot at the 1969 Altamont Free Concert in California. They were hired to provide security during a performance by the Rolling Stones, and an 18-year-old Black man was stabbed by a member of the motorcycle group (some say for trying to pick up on a white girl). The events of the day are considered by some to be the day the "free love" movement ended. 31. ‘I Met A Girl Who Sang The Blues’ The "girl" could be Janis Joplin, the rock singer with a very bluesy voice who perished from taking illicit substances in 1970. Her hits "Piece of My Heart" and "Me and Bobby McGee" were considered anthems for the hippie generation. 32. '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’ Don McLean is possibly talking about the loss of interest in '50s music at record stores. When he released the song in 1971, perhaps he was suggesting no one cared about music from this bygone era anymore. 33. ‘And In The Streets The Children Screamed’ In recent years leading up to the song's creation, thousands of young people across the country were involved in various protest movements, which led to confrontations with law enforcement or other groups. 34. 'And The Three Men I Admire Most / The Father, Son, And The Holy Ghost' Since Don McLean was raised Catholic, bringing religion in at the end of the song makes sense. The sacred holy trinity he speaks of, however, catches "the last train for the coast," likely a sign McLean believes America lost its moral foundation in 1959, the year of Buddy Holly's plane crash.

[@92548dannyt]

@@bloodybutunbowed291 Don't think it can get more complete than this.

[@donstewart9164]

Best explanation is bloodybutunbowed291

[@evangelinebelami8716]

​@@92548dannyt I have a complete and total understanding of this song now😁 My husband lived through all of this Era and has tried to explain it..... but now I got it❤

[@bsbereal5408]

@@bloodybutunbowed291 Thanks to both of you. 1 - 34.

[@jewely9757]

I’m 70 and during these early years, Buddy Holly death, Patsy Cline death, President Kennedy, his brother Bobby, something was broken and forever changed. Innocence lost. Love your thoughtful content. ❤️ I’m in tears. 😢

[@StringofPearls55]

Innocents lost is what the song means to me too.

[@BadgerBJJ]

My dad is 80. Beginning with Kennedy’s assassination… Drafted in 1966… turmoil of the 70s. He said the same thing. Something broke and forever changed. Innocence lost. It wasn’t until the 1980s we began to pull out of it.

[@andrewmccormack4295]

It's a great song,but for me it's a very sad song and the last part always brings me to tears.StringofPearls,I believe,is right,it's also about a loss of innocence.

[@carols2343]

I agree. I'm 76 and those were tumultuous times, and it's not over yet.

[@FLPhotochick11]

I just came across a few of your videos so I thought I'd watch. I'm glad that you are taking the time to learn more about the history of American music, because it's a very rich one. This song is one that was studied in great length in my English class back in the early 80's. It's sort of like Billy Joel's 'We Didn't Start the Fire', only a more compressed period of time. I am glad that other folks have explained most of the meaning behind the content of this song. Our English teacher took this song very seriously and wanted us to thoroughly learn the meaning behind it and what it was all about. I certainly learned a lot from those lessons and because of that, this particular teacher will always be in my heart whenever I hear this song as he is for many alumni from our school as he passed some years ago. I was 4 when this song came out so there were many things about it, I did not understand. I will always be grateful to our English teacher for using it as a history lesson for us to learn from and remember. I hope you will continue to take the time to explore the music and great story tellers of our past.

[@1776SOL]

To me the reason American Pie ranks as one of the best songs ever, it's sonically beauty, amazingly structured, & lyrically a masterpiece of metaphors about a horrific tragedy that came to mark a turning point in American history. The day the Music died, was the day the American middle-class society & culture (to a greater extent America herself) lost it's childlike innocence as American society transition into the chaos of the 60s-70s.

[@Proud.American58]

There’s a documentary on Paramount+ called The Day the Music Died about this song’s impact on American culture as well as other musical artists. Don McLean discusses the influences to the lyrics as well and where he wrote the verses. I think Don was a big Buddy Holly fan and was like 12 years old delivering papers in New Rochelle NY (about 3 miles from me). He saw the headline about the crash which led to the lyrics “But February made shiver, with every paper I deliver, bad news on the doorstep, I couldn’t take one more step”. Definitely worth watching. #blackpegasusraps #americanpie #donmclean #donjuanabe

[@hopelebarre173]

Suggesting his documentary is the first thought that popped into my head as well. I really like finding out the stories/meanings behind songs and the artist. They did a great job on it and it was well worth the watch.

[@Proud.American58]

@@hopelebarre173 likewise, the one about Laurel Canyon is really interesting

[@bobbiehlavaty7826]

Thanks!

[@BlackPegasusRaps]

thank you so much for your extra support

[@anitawright7169]

This is so iconic! Don did this with Home Free a while ago. He asked them to do this with him on the 50th Anniversary of the song. It is worth a listen. Don still has a voice. When he did this with Home Free, he was in his 70's. Love your reaction! ♥

[@JaneSoper-ht3lv]

The part "I can't remember if I cried when I read about his widowed bride" refers to Buddy Holly's wife

[@suecook1326]

Yes, she was pregnant when he died and miscarried soon after.

[@alabhaois]

So sad 😥

[@StellaJean1000]

Nope, JFKs wife.

[@Lolita6672]

I think it has something to do with JFK being shot or John Lennon both were in somewhat knew marriages the wives were still considered brides so when the men died they were called widowed brides.

[@arashi6595]

I have a friend who knew Ritchie Valens. They all lived in Pacoima, CA and Ritchie used their garage (and other neighborhood kids' garages) to practice. Almost 2 years to the day before the airplane crash, a military aircraft and a private aircraft had a mid-air collision above the town and crashed into a middle school playground. One of the boys who died on the ground was my friend's brother. He and Ritchie were close friends. Ritchie was out of school that day at the funeral of his uncle and fortunately missed the tragedy. But, from that day forth, he had a pathological fear of flying. The fact he put his fear aside to get on that plane two years later, is haunting. A lot of the imagery in the song is about the American 'dream' of that day. "Apple pie" was about as American as you could get, it was considered a part of the wholesome American landscape. So when he says "bye bye Miss American Pie" it's a nod to the death of America as we knew in those days. Driving the Chevy to the levee was a common practice in those day. The 1957 Chevy Bel-Air was the quintessional 'car' of the 50's and young people. The levee is the riverbank and kids would park their cars to make out at the river.

[@wesalker3479]

This song is LOADED with abstract references to significant events in the music world, as he was growing up.

[@khristianacampbell3356]

My sister died in a car accident at 17! At the age of 53 I still get tears in my eyes (and I don’t cry). This song….. for me that was the day the music died. Then again it was music that also saved my life! This song will live in infamy!

[@lauraross9005]

❤

[@chuckwilson4186]

I’m sorry 🙏

[@ORagnar]

I'm sorry to hear about your sister. o

[@kelliej200]

My son died at 27. Music reactions saved my sanity

[@terrimobley6067]

There are people that break this song down and help the lyrics make sense. But as someone who was a young teenager when this song came out, you have to remember that songs back then were meant to be experienced not interpreted. So we just learned all the lyrics and sang along and danced and loved the way it made us feel❤

[@kennethcook9406]

There are so many references to 50's 60's and 70's pop culture in this song, it's amazing that it's just under 9 minutes long. It should be at least 30 minutes long.

[@LaPinturaBella]

I was 10 years old when this song was released. I fell in love with it instantly and 52 years later, it is STILL in my top 5 list.

[@larkljc]

Girl I was 12 and still remember every word and note!! I bet you do as well! Takes me back for sure!

[@TDXRazor]

What are your other 4?

[@goldiekildea1703]

Music has saved me in many ways! I love all music with country being the least and rock the most and if it weren't for music I don't know where I'd be today.

[@rebelleparrish4937]

That's absolutely what this is about. My dad would shed a tear whenever this would come on the radio. He loved buddy holley and the big bopper so much. I learned Chantilly lace when I was 5

[@davidjennings1771]

The lady who sang the blues was Janis and the Beatles sang Helter Schelter. They were also the marching band that refused to yield to Jumping Jack Flash, or the Stones! You did good BP but sometimes you need to Listen to what's being said in all songs.... Good Luck, you'll get it as close as anyone else ever did. Many of us Lived it in current events!

[@byronkbb.1056]

I’m sticking around for the eight minutes that’s worth it. What a great song I’ve had a large experience with this song. Thanks for playing it.

[@scottclark3761]

There's so many references thrown. The Jester is Bob Dylan, the King is Elvis, the Rolling Stone is a reference to Rolling Stones, the Quartet is the Beatles. Eight Miles High is a record by The Byrds, an American band. The sweet perfume was tear gas at war protests, the marching band was the soldier at Kent University. Jack Flash is a Stones tune. The devil was Mick Jagger, and the Stones used Hell's Angels as security. The girl who sang the blues is Janis Joplin. It's....a lot. Those are just the highlights.

[@HenryCabotHenhouse3]

This song is an encapsulation of the 60's covering the time from the the airplane crash (the day the music died) in ?59? until the Altamont concert disaster in ?71? (the second day the music died). It is also somewhat autobiographical covering sections of Don's personal life (he was a paper boy delivering newspapers when the crash occurred). I believe that while a levee is dike to hold back water along a river, The Levee was a bar in McLean's town that became a dry county (The Levee was dry) and, if one listens, ,the line is actually 'drinking whiskey IN Rye', Rye being a town across the county line and still serving alcohol. The Book of Love is an early rock song as well as a reference to the New Testament. Then he talks about a sock hop (you were not allowed to wear street shoes on the gym floor). The Jester is Bob Dylan, the King looking down is Elvis as well as Jesus. Lennon reading Marx is John Lennon while the quartet is the Beatles. Yes helter skelltor is Manson and the Byrds sung 8 Miles High. Sergeants playing is again a reference to the Beatles. Lost in Space was a popular TV show. Jack Flash is Mitch Jagger of the Rolling Stones (Jumpin' Jack Flash) who was on stage during the Altamont disaster with the Hell's Angels (Angels born in hell). The girl who sang the blues is Janis Joplin. Music stores used to have areas where one could listen to music before purchase which ended by the '70s. That's just what i rmember of the alagorical references. But the whole thins is faith and the death of the innocent rock music of early rock and roll. What does the song mean? Don said it means he will never have to work again and then refused to explain any more.

[@leatherbotcher]

The other commenter is absolutely correct in his assessment of the lyrics. This song captures the period of time from the 20's to the 60's. You had this sort of American hope that was ubiquitous. But World War I, World War II, The cold war, and then the Vietnam War put America into a sort of tail spin. America was insulated to some extent from the ravages occurring in Europe, but that changed drastically. American society was upended from a nation of faithful united people to a country divided by religion and politics. This polarization bled into every aspect of American life: music, churches, schools, work, politics, and society. This song is an attempt to capture that chaos as it was reflected in popular culture. It's absolutely beautiful.

[@Tijuanabill]

Some trivia: This dude is the guy that Roberta Flack was singing about, in Killing Me Softly.

[@LoganK17]

*Lori Lieberman and Norman Gimbel wrote it about Don McLean Roberta made it her own a year later. According to the google.

[@Tijuanabill]

@@LoganK17 Thanks for the info but what did I say that you contradicted?

[@LoganK17]

@@Tijuanabill I guess nothing 😂 I took what you wrote as giving Roberta Flack credit for writing it about Don, but really you just said she sang it. So I guess I was just clarifying? Either way it was new information for me, so, thank you! 🍻

[@Tijuanabill]

@@LoganK17 I just got lucky. Of course I thought she wrote it, given how much emotion she sang it with, every live performance I have seen of it.

[@samuelleake9213]

No way, the plot thickens. Top trivia ❤

[@bella-xp7qd]

This song has been preserved in The Library Of Congress. Ritchie Valens won one seat on a coin flip with Tommy Allsup, and Buddy assigned the other to his Panhandle pal. But soft-hearted Waylon gave his spot on the warm plane to Richardson, who had come down with the flu. “You're not going with me tonight, huh?” Holly joked at Jennings' expense.

[@terrygrizz]

Brother, I've been following you for a while and this is the first time that I love your interaction and analysis. I grew up with this song and never really pondered the lyrics. Thank you for bringing me to that, rather than just jamming to the instruments and beat.

[@peterburrell007]

"That'll be the day....that I die", huge Buddy Holly hit. This song is full of all the songs and singers of his youth, once you know that, the rest is easy. ;) And, their death was (to the young him) like the end of his world, his innocence, like the second coming was right around the corner.

[@karensilvera6694]

You got it BP! I heard Don was the newspaper boy. I think some of us have mentioned before that Waylon Jennings gave up his seat on that plane and he had survivor's guilt the rest of his life. There are some good documentaries on this song (2022) and the event (the plane crash). I think it's on Netflix. Each stanza is a historical event and change in music. The place they played is open but looks frozen on time from that last concert. Very sad.

[@ultramiddle4991]

I’m in my 70s and still getting shivers from the musical expression of the lyrics. We all have stories about the times “the music died”during the decades of our life, young and old

[@billboyd9028]

Don McLean never revealed all of the secrets of his song, but it was 100% allegory for the times (60's and 70's). You can find several good "break down's" of the lyrics which provide reasonable interpretations of the metaphors. It would be much easier to understand the story and the metaphors if you lived in the times when the personalities were on the stage and the events were unfolding. I'd recommend you find a couple of these good articles that go through the metaphors to help put the story together. Every sentence has a meaning and even though McLean kept most of his secrets, you can learn much about his thinking through those interpretations. Great reaction - thank you!

[@musiclovingnurse2802]

I know you also listen to some of the A Cappella groups. Don asked Home Free to sing this with him for the 50th Anniversary tribute to this song. Adam Rupp, the beatboxer, nearly passed out the percussion was so intense. He also asked them to be his guests a short while later when he received his Star on The Walk of Fame!! Very humble man!

[@tg23456]

Your best reaction, by far. Raw, real, vulnerable, reflective, with some ah-ha moments of historic events. Well done! 👏👏👏

[@heartwork8318]

It’s an ode to the loss of innocence and the end of an era. Loved your reaction BP! ❤️‍🔥✌🏻🫶🏻

[@angora1210]

The song means so much to so many. Those of us who lived during these events know exactly what these lyrics mean and each event that he chronicles. It is like he is singing our history. It is a golden masterpiece that brings back sweet, sad, joyful and tragic memories!

[@honestone490]

American Pie = America's innocence

[@vstraylight]

The American Pie was a plane. When it crashed, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valenz, and Big Bopper were on board. The good ole boys on the levee were mourning the loss of these legends by singing and drinking. A levee is a long thin structure that is used to keep a river from moving it's banks. They can be a nice hangout spot. He didn't know any of them. He was a teenager at the time, and he admired all three. In the beginning of the song he talks about dreaming about being able to perform music like them and make people dance.

[@lizettecueto7255]

No record of the plane ever being named

[@PatriciaPascarella-lu8od]

Back in 1979 my younger brother bought this album for me for a Christmas present. He died in that first week of December in a car accident.The gift was already wrapped and under our parents tree. This song is a treasure.

[@ultramiddle4991]

It’s about the death of romantic sentimentalism, the magic of projection, and the dissembling of delusions. All the anecdotes to explain the phrases are just a few of innumerable stories the human conscious experiences and creates. Their all good, but not for awhile, like the quip,”the truth will set you free, but first it’s going to piss you off.” The magic of music is that it can help the listener apply the message their each ones personal memories and situations. ❤Thank you Steve Perry for that perspective

[@alpowell]

As someone who grew up in the 60s and 70s I always considered this to be a commentary on cultural change, things lost and gained, and questions about the future direction of the country. I've never broken it down verse by verse, because a lot of music written during that period was purposely full of obscure and confusing references that can make analysis self-defeating. I do appreciate the thorough analysis of the verses offered below. Much of it may actually be correct - or it may not!

[@HazelCampbell-i2c]

Black Pegasus, you have got to check out Home Free's version along with Don. They were also with him when he was inducted into the hall of Fame with his star ⭐. Home Free collaboration with Don was on the 50th anniversary of the song.

[@sammymarcy6029]

I commented that they performed this song at the Hollywood induction ceremony of Don's star

[@coletedeux]

Don asked Home Free to do the 50th anniversary edition with him. It is sooo good.

[@tracyallshouse2730]

I was going to say the same thing!😊 but I decided to see if anyone else did and .....well here you are.😅 Don and #HomeFree redone this beautifully ‼️

[@michellesummers1010]

What I really love about your videos, is that you are so young (relatively) and appreciating the music and artists I grew up with ❤ I also love how you aren't afraid to speak about your faith in God 🙏

[@pambarab5506]

Besides the music artists references, the Cold War and the Vietnam war were intertwined with the music of those times. This song tells a part of everyone who lived during those eras life story.

[@lindapoindexter2162]

Love to hear your reaction to this. I’m a 77-year-old baby boomer, and we’ve tried for years to figure it out (during many parties, I have to confess). One line you mentioned “can music save your mortal soul?” I remember the lines of many church songs more than I remember the sermons that followed them. So maybe music can help save your mortal soul. Thank you for your video.

[@markharbin9945]

Love it Love it dude your just getting here you don't learn music you live it thats how you learn it im 63and thank God I'm still learning 😮✌️🗽every word in this tune has a music theme ❤😢😅🎉thank you brother 😮the late 50s and 60s

[@thegothfolk]

The king Elvis, the Jester is Dylan. the Beatles are the Quartet in the park. At least according to my Hippie upbringing. ❤

[@robinmills8675]

The "girl that sang the blues" was Janis Joplin.

[@thegothfolk]

@@robinmills8675 Yes, and the Rolling Stones and Hell's Angels were Satan. I was taught the lore from an early age 🤣

[@johnpublicprofile6261]

THE LEVEE "Don McLean is referring to The Levy, a bar in his hometown of New Rochelle New York. When he arrived at the bar to get something to drink, good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye, but he missed last call. So therefore The Levy was dry. No drinks for Don McLean."

[@Umptyscope]

Rye, New York. They were drinking whiskey _in_ Rye.

[@sammymiller253]

OMG, I was 10-1/2 when this song debuted, but I remember it like it was yesterday. I'm so glad that people are keeping this and so many others that I grew up on alive.

[@hoosiernationsindiana2085]

Basically a music tribute to major events during the 60's. Had to do some quick research, here's what was happening prior to plane crash Feb 3, 1959 Jerry Lee Lewis begins career 1952 ---Great Balls of Fire released 1957 Charles Hardin Holley "Buddy Holly" begins career 1952 ---That'll Be The Day released 1956 Chuck Barry (Father of Rock and Roll) begins career 1953 ---Maybellene release 1955 Elvis (King of Rock n Roll) begins career 1954 --- Don't Be Cruel and Hound Dog released 1956 and goes international James Brown (Godfather of Soul) begins career 1956 --- Please, Please, Please released 1956 *********** Vietnam War begins 1955*********** Jiles Perry Richardson Jr "Big Bopper" career begins 1957 --- Chantilly Lacy release 1958. Bopper was actually a DJ and song-writer before singing. Ritchie Valens begins career 1957 --- La Bamba released 1958 ************************************************* Now move into the 60's Vietnam is still going strong, but music has made the jump from quartet and country to Rock and Roll. Beatles begin career 1960, Beach Boys 1961 Rolling Stones 1962 1963 Beatlemania hit USA along with the Rolling Stones and The Animals (The House of the Rising Sun) to create the "British Invasion" Also in 1963 Bob Dylan released Blowin In The Wind. Music is rapidly changing as is the culture of America Nov 1963 JFK assassinated Around 1964 the Hippie movement begins in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco giving us Gratful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and Janice Joplin, to name a few 1965 Malcom X assassinated and protest against the Vietnam War begin **************************Vietnam War is 10 years ongoing******************************* 1966 Haight-Asbury is at its peak. Bob Dylan wrecks his motorcycle. 1967 Summer of Love mass amounts of hippies converge on Haight Ashbury. At the end of 1967 Haight Ashbury is abandoned. Of import is Charles Manson was in this district at this time. 1968 Dr Martin Luther King Jr and Robert Kennedy assassinated. Nixon elected president. Beatles release Helter Skelter. Charlie Manson moves to Spahn ranch. He also spent time with Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys. 1969 Moon Landing. Tate-La Bianca murders. Woodstock in upstate New York, Altamont Free Concert and Hell's Angel are security leading to Meredith Hunter's death. War protest have been becoming more violent since 1967. Finally 1970 Kent State Massacre and Black Sabbath released --- War Pigs--- This is but a sampling of events during the 60's now relisten to the song. America was in a state of flux and most alive during this time will say music was the driving force and continued on into the 80's. Now you have just a few music label and they control what is put out. Which is why Tom McDonald is a big deal!!! Sorry for the long post and I know another poster gave up the meanings of this song, but I felt the historical events which shaped this song needed posting. 🕊❤🙏

[@MommaOsoIrish67]

Yes!! absolutely an incredible summation of the historical significance and supporting information behind the song. Thank you so much since a stroke took a large portion of my early life memories. this definitely helped me remember all the different, very significant, events behind this song.

[@hoosiernationsindiana2085]

@@MommaOsoIrish67 My🙏for you! My daughter struggles from the same thing. Although she was ejected from a car and her forehead to the blow. She struggles, but music is slowly bringing back her earlier memories. It just enforces my belief that music is the basis for your life. Take care and many blessings to you!!

[@Wayne-745]

Never apologize for sharing information. It's not like used so much space that there's not enough room for others to comment. I was born in the late 70s and I find this stuff very interesting. You either have studied this a lot or was right there in the middle of it. It doesn't matter to me which, I can see you've done your homework. Even someone who's lived in this era would have to spend a lot of time getting all of these facts together. Thank you for sharing this with the world and remember, don't feel bad because your posts are long when they're filled with facts.

[@MommaOsoIrish67]

@@hoosiernationsindiana2085 I HIGHLY encourage art therapy! Music is indeed a fantastic therapy. When I was first released, my entire left side was paralyzed and I was told I might never walk again. Well, doctors don't know everything. Especially when it comes to the brain. I always was creative, artistic, so my mom and my kids kept me working at it with that in mind. It is an odd injury to live with. Some days I feel almost like my old self. Other days, I can't remember how to tie my shoes. (I have several pairs with out laces for those days. Lol!) My prayers for your daughter's journey in healing. Patience and celebration of every little progression forward helped me.

[@Bijou2013]

The song is about how all of life changed "the day the music died" - literally everything. Buddy, Ritchie and JP being gone changed how people felt about life itself.

[@michellekeyes1507]

That crash wiped out the beginning of a new music movement. The US was left with mainly highly produced/marketed corporate music - bubble gum stuff with no heart. Its considered a primary driver of excitement around the Beatles arrival 5 years later.

[@BAFischOU812]

Stumbled on to your channel yesterday and digging your reactions to AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Slipknot, etc. I'm posting a comment to this video as I watch you review it kicking back in Clear Lake, IA. I live about a mile from the Surf Ballroom and about 3 miles from where the plane crashed after taking off from Mason City. If you're ever traveling I35 in northern Iowa, you have to stop at the Surf Ballroom and see all of the memorabilia they have collected through the years. Still holding concerts there with a capacity just over 2,000. It's been awesome seeing some major acts perform there through the years. BTW. Corey Taylor tells a story in one of his pre concert Q&As that he lived in Clear Lake when he was a little kid. Maybe someday he'll do an acoustic performance at the Surf!!!

[@CarlHasenauer]

Waylon Jennings was part of Buddy Holly's band he gave his seat on the plane that crashed to J.P. Richardson "The Big Bopper ". Jennings took a bus. That haunted Waylon the rest of his life. The song is very interesting indeed. I've always liked this song. It came out when I was a young boy. I am now 65 years old!!

[@mikekremposky]

Waylon let Big Bopper take his seat on the plane since he was suffering from the flu.. Holly told Waylon, jokingly, I hope your bus breaks down and Waylon said back, I hope your plane crashes

[@jeffgordon3444]

Feb 3 1959 the day that music died, the plane crash of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper. The three biggest artists in the early days of rock. There was a fourth musician who wanted on the plane but they drew straws and he lost. His name was Waylon Jennings!!!!

[@korndogsmom]

I love your reaction to this song. Plain and simple. I love music that makes us think and feel.

[@anglosaxon5874]

"Killing me softly with his song" [sung by Roberta Flack] was inspired by Don McLean.

[@terri2494]

What a beautiful song! He should react to the studio version. Ethereal.

[@gracemichelli.2am124]

I was just thinking about this song today. Thanks for doing it. A lot of the things he says refers to other bands and artists songs ❤

[@jondavidporter2626]

Stood on the Deck of a Royal Caribbean Ship and listened to Don sing this: along with EVERY SINGLE SOUL ON THE DECK. Everyone knew the words and we sang together on the Rock Legends Cruise... With Don McLean. So awesome!!! To understand the meaning; you have to place yourself into the lives of people living at the time the song war written. So many questions and Rock n Roll was such a focus of the youth. He laments what will life be without the music of those three. The song progressed into the 60's and without a good knowledge of history; many points are missed. So many inferences to "the times". Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and more.

[@StephenKlitzky]

I feel old when my teen years are called History

[@Jude_196]

FREAKIN' MASTERPIECE!! SO many references of people at the time: BLOWS your MIND!!! Don McLean: GENIUS!!! ...and, SO MUCH FUN to sing along with!! ENJOY!

[@Serai3]

When he was asked what this song meant, Don said, "It means I'll never have to work again." 😂 Some songs are born of their time, and once you get far enough away in time, they become hard to parse and understand. This song is plenty coded, but even so, when it came out we could suss out some of the meanings, and we could also enjoy it because we understood the _feel_ of what he was singing about, since we were living in it. The nostalgia for the 50's and its sock hops, the upheavals of the 60's and the hippies reinventing music, and then the crash and darkness of Altamont, the music festival that ended that sweet counter-culture dream (represented here by Mick Jagger in the role of Satan, dancing onstage as the concert turned horrific and murderous). American music never again recovered that sunny open naivete, that sense that anything was possible if we just wanted it enough. This song tells the story of that end, how the yearning turned into bitterness and the sad march of mourners away from the gravesite. So the song really present two of "the day the music died" - the day the Big Three died on that plane, and the day music devolved into chaos and died along with the dream. (This is poignantly drivin home by the line about the girl who sang the blues. That's Janis Joplin, who died in 1971, the year of Jim Morrison's death. "She just smiled and turned away" - she might have had an answer, but we never got to hear it.)

[@stevelee6400]

One of the best comments. Thanks.

[@jannasomewhere2889]

this fills in a lot, thanks. I'd forgotten about Altamont, but now that you reminded, the Hells Angels provided security, and one of them stabbed Meredith Hunter to death when Hunter (who had a revolver) tried to get on the stage. Whoever made this video put a motorcycle silhouette on screen to accompany the "no angel born in hell" lyrics. This song is boomerism overload. :-) I'm Gen X, I don't connect with the historical references. But the musical aspects of the song I think are great.

[@Serai3]

@@stevelee6400 *bows*

[@thereseborneman2377]

It is him reflecting back to when the music he had been listening to will never be the same as it was before the plane crash. The big bopper and three more died.

[@tomherd34]

Don was 13 when the plane crashed and he was a Buddy Holly fan. He was also the paperboy in his town. When he saw the headline about the crash he was shocked and now it was his job to give this horrible news to the town. "February made me shiver with every paper I delivered. Bad news on the doorstep I couldn't take one more step"

[@Teresia12]

There's also a song called "A White Sports Coat and a Pink Carnation" that was popular at the time the music died that was played at all the proms. Lost in Space was a TV show plus we had gone into space and we were all in one place at Woodstock. So the song is full of societal references such as all those already mentioned in previous comments. Also Don's father was a minister.

[@djhassoun]

One of my favorite songs. I've been waiting for your reaction to this one. I don't really like country music, but this one and Devil Went Down To Georgia are on my playlist.

[@Razgriz85]

Hard time not tearing up to this song, since it was the first thing my mother said/sang to when she came out of her heart attack induced coma. She couldn't vocalize names or remember much, but she knew the lyrics to this song immediately.