First Time Ever Hearing Don McLean "American Pie" Reaction | Asia and BJ

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[@stillracer2514]

On February 3, 1959, American rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, together with pilot Roger Peterson. The event later became known as "The Day the Music Died" after singer-songwriter Don McLean referred to it as such in his 1971 song "American Pie". There are a lot of other references to subjects such as the Beatles and Janis Joplin but I'll leave that to others to inform you of.

[@MrCRayAnderson]

This is the most accurate comment. Well said, it's the truth!

[@davidromero7582]

True story my grandma told about this song of the there Buddy Holly , Ritchie Valens ,and the Big Bopper Died was known as the music died

[@mikeg.4211]

That's it!

[@diherself9778]

Pin that!!

[@xaviergarcia6065]

Definetly

[@neildonley9626]

A whole American rock music history lesson from the 50s to the 70s in one song.

[@mikeharry1799]

Yes, came here to say this. The 'meaning' video is like... almost every verse is like a vignette into the 50s, 60s, 70s... it's amazing...

[@RonRezendes]

Exactly!

[@zanethind]

Yep 1959-1970 29 years

[@iainprendergast8311]

…and British Invasion I thank you. Didn’t do it by youselves

[@otisdylan9532]

@@iainprendergast8311 That's true. There are references to the Beatles and the Stones in the song too.

[@faxcapper]

Can you imagine sitting down and writing that LONG poem then setting it to music? Don is SO talented.

[@nikkigilmore1054]

Lyrical genius.

[@rhymereason3449]

Actually, I think it was his wife that wrote the poem..

[@briancradicsandiego5254]

That’s pretty amazing how much BJ is actually understanding this song. Majority of people who don’t know what this song is about are clueless when I listen to it

[@stephenhuber1219]

This song was read into the Library Of Congress. Every line is a historical reflection.

[@CCDzine]

Ron Paul read into the congressional record the history of Trotskyite leftists rebranding themselves as neoconservatives, and how both left and right are against the individual liberty. But that song fact is cool too.

[@donjenkins3861]

This is a song about what happened after Buddy died. The Jester is Bob Dylan, The King is The King, Elvis. The Byrd's were a group in the 60s that actually made a song entitled "8 Miles High". John Lennon from the Beatles actually became a Marxist (Communist) after reading a book of Marx. The Beatles wrote a song "Helter Skelter" and Charles Manson took the meaning of the song and sent his disciples on a killing spree. Jack Flash sat on a candle stick, The Rolling Stones "Jumping Jack Flash", The Stones also helped bring Satan to the forefront of Rock&Roll. The girl who sang the blues was Janis Joplin.

[@thomaswhite7783]

The Sgt played a marching tune was the Beatles Sgt Peppers Lonely hearts club band.

[@Dee-JayW]

@@thomaswhite7783 The quartet practiced in the park…another Beatles reference if Im not mistaken.

[@thomaswhite7783]

@@Dee-JayW candlestick Park. Their last concert.

[@koki84ji7]

The stones hired hells angels for security, a bike gang, and they beat up some people

[@donjenkins3861]

@@koki84ji7 Except the Stones didn't hire them, they appointed themselves as security. And not only did they "beat" a few fans up, they murdered a young black man by stabbing him to death. The Stones had nothing to do with The Hells Angels.

[@frankiebowie6174]

This is one of the rare songs that is almost impossible to explain to people of your generation. We boomers got the references immediately, and what we didn’t get at first, we got after a hundred tries because it was on every station for weeks and weeks 😆 Thanks for giving it a go!

[@kristinblevins6842]

History isn't hard boomer.

[@DimitriEyonovich]

I'd like to see one for millennials and Gen Z

[@sarahpagett9191]

Hold up I was born late 70s and I know what the song is about and I'm not even American RIP to the 3 great singers

[@funkyjbass7762]

@@sarahpagett9191 Its about so much more than just those three. That was an inciting incident that kicked off a decade of change and turbulence, and was the end of an age of innocence (50s) and the coming of age in 60s - Do you recall what was revealed the day the music died? - what was revealed was the illusion of the American 50s.

[@stevenkovler5133]

@@funkyjbass7762 he even refers to a Nuclear Bomb!

[@mixy5179]

This whole song is one big history lesson. Iconic.

[@joehaller5155]

It is about when Buddy Holly & the Big Bopper died in a plane crash, The Day The Music Died. Also has a bunch of other correlations and references. Don was a true poet

[@tdb2012]

Ritchie Valens also was on that plane. We lost 3 great musicians that sad day.

[@paulobrien9572]

Waylon Jennings was supposed to be on the plane also but he gave up his seat

[@Eowyn187]

@@paulobrien9572 coincidence or fate?

[@Rob-eo5ql]

@@Eowyn187 literally, a coin toss

[@mythicsin3083]

He was asked once about what the song meant. He said “it means I don’t ever have to work again”! Btw his song Vincent about Vincent Van Gogh is amazingly beautiful.

[@X1.7]

His song is about the death of Buddy Holly

[@goittoog7563]

You are bloody well right

[@brendarohde8077]

I love your response.

[@mythicsin3083]

@@X1.7 Yes I know, and many other musicians and I’m pretty sure he knew. He was joking.

[@paulvonk1421]

And. Thats. Supertramp's crime of the century

[@ChrisB-xm3mg]

"The Day The Music Died" refers to the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and The Big Bopper. This song is full of cryptic references, which McLean has, for the most part, never fully explained. The charcaters in the song represent popular figures in entertainment, some of whom are more obvious than others. For example, the Girl Who Sang The Blues is generally accepted to be Janis Joplin.

[@howardbrown911]

So many historical references to events of the sixties and early seventies that stunned us all and were often reflected in the music of the time. The song begins with the deaths of Richie Valens, Buddy Holly, and the Big Bopper in a plane crash and that symbolizes the end of a certain carefree era of rock music. After it, came so many songs with deep political meanings and messages. The reference to the good old boys drinking reflects the feeling many had that in the draft was Vietnam and likely their death, so drink for today because tomorrow you die. The events of the Chicago Democratic convention and the trial of the Yippie leaders that turned into a circus. The deaths of Janis and Jim and Jimmy are here too, as well as references to so much more. The American pie reference is, I think, a reference to the American dream that seemed reachable for so many, but as events unfolded, those dreams and ideals faded away. Those who lived through these times will always have a special connection to this song!!!!

[@JC-rb3hj]

The king is Elvis, the Jester Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin is the girl that sang the blues, Lennon is John Lennon, There is a depth of musical history in the song. Buddy Holly's death and those that died with him stunned the public.

[@musicairplanes4884]

Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Richie Valens

[@drmorqWarrenProject]

Lennon ... is LENIN.. Just like Marx... JOHN LENNON WAS ALIVE WHEN THIS SONG WAS WRITTEN

[@JC-rb3hj]

@@drmorqWarrenProject Yes Lennon was alive. The Beatles and the Byrds were alive too and are referenced in the piece. Lennon took an interest in Marxism. It came out in his songs and it has been written about quite a bit. In his later years he became less radical in his beliefs. Great song by a very interesting artist.

[@texadan314]

@@drmorqWarrenProject Yes, he was alive. He was reading Marx.

[@AlumOhio]

The jester was Mick Jagger

[@sheri_bear]

"This 'll be the day that I die" is a reference to Buddy Holly's hit "That'll Be The Day (That I Die)"

[@frankwilcox768]

Arguably,the greatest rock song of all time,a true American classic,unmatched lyrics,Don McClean did an absolute masterpiece-timeless classic

[@chloecrockett6830]

My highschool physics teacher used to sing this to us in class playing guitar on Fridays after a quiz. The entire class would sing along. I love this song so much.

[@jdnldsn89]

The song in part is about Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper who were killed in a plane crash on February 3 1959 and is often referred to as the Day The Music Died.

[@armynurseboy]

It's more about the country changing during the 50s and turbulence that came with the 60s.

[@jimwagner9522]

It is a very personal song for Don McLean regarding events that touched his life as well as that of an entire generation of Americans.

[@johnholcombe3322]

It was based on the event when buddy Holly and Richie big boppers plan crashed

[@debjorgo]

@@johnholcombe3322 About two lines in the chorus and two lines in the song were about Buddy Holly's death. Everything else was about Elvis, Dylan, the Beatles, the Byrds, the Stones.....

[@newgrl]

@@debjorgo John F. Kennedy's assassination, the killing of his assassin, the Cuban Missile Crisis, Lennon finding communism, the murders of civil rights workers...

[@debjorgo]

@@newgrl There were several Beatles' references, Helter Skelter, Sgt Pepper and Lennon reading Marx. And Janis Joplin, the girl who sang the blues. And then there was the death at the Stones concert in Altamont where they used the Hells Angels (angels born in hell) for security. Great song!

[@newgrl]

@@debjorgo Yep.

[@sailinbob11]

It covers everything from the Kennedy assassination to the Vietnam War and a bunch of other front page stories of the 60s. There is a narrative copy of this song which explains the meaning of every line. Worth a listen. This is definitely top 100 list of songs all time.

[@Annakaydyct]

This is about buddy Holly's death!

[@stinkbug4321]

The first part@@Annakaydyct

[@stinkbug4321]

More than just the 60s.

[@allanpedden9519]

Indeed!

[@thefullnomad6543]

One of the best songs from a depth and meaning POV ever written, probably. You could spend a week's worth of English classes just talking about all the stuff in there, and ANOTHER week talking about all the correlated history tales that are relevant to this story. It's amazingly deep.

[@bcojr1074]

This song was based on the deaths of Buddy Holly,Richie Valens and the Big Bopper on Feb. 3 1959.

[@surlechapeau]

yes, "The Day The Music Died". the Big Bopper - J.P. Richardson Jr.

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

Such a sad day... I was in junior high and I will never forget that day... Lived in the SFV and knew people who were friends of Richie Valens...

[@bcojr1074]

@@corinnepmorrison1854 I love their music. So sad they all died 8 days before i was born but i still grew up hearing their music.

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

@@bcojr1074 I cried “the day the music died”... I was in junior high...

[@rayhutchinson640]

Just imagine your favorite musicians, the ones you listen to every day because their music gives you life, and they all get killed in a tragic accident at the same time. Life goes on for everyone but, for you, that's the day the music died. This song always brings a tear to my eyes because it makes me realize how empty my life would feel if ALL music just disappeared!

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

Amen...

[@JNKArts88]

That „being young man” experience is beyond culture. This song is perfect.

[@tpoindexter3848]

Steven Mckee 1 year ago 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

[@Vote_Blue]

February 3, 1959 was the day the music died. a plane crash killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valenz and The Big Bopper.

[@debjorgo]

Right, Ritchie Valens being the La Bamba guy. Buddy Holly was the death that affected Don McClean the most. One of his big songs was That'll Be the Day (That I Die).

[@Vote_Blue]

@@debjorgo American Pie...

[@debjorgo]

@@Vote_Blue Epic song. BJ did great, pulling out the "La Bamba" guy, as one dying in a plane crash.

[@eclconsulting]

This song is a lament for the loss of innocence he felt America experienced after the 50's, told through the history of rock and roll. You could spend decades analyzing it, like many of us have. 50 years later and I still know all the words.

[@frankzappa5169]

50 years for me also and ill never get tired of it

[@aerynoftalyn1307]

yes I agree this is what is about - from the personal loss of innocence to a generation and a nation.

[@kathrynkissane5144]

Well said

[@deborahstrickland9845]

McClean seemed to say something similar in an interview I watched if I remember it correctly.

[@AJfanboy1]

This song was released the year I graduated. Yes, 50 years later and it is still being talked about and played. Someone above commented that Taylor Swift broke McLean's long standing record for the longest song to land a spot on the Billboard Top 100 chart, and that may be true, But I'm willing to bet hers won't top the charts like this song did, and hers won't be talked about 50 years from now.

[@2GunRock]

This song is laced with metaphors and symbols. It basically chronicles the late 50's thru the early 70's, so most of all he's taking you thru the entire counterculture revolution of the 1960's thru his eyes, from start to finish. Now if you happened to be a child of the 60's or even 70's, all of these references (metaphors) were such recent history that most people understood every verse. However, if you are listening to this song for the first time now, LIKE YOU TWO, what he's referencing is 'ancient history', therefore difficult or impossible to understand. You may understand a verse or two, MAYBE, but it's impossible to understand like it was by the generation upon its release. Again, for that generation he was chronicling recent history. Now its ancient history, relatively.

[@richgoebel6650]

Six verses. Chorus sung seven times. Very interesting rhyming all the way through. Since this came out in 1970, it mostly refers to a lot of events in the 1960s, especially the 1959 plane crash that took away Buddy Hollie, The Big Bopper, and Richie Valenz (la Bamba). One other artist, Waylon Jennings lost a coin toss and wasn't on that plane.

[@Rob-eo5ql]

The song is about different periods of his life, the traumatic events, when the music died. From, for example, Buddy Holly (1959) to JFK, RFK, MLK (1960s) to Janis Joplin (1970).

[@Rob-eo5ql]

“The three men I admired most: the father, son and the Holy Ghost…” (JFK, RFK, MLK). “They took the last train for the coast…” ~this train is bound for Glory.

[@kenqb5450]

I think the Marching Band is the Beatles and Sargent Peppers.

[@Rob-eo5ql]

@@kenqb5450 “we got up to dance, but we never got the chance” is the Beatles concert at Candlestick Park. They only played for 30 minutes then left.

[@crafty1096]

It’s about the Plane crash that Killed JP “The Big Boppa” Buddy Holly and Richie Valenz. Which was alluded to. The reason Lennon is mentioned snd the Sargeant Peppers, is a little known fact. Buddy Hall and the Crickets was where the Beatles got their name. (Beatles, Crickets) The first song the Beatles ever released was “That’ll be The Day” a cover of Buddy Holly. John and Paul are huge fans.

[@MatthewC137]

A lot of people don't realize how huge Buddy Holly was to a lot of young artists at the time. It's hard to get our heads around it today buy Holly brought something new to music that was very influential. His band, The Crickets, gave The Beatles the idea for their name and the Brit band The Hollies were so named out of admiration for Holly. Holly's plane went down in February. "But February made me shiver With every paper I'd deliver Bad news on the doorstep I couldn't take one more step"

[@rik6696]

You can analyze this song forever. There is so much going on and so many historical/cultural references that make up the story. Every time I hear it I make another connection and it has a deeper meaning.

[@garthdadr9610]

Being an oldphart, i remember when this song came out. People debated the meanings of the lyrics for at least the next year.

[@garymaidman625]

Definitely a PhD in this.

[@elizabethknedler7292]

All of this is actually taken from historical events that it happened and he made it into a song maybe some history would help you

[@rik6696]

@@elizabethknedler7292 Thanks, I'm pretty long in the tooth. I know what the song means for the most part and understand the references. I always just find a deeper meaning.

[@Bjowolf2]

@@garthdadr9610 From way back when songs actually could have interesting and deep lyrics and even great tunes as well - an almost unknown concept to the younger generations these days.

[@indiecarmayne]

Don McLean wrote another famous song called "Vincent" about the artist/painter Vincent van Gugh. Be sure to check it out! The song above "American Pie" refers to an historic event when the three founding fathers of Rock'n Roll (they prepared the ground before Elvis Presley) died together in a tragic plane crash on February 2,1959. They were Budy Holly (22 at that time), Richie Valens (17) and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson (28). This is what he refers to with the line "the day the music died". We really lost so much amazing talent on that single day... R.I.P. my friends, you will be remembered forever 'cause good music never dies. That is why you will live on!

[@pamelapasechnick6899]

The 50's, 60's and 70's were a tremendously traumatic time in U.S./World History. The kids that lived through those years had to absorb a crazy amount of stuff, from multiple assassinations, the fear of nuclear annihilation, and a host of other social and cultural changes and the #1 way that generation expressed itself was in our Rock Music. So,this song was very descriptive was what that whole generation went through! I enjoy your thoughtful comments in regard to the music you react to. I look forward to watching more of your reaction videos!

[@detomaso_6235]

BJ, you were right about it being monumental. From wiki: "it was the number-one US hit for four weeks in 1972 starting January 15 after just eight weeks on the Billboard charts... The song also topped the charts in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In the UK, the single reached number 2...The song was listed as the No. 5 song on the RIAA project Songs of the Century...The song also held the record for almost 50 years for being the longest song to reach number one."

[@zanethind]

Cuz it's the damn best

[@trumphatesyou]

It was the longest song ever played regularly on the radio until Taylor Swift.

[@glennelfmann3143]

I know a lot of the people doing reactions want to go into a song blind, but with a song like this a little investigation would have brought a lot more meaning to the words of this song.

[@lala_sparkles8035]

Or if you don't understand, pause the camera, then resume recording after you've done some research.

[@cortross92359]

I honestly enjoy watching them try to unravel the meaning of this song. I literally took a history of american music class in college and this song was like 1/4 of the semester.

[@danielshepherd5635]

@@cortross92359 Want to share what you gleaned from the class?

[@kimdavidmorrow3227]

I love watching people react to this song! Us old people know every word, and the meaning behind each one, so it is amazing to watch people try to figure out what he is singing about! Great reaction

[@TwistedSynn]

He's singing about the deaths of the music legends, buddy Holly, Richie valence, and the big bopper. They died in a plane crash. The plane was named Miss American pie. That day was known as the day music died

[@donjenkins3861]

Lori Lieberman was the Lady who went to Don's concert which inspired "Killing Me Softly", not Roberta Flack. She recorded "Killing Me Softly" long before Roberta. I'm sorry.

[@SIXX2772]

This beautiful song also represents the reoccurring tragic losses of all our great artists and bands that we continued to lose years later.

[@mikemulrennan7948]

If you’re a child of the 50s, 60s it’s about almost every major event, plus your typical adolescence during that time… it’s genius! A masterpiece..

[@darkpitcher5242]

I'm a brit and I have loved this song for over 50 years I haven't a clue what he's singing about but I don't care. For me the piano play absolutely smashes it

[@brenthowell8883]

This is about things and events that happened back in the late 50's thru the 60's. Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, Richie Valens died in 1959. The King is Elvis Presley, The Jesters stole his thorny crown, is The Beatles. The father son and the Holy Ghost, represent 3 special men who were assassinated in the 60's. John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy. That's all I know about portions of the song. Classic!✌

[@dvbeattie]

I believe the jester is Bob Dylan

[@brenthowell8883]

@@dvbeattie You are right. I thought he said Jesters but he said Jester.

[@jakecoker794]

The jester is Bob Dylan, the quartet is referring to the Beatles.

[@757optim]

Asia, you had it right from the start. The "news" was the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly (and the Big Bopper & Ritchie Valens). The verses are filled with references to the performers of the "new" music that followed.

[@letitbesummer6536]

Funny little story. My sisters and a friend and I went to his concert around 1980 or so. We went backstage to see if we could meet the musicians and someone said go to this restaurant because the entourage is going to be there. So for fun, we did and giggled through dinner. They were next to us in a big table of 20 people. Long story short he ends up taking a liking to my sister who was about 18, they exchanged numbers. I’ll never forget being this 14 yr old & answering the phone to the call from Don McLean lol! She did have a date with him but due to many things nothing was pursued. One being, we are in Canada. Great memory! Btw, this song stills give me chills 💖

[@anneanderson9744]

Other references (than what is already written in previous comments) His widowed bride is the wife of Buddy Holly "Book of Love" was a 50s song Rock & Roll was banned early on, with many people claiming it was the Devil's music and evil. Slow dancing became a thing whereas in earlier generations touching another person close like that while dancing was evil and banned. They were only allowed round dancing and square dancing. Swing dancing in the 30s and 40s changed this somewhat, but slow dancing was really, really close dancing and was so much more sexual than the world had ever seen before. "White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation" was a popular 50s song. Many young men in rural areas took their date to the prom in a pickup truck. The Rolling Stones (moss grows fat on a rolling stone) The Jester was Dylan with his trickster type of lyrics with double meanings. In a coat he borrowed from James Dean -- JD was a popular actor who wore a leather jacket. And a voice that came from you and me is Dylan singing in a new style that was like regular speaking, which had opinions on issues of the regular public, and pushed Elvis' "grand" style off the podium. The courtroom was adjourned, no verdict was returned -- could be about the youth that now defied their parents and authority, broke away from the rules, listened to the music, began protesting war, etc. The world was changing for everyone. It landed foul on the grass (smoking weed, flower children, San Francisco, free love) With the Jester on the sidelines in a cast == Dylan after his motorcycle accident Quartet in the park == The Beatles we sang durges in the dark == new style of dark songs of inflection and mourning (the song by Simon & Garfunkel == Hello Darkness My Old Friend) Do you recall what was revealed -- nobody knows, and this is the most obscure line in the song, but I believe it refers to Ed Sullivan Show and banning Rock & Roll music saying it was evil, and the kids of that time period realizing they weren't going to hell by listening to it. I was too young then so I don't know but I'm guessing Holly, Bopper and Valens were hailed as going straight to heaven and not hell, while just before this, all rock & roll artists were said to be going to hell. Suddenly they were heros. I think this is what he recalls what was revealed. Bye bye Miss American Pie == the American Dream is gone drove my Chevy == popular american car levy was dry (no more of that music) "Drive your Chevy to the levy" was a commercial playing about buying a Chevy Sargeants played a marching tune == the Beatles' Sargeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band "The British Invasion" was about British Bands (Stones, Beatles, etc) making a huge splash in America. (refused to yield) The era of the original form of Rock & Roll was over. (Well, not actually imho but this is a tribute to the earliest R&R artists, and especially those killed in that plane crash). All in one place == refers to the famous farmer's field concert "Woodstock" and then subsequent extra large venues for concerts (that used to be in small auditoriums like school gyms.) "Lost In Space" was a popular TV show in the 60s about a family living in space. "Jumping Jack Flash" is a song sung by Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones. Fire is the Devil's only friend -- perhaps referring to the early Stones concert when one person was killed by a security guard who was an ex-Hell's Angel's member. Jagger didn't know this happened and they finished the concert anyway, so Jagger was criticized for it (Jack Flash sat on a candlestick). It was 10 yrs between the plane crash and this concert. (For 10 yrs we've been on our own and moss grows fat on a rolling stone). Satan laughing with delight -- he's suggesting this is Jagger, who was happy that the old Rock & Roll style was gone (not the people in the plane) and his new rock style of music was in. The sacred store is the record store, which used to have listening booths in the 50s. By the time this song was written, those were gone. The father, son and holy ghost -- I believe this is the record label owners, station managers and the PR men with their payola. (Payola was a practice of paying for air time -- like a hidden bribe (the holy ghost), and was eventually banned). In the streets the children screamed -- I think this refers to people protesting the war and the army draft. I think Poets dreamed is John Lennon in his "BED IN" where he and wife Yoko Ono protested the war by staying in a bed all weekend and being interviewed while doing that, in a hotel room. I think the church bells being broken refers to the radio stations that were no longer playing 50s songs. If the sacred store is the record store, then to me, the church bells are the radio stations. They caught the last train for the coast, the day the music died -- I think it is referring to the new way of making music into a business as opposed to earlier days when someone could walk into their office and if they were good enough, cut a record and have them produce it (live recordings, few takes, not a lot of bureaucracy) -- guys like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc. PS - John Lennon died much later than this song came out.

[@Rob-eo5ql]

“Oh, and as I watched him on the stage My hands were clenched in fists of rage No angel born in Hell Could break that Satan's spell And as the flames climbed high into the night To light the sacrificial rite I saw Satan laughing with delight The day the music died” This refers to the Rolling Stones/Altamont free concert/Hells Angels tragedy (1969).

[@dougaragon8113]

Are you sure rob?

[@hepchaos]

I don't know if Rob is sure, but this is one of the verse that Don McClean explained about, so I'm sure it's about Altamont.

[@patrickquinlan67]

Yes, this makes sense to me. Thanks.

[@jillbassett5167]

If Rob is not sure, I am. It has been explained that the tragedy at Altomont, where the Hells Angle were hired by the Stones to be security at the concert and they ended up stabbing a woman to death! This was described as the metaphorical end to the unrest of the 60’s as I understand it!

[@toddstevens13]

@@dougaragon8113 That stanza is about the Plane Crash which happened at night, and how the Fire from the Plane became the big 3's funeral rite.

[@sealdrup]

It history put into poetry. Brilliant and classical song. From Wikipedia: In 2017, McLean's original recording was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or artistically significant". To mark the 50th anniversary of the song, McLean is scheduled to perform a 35-date tour through Europe, starting in Wales and ending in Austria, in 2022.

[@Coolrockndad]

This tune was the longest song to hit #1 at that time for 4 weeks. It was so long it was put on both the A side and the B side of the single. "American Pie" has been described as "one of the most successful and debated songs of the 20th century".

[@amandamankins1293]

I can't hear this song without tearing up. My parents and I loved this song I still do. Ironically my mother passed on the 50th anniversary of the plane crash. She was the one who got me into 50's music. However, Stand By Me was the movie that introduced me to Buddy Holly.

[@t.r.1708]

Sometimes writers put their feelings down in metaphors that only they know what it really means! This one has cleverly disguised meanings! It’s history beautifully told! Thx!

[@hihoktf]

This song was, and is, a culturally iconic phenomenon. Loaded start to finish with poetic history at its finest!

[@raymondreid4987]

What he is talking about is three legends the Big Bopper aka J.P. Richardson, Richie Valens and Buddy Holly. When he is singing about his widow bride that is Buddy Holly's wife. This song pays tribute not only to the music changing but to some of rock and roll top elites like Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin, I meet a girl who sang the blues and I asked her for some happy news but she just smiled and turned away that's my Janis.

[@technoforever888]

Oh, Asia, you are all of us when we first heard this song...some of us, still trying to decipher these lyrics to this day...as long as you feel it and dig it!

[@bradsullivan2495]

This came out in 1971 and Don McLean still makes major $$$ in royalties because it's been a classic almost since it was released.

[@ralphkern380]

Asia - Through much of this song I saw your furrowed brow and a frown of concentration - trying to understand the symbolism. The symbolism in this song is so involved that it would require a full doctoral dissertation to explain the conscious and subconscious ramifications (I know of at least 2 music majors whose thesis was on this composer and this song.) and was the subject of several long interviews with Don. Those who were children of the the 50s - 60s and 70s recognize much of the reference - but - after years are always finding new layers. Thank y'all for your thoughtful reaction.

[@cindyx92130]

In simple terms, this song is about all the great musicians that died before he wrote this wonderful and beautiful song. It seems like there are other talents mentioned, but I only know about the musicians.

[@krisdoggett483]

Buddy Holly had a hit song called "That'll Be the Day". The line goes "...you say you're gonna leave, y'know that's a lie cuz that'll be the day that I die". John Lennon died nine years after this song came out.

[@citizenshipp4152]

Asia & BJ, I loved seeing you honestly digging in to interpret the song, putting so much thought into the listening experience. No fake energy, genuine appreciation and some deep detective discussion! American Pie meant a lot to me growing up, and I must've spent 10 years dissecting those words - pre-internet, only the clues in the lyrics. (I knew nothing about the Buddy Holly connection for yeeeears.) Seeing you two decoding it all on the fly was a little emotional for me, and really rewarding! Thank you. Love you guys!

[@geoffreyfreebern9037]

Here is a piece of trivia from a couple weeks ago: "(CNN)Taylor Swift's rerelease of her hit song "All Too Well" has broken the record for the longest song to take the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart -- and Swift has handled the win with grace. The songstress sent flowers to Don McLean, whose song "American Pie" first set the record when it hit No. 1 in 1972, with a runtime of around 8 minutes and 37 seconds. " On another note, one of Buddy Holly's most famous songs is "That'll Be the Day" ..with a lyric ('Cause that'll be the day When I die') - sorry if TMI.

[@AJfanboy1]

Swift may have broken the record with the longest song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but I'd be willing to bet it never repeats the performance or longevity of American Pie. I'd also bet that it won't be talked about 50 years from now either. Her little teeny boppers can only prop her up for so long.

[@geoffreyfreebern9037]

@@AJfanboy1 and it is a "re-release" ...should come with an "*"

[@tlm101155]

The song is basically the history of Rock and Roll and the 60's and 70's in code. There are references to the Beatles (Sargents), Rolling Stones (Jumping Jack Flash), Bob Dylan (the Jester), the Kent State shooting and the Charles Manson Cult killings (Helter Skelter). The "3 men I admired most" were John F Kennedy, Bobby Kenedy and Martin Luthor King. And much, much more!

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

I always thought the part about the flames climbed high into the night was a reference to Jimi Hendrix lighting his guitat on fire onstage.

[@robertmccracken6886]

Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash! Our 7th grade teacher Mrs. Hindman spent the entire class that day breaking down the entire song. The fact that she did that still lives in my memory today. Thank you Mrs. Hindman! What a beautiful and great tribute.

[@tom7471]

One of the greatest songs ever written by one of the greatest songwriter/singers of a generation. Lyrically brilliant! Check out 'Vincent', 'Castles In The Air', or 'The Pride Parade'. They have less of a backstory than this song.

[@325diane]

Buddy Holly was probably the first major rock star. And yes, Richie Valens, the La Bamba guy, died in this same plane crash. You might want to listen to Don McLean's "Vincent" and "And I Love You So". Vincent is about as different from American Pie as you can get. It's more the type of song that might have inspired "Killing Me Softly With His Song."

[@joelliebler5690]

Add Castles In The Air!

[@ericwillison1389]

Don't forget The Big Bopper ("Chantilly Lace") died in same crash.

[@robinchesterfield42]

Actually "Killing Me Softly" WAS literally inspired by "Vincent" (which Roberta Flack heard Don McLean playing in concert). So you were right on the money there. :)

[@325diane]

@@robinchesterfield42 Thank you for confirming that, Robin! What a beautiful tribute by one artist to another...two unforgettable, one-of-a-kind songs!

[@ericbetts4359]

@@robinchesterfield42 Lori Lieberman was the one who wrote “Killing Me Softly” on a napkin at a Don McLean concert. She brought on two others to help with the music and production, and released its original version in 1971. Her career never skyrocketed in the sense that the song did. In 1973, Roberta Flack covered the song and Lori stated Roberta gave the song a new dynamic. When The Fugees version played on MTV’s “Pop Up Video” the fact bubbles that MTV would include specifically mentioned Lori, to which her three kids got excited about, due to the song’s massive popularity at the time. Don McLean has even mentioned Lori writing it about him.

[@crochetloverangelgrace54]

This is a great song about when buddy holly big bopper and richie valens were Feb 1959 day the music died

[@paul2862]

What Neil Donley said below--it's a rock 'n roll history lesson / allegory. The "day the music died" is the day Buddy Holly's plane crashed with other musicians / singers on board. There are references to Bob Dylan (the jester), Mick Jagger (Satan), and The Beatles (the marching band, I think). And it was definitely monumental--it got an incredible amount of air time. Kids were playing it for piano recitals.

[@kellyjohnson3617]

This song is a history lesson about music. You can look up online a detailed explanation of what music groups snd genres it was talking about after the tragic plane crash involving Ricky Vallens et al who were big stars in the world of rock and roll at the time. And when you think about it after 1959 rock and roll did start to change with the British Invasion and advent of classic rock and folk. So there’s def a lot of symbolism in this song. But when this song first came out I was about 9 yrs old. I didn’t understand the references. But I was used to 70s music that didn’t always make sense. Still loved this song. My parents got the references and loved the song for other reasons

[@johndalley1288]

This song is ageless, it reaches down into you soul and just fills you with wonder. I was 19 when this song came out and it still brings me to tears.

[@ptrlxc]

The Jester was Bob Dylan. Jack be nimble referenced The Rolling Stones song Jumping Jack Flash, and also referencing when they hired the Hells Angels as security for one of their concert and then the Hells Angels killed some fans. So American songs went from care free, sweet, innocent songs of Buddy Holly to the death of Rolling Stones fans. The King is Elvis. Eight miles and falling fast is The Byrds. Sargent are The Beatles as in Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

[@Elaine8492]

the girl who sang the blues is Janis Joplin

[@BoomerMcBoom]

Well Done BJ! It's the history of Rock 'n' Roll. From the 50's to the 70's. Referencing Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, Janis Joplin, Hendrix, Morrison.

[@jealousjelly]

This definitely was a monumental song. An anthem for an entire generation -- my generation. Probably the most discussed and dissected song in the history of modern music.

[@perryedwards4746]

i think its about when buddy holly died and the big bopper and richie valence in that terrible plane crash in 59... 3 great young musicians in 1 second... Feb 3rd 1959 ... I was born 20 days later... I think he then goes on to talk about his life in those days... btw Waylen Jennings was supposed to go on the same flight but i think he had a cold...so he didn't go

[@AlBarzUK]

“Drove my Chevy to the Levee” (the Levee was a bar he used to frequent) “But the Levee was dry” (out of drink so they went down the road to Rye, where the “good ol’ boys” were) “The good ol’ boys were drinking whisky in Rye”

[@nrmnnk4057]

You got it, A movie which ends depicting this song, La Bamba, 1985 movie of Richie Valens. and his fatal decision to get on that plane which crashed with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. 3 big names in music at the time, 1959. Buddy was possible the king of Rock n Roll but after his death, Elvis took that crown. I wasn't alive when this happened but I relived it with the movie, La Bamba. very moving scene and the whole movie was very good at the time.

[@Divamarja_CA]

Last year (2022) was the 50th anniversary of American Pie. I flew clear across the country to attend his concert in New York City. And I’m here tell you that when he sang the song, the audience went totally ballistic. It was a beautiful thing to see this (mostly) older crowd sing along, weep, the whole nine. And when he sang Vincent? Forget it. But that’s another topic for another time. I consider myself very lucky.

[@billshine401]

It's a tough song to interpret but you pretty much got it, BJ. Great choice!

[@personalcheeses8073]

Yeah his interpretation was really spot on. It’s very difficult to decipher

[@Vintage206]

Hi Asia and BJ. Love your channel. You should watch the video of Vincent van Gogh work and Don McLean singing Vincent. It is a definite tearjerker when you know the history of Vincent van Gogh

[@michiganjfrog366]

This song is a teens perspective. His 3 favorite singers died at once. Drowning your sorrows in whiskey and rye, the big game, prom...all became lack luster after that day. Pop culture and current events are sprinkled throughout the song too. It was one of the first anthems to represent a generation that was truly changed by music.

[@charlenegodbee1202]

Thanks YA'LL for this song . There are so many references of the 50's and the musicians who were lost, the space/cold wars, the deaths of Buddy Holly, Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens in the same plane crash. Also, the death of Kennedy.

[@hyperstar1867]

A lot of deep meaning in this song, mostly about cultural changes represented in music.

[@bloodybutunbowed291]

Lots and lots of historical references in this song...events that shaped Don McClean as an artist as well as the lives of an entire generation... 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, who perished in a plane incident on 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 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’ Referring to the JFK assassination. 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 they're 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 the racial war he referred to as "Helter Skelter") brutally slew five people, including the actress Sharon Tate. 21. ‘The Birds Flew Off From A Fallout Shelter’ Some fans speculate this is a 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 a 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, 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 saw to be represented by the Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. The Rolling Stones music portrays 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" refers 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.

[@shirleyklein1770]

@@bloodybutunbowed291 I think you pretty much nailed it. Thanks for the great musical history lesson on all the references in the song. I had heard many of them but not all put together as perfectly as you just did.

[@davidroberts4769]

‘I can’t remember if I cried, when I read about his widowed bride’ refers to the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly and two others (The day the music died) The King is Elvis Presley The jester is Bob Dylan and the line ‘with the jester on the sideline in a cast’ refers to the motorcycle accident that halted Dylan’s career. The quartet are the Beatles and the park is Candlestick Park in San Francisco where they played their final concert (another day the music died) Jack flash is Mick Jagger as is Satan (a reference to the Rolling Stones songs ‘Jumping Jack Flash’ & ‘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, Ritchie Valens & the Big Bopper who all died in a plane crash. The second reference being to JFK, Martin Luther King Jr and Robert Kennedy who were all assassinated in the 60’s ‘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 refers to the Vietnam war and protesters.

[@danielshepherd5635]

I think the refrence to the widowed bride is about JFK.

[@davidroberts4769]

@@danielshepherd5635 No, you're wrong

[@danielshepherd5635]

@@davidroberts4769 Won't be the first time, nor the last. Just what I thought.

[@kierstenridgway4634]

One of the things I love the most about this song is how clean and clear his voice is. It's a crazy world. He put it so poetically.

[@TheirFinestHour]

To me it is an ode to all the things about us that were once good. A lot of the references in the song are to bands and artists of the ‘60’s, eg the Byrds, Beatles, Stones… and of course to Buddy Holly & the Big Bopper. It’s a loss of innocence song.

[@stuartbloch28]

The players tried to take the field, the marching band refused to field. This line probably refers to the Beatles or something, but if I take the line literally, it's very powerful to me. Visualizing the marching band not wanting the music to stop, and refusing to leave the field. I love this line.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

Fun fact: if the band goes over halftime, they can be forced off the field and the team they represent can get a delay of game penalty.

[@amybentley4014]

Kent State

[@timprice5747]

Don't worry, people have been debating the meaning of this song for decades, and Don McClean never has revealed it. The lyrics read like a poem that alludes to something but never really zeroes in. It has many music references, and most believe it is about the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. No matter what, it is beautiful song and was one of the biggest hits of the 70s and for years would be near the top of lists of the best songs ever recorded.

[@shads7708]

The day the music died is in reference to the day of buddy holly, Richie valens and the big bopper died in a plane crash. A lot of other different historical references in the song as well

[@snivelinj7612]

When McLean introduced this song the music world was full of acclaim for it and for his composing genius. It played over and over again. I never could figure it out at that time either. But after all these years we have come to understand it due to all the varied interpretations. This is a one-of-a-kind song that everyone came to love---and still do. McLean was and is a great talent.

[@stephanietip]

Don was a true artist and poet .he absolutely loved my favorite artist Vincent van Gogh. you should really give a listen to his song in memory of Van Gogh titled Vincent.

[@thomaskolioupoulos6590]

Partially correct...He used Musical icons, but not in death... Lennon was still alive when this song was created...the tragedy was Big Bopper, Richey Valens and Buddy Holly...the others referenced were to carry the torch...

[@briantimmons3075]

It's a little vague but all the hints are there. The newspaper was the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, & Richie Valens, The king was Elvis, the Jester was John Lennon, Jack flash is Mick Jagger

[@tyronebrewer3219]

I remember this when I was 18 yrs old.

[@seraiharper5553]

This song is telling the story of the Baby Boom Generation in code. I'm sure many here have offered nuggets of translation. One thing I'll add: the refrain line "this'll be the day that I'll die" has a lot to do with the vague blanket of fear that covered that cohort, on account of being raised with the Specter Of The Bomb. I was born just on the outside edge of that group so I only got part of it (we'd gotten over it by the time I got to sixth grade), but the main part of that generation lived with this sense that this really _could_ be the day they would die. It has a lot to do, I think, with why they got go riled up about so much, wanting to change so much - a kind of desperation in the face of always possible annihilation, and not in the sense of murder, but in a wholly new and alien sense of EVERYBODY dying at once. I personally believe this is part of what drove everybody so nuts for a while there... and of course produced such great music. Glad you enjoyed this one. It's one of those songs that you can come back to again and again, and there will always be something there you hadn't noticed, or hadn't thought about, or a connection you hadn't yet made. :)

[@lindazee]

Excellent commentary! I never considered the fear of living with THE bomb, but now that you mention it, it makes sense. He did reference fallout shelter in the lyrics. I remember those very well.

[@brynw4702]

This was monumental to us. He took us from Buddy Holly,Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper died.. through rise of Elvis, Bob Dylan,The Byrds.. the tragedy at The Rolling Stones Concert where The Hell's Angels as security beat up several fans and started free-for-all..Janis Joplin's OD, and others that are debated about to this day! It remains one of the anthems for people who lived through even parts of those times(a generation lost in space)There's a few ballads that all of us born from '50-'62 or so can sing every word of and will stop to do so still.. this is one and Billy Joel's Piano Man is another. I'm sure others would add more.

[@kennystone51]

This song really gave a notice for the 3 souls that were lost on that wintery February night. 3 musical souls lost. It touched the the generations that grew up listening to their music....... their souls touched so many.....

[@graygrantham7029]

I know there is a lot of texture to Don McClean's lyrics for this song, but one of the most powerful metaphors in all of our western culture is "the day the music died" it means many things to many people. But the day you walk out of a hospital having just lost a family member or a loved one, it will have a deeper and far more awful meaning to you than any other.

[@nikkigilmore1054]

Why it transcends time! Lyrical genius, Don McLean.

[@anntelford8647]

"The day the music died" was the day the plane carrying Buddy Holly, JP Richardson (The Big Bopper), Ritchie Valens, and the pilot Roger Peterson crashed in Iowa on February 3, 1959. They were big music stars, especially Buddy Holly. Richie Valens was only 17. It was a horrendous loss for the world.

[@sandycoble3099]

I believe, Miss American Pie, was the name of the plane that crashed and killed Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Richie Vallen. A death of an erra and the change in rock that followed.

[@theburniethompsonshow1938]

Here, he's referring to Janice Joplin: "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."

[@ronstoner1823]

It was written, I believe, about the death of Buddy Holly (Waylon Jennings was his bass player, but didn't get on the same helicopter), but also about rock and roll in general. Several rock and roll icons are mentioned, just not by name.

[@deanmaynard8256]

It is basically about the 60s - especially the music - it references many events. The lyrics all have very specific meanings - it is worth doing some reading on the interpretations as it is fascinating

[@chefg_murder1191]

Great reaction, there's so much packed into this song. And the comment section, is well informed and intelligent so far.

[@nikkigilmore1054]

Whyyy do I love watching people enjoy this song for the first time? Soul snatching, this song! ❤❤

[@tonyhaynes9080]

Madonna did a brilliant cover version in the late nineties, which is well worth listening to. Also, in an interview Don was asked what the song meant. He replied, 'It means that I will never have to pay for my dinner again' Another words, this was his meal ticket.