FIRST TIME REACTING TO | HOME FREE - AMERICAN PIE. FT. DON MCLEAN

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Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS

[@garlandanthony9734]

You know this song because it is one of the most iconic and symbolic songs in history. It was inspired by the plane crash on February 3rd, 1959 that killed Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper. Every verse and word in the song is a symbolic reference to events that occurred in the 60's

[@mikmaqwoman]

Precisely

[@mikewilliams8277]

And remember Waylon Jennings gave up his seat to the big bopper cause he was sick. Amazing song

[@darrinlindsey]

I don't think "Lenin read the book on Marx" in the 60s.

[@jeffbrochu6396]

@@darrinlindsey I don't actually know but...Why not? John Lennon was born in 1940...

[@darrinlindsey]

@@jeffbrochu6396 So corrected.

[@dalepettiner5036]

Don called and asked HF to sing this with him for the 50th anniversary of the song. The arrangement is total fire !

[@JeshuaSquirrel]

A favorite bit of trivia about this cover was when he was recording his parts, Don asked Tim how they wanted him to sing it and Tim said "Sing it how you want, we'll adapt to you."

[@stephanginther9051]

Yeah, I heard that when asked why he chose Home Free he said it was 'because they *get* harmonies.'

[@JustMe-gn6yf]

And recorded during the lockdown same with seas shanty so it's even more impressive

[@hockemeyer1]

This is one of the most famous songs of the 70s. The day the music died was February 3, 1959, when Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and J.P. Richard (the Big Bopper) died in a plane crash. Waylon Jennings who was playing bass for Buddy Holly gave up his seat on the fateful plane to the Big Bopper because the Bopper was ill. Every part of the song is about events that happened in the 60s. The widowed bride was Buddy Holly's wife. They had been married 6 months when he died. She was pregnant at the time and miscarried because of her grief. The jester is Bob Dylan. The King and Queen is President Kennedy and his wife. The court room being adjourned without a verdict refers to the trial of the Chicago 7 in 1969. The sergeant refers to the Beatles, Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The lady that sang the blues is Janis Joplin. The king passing his crown is Elvis Presley. The 3 men headed for the coast may be John Kennedy, Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy. The music not playing refers to the British music invasion of the early 60s, Beatles, Dave Clark Five, Moody Blues, and the Rolling Stones, and others. Bye bye Miss American Pie refers to the great change that happened to this country during the 60s. Those of us who grew up in the 50s know the radical changes to America during the 60s.

[@debibailey2968]

Wow, thank you! I never knew what all of that meant. Thank you!!

[@randybradley5992]

I always wondered about the court verdict. Thanks for that. Now, it makes sense.

[@jjackflash8907]

The marching band also refers to the Beatles, The Rolling Stones "Jack Flash" .

[@bloodybutunbowed291]

I wrote a paper on this song in my creative writing class in college, lots of symbolism... 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.

[@dhamma58]

@@bloodybutunbowed291 Thanks indeed for showing all these cultural referents...having lived (more or less) through all of these episodes, this song is almost a novel of an entire era. (and the music store would likely be Wallichs Music City, where you could try out records in sampling booths and also buy the sheet music)

[@minneyruth]

WOW! THANK YOU FOR THIS ❤❤❤❤

[@JeffMartinEquinox]

@@bloodybutunbowed291 amazing recap - i've heard much of this before but none so thorough

[@deirdrelewis1454]

Thanks so much for this…it makes sense now. I got many of the images and references but your explanation lays it all out clearly.

[@robertmiller2633]

Late eighties. Last night at this one hospital on the job as a resp therapist. My buddies each brought a joint to send me off. Five of us sitting in my supervisors van smokin' when this song comes on. Needless to say we all sang every word. Never forget that night !!!

[@hollylewis6631]

This was THE song of my youth. I'm 67 years old and can't remember half of what I should, but I remember every word of this song. If I forget everything else, I'll probably still remember this song. Great reaction. ❤

[@dagmar.6954]

Love this remake of this classic song. Can't believe it came out 50 years ago. Don McLean still has a good voice for his age. And love hearing all the guys take a turn in a verse. Poor Adam had to do such a long stretch of beatboxing but he nailed it. Think the song is about 8 min. long. Don McLean received his Hollywood Star on the Walk of Fame recently & Home Free was invited to sing a portion of this song there. What an honor for them. "American Pie" pays tribute to the loss of 3 legends who died so young (Buddy Holly, Richie Valens & The Big Bopper). A lot of references in the song are made to many artists from the early days of music including Elvis, Janis Joplin, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Byrds & others.

[@bernardcoombs1778]

Don McLean received his Hollywood star RECENTLY? What took so long????

[@dagmar.6954]

@@bernardcoombs1778 Agree he should have got it long ago.

[@lisadavenport2390]

One of the first songs I fell in love with at age 10

[@reginafromtexas2314]

@@lisadavenport2390 That was about my age when the song came out. My friends and I would sing it (mostly just the chorus) out on the playground during recess!!

[@MarsJenkar]

Another person connected with Don McLean's song who was present for the unveiling of the star? "Weird Al" Yankovic, who did "The Saga Begins", a parody of "American Pie" that referenced Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

[@dennisflury6942]

This song is an American history lesson from the day the music died (Buddy Holley) thru the cold war with Russia!

[@jasonlouis697]

The song is PACKED full of musical references. Each person/character/mention is a reference to at least one song/musician/group/etc. I remember sitting in a car with a friend listening to this. We had it on cassette and kept rewinding over and over to better understand it. Then I saw it written up on a website and found we barely scratched the surface. I love how so much was packed in together. It's also worth a mention that you are not incorrect about hearing some of these songs before. I had a music teacher once say she counted more than 1000 musical references in a year from cartoons, ads, movies, tv, other songs, etc.

[@davidbartlett7409]

We must be of similar age....there is no doubt i listened to this song more when I was in HS then any other song...except maybe Barracuda by Heart

[@jasonlouis697]

I will admit to still remembering - and feeling - the sound an 8-track makes when it switches to the next channel. Such a distinctive and unique sound. Also, Heart was / is freaking amazing. My favorite was Boston but there were so many good ones back then - Yes, Little River Band, Zeppelin, Genesis, and I even loved the Village People, Bee Gees, and ABBA. Blondie with the first rap on MTV, the hype around the release of Thriller, and the stupid rumors like how Michael brought 2 rival gangs together and taught them to dance for his Beat It video.

[@georgeearls3338]

I am a huge Buddy Holly fan, also of his base player, on that tour, Waylon Jennings, The big bopper was awesome. Who knows how far young Ritchie Vallens would have gone. I can say being born 7 years after that day, I am glad the music did not die. Those Three stars passed away, but their music lives on.

[@williamcapp448]

The first guy who sang for Home Free is Adam Chance. He handles the bass when Tim sings lead. He was the bass for his previous vocal group. He usually sings baritone but also can handle tenor. What I like best about him is how he does instrument sounds. He's the guy who did the jaw harp sounds at the start and conclusion of Man of Constant Sorrows. He adds a nice instrumental sound for Home Free's cover of Can't Stop the Feeling. He sings lead on various Home Free covers. He does a great cover of Wayfaring Stranger which he recorded with the Fox and the Hound.

[@ppresley9208]

Chance is such a low key guy that he doesn't get the recognition he should lol ... his voice is so smooth and smoky ... a great addition to Home Free ❤❤❤ !

[@paulacrump4679]

Chance is my favorite. "I Can't Outrun You" is just beautiful. Chance sings the lead and directed the video.

[@rllangevin3841]

@@paulacrump4679 YES! This is my favourite Chance lead/video. The 5-part harmonies on this are among their very best! I wish more reactors would discover it.

[@lucyFV]

Everyone has analyzed what all the lyrics mean. When asked what the song means, Don said it means I never have to work again! Haha, obviously it’s about so much more. ♥️♥️♥️

[@randallshuck2976]

In one interview McLean said the meaning behind American Pie was that he didn't have to worry about money anymore. Then he said it was about the death of Buddy Holly and the effect on the musical scene that spawned him. Our generational loss of innocence. It has been in the top 10,20,30 and 40s for long before you were born. It has been used in movies and commercials up until recently. There are any number of opportunities to hear this song.

[@ClandOp]

When this song came out, it was a revelation. It remains the longest #1 hit in history on the US charts. I remember hearing it for the first time in my parent's car, and forcing them to sit in the driveway until it finished. I really believe I can sign it completely through from memory. This is a staller performance, but go back and listen to the original as well.

[@willdallas53]

No it isn’t. Taylor swifts all too well is the longest #1 hit in history.

[@GrumpyOldGuyPlaysGames]

Just as a piece of sideline trivia, when Lori Lieberman, Roberta Flack and Lauren Hill all sing "He was killing me softly with his song...", they're talking about Don McLean. McLean was the inspiration for that song. If you want to react to an amazingly emotional song, Roberta Flack's cover of "Killing Me Softly" is a good one. For that matter, Don McLean's song "Vincent" -- a tribute to artist Vincent Van Gogh -- is an amazingly powerful one and you should give it a try. As for the names of the group, its really easy to remember: Tim Faust is the hot guy with the beard. Austin Brown is the hot guy with the beard. Adam Chance is the hot guy with the beard. Rob Lundquist is the hot guy with the beard and glasses. And lastly, Adam Rupp is the hot guy without the beard. Hope that helps.

[@MommaBird52]

Hot guy with ... LOL!

[@mouthoftheniagara]

She has reacted to Vincent. Just last week I believe.

[@MommaBird52]

@@mouthoftheniagara I thought so too.

[@minneyruth]

Hot guy with 😅❤

[@GrumpyOldGuyPlaysGames]

@@mouthoftheniagara I must have missed that one.

[@DeansMayhem]

In an interview, Don was once asked what American Pie meant. His reply was that it meant he never had to work again. Brilliant. :)

[@jasonsomething6003]

Britt... Awesome reaction! I really love the fact that your checking out more Home Free as their vocal talent is next level! Home Free has a knack of getting older artists involved in their cover which is genius for entertainment prepossess and keep their music alive! Please more Home Free as they NEVER disappoint! PEACE

[@brittreacts]

thank you so much!!

[@JillianDavis-yk8pc]

The lyrics are explained in the documentary The Day The Music Died on Paramount Plus.

[@leslieoneal4464]

You know the song cuz it's been played literally EVERYWHERE for the last 50 years! Lol 😉😁👍❤ These are the original lyrics and the pace is just a bit faster than the original, I believe. I know I loved the original and I love this rendition even more! Don's definitely still got it and Home Free simply can't be beat! 💕🎶💯

[@ramblingbill9101]

Song was used in two movies. Marvel’s “Black Widow” and Tom Hanks film “Finch”. Madonna also covered a short version of it in 2000. I think it was used in a bunch of commercials for Chevrolet - “Drove my Chevy to the levy…”

[@chetstevensq]

This song chronicles the events of American rock history. From the death of innocence in music with the Holly crash to the darker side exemplified by the killing of a Rolling Stones fan at their Altamont concert.

[@fishaddict2]

Home Free did this Don McLean song on its 50th anniversary. When this song hit #1 in 1971, no member of Home Free had even been born yet!

[@lucyFV]

Love love Don McClean! He was 75 when they did this for the 50 year anniversary of the song. I’m that old that this song came out in when I was in high school. So much meaning in the words!

[@conniedean1977]

My husband grew up in Sioux City, Iowa. A few miles away is Rogers Park and the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Turns out, the famous plane crash happened after they played The Roof Garden, so the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has that dubious distinction…

[@wilshade]

Think of this song as a musical scrapbook of the early Rock&Roll era.

[@auntypc4791]

Perfect analogy.

[@Jorbo23]

Don McLean’s ‘American Pie’ has been voted number 5 in a poll of the 365 ‘Songs of the Century’ compiled by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts. The top five are: “Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie “Respect” by Aretha Franklin; and “American Pie” by Don McLean.” The poll included votes from musicians, critics, industry professionals, elected officials and amateur music fans. Don McLean described it as being a major honor. That's why you know it Britt! love your channel!!!

[@CherylClifton]

I was a young girl 11-12 when this song came out, I was so in love with it! I had a small phonograph aka turn table, designed for kids. I babysat (.50/an hour) to earn money to buy records, .i played that 45 record (vinyl) and had to flip it over to hear the second half . I still have my 45 collection . A lot of people have talked about the history of the song.❤ if this song comes on I stop and sing my heart out. It has a very special place in my heart! Loved growing up in the 70’s!

[@wilkvanburen]

One thing a lot of people forget is how good a singer you have to be to actually sing acapella. Not just one or two singers but every single one of them. Even Adam Rupp who does beatboxing and prefers to sing backing vocals only, sang in choir and can actually sing. He just feels less comfortable singing lead, but he could do it if he needed to.

[@sallycripe2697]

Adam also plays trumpet well.

[@dennisrphymurphy7929]

Yup.... fantastic song. I'm 72 and most people that are as young as you are (but not as nearly as beautiful) will never be able to connect the dots. It was a magical song back then, ... still is

[@marciaramirez3791]

So many historical references to the turmoil that marked the '60s and early 70's. From the plane crash that killed the forefathers of rock n roll, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper, the Civil Rights protests/marches, the protests against Viet Nam War, the assassinations of Martin Luther King, John and Robert Kennedy, the "girl who sang the blues" was Janice Joplin, "good old boys drinkin' whiskey and rye, singin' this will be the day that I die" references soldiers in Viet Nam. It took Don years to complete this song, writing verses as our history played out in real time. Don't feel discouraged about trying to figure out all the references in the song. I'm a 'Boomer' and I'm still working on it.

[@lisataylor2789]

This song is like a puzzle. Each verse is about an event that happened in the 60s. Each line can be broken down. I didnt care for the song because I didnt understand it but after digging and reading about it, its actually pretty brilliant.

[@miamidolphinsfan]

Britt, this song is a reflection of the 1960's in America....1st have to say, The day the music died was Feb 3rd, 1959, when in a snowstorm in Iowa the Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens & Buddy Holly were all tragically killed in an airplane crash....they were three of the most popular acts in early Rock'n'Roll. This record was originally released on Oct 24th, 1971, and is the song of my generation. I was in 6th grade at Everglades Elementary School here in Miami, FL and literally within weeks every kid in school had memorize all 8 minutes of this song. From then until I graduated in June of 1978 from Coral Park Sr High, we sang this in the bus on every field trip we took. This is one of the most iconic songs of all-time, so I'd be very surprised that unless you lived under a rock you haven't heard this and actually many times. Don was 78 when this was recorded I believe in late 2020 & early 2021 as they released it on Feb 3rd, 2021 the 62ndanniversary of the plane crash. Also that's why the guys are all separate, this was during the pandemic.

[@anitawright7169]

Don McClean asked Home Free to do this song with him. It was the 50th anniversary of this song. This collaboration is so awesome. Love your reaction!

[@Beatles4Sale.]

This song is about the decline of the morality of America. It also references Buddy Holly’s death. Don McLean came out and explained it. The song was written over a long period of time. I would suggest doing a search on the song’s meaning because like you said, “there’s a lot going on,” by the way, there are BEATLE references! Still waiting! 😂😂😂

[@Brandon-mx3zx]

the day the music died was when Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash in 1959

[@sergioalpert66]

This song is a chronicle of music/pop culture events from the moment Buddy Holly's plane crashed on Feb. 3, 1959 (the day the music died) through Janis Joplin's overdose (I met a girl who sang the blues...). Bob Dylan is the jester whose voice came from the people, and Dylen stole the King's (Elvis) thorny crown. "No angels born in hell" referred to members of the "Hell's Angels" killing a guy at a Rolling Stones concert as the 60's (peace and love) was coming to an end. The destruction of the Vietnam War sprinkled in. Song in some ways represents the continued decline of the US. When someone asks you in disdain, "What, do you want to go back to the 1950's?" Tell them yes please.

[@mpierce3]

The song was written in response to the plane crash on February 3, 1959 Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper all died in the plane crash. That is referred to the day that music died. I am not a music historian so don't grill me in the comments but that is my understanding of this song.

[@wendyryder2708]

Hi Melvin! You were PERFECTLY correct! No worries about that! Buddy was 22, Richie was 17 and The Big Bopper was 28! Just a bit more trivia for you! LOVE this song and Home Free! Hope this helped a bit more! Peace and Blessings to you from Australia.

[@narrieta]

The song is about the nostalgia that comes with closing a chapter in time. A chapter that was good, youthful and innocent. The song starts in the late 1950s, where both McLean himself and the post World-War-II American sentiment were still sincere and innocent, if also blindingly naive. And as we know, naivety and innocence are always lost. For McLean, it was lost when he discovered that his favorite musicians, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, had died in a plane crash-the day the music died. And for America, it came when the utopia of the 1950s was exposed as a veneer, giving way to the more socially conscious, but turbulent 1960s.

[@quiltie1774]

This song is rated number 5 in Songs Of The Century. How could you not know this song.

[@luigipasquale3938]

The song is about a plane wreck on Feb 3, 1959.. three musicians died in the wreck.. Richie Valens, J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper), and Buddy Holly (Holly was just recently married hence, the Widowed Bride)… girl singing the blues (Janis Joplin?).. the magic store where he used to hear music (A Record Shop).. great song

[@barryhammons4181]

This is the greatest song ever written; Every word is poetry and this song is written on history and is now history in itself; Don McClean is one of the greatest poets and songwriters that ever lived (listen every one of his songs); and he should be noted as such

[@tom7471]

This song was once listed as one of the greatest songs ever written. No surprise. About the plane crash in 1959 that killed prominent musicians -- Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, The Big Bopper, and J P Richardson. Long ago the chorus was used in Chevrolet commercials.

[@nancyholter5646]

Chance takes the lead on a few HF songs: Cover me Up, I Can't Outrun You, Yours, Some Girls do, and Dive Bar Saints for a start. He takes over the bass when Tim is singing 'up'. HF was really happy that there were enough verses for everyone to have their own. Even Adam was singing during the last chorus. I often wonder what anyone born after about '60 really understands about this song. So much history packed into one stream, most in oblique ways. 'The 3 men I admired most', the jester in James Dean's coat, Lennon reading Marx - just SOOO many cultural and historical references.

[@suecorrea]

The day the music died. It was a tribute to Buddy Holly. Don McClean was interviewed by Johnny Carson where he stated it.

[@sherribrock2726]

This song was and is played everywhere. Everyone knows this song even if it is through osmosis!!

[@mikeskidmore6754]

I grew up listing to these songs on the Radio .. now 45 years later .. I see youtube videos talking about the meanings behind them ..

[@ericzeichert511]

The day the music died was February 3, 1959 when Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper died in a plane crash in an Iowa Cornfield. Much of the song is how that event opened the door to the darker elements of Rock, in his view. This song was written exactly one decade later. Ten years we've been on our own....much has been written and discussed about the meaning of each of the lyrics. Which relate to Elvis, The Beatles, and the Rolling Stones among others.

[@lindasmith1370]

The plane crash that inspired this song happened a few miles from my home. They were flying to Iowa for a concert. My sister had tickets to see that concert. It was very traumatic. In 1992, I took my sister the musical Buddy in London. My sister broke down crying. She said she finally could let go of that pain. I credit that plane crash for my life-long fear of flying. Thanks for so enjoying this song.

[@babyfry4775]

Don sounds great for 75! It was the 50th anniversary of the song and he wanted HF to back him up. He got the Hollywood Star of Fame and asked HF to come out and celebrate with him and sing some of it….how cool is that???!! It’s about us losing some great singers in a plane crash in the 50’s. Great rendition. I loved the boxes - reminds me of the shadow boxes you keep your memories in. This was during Covid so they did it this way!

[@tawnypierce6485]

The beginning of the song, the day the music died was about the death of Buddy Holly, a rock 'n roll legend, who died in a plane crash in 1955. The song came out in 1971 and I still remember all the words.

[@lindanearing4710]

Home Free are always full of amazing surprises. Austin and Rob aren't the only ones to sing lead or have solos. That's what's so awesome about them. There are no egos, so whoever's voice suits the music best in any given song, or section of song, sings it. They serve the music, rather than trying to make the music serve them. This song is iconic. So much so, that it has become part of the fabric of America. Don sounds as good as he always did and Home Free upped the cool factor with their performance. Home Free have performed with quite a few legendary performers. "The day the music died" was when Buddy Holly, Richie Valence, and The Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash and how music changed so much after that. When this was written, America was in turmoil and the innocence of the country was disappearing. I always enjoy your enthusiasm and delight in the music with your reactions. Thanks for another great one.

[@michael14195]

This cover of the song was released on its fiftieth anniversary, so the song originally came out in 1971. Don McLean was born in 1945 so he grew up during the 1950's and 60's. I think that the first verse is setting the stage with the innocence of McLean's youth - he's delivering newspapers, which was a common job for teenagers in those days - and that's what you were reacting to when you thought, after listening to the first couple of verses, that "American Pie" had that traditional American flavour. But the rest of the song is cryptic references to events in rock music and political developments in the US in the 1960's and 1970's, as the generation that grew up in the 50's and 60's lived through the optimism of the "Summer of Love" and Woodstock and went on to the disillusionment of the Vietnam War, President Nixon, etc. Next you could react to "The Saga Begins" by Al Yankovic 😁

[@glennkelley2307]

The plane was headed to Fargo, ND. They decided that the show should go on. They spoke to Bobby Vee to step in for buddy holly. He was 15 years old at the time. This launched his career. I went to school with his nephew who is keeping bobby vee's legacy alive.

[@robbieh.chafin6202]

This was very popular when I was a teenager. I fixing to tell my age. I love this song it's brings back old memories. This is all about being a young person's life in America. I believe Don wrote and is the originl

[@garrymoore2161]

The lyricist was a kid delivering newspapers when the plane carrying the big bopper, buddy holly, and Ritchie Valenz crashed near Clear Lake Iowa killing all of them. The Day the Music Died. Trivia, the flip of a coin sent a flyer to his death and forced another to taje the bus. The bus rider did not know until he got there that he had dodged death

[@jeffmosteller7175]

There's a saying that This or that is as "American as Apple Pie". Also the chorus is on an old jingle for Chevrolet listing the quintessential American traditions which were, Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet. The song reflects the loss of American innocence and quality that was lost in the sixties which seemed to start after the Death of early Rock and Roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper in a plane crash i.e. The Day The Music Died.

[@glowormrdr6183]

Another collaboration with an American legend is "Children Go Where I Send Thee;" Home Free singing with Kenny Rogers. The arrangement and their performance are stellar.

[@marenehanson5526]

This is outstanding, absolutely outstanding ‼️‼️‼️

[@jasonwebb7978]

It's an international anthem. People all over the world thinking "Why do I know this song?" Because It's a F'ing classic ! That's why you know it!

[@raulnishizaka7909]

Well, I´m not American and I never heard this song before Home Free covered it. And I´m pretty sure that nobody in my family or friends heard it, and here the american music is always been played in every radio station for long time ago, so for me, is not an international anthem. By the way, I never heard any information about Don McLean before this song, and I´m 63 years old. Sorry if I bothered you, but it´s the true.

[@HenryCabotHenhouse3]

Everything in the song is representative of the classic rock era. The day the music died refers to the 1958 plane crash that killed the Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, and Richie Valens. It also refers to the 1969 concert tragedy at Altamont (for 10 years we've been on our own and moss grows fat on a Rolling Stone) and the breakup of the Beatles.I believe The Levy was bar in the county McLean grew up in that went dry so people at to cross over to Rye to get a drink (Drove my Chevy to the Levy but the Levy was dry. Them good ol' boys were drinking whiskey in Rye). The jester is Bob Dylan, the King is Elvis, the Quartet is the Beatles, the Byrds sang Eight Miles High, Jack Flash refers to Mick Jagger (Rolling Stones - Jumpin' Jack Flash - at Altamont), Dancing in the gym you both kicked off your shoes - refers to the sock hops of the late 50's early 60's (no street shoes on the basketball court), the girl who sang the blues is Janis Joplin, and so much more. This song is a most amazing bit of historical allegory. But what does it really mean? Don McLean said it means he never has to work again. I heard him sing it live once, for free, it was the most fun I've had at a concert.

[@gregporter3634]

This song is a history lesson from Don and references a lot of people, movies(James Dean), and events that influenced American music.

[@SRHS83]

Long hair-Austin Brown, Glasses-Rob Lundquist, first guy who sings-(Adam) Chance, beat boxer-Adam Rupp, bass singer-Tim. Brothers Chris and Adam Rupp created the group. Chance's first name is Adam, last name Chance. Since they already had an Adam in the group, he goes by his last name. Chance took Chris's place in the group when Chris went on to do solo work.

[@danmadison1244]

I wish I could see your face when you read these comments and learn the back story of this song. I think you will be amazed, plus understand the meaning

[@howrued1500]

In New Orleans we now say Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was gone😏🥺 Bye bye Miss American Pie: Goodbye innocence; indeed💔❤️‍🩹❤️ Absolutely, positively iconic & legendary, this song. I once saw McClean asked what it meant. He replied ‘It means I don’t have to work another day in my life if I don’t want to.’ Hysterical… & true!!!😍

[@rmulley1800]

"Good bye, bye, Miss American Pie" speaks to end of an era; the 1950-1960"s period of carefree life in these United States. The Vietnam War, Watergate, rock and roll stars deaths, all contributed to the end of a time of dreams for peace and equality.

[@gk5891]

The song is about America's loss of innocence. The refereneces pretty much cover from the end of the Fifties to the end of the Sixties. You really need to read "All the cultural references in American Pie explained". It will give you a great appreciation for Don McLean as a songwriter. The Day the Music Died - Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valentine's and The Big Bopper. The Beetles "Sergeant Pepper", Bob Dylans motorcycle accident, The Stones / Hell's Angels incident, The Manson Family just to name a few.

[@cjk5374]

To me, this song is about the end of an era

[@MisterItchy]

This is one of the very first songs in my memory. I was listening to it in the back seat of a car on a sunny day. I must have been 4 years old.

[@quiltie1774]

Don McLean is 75 in this song. Bow to the master!

[@annev9397]

Great reaction - love your channel. Don McLean's voice is incredible, as soothing and familiar as American Pie. I remembered every word of this song . Thank you for bringing it all back and sharing this version. I"m loving all your reactions. thanks for that too.

[@brittreacts]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it

[@garyseabolt]

For me American Pie embodies the innocence of America and the traditional concept of the American Dream. The plane crash took 3 musician/artists at the same time which revealed a symbolic loss of the music from that era, and with the loss of the music the American people lost their innocence as well. We were introduced to something as a people that we were previously naive to and thus lost our somewhat carefree, childish innocence as a country. This song is saying goodbye to that innocence which we will never get back. We have grown up, and once the bell has been rung it can't be unrung. And the haunting question remains; where are we going to from here?

[@BDM55]

"American Pie" pays tribute to the loss of 3 legends who died so young (Buddy Holly, Richie Valens & The Big Bopper).

[@bikinipmp]

"The day the music died..." refers to February 3, 1959, American rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson were all killed in a plane crash.

[@michaeloverstreet9295]

Hi Britt, Just Watched your reaction to Home Free fect. Don Mclean Singing American Pie and you was Wondering how and where you know of this Song. Well Don Mclean Is the Original Singer of the Song from Years Ago. Now Since you Went to College and if you really think about all the nights you Went out Partying. You Most Definitely Heard This Song in any Bar and Club you went Too. This Is A Very Very Popular Sing A Long Song While you Were Out Drinking with Your Friends.

[@Mnunnsr]

50 years after he released this song and he is still singing!

[@sherylhenley1931]

There is a ton of history in this song. That is the reason the boxes around them are in the style of a memory box. Don Mclean is an amazing poet/singer/songwriter.

[@midnightsghost67]

The day the music died.....February 3, 1959. RIP...The Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens and the Magical Buddy Holly near Cedar Lake, Iowa.

[@Jes052960]

I remember listening to this song as a kid on my bed holding my blue sphere transistor radio at 12 years old. Those moments are etched into my memories.

[@im2yz4u17]

On February 3, 1959, American rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson were all 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".

[@geniej9093]

People have been unpacking this song for over 50 years. It is a deep dive to learn all the references to the culture of the 50's,60's and the reason the music died. Well worth looking it up as it is history.

[@John-ws2zr]

Don McLean wrote this song in the late 1960s, and released it in 1971. It became, perhaps his biggest hit. In this version, I have heard, McLean wanted to redo it with Home Free. I think it was a great decision! But you should check out his original version as well

[@gregkortbein5108]

On my opinion, the Number 1 Rock song of all time. Love your channel.

[@johnbrookes3261]

This is partly about the death of Buddy Holly at the beginning he says .He cant remember if he cried when he read about his widowed bride . .Bad news on the door step . The crash killed Buddy Holly The Big Bopper and Richie Vallens .

[@hlawrencepowell]

This song has been studied for 50 years. Lots of cultural reference and references to iconic figures in music -- like Elvis, Dylan, The Beatles, etc.

[@user-nw4bx5wc6s]

Its one of the greatest songs that was ever made and now its better, because of home free

[@clarkheinz4236]

Britt...... This song was "Epic" as a Junior in High School!! Whenever I was able to drive my Parents 68 Camaro to sport in and this song came on the radio, full tilt volume, every time. Alone or with classmates, we knew each word, and sang along, whoever was in the car. Actually, I have some specific flashbacks of where I was at the time, when the song came on the radio! Great memories and such a great tribute to the ones lost so tragically. I love reaction videos and today was my first time tuning in to your Tube. Girl, you rock!!! Thanks for the entertainment! Looking forward to more!

[@serenaeiler7585]

Look up the meaning of the lyrics, references other hit bands. Someone once asked what this song meant and he replied that it meant he never had to work again because it was such a hit. He asked Home Free to sing with him at the 50th anniversary of the song

[@addison5938]

Don wrote the song essentially about the loss of innocence the day that Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big bopper were killed in a plane crash. That's summed up by the bye-bye Miss American pie line. reference.

[@bryanpaul2465]

On February 3, 1959, American rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson were all killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, together with pilot Roger Peterson. This is the day the music died ... American Pie.

[@John-hr9ec]

One of the greatest ballads in my lifetime! Home Free adds a great harmony to this song.

[@TheCherrybomb0824]

one of the greatest songs of the seventies

[@phillip8443]

This was a monster hit in 1972 it is arguably the biggest song of the 70s listen to the original I was 13 in 1972 and this song was on the radio constantly and I saw don live in 1978 at a free concert in Baltimore react to don McLean version

[@thomasripley1548]

Austin brown high tenor, tim the bass, chance the baritone, and rob lundquist the tenor, the bear boxer adam.....all the sciences mentioned in the song are actual things in american history.......

[@bennyboman6570]

One of the most iconic songs ever. Madonna made a cover of this song in 2000. Can be that one you've heard. Trivia: My doughter knew that I was in to music - I am a musisian on a hobby-level - and she called me in to listen to Madonnas new song that she hade made. Well my doughter got a bit of a surprise when I said: "Oh! She have made a cover of Don McLeans song from the 70's. Cool!"😂😂

[@jamesj.navagh222]

Oh my. There is so much in this song to explain. Try Google for lots of interpretations. Most importantly this song is about early Rock and Roller Buddy Holly who died at a young age ("when I read about his widowed bride") in a plane crash in 1959, in February, when Don McLean was a boy with a newspaper route. Holly had a song with the line "That'll be the day that I die." ("You say you're gonna leave, you know its a lie, cause that'll be the day that I die.") So on the actual day of Holly's death ("the day the music died") they, the good old boys, changed the lyrics and were singing "this'll be the day that I die." The theme of American Pie is the loss of the innocence of early rock and roll, and the darkness that came to rock and roll in the decade after Holly's death ("Now for 10 years we've been on our own"), culminating in a concert with the Rolling Stones at Altamont Speedway in 1969 where there was lots of violence and one of the concert goers was stabbed to death during the concert and it was caught on the concert film. The second last verse seems to be about this concert ("I saw Satan laughing with delight.') Hells Angels, the motorcycle gang, was hired to provide security. The references to Satan probably refer to the song Sympathy for the Devil by the Stones. There are references to lots of musicians in the middle of the song. The Quartet and the Sergeants are the Beatles. The Byrds had a song called "Eight Miles High." It's generally thought that the Jester is Bob Dylan, but Don McLean says otherwise. You can find lots more on Google, but nice job trying to follow all the references. It's an amazing song, but mostly it's a tribute to Buddy Holly.

[@craigkavanaugh542]

"The day the MUSIC died"...was referencing the plane crash that killed three of the biggest stars of rock & roll (at that time) Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper"(J.P. Richardson). And yes, "American Pie" was a slice of Americana during the 1950's.

[@nancykorensek4083]

Don McLean's voice was the inspiration for "Killing Me Softly With His Song" a massive hit for Roberta Flack. I recommend "Vincent".

[@Canucklehead557]

Sometimes listening is more valuable than speaking.

[@harveyjones1955]

The song is older than all the boys in Home Free! FWIW American Pie is Don's take on music in America since the day Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Richey Vallens and others died in a plane crash. As a side note, Waylon Jennings was supposed to be on the flight but gave up his seat for someone else.

[@CherylClifton]

BTW, this collaboration with Home Free is exceptional! I will be checking out more about Home Free, they are awesome

[@jackmandu]

As mentioned by nearly everyone, the song is about the death of Buddy Holly, Richie Valenz, and the Big Bopper. The chorus line about “singing this will be the day that I die” is a reference to Buddy Holly’s song That’ll Be The Day.