Don McLean "American Pie" REACTION Video | we react to American Pie with song lyric analysis

American Pie reaction video. Don McLean reaction. Best reaction to oldies music. Best reaction videos to music. Song lyric analysis.
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Don McLean - American Pie (Lyric Video). • Don McLean - American ...
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[@geneivie2045]

The 3rd passenger in the plane was Ritchie Valens. The Day the Music Died was February 3, 1959. "the church bells all were broken" is a reference to the lack of a hero's welcome that Vietnam vets received when they came back home: no parades, no church bells, etc.

[@MySerpentine]

Well yeah, they weren't heroes. They were victims of our government.

[@jeffreyk5734]

That's a very good point, but we didn't pull out of Vietman until 1975. This song was released in 1971. I mean there were vets that came home, especially the disabled.

[@alanzlotkowski2695]

@geneivie2045 Nothing in this song refers to the Vietnam; it is entirely about music.

[@frankaq3951]

Way to go, ladies. I've loved this song for 50 years. Nice to see you appreciate it!

[@generationgapreacts]

Thank you Frank! 😃❤️😊

[@ghmonroe9872]

"So come on, Jack be nimble, Jack be quick Jack Flash sat on a candlestick 'Cause fire is the devil's only friend Oh, and as I watched him on the stage My hands were clenched in fists of rage No angel born in Hell Could break that Satan's spell" I believe this passage refers to the Altamont Speedway Free Festival. It was a free counterculture rock concert, held on Saturday, December 6, 1969, at the Altamont Speedway outside of Livermore, California. Approximately 300,000 attended and some anticipated that it would be a "Woodstock West". The event is remembered for considerable violence, including the stabbing death of Meredith Hunter. The Rolling Stones who recorded 'Jumping Jack Flash') were the final act before the concert was stopped. Many have said that having the Hell's Angels as security was what led to Hunter's death and the concert turning into such a disaster, that the organizers (The Grateful Dead) never even took the stage. The major violence that led to Hunter's death began as the Stones were playing 'Sympathy For the Devil.'

[@haroldhuddleston6585]

The best reaction ever.. As a retired military veteran the mom’s input was so meaningful and important. Thank you.

[@generationgapreacts]

That means a lot!

[@mikemiller3069]

One of the main references that should have been included is the "this will be the day that I die" line because it is repeated several times and each time it references people singing it. It is a reference to one of Buddy Holly's most famous songs, "That'll Be The Day" in which the main tag line is, "that'll be the day when I die". I also heard somewhere (don't know if it's true) that, "The Levee" was the name of a bar. And "the birds flew off in a fallout shelter; eight miles high and falling fast...." is a reference to the Byrds and their song, "Eight Miles High".

[@jessieball6195]

In February 1959, Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Richie Valens (along with their 21-year old pilot) all died in a plane crash in a snowy field in Iowa. Part of the song is dedicated to that event, but the song also covers other notable events in history (many of them tragedies) such as the Manson murders, ("helter skelter, in a summer swelter')- the murder of Sharon Tate and others happened in August 1969.

[@plawrence8083]

The verse that contains Jack flash, is clearly a reverence to the Rolling stone and the concert at Altamont speedway. Jumping Jack flash is a stones track. As is sympathy for the devil. The Altamont concert is said to be the gig that destroyed the 60s dream. The Stones employed the Hells Angels as security. There was a great deal of violence and a man was beaten to death. Listen to the verse again and you hear his anger at what happened.

[@maritamcnichol8849]

This song is an Ode to Dylan, Byrds, Buddy Holly, Big Bopper & Richie Valezs. It goes through Joplin, The Beatles, Mick Jagger ect...It is brilliant.

[@maritamcnichol8849]

Yes, he did explain the song.

[@maritamcnichol8849]

NO, That referenced Mick Jagger & Hell's Angels He used them as "concert staff" at a musical event & there was a stamped & the Hells Angels killed some people. There was a tv show at the time called "Lost in Space". He is singing about that. Lennon reading a book of Marx is John Lennon. The girl who sang the blues is Janis Joplin. It was all about music & the times. the 3 men he admired most... father, son & Holy Ghost. That's Buddy, Big Bopper & Richie Valens being sent back to the west coast after the accident.

[@thomastimlin1724]

@@maritamcnichol8849 Lost in Space ran from 1965 to 1968 but everyone knew about the show because they grew up with it. To me a double meaning, " a generation Lost in Space," referring to the space program, astronauts and also being "lost" in the troubles of the day like racism and Civil Rights, Vietnam, etc.

[@maritamcnichol8849]

It could be both.

[@jessieball6195]

@@maritamcnichol8849 you all should know that the line "helter skelter, in a summer swelter..." is a reference to the Manson family murders of Sharon Tate and others in August of 1969.

[@uncabuzz118]

The song debuted on the album American Pie in October 1971, and was released as a single in December. The song's eight-and-a-half-minute length meant that it could not fit entirely on one side of the 45 RPM record, so United Artists had the first 4:11 taking up the A-side of the record and the final 4:31 the B-side. Radio stations initially played the A-side of the song only, but soon switched to the full album version to satisfy their audiences. Kudos to Baby Gap for her analysis. Good job. For those bean counters out there, Don McLean earns up to $500,000 dollars in royalties from this one song each year.

[@exitscreaming4637]

I'm not sure if I'm a bean counter or not but I appreciated all the information , thank you !

[@thomastimlin1724]

Excellent info to remind people of the boomer age group [me included] how it really was if they forgot, and new listeners to get them the straight story. AM radio still hated long songs at that point, [this one especially] and FM radio was more willing to play the whole thing. Then AM got nervous or something competing for air time and started playing the whole thing lol. DJ's on the air could go to the bathroom and get back in plenty of time lol.

[@uncabuzz118]

@@thomastimlin1724 I was a DJ in the 70's and 80's and during flu season HEY JUDE at 7:11 was a "go to song" if you know what I mean.

[@rosanneturczynskyj7792]

I actually have that 45 record, and yes, I remember having to turn it over to hear the rest of the song.

[@stephenhanft1226]

I'm so glad you did a reaction to "American Pie" by Don McLean. An amazing song. This is one of the greatest songs ever written. A true masterpiece with genius lyrics and storytelling. Don was a kid in the 1950's and he idolized rock legend Buddy Holly. As a 13-year-old newspaper delivery boy, Don was devastated with the news of Buddy Holly's death. This song was a tribute to Buddy. It also takes you on an incredible historical journey from the late 1950's to the early 1970's going through the most turbulent and changing decade in our country's history, the 1960's. Baby Gap, I was so very impressed with your lyrical analysis. Over the years, so many rock historians have tried to analyze the lyrics to American Pie. They would go line by line and ask, "What did Don mean by this sentence." Baby Gap, you really nailed it and got just about everything correct. He did reference The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Elvis, and Janis Joplin in all of the parts that you deciphered. It did reference the Vietnam War and the 50's turning into the 60's and a loss of innocence. Most Importantly, the day the music died was February 3, 1959 when Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens were killed in a plane crash. The only thing you forgot was Ritchie Valens name. He was the youngest of the 3 who died that night. He was only 17 and the first Hispanic rock star. Otherwise, you got everything right in your lyrical analysis on a very special song that has been probably more talked about and analyzed than any other song in the last 50 years. I'm very impressed. Another great Don McLean song for you to check out is "Vincent". This is a song that was a tribute to the legendary Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. It is a very sad but beautiful song so get out the tissues for that one. The song "Vincent" has always been known as Don McLean's other masterpiece.

[@markwilken2492]

The girl who sang the blues was Janis Joplin. I’ll never get sick of this song!

[@kimking6036]

Don said The references to the King is not Elvis and Dylan. The girl who sang the blues is not Janice. The reference to the Father, Son, and Holy ghost is just that. He said at the end of the 50's America lost it's innocence. He's talking about things that were happening, like Vietnam war and nuclear weapons. It took him 8 yrs. to finish this song. But it was so worth it. Check out Him singing it with Home Free.

[@bennemer489]

I was in junior high when this song came out, and everyone knew the song by heart. My history teacher at the time loved this song and assigned a class project to go line-by-line thru the song and explain what each line meant. So yeah, this song means a lot to me.

[@andreim.5324]

Arguably, one of the best written songs in music history.

[@shoknifeman2mikado135]

Definitely is

[@ljw5768]

Not arguably, definitely.

[@user-yz9rr3ct1g]

Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens were all killed in plane crash on the Winter Tour near Clear Lake, Iowa. Elvis was in the Army at the time, so these 3 guys were the top recording artists in America and the world, at thta ime...the music literally died. I was a radio child, very hip for age 8..and yeah, I cried. The rest of the song is an homage to pop music...referencing Elvis, Dylan, the Beatles, the Stones & Jagger, the Byrds, etc. Elvis is the King, Dylan the Jester.

[@thunderous784]

when you've heard a song before and are now reacting to it you see it in a different light and when you start paying attention to the lyrics you find new meaning and even little tid bits you may have missed before. Don't let people tell you what your doing is wrong, keep doing what you are doing we are all here for that. Keep up the great reactions!

[@generationgapreacts]

Thank you, that is so nice of you!

[@johnthegreek5836]

Such a great classic song, will always be listened to for many generations

[@arnodobler1096]

Don McLean "American Pie" with Home Free a capella omg 🥹😍

[@robertfindley921]

Great song. Vincent is his masterpiece. One of the most beautiful songs ever written.

[@coffee-xg6my]

In Momma Gap's defense, remember, at the time many of these songs came out, we didn't have access to online information, posted videos of interviews with the artists that were done years later that we could sit at home and watch on KZbin, or other historical references about rock songs of those times, that we have now. I was a teenager back then and generally, we'd hear songs playing on the radio and maybe we'd go buy the albums (if we had the money) and read the lyrics on the sleeve to get a clearer understanding of the song. But generally, we didn't spend time delving into what was behind all the songs we listened to or were grooving to on the radio playing in the background. We were too busy living life as a teen. And even if we did focus on the listening a little closer to the the more "poetic" lyrics, there may have been a lot of speculation as to the message and what it was talking about. Granted, we all knew pretty much what Don McClean's song "Vincent" was about. That one was kinda obvious if you'd ever heard of Van Gogh, "Starry, starry Night". But the lyrics of some rock songs couldn't be understood anyway, much less what the message was that the songwriter was trying to convey in the sometimes hidden and not so obvious way they wrote them. (Some people are still speculating and debating as to just what the heck the lyrics of "Stairway To Heaven" are about, lol). We were mostly just into the music like a lot of teenagers were. And then you also have artists that say when asked about the lyrics, "Oh, well, I like to just leave it to the listener's imagination to decide what the lyrics are about". John Lennon once admitted that songs like "The Walrus" were just utter nonsense lyrics. He said, let the listeners interpret that one, 'cause he didn't even know. lol. He was just making fun of the way people were always trying to read int the lyrics. He even referenced Bob Dylan's music by saying, he's "getting away with murder" with some of that crap he writes. But anyway, as someone who was also a teenager back then, I'll admit that I'm even just now learning the back story on a lot of those old songs I listened to and the "real" meanings of some of the lyrics now that it's been researched and studied by so many people in the decades subsequent and posted on the internet.

[@generationgapreacts]

Thank you user!!! You explained that so well! I agree with everything you said. 😊❤️😃

[@moonbeam2062]

Great points!

[@visaman]

There were music magazines and newspapers (Rolling Stone) that went into great details too.

[@moonbeam2062]

@@visaman But not every 'teenager' living at home with mom and dad (who usually controlled the money and allowances) was going out and buying music magazines. I think the larger point coffee was making is, in addition to a lot of what's known now about many songs and their background, was not confirmed or known about until years later. And there wasn't nearly the comparatively easy or free access to it all that we have now in places like the internet. And also, like he said, teenagers weren't necessarily scrambling to dig up information on songs they were hearing in the radio in those days. So, I get what he's talking about in the bigger picture of knowledge about those songs back when they came out vs nowadays decades later

[@susieq9801]

@@generationgapreacts - The reference to The Byrds (Eight miles high) perhaps referring to drugs. They flew off to the fallout shelters (Cuban missile crisis where we hid under our school desks as if that would save us). Jack Flash (Jumpin' Jack Flash) and the devil (Sympathy for the devil) by the Stones. The girl who sang the blues was Janis Joplin. The sacred music store didn't play the old stuff any more. Music and society in general just didn't create the magic it used to. PS, I second the suggestion to listen to "Vincent".

[@festidious2644]

Momma Gap: Thank you for the talk you had after the song. I grew up on an air force base and that was my life for my first 11 years. My father had the privilege of not being required to be moved to other bases during this time and these 11 years were, in a way, the happiest years of my life. I left my memory for the song I picked during the 'memory lane' stream and the city where this air force base was situated is the place I am referencing.

[@dranet47]

Definitely love this song. Still makes me tear up a bit after all these years.

[@shoknifeman2mikado135]

The line about Maria Elena (Buddy's wife) : "I can't remember if I cried, when I read about his widdowed Bride" always chokes me up, as I have been a Holly fan since I was 14, back in the early 70s

[@johnbattles1002]

I wrote an essay about this song for my high school English class when I was a senior (1973)! A song of that length and that thematic complexity, symbolism, and riddle-like lyrics was mind-blowing for that era!

[@MySerpentine]

Still is.

[@johnbattles1002]

@@MySerpentine true!

[@almartin4]

Ladies thank you for some wonderful memories! I am an Air Force brat; my father retired from there after 20 years of service. These events occurred just as I was finishing the final year in high school; ready to graduate in June of 1968. So they have many memories for me. In the early 1970s, when the lady in your life decided you were not up to her standard that became a difficult time for a man. The Vietnam War was still going on and so was the draft of soldiers. Like in previous wars, you had two options: - Wait for the draft and get what they chose for you - Enlist and choose what you would like to do I was lucky and they let me get training then off to Germany, instead of Vietnam. This song was just as popular there as here. Regards

[@DanielFrost21]

One of the greatest songs ever written. Based on the 1959 plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper, and the overall effect on the music business and society in general. Waylon Jennings was supposed to be on the plane, but gave up his seat to the Big Bopper because the Bopper wasn't feeling well.

[@bones1271]

Waylon told the story about how Buddy was giving him crap about the bus ride.. The bus didn't have any heat and it was the dead of winter... Buddy told him that he hoped he froze his ass off on the bus ride, Waylon came back with I hope your plane crashes... He lived with regret over saying that to Buddy... It ate him alive, he said there wasn't a day that went by that he wished he could of token it back...kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZfEnnVoYrRreK8

[@PeterBuwen]

But that's not all. There is so much more in this song.

[@DanielFrost21]

@@PeterBuwen The comment was designed to be general in nature. I wasn't going to discuss each detail.

[@PeterBuwen]

@@DanielFrost21 Sorry! This should not be a criticism, but only a supplement.

[@DanielFrost21]

@@PeterBuwen It wasn't taken as a criticism. I just wanted to clarify what was intended by the original comment.

[@espenvippen]

9"American Pie" is a song by Don McLean written in 1971. The song is essentially about "the day the music died", which is the name McLean gave to February 3, 1959, the day Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson died in a plane crash

[@stevejones7093]

Please do "Vincent" by Don Mclean, about Van Gogh, the saddest most beautiful song you'll ever hear. Find the version with the all the van Gogh paintings shown.

[@DarylBaines]

When asked what the song means, Don Mclean famously said: "It means I never have to work again".

[@daveshep9400]

You should see how well Don's voice has held up. It's easy because he recruited Home Free to re-record with him for the 50th anniversary in 2021 it. Is awesome

[@dougjohnson4066]

Waylon Jennings was a bass player in Buddy Holly's band he was supposed to be on that flight. He gave up his seat instead. The Byrd's were a rock band in the 60s and they had a song Right Miles High, Bob Dylan, the jester actually had a motorcycle accident that's why he was on the sidelines in a cast. The Stones had a song called Jumping Jack Flash therefore the reference of Jack jumping over the candlestick. ✌️👍🥴🤔

[@j.woodbury412]

I've always believed the line "And when the King was looking down, the jester stole his thorny crown, was a reference to the popularity of folk music surpassing the popularity of rock and roll, with "The King" being a reference to Elvis and "The Jester" being a reference to Bob Dylan.

[@JillianDavis-yk8pc]

The jester isn’t a reference to bob dylan. The king isn’t a reference to Elvis. There is a documentary called the day the music died on paramount plus where don mclean explains the lyrics . Don says if it was about Dylan and Elvis he would have used their name.

[@robertfulton6799]

Loved the song , nice reaction . That said , I can’t help remembering my old school dad , who tried to make literal sense of everything , when he heard the song . He said - don’t make sense . I asked why ? He said he drove the Chevy to levy but the levy was dry - he said the levy is supposed to be dry . Then he said rye is whiskey . Just don’t make sense . Lol . I tried to tell him about rhyme and flow - he wasn’t having it . Oh well . He was my hero anyway . Was a Naval frogman in WWII , 6 foot 4 , and most of all - my dad !

[@Lillian_Ashcroft]

there is also a verse that explains the song better but it was removed from most of the versions of the song. "And there I stood alone and afraid I dropped to my knees and there I prayed And I promised Him everything I could give If only He would make the music live And He promised it would live once more But this time one would equal four And in five years four had come to mourn And the music was reborn"

[@tomwareham7944]

You don't have to justify yourselves to this old Aussie subscriber , I just love your reactions to the music off my youth . The memories that this period conjures up for me are priceless and I pity anyone who didn't get to experience living in those days of mods and mini skirts , fashion and free love , innocence and insurrections . This song was a reference to the rock singer BUDDY HOLLEY'S death in a plane crash and people have been analysing it since its release all those years ago , whatever interpretation you care to put.on it Is correct as long as you love the song .

[@HappyScience-wp8cn]

I would rank this as his number-two song. Number one was Vincent. It was shorter but the most amazing poem in a song that I have ever heard and beautifully sung.

[@raymondsegura8485]

Thanks for your information I never knew that love your responses 😊

[@jeffmosteller7175]

Also there was a saying back then As American as Apple Pie and Chevrolet had an ad about the most American things being Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet

[@Cheryltwin2012]

"The day the music died" was a reference to February 3, 1959 when Buddy Holly, Richie Valenz and JP "The Big Bopper" Richardson were killed along with their pilot in a plane crash outside Clearlake, Iowa. No one knows how Buddy, who was just 22 years old, might have influenced rock and roll had he lived. There are many references to other singers, Elvis and Bob Dylan mostly, but the Vietnam War is also mentioned. As with other iconic songs of the 60's and 70's, I find it pretty hard to believe that anyone has not heard this song or at least knows what it's about.

[@douggaijin]

When this song first debuted in 1971, my high school senior English class dissected the meaning as an assignment and class discussion.

[@LuckyDawgProductionsModerator]

To me, this is the best rock and roll song of all time. It is my favorite song of all time. I've heard the meaning of the lyrics, and agree with the most of the explanations. I was a senior in high school when this came out and it brings back so many memories every time I hear it. Don McLean did an amazing job on the lyrics and vocals on this song. It brought us from the death of Buddy Holly in 1959, then forward 10 years to 1969, to the Beatles and into the psychadelic era, the changing political period, from the Cold War to the Vietnam War, to the Space Race, and to music and religious controversies. It was not only the death of Buddy Holly, but the death of our innocense in the young people of the US. So much meaining in those lyrics! Really enjoyed hearing your reactions and explantion of the meaning of the song. Great job, Momma Gap and Baby Gap!

[@generationgapreacts]

Thank you Sue!!! We love your insightful comments, as always! 😃❤️😊

[@LuckyDawgProductionsModerator]

I think it is fine that you both have heard a song when you react to it. You bring your thoughts about the songs and lyrics and performances to us. I really enjoy your reactions!

[@generationgapreacts]

Hi Sue, thank you for saying that. You are always so kind. 😃😊❤️

[@normanwallace7658]

The Beatles & the Who were both recording at Abbey Road in a break Townsend & Mc Cartney were talking & Townsend said how they'd like to play somthing Heavey?? McCartney went back & spoke to Lennon & they came up with "Helta-Skelta" The Birth of "HEAVEY METAL" The rest is Music History !!

[@MySerpentine]

Whenever I sing along with this I find myself just *spitting* the words 'sweet perfume,' because I always think of this picture of a kid at Kent State throwing a tear gas grenade back at the National Guard.

[@JM-zb2ip]

Don’t feel bad mom. I’m around your age and even today I’ll see the actual lyrics to a certain song and realize I thought they were saying something different. Like ohhhh I never knew that’s what it said!

[@pritch999]

one of the greatest songs ever written

[@michaelsheedy9354]

An excellent description of what was going to happen in America. Proven prophetic lyrics.

[@RobertL.JonesJr-hz8vl]

I remember the first time I heard this song. It was early in the 70s and my cousin Brian listening to his radio and it came on. 😅

[@micheleallen]

I am from your mom’s generation and was around when this song came out. I loved this song and knew every word but I didn’t know all the references either.

[@jwmson7791]

This song chronicles the entire decade of the 60’s. Masterpiece! 💯♥️♥️

[@trumpanzee]

The last verse was in reference to the end of the Summer of Love, and a Rolling Stones concert in Altamonte, California, where the Hell's Angels killed a concert goer. "No Angel Born In Hell Could Break That Satan's Spell, As The Flames Climbed High Into The Night, To Light The Sacrificial Rite, I saw Satan Laughing With Delight, The Day The Music Died". That was the end of the 60's.

[@alexandrorocca7142]

I appreciate your honesty. Some reactors' claims about not knowing a song are sometimes so preposterous that one can't help but think that this reaction thing is becoming a scam.

[@SeansMusicVault]

Amen to that. Lots of React "Actors" out there. 😤

[@deanmaynard8256]

Helter Skelter was a Beatles song that Manson thought was a coded message meant for him.

[@generationgapreacts]

Ohhh yes that was it. Thank you!

[@jeffreyk5734]

@@generationgapreacts The more horrific part is Manson's cult members scribbled those words "Helter-Skelter" in their murdered victims Blood. At the time this song was written the Mason trials had to be the news virtually every day. It was only two years after those terrible killings took place.

[@davidhoward5392]

I was 15 / 16 when this was released one of the great songs, lyrical poetry, Vincent is another epic composition

[@matskarlsson3219]

Hi! Donald McLean III (born October 2, 1945) is an American singer - songwriter and guitarist. He is best known for his 1971 hit song "American Pie" No.1 US hit for 4 weeks in 1972. The song also topped the charts in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. His other hit include "Vincent" (about Vincent van Gogh) "Dreidel" and "Wonderful Baby" as well as his renditions of Roy Orbison´s "Crying" and the Skyliners "Since I Don´t Have You". McLean´s composition "And I Love You So" has been recorded by Elvis Presley, Perry Pomo, Helen Reddy, Glen Cambell and others.

[@douglasrussell1432]

James Dean was killed in a car accident in 1955 I believe. The people he refers to alive or dead.

[@jamessmith-u7g]

Don Mclean also sings his version of crying which is one of my favorites since you played crying by the originater Roy Orbison!

[@Richardtv1968]

Don Mclean’s tribute to Vincent van Gogh is an absolute stunner …… you should definitely listen and react to it!! It is just called “Vincent” and is pure poetry !

[@philipdickey6460]

Vincent is another great reaction video

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

My Father was lifetime career, United States Air Force, I literally spent my entire youth, from my earliest recollections to just a year short of Graduating, living in and around Various Air Force Bases dotted throughout the Country.

[@thedealer777]

The references were intended for "Boomers," as it was played in the early 70s. "The day the the music died was when Buddy .Holly, the 'Big Bopper', and Ritchie Valens died in a plane crash Feb. 3, 1959.

[@TucBroder]

Last one was Ritchie Valens, 17-years old at the time of death...So sad. He's famous for the song "La Bamba"

[@janicetrimmell6897]

I think the song is about more than one thing. First, when he referenced the day the music died, it is about when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper were in the plane crash. But, the song, to me, is about more than him mourning their passing. To me, it's about the loss of the life he knew in exchange for the political chaos (Vietnam included Mom) and the cultural changes starting in the 1960s. The day the music died seems more like a metaphor to me. My favorite lines are 'Cause the players tried to take the field. The marching band refused to yield." I picture myself on the field refusing to yield. The football players are the adversary here, the band is defending music, or if you extend the metaphor, defending life before the chaos. Being in marching band in high school and college, that's personal to me. Thanks for doing this. You guys can talk all you want. I enjoy hearing your perspective.

[@generationgapreacts]

Thank you Janice!

[@rs-ye7kw]

I've always thought the marching band that refused to yield was in reference to the Beatles (remember how they were dressed on the cover of the Sergeant Peppers album) and that they were not ready to give up their #1 spot in music, but I never really have come up with a good theory as to who he was alluding to with the phrase "the players tried to take the field".

[@generationgapreacts]

@@rs-ye7kw Good point!

[@johnbattles1002]

@@rs-ye7kw , could the players taking the field be in reference to other rock groups of the "British invasion" coming to America ("the field"), but the "marching band (Beatles?) refused to yield" (i.e., give up their supremacy as the #1 British group on American soil)? Just a curious thought!

[@LuckyDawgProductionsModerator]

@@johnbattles1002 Good analogy!

[@curiousman1672]

Very close to my understanding. I've heard the "flames climb high into the night" lyrics were about the Altamont riot brought about by the Rolling Stone's hiring the Hell's Angels to do security, and the section about the marching band refused to yield was about the hippie movement fighting against the involvement in Vietnam. The ultimate lyrics song. Laden with symbolism. The best. And he wasn't wrong. Great post.

[@williamfox1203]

Don Mclean has done an Accapella version with homefree an acapella group who also did a cover of Elvira with the Oakidge Boys

[@johnthegreek5836]

Ladies I completely agree with your approach, I love to hear songs that I’ve heard before but many times in been years and Mom you’re correct as teenagers we didn’t listen to the words ❤️

[@generationgapreacts]

Thank you John!!! 😊❤️😃

[@joshdahl4114]

I feel like this song is a plaintiff cry to Rock N Roll’s first 15 years! I also believe Don said he wrote this song about what was going on politically at the time with what was going on musically. And he wanted to do it as if it were a dream. I think this song was written in either ‘71 or ‘72. Such a great song and I love the album cover!! 🤟🤟🤟

[@German_1]

One of my favorites back then.. .

[@steelers6titles]

References A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation--Marty Robbins Eight Miles High--Byrds Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band--Beatles John Lennon Helter Skelter--Beatles Book of Love--Monotones Buddy Holly Jumping Jack Flash--Rolling Stones Lost In Space (CBS TV series, 1965-1968)

[@Eric_L_Laney]

I really enjoyed the conversation between you both in this reaction. I remember a half century ago listening to this song, and being very intrigued by them. Baby Gap, I feel very edumacated after listening to your lyric breakdown, Baby Gap. Very interesting! The 60s were very explosive, and most of that stemmed from the Vietnam War. My mom’s oldest younger brother, only 1 year and 2 weeks younger than Mom, spent over a year in Vietnam, and barely had any contact with his family. He spoke at my mom’s funeral beck on Nov 12, and told stories from his and my mom’s childhood. Great reaction! Thank you!

[@generationgapreacts]

Thank you for watching Eric! Is your name different on YT? I know it just had a big change with handles so maybe that’s it. I’m glad you enjoyed my edumacation of the song! Mom has a lot of memories being an ARMY brat during the 60s and 70s so these songs have a lot of meaning for military members during that time. I’m glad to hear your uncle made it back after Vietnam.

[@Eric_L_Laney]

@@generationgapreacts Thank you. His entire career was spent in the Army. He retired as a Sargeant Major. Yes, Eric L Laney is my actual name.

[@Eric_L_Laney]

@@generationgapreacts I must correct myself regarding the handle. Although I display, “Eric L Laney,” there is a user name associated with my channel. It is shniples1. At the time I created the channel a few years back, I was just looking for a nonsense name for user name purposes. I’m going to see if I can change that.

[@billshine401]

I applaud your decision to react to songs you've heard before. Still plenty of content to respond to. And yes, we do like your personalities. 😀

[@generationgapreacts]

Awww thanks Bill!

[@nathanwymer3060]

I dont know if anyone brought this up but another very famous musician was suppose to be on the flight but was feeling sick so he gave his seat up to Richie Valans and that famous musician was Waylon Jennings.

[@werjor632]

The song goes about the Aircraft Accident on which Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and other Musicians died,

[@terryhughes7349]

Good analysis. Don never explained the song. I can imagine him as a paper boy delivering the news.

[@mnomadvfx]

The Beatles recorded and released Helter Skelter (on the 1968 'White' Album) before the Manson family murders took place. Apparently Manson became obsessed with listening to the entire White album and especially that particular song prior to the events he later became infamous for.

[@patrickvanoverbeek1833]

Richie Valens , he was only 17 year old ! he was the third person.

[@danielhoehne801]

Wow! I'm a lot with your mom, I used to get some references from this song, and just enjoyed the rest. Young sis, you've got me thinking now! lol

[@ramontieso1208]

In the mid 60s British rock and role took over. The long hairs were in and the bee bop American musicians were out… a generation lost in space. When the players tried to retake the field, the sergeants refused to yield. Of course the Beatles. Because the Beatles called them selves, Sergeant peppers, lonely heart club band Jack flash set an a candle stick because fire is the devils own friend. This is Mick Jagger. Because he calls himself jumping Jack flash into his song. The birds with the hint, 8 miles high, but then falling fast. That was an American band with the hit, but didn’t last.

[@iche50]

Also from Don, is the great song "Starry Starry night". Also with a great message and an ode to the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. (B.T.W.: Great, great analyse of this great song....!)

[@rickwestic746]

One that I've heard was the king (Elvis)bowing down the jester is a reference to Dylan

[@visaman]

Or Jesus. Elvis said that Jesus was the real King.

[@RossWrock]

Have either of you heard Harry Chapin? A great singer-songwritter of the 70s, but not as popular as others. His biggest hit is "Cats in the Cradle," but a fun set of songs to react to would be "Taxi" and "Sequel." Sequel is figuratively that...a sequel to Taxi about the same themes and people, written almost a decade later. Tragically, Harry's life was taken too short in an auto accident, and the world was robbed of his incredible talent.

[@albertdraves7584]

In an interview that's on KZbin with Don McLean, it was revealed that he earns around $ 400,000 per year from royalties with American Pie

[@jojogun1957]

I remember someone asking him"What does the song really mean"His answer:It means I never have to work again.I guess with 400,00 a year in royalties he didn't.lol

[@jimnicosia5934]

Here is an interesting fact about the song: Buddy Holly was replaced in his would be next engagement by an unknown sixteen year old singer by the name of Bobby Vee Who became famous.

[@987654321wormy]

You should give a listen to Don McLean and Home Free doing this song together. Simply amazing!🙂

[@cameronmackay2072]

Don McLean was asked what the song meant ... and he answered ... "it meant I didn't have to work anymore.

[@geraldrobinson9904]

The band and football players refer to Kent state shootings

[@generationgapreacts]

Thank you for informing us

[@jeffreyk5734]

Janis Joplin and James Morrison lead singer of the Doors both died in very close proximity to one another from Drug Overdose. I think they are both alluded to here. "The Day the Music Died" was not just one day but several. Yes, the first was the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly and the two other artists Ritchie Valens and JP the Big Bopper Richardson in Clear Lake Iowa on February 3rd of 1959. Some people have postulated that Miss American Pie refers to Marylin Monroe and maybe so later in the song, but I also think there could be a possible Patsy Cline reference there as well. She also died in a plane crash in March of 1963, and was considered a big cross over artist, not just Country, but Pop. The Beetles are referenced at least three times. Yes, "The Sergent Peppers Heart Club Band" nod should be obvious. The Beetle's disbanded in 1970. So, in essence they finally left the field. That's also likely another day that the Music died. Satan is supposedly Mick Jagger, but I'm not entirely convinced of that. If it is Jagger, then Mclean doesn't seem to think much of him or The Rolling Stones either for that matter. Not his style. I'm also not exactly sure that Elvis is included in the song at all. Maybe I'm wrong? "The Jester" is reputedly Bob Dylan, and it seems to be confirmed when he later says "with the Jester on the Sidelines in a cast." Dylan had a motor-cycle accident that lied him up for a while. However, I'm almost as inclined to think if "The King" is indeed Elvis and not Christ, then he just as easily could be referring to Tom Jones as the guy taking Elvis's place, while the King was making his movies. Mclean later claimed "The King" in the song wasn't Elvis, (Afterall, he didn't wear a Thorny Crown, Jesus did), and the Jester isn't Dillion either so who knows? There are earlier references to the fear of Communism spreading in America and the Mcarthy hearings. I'm not sure who "The Queen" is that the Jester sang too in the coat he borrowed from James Dean? I'm thinking it's more than one person, but who it is initially is perplexing? Ask yourself who was the queen of Rock and Roll in the late 50's? I would say probably Connie Francis. I 'm not really sure who else it would be? If he's including different genres of music you might say Julie London.

[@donaldroberts9743]

The death of music is referring to Buddy Holly, Big bopper, and Richey Valens plane crash... The band who took the field is referring to the Beatles... The King and Queen is referring to Elvis Presley and Joan Baez... The Jester is Bob Dillan... Bob Dillan was in a cast due to a motor cycle crash, broke his arm... Helter Skelter is referring to the Manson murders... Sweet Perfume is referring to Agent orange or tear gas... Jack Flash is a song by the Rolling Stones... Rolling stones had problems performing at candle stick park in the late 1960's... The Hells Angels were security at the concert... The devil he was referring to was Mick Jagger... The girl who sang the blues is referring to Janis Joplin... The three wise men are referring to John F Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King... This song has so many different meanings that trying to interoperate them is hard...

[@HappyScience-wp8cn]

If you are wondering about "Drove my Chevy to the levee," I have a suggestion. Check out Dinah Shore singing "See the USA in your Chevrolet." You can find it on KZbin. The show was as American and "sweet" as apple pie. The words include driving your Chevy to a road along a levee. That rhyme had to come from somewhere. This is one answer to that odd rhyme. In this song, some lines deliberately have multiple meanings though. The levee being dry could mean another reference to the end of an era.

[@jamespasifull]

Listen to him sing 'Empty Chairs', then analyse THOSE lyrics! Don't forget the Kleenex! 😭😭😭

[@apostle6100]

The Candlestick reference was the last Beatles concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco

[@blueboy4244]

everytime I watch this video.. I notice they spell 'lennin' read a book on Marx,, when it should be 'Lennon' - it's also interesting to see who is singing 'bye-bye miss american pie' first..no one does (he just says 'so bye-bye), next 'I started singing...' then 'we started singing',,, then 'he started singing...' and finally the father , son and holy ghost (they were singing..)

[@user-yz9rr3ct1g]

Great analysis..spot on.

[@bearmanz]

The third artist killed was Ritchie Valens.

[@johnbattles1002]

Young Ladies, in my opinion, it is absolutely, perfectly fine for you to do YOUR channel the way YOU BOTH want to do it, regardless of what others think! To the dungeon with the naysayers! LOL! If I were a reactor, I would do the very same thing (a.k.a., songs I've both heard and not heard) to bring MY individual perspective to the song, just like you both are doing. So, kudos to you both for a job always well done in everything I've seen from you thus far! Blessings to you and yours this Christmas Season!

[@j.woodbury412]

The third one was Ritchie Valenz, who was best known for the song "La Bamba"

[@michaelsheedy9354]

The reference to the stones at the Altamont music festival murder is fantastic lyrics.

[@eirrenia]

The whole song is a tour through rock history, not just american culture. The “sacred store” refers to a changing music industry that was no longer really so interested in simple cheerful songs - hence “the music wouldn’t play.”

[@djgrant8761]

February 3rd, 1959 the day Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper “J.P. Richardson were killed in a plane crash. The Big Bopper suffering from the flu swapped seats with Waylon Jennings and singer Tommy Allsup lost his seat to Ritchie Valens after a coin toss. Bobby Vee aged 15 took the stage in Moorhead, Minnesota following the crash that killed Holly, Valens and Richardson.

[@TheReuby667]

I have heard this song several times, but I will always listen to it again. I didn't know the inspiration for the song so thanks for telling us that. I do love a bit of Buddy Holly.

[@jeffwanser5727]

Here are my interpretations of the next to last verse. "And then there we were all in one place," references Woodstock. "A generation lost in space," refers to a popular TV Show, Lost in Space. Jack Flash is Mick Jagger, and watching him on the stage would be at the Altamont Music Festival, held a few months after Woodstock. At that concert, members of the Hell's Angels (security staff), murdered someone in the audience. I've always thought that Satan referred to both the Hell's Angels and to Nixon.