ONE OF THE BEST SINGLES TO EXIST?! First Time Hearing Don McLean - American Pie Reaction!

Hey everyone! Welcome back to our channel, where we, as a couple, dive into the amazing world of music, sports, comedy, and more! Today, we're exploring a classic that's new to us - Don McLean's iconic song, "American Pie." Join us as we experience this masterpiece for the first time. Will it live up to its legendary status? Let's find out together!
⭐️ WHAT WE COVER IN THIS VIDEO:
Our initial thoughts on Don McLean.
A first-time listen and reaction to "American Pie."
Discussing the lyrics and the story behind the song.
Our verdict: Does "American Pie" stand the test of time?
🎶 ABOUT DON MCLEAN & AMERICAN PIE:
Don McLean is a renowned American singer-songwriter, best known for his 1971 hit "American Pie," a song that has captivated audiences for decades. With its rich storytelling and iconic chorus, it's a song that has left a significant impact on the music industry.
🔗 STAY CONNECTED:
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👫 WHO WE ARE:
We are a couple who loves exploring various forms of entertainment. From the latest hits to timeless classics, we're here to share our genuine reactions and have fun along the way. Whether it's music, sports, or a good laugh, we're excited to experience it all with you!
💬 COMMENT BELOW:
What was your first reaction to "American Pie"?
Any other classics you'd like us to react to?
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You can find Don McLean - American Pie (Lyric Video) - KZbin at the link below:
• Don McLean - American ...
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You can find Don McLean - American Pie on Spotify and Apple Music at the links below:
open.spotify.com/track/1fDsrQ...
music.apple.com/us/album/amer...
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#donmclean #americanpie #firsttimereaction

[@Gloren50]

The music 'died' in Feb 1959 when the Big Bopper, Richie Valens and Buddy Holly died in a plane crash. Thereafter, the rock-n-roll those three stars created also 'died'. The music changed dramatically in the 1960s and the old rock-n-roll style simply disappeared from the airwaves. American Pie just refers to American culture, generally. He outlines the impact of the great bands and artists of the 1960s--referring to them with euphemisms (like 'the Jester'), and his reaction to them. He then mentions when the generation were all in one place, lost in space, (Woodstock), and how that marked the end of the era.

[@annereidy7981]

Thanks, finally the actual facts of the song.

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

Bingo.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Rock and roll did not disappear because of the plane crash alone, nor did it immediately change...

[@raymonddhedrick9587]

Waylon Jennings gave up his seat on the flight to the Big Bopper who was sick, haunted him his whole life. Buddy Holly was his friend and brought Waylon into music.

[@jdeang3531]

Lost in Space could also mean the preoccupation of America on the Space Race in the 60s which culminated in July 1969 with the moon landing, the most watched event in history.

[@BigTimeRushFan2112]

This is an absolute classic, the theme of "the day the music died" resonates on several levels, even beyond the one of a tale of early rock greats dying in a plane crash. The song, in a nutshell, is about an end of an era that essentially started with that plane crash, a loss of innocence in American culture, an innocence lost and scarred by JFK being assassinated, social strife, racism running rampant, riots in cities, protests and war and a complete disillusionment of the youth and American culture. "For 10 years we've been on our own" is the first clue about this song, its all about the turbulent 60's, an the innocence of the 50's era dying.

[@tmorris53]

You absolutely nailed it. Most young people now days have no clue what was really going on back in the 60's 70's. The plane crash was the Big Bopper, Richie Valens dying.

[@BigTimeRushFan2112]

@@tmorris53 Thanks! I consider this one of my top 5 favorite songs of all time, the message alone is profound, especially for those of us old enough to have lived thru, or was brought into the world during this time period (I was born in 1969).

[@tmorris53]

@@BigTimeRushFan2112 I remember it vividly, born in '53, And was in Camp Lejune when this came out. It would take almost a book to decipher everything that Don referred to in his song.

[@scalisque5403]

@@tmorris53I think young people know what’s been happening since the 2020 Summer of love

[@JohnCameron624]

@@tmorris53 The three that he "admired most".... the jester being Bob Dylan.

[@jimedwards4214]

I'm always tickled when younger people attempt to "figure it out" before they learn all the backstory. Then all of a sudden....ohhhh ..but no fault of anyone. Just us old folks getting a smile out of sharing our history. You 2 make me smile. Thanks

[@bambamsmom7289]

Lol exactly

[@donkey3187]

Nobody understands much of what is being talked about after listening to his until it is explained.

[@hv3926]

I remember a thumb 👍 uo with red white and blue.

[@marshawargo7238]

Listening to countless peoples versions & my own but I'll never forget when I found out Wayland Jennings was supposed be on that plane but traded with the Bopper because he was sick and afraid he'd die if he rode on the bus with no heat😢! I don't know if I could have lived with the survivors guilt!

[@jimedwards4214]

@marshawargo7238 According to stories when they all left Buddy told Waylon "Hope your bus freezes " and Wsylon replied with ",Hope your old plane crashes". You are right. Guilt had to be devastating.

[@JamesLachowsky]

When Don McLean was asked what this song meant, his standard answer was that it meant he didn't have to work anymore.

[@AA-nb2gy]

hahahahahaha. there is a lot of truth in that!

[@jameskidd6122]

A Canadian named Ian Tyson wrote a song for his wife Sylvia to sing called Someday Soon. It didn"t do very well outside of Canada but then Suzy Bogass recorded it in the States and it went to No. 1. When asked about it Ian said "It put a new rof on the barn."

[@christinamatzen4214]

Iconic!

[@jayedwards4787]

Exactly …the song has no meaning, other than , like the album, a tribute to Holly

[@mehavecable]

"Day the Music Died" = 1959 plane crash (Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, Richie Valens) "Jester" = Bob Dylan "Jester on the sidelines in a cast"= Bob Dylan appears in the "cast of characters" on the Sgt. Pepper album on the side. "King" = Elvis "Quartet" = Beatles "The Byrds" = The Byrds. Eight miles high was one of their songs. "Sweet Perfume" = smell of marajuana "Marching band refused to yield" - Beatles were top of the charts thru '60's "Devil" - Mick Jagger "Girl who sang the blues" = Janis Joplin "Father, Son & The Holy Ghost" = John Kennedy, Robt. Kennedy & Martin Luther King

[@rubroken]

Your, "jester in a cast".....Dylan(the jester)got into a motorcycle accident and broke his arm, hence the cast

[@russellkaplan1818]

Broken neck

[@Xcris_crosX]

The Levee - favorite neighborhood bar that closed down- The levee was dry (John) Lennon read a book on Marx I was a lonely teenage broncin' buck With a pink carnation and a pickup truck - Country/Western singer Marty Robbins; A White Sport Coat (and a pink carnation)

[@darrinlindsey]

The last one is not right. Robert Kennedy was JFK's brother, not son. Call MLK Jr by that name would be extremely rude and racist.

[@darrinlindsey]

​@@MsBeaBeaThe Jester stole the thorny crown was Dylan knocking Elvis out of the #1 spot on the billboard charts. Dylan once broke his leg, and was in a cast. Dylan also wore a coat that looked like the one James Dean wore in A Rebel Without A Cause.

[@taun856]

Many years ago I listened to a radio program that examined the song line by line. I've forgotten most of it, but a few things that stood out to me were: "The Jester" was Bob Dylan, "The King" whose crown he stole was Elvis. "The Sacred Store" was a drug store - long ago Drug Stores had a "Soda fountain" in them where teens would gather and there was usually a juke box there playing music.The whole "Devil" and fire portion was about the Rolling Stones and perhaps a few other bands that had darker songs. "No Angel born in Hell", at a concert in California the Rolling Stones infamously hired members of the "Hell's Angel's" biker club for security and at least one person died as a result. "The girl who sang the Blues" was Janis Joplin. If you liked his voice and writing skills in theis song you need to listen to "Vincent" from the same album. Absolutely beautiful and moving song. Edit to add: I almost forgot, "The Marching band" and "The Sergeants" were the Beatles.

[@russellgtyler8288]

I've always thought the "sacred store" was an old fashion record store. We spent many ours flipping through the records to find our favorites.

[@shannonotoole3526]

PERFECT

[@brianferris8668]

Well interpreted.

[@brianferris8668]

I always thought The King was Buddy Holly and The Jester was Elvis Presley.

[@AhBeeDoi]

@@brianferris8668 I prefer your interpretation.

[@davidpiper5396]

"Vincent" is another one of his great songs. Also a history lesson that touches on human suffering and mental health. Just fantastic!

[@Ana-tk4ty]

Have to do Vincent 👍😁

[@Bekka_Noyb]

I 2nd Vincent!

[@infledermaus]

I believe it is about Vincent Van Gogh and his insanity produced by syphilis. His brother, Theo, also died of the disease.

[@laureltaylor4535]

Vincent please

[@lawrencetoney8275]

it also inspired "Killing me softly with his song" written after the writer heard him play Vincent at a concert

[@robertpautsch8087]

One of Buddy Holly's biggest hits was "That'll Be The Day (when I die)", a line that Mclean used to build the famous chorus in American Pie around...

[@robbob5302]

I never got that. Insightful!

[@mmm-mmm]

i can see a bunch of drunk yokels drinking rye by the levee and singing "this will be the day that i die", either misinterpreting or reinterpreting the lyrics of buddy holly... (good thing mclean had a chevy, otherwise it wouldn't have rhymed)

[@kirbyculp3449]

That'll be the day...

[@user-qt1fd1uq2n]

And Buddy Holly got the line from a John Wayne movie.

[@SBel65]

Relates to the line “This’ll be the day that I die”

[@pacebrison1453]

If ever there was a song written where the lyrics should NOT be taken literally, it’s this one. Every word drips with symbolism. Love this song. Makes me cry almost every time. Another song by Mr McLean is called Vincent. Please listen to this one, as well. Thank you.

[@mattblatchley2061]

I see what you mean, but there are a LOT of real references in this song...in a metaphorical way of course...not disagreeing just a slight gloss

[@DrBeckyEm]

Amen! So much history and symbolism from our generation! Those of us who have lived it are blessed!!

[@larrystuder6378]

This is the history of rock and roll, and the American culture, in 8 minutes. Buddy Holly was one of the early rockers, died in 1959, in the plane crash. There's also mrntion of James Dean, the actor, died young in the same time frame; the Beatles, Elvis, the Byrds, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan. A short answer is that these were the figures who influrnced HIM as he was growing up.

[@jonniiinferno9098]

influenced all of America - and a few other places around the world...

[@garryellis3085]

Sorry but you guys are full of crap. As if you had never heard the song before. You'll say anything for clicks. All I got from this is liar, liar pants on fire. Please don't treat us like total morons.

[@dlmullins9054]

When you do find the meaning i think you will realize how great a poet and songwriter Don McLean really was. Even if someone never understands it all, it is still a great song that will forever be loved by millions. Great writer, Great singer. He wrote the story of Rock and Roll and the story of an exciting generation of change. In my old age and now understanding it, a few tears stream down my cheeks. It makes you laugh and may make you cry. Thanks for playing it. I am over seventy now, but still love this one. It tells so much of the era of my teenage years.

[@Noelle0026]

I can still sing it word for word without even thinking about it. Such an iconic song.

[@ezraburgess895]

Yes; and to all of us they were just yesterday in our minds.

[@jamescooper9010]

"Vincent" is a must from Don Mclean a true tribute to a great artist.

[@tallycahamuhlhetru26]

Yes. 👊

[@wilshade]

The best way to think about this song is as a musical scrapbook of the early Rock & Roll era.

[@thehonestwoodcutterbradywe8011]

I was going to say collage,but scrapbook is a better description

[@Glittersword]

Which makes a good connection with the visual style of the Home Free collaboration.

[@zephead64]

In addition to major historical events of the time.

[@papaquonis]

The songs aren't really that similar, but it kind of reminds me of the narrative style of We Didn't Start The Fire.

[@kellywann3794]

He has an other wonderful song called Vincent, about Van Gogh.

[@beedeegee9374]

If they react to Vincent, it should be the live concert video. It is gripping!

[@SteveoGregg]

Absolutely, Freakin masterpiece

[@alucardvekkia3966]

What amazes me the most is how visionary Don McLean was, in realizing that his music contemporaries (The Beatles, Dylan, The Stones, etc) were so important that he portrayed them as mythology

[@mikelesley2803]

This is one of the greatest classic songs ever written. It's meaning has been debated and discussed since the the release of the song in 1971.

[@jayedwards4787]

Not really - when it came out, most of us realized the lyrics were meaningless

[@papabear7329]

Once you learn what this song is about, you will want to immediately listen to it again.

[@wilshade]

McLean asked the a cappella group "Home Free" to record the 50th anniversary of the song with him in 2021 during the health concern. That edition already has over 4 million views on YT. Just put "Home Free American Pie" in the YT search.

[@arnodobler1096]

👏

[@chrisjarrell9167]

Such an incredible cover!

[@chb2551]

Good thing that he didn't accidentally sing Weird Al's lyrics during it like he started doing in at least one of his concerts. lol

[@randyem6910]

I have this song memorized. Have listened to it for 53 years.

[@davidbuck5864]

I was in high school when this song came out. All of us in my class could recite every word of these lyrics.

[@ezraburgess895]

Yes! We all could and still can when we sing along today.

[@RandyHall324]

McLean was once asked in an interview what this song means. He replied, "It means I never have to work again!" An iconic song that gets better when you start getting all the references.

[@kimzwolinski9919]

😂 That’s great I never heard that before.

[@bibsp3556]

No more helter skelter in tbe summer swelter for Don

[@chb2551]

Then Weird Al parodied it and caused Don a lot of problems. After all, it does make it difficult when you start singing the parody version of your song in your concert instead of your own lyrics. lol

[@jayedwards4787]

That’s a myth- the lyrics, other than the reference to Holly, are meaningless.Thats why McLean has never explained them .?.Everybody has fun dreaming up what the song “ means”

[@garygoodrich7495]

The critics loved this song when it first came out and lauded Don McLean as a songwriting musical genius and rightfully so. This is a masterpiece!

[@austinpeevey]

The American masterpiece.....

[@jayedwards4787]

No they didn’t- it’s a great song, but it just sounds good, the lyrics don’t have any special meaning

[@garygoodrich7495]

@@jayedwards4787 I was around when American Pie was released. I listened to it quite a bit and I recall critics lauding him, maybe not all, but many lauded him as the next songwriting genius. The song is about many things; most notably when Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens died (the day the music died). It was a multiverse song, not a song that didn't have any special meaning. It was about Rock and Roll but also about America and where we've been. In 2001, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) chose the top 365 songs of the 20th century and they placed "American Pie" at #5!!! If that's not genius, I don't know what is.

[@jayedwards4787]

@@garygoodrich7495 Other than “ Vincent ,” ,not much songwriting genius here. The lyrics are meaningless… they could refer to nothing or to anything you want . McLean has never clarified what the song “ means” , because it doesn’t mean anything - and why not let everyone enjoy come up with all kind of interpretations ?

[@garygoodrich7495]

@@jayedwards4787 Not my words...the words of music critics at the time. You're entitled to your opinion but when the top music critics of the day laud him as genius...well...and like I said...it's not about nothing... it's about the early years of rock n roll and America and in the style of multiverse or stream of consciousness style of writing...In 2001, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) chose the top 365 songs of the 20th century and they placed "American Pie" at #5!!! The 5th greatest song of the 20th century is not something anyone would call less than genius.

[@stevebendel]

In 1971 I remembered every word of this song, And I’m 68 and still do

[@cjgeel1]

fellow 68er here and loved the song ever since it came out

[@marshawargo7238]

I won't be 68 until December but my 3 kids & 5 grands know most if not all of the words to this song! It's one of my most favorite songs❤!

[@ritaloy8338]

I to remember this song and I will be 68 in a few months.

[@keifstoned8496]

Fellow member of the 1956 club here. I remember this song from the fall of 1971. First year of high school, 10th grade.

[@JeffPhillips-dn2fg]

Yep amazing story of the 1959 plane crash of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the big bopper, and its effects on Don McLean and America reacting to it.

[@michaelwarren5646]

The name of the plane was "American Pie".

[@sandgroperwookiee65]

​@@michaelwarren5646untrue!!

[@richardlicht7927]

@@michaelwarren5646 That is not true. The airplane, chartered through Dwyer's Flying Service in Clear Lake, Iowa, had no name. Its only designation was its wing registration number, N3794N

[@edprzydatek8398]

​@@michaelwarren5646Did not know that.

[@andycofin6983]

In the day, it was clearly understood by us baby boomers. We knew it was Buddy Holly, the sixties music culture and happenings, Vietnam, US politics, and how far we as a society changed in those ten years after Holly’s death.

[@rogethedogde]

You should check out his song "Vincent", his omage to Vincent Van Gogh. The song American Pie is an anthology ot the music of the 60's and 70's. There are veiled references to the Stones, Dylan, Joplin, the Beatles and others, The day the music died is when Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash.

[@christianm7220]

This is one of the top 5 songs in the history of Rock and Roll. The lyrics are genius! People have written Master's Thesis on what it means, there is incredible depth to every line. The music is timeless. Catchy yet whimsical, upbeat and slowed down. Very few songs come close to this masterpiece!

[@Matt-jj5po]

In my humble opinion, the words "And the three men I admire most... the father, the son and the holy spirit" say it all about "who" allowed Don to create this masterpiece

[@joeterp5615]

I agree. And it’s also been one of the most ubiquitous songs of my 58 years living in America. This is my first time on this channel - has this gentleman provided his general background before? (i.e., did he grow up in another country? Or not have exposure to popular music?)

[@ezraburgess895]

@@joeterp5615 Don’t criticize his ignorance of our teen cultural music too much. He doesn’t know these artists any more than many of us don’t remember artists like Gogi Grant and The Dorsey Brothers of my parents generation.

[@joeterp5615]

@@ezraburgess895 It’s more surprise than criticism. That’s why I was curious about his background. For example, I watch another KZbin channel that has a classical music harpist/pianist reacting to rock’n roll for the first time. She had never listened to the Beatles, Queen, or anyone else before. She is in her 30s or 40s, but is literally listening to rock music for the very first time (her husband is picking the bands and songs for her to try). And actually, I have an older sister who trained in music and pretty much only knows classical stuff too (though she’d know a few Beatles songs).

[@ezraburgess895]

@@joeterp5615 American Pie is a song in which the lyrics are chock full of symbolism that many listeners, especially the younger generation, would not be able to recognize. For instance, when Don sings about, "when the music dies", he is not only talking about the death of three of the iconic rock stars that went down in the plane crash at Clear Water, but the death of the whole 50s era of rock music that was being left behind in the rearview mirror to make room for the changes that were happening in the 60s and 70s. When he refers to the father, son and holy ghost, he is not referring to the biblical triumvirate, but to John & Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King. When he sings about the angels in hell, he is referring to when Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones hired the infamous Hells Angels Motor Cycle Club as security for their San Francisco concert in 1969, which was a deadly nightmare for them. Being from Britain, they just didn't understand that they were releasing the Kraken. These are only a few of the symbolisms that might go over the heads of those who hadn't lived through that era. I believe that I read where someone even wrote a Master's Thesis on the symbolisms in this song, but If have not found it yet. In an interview I once heard with Don McLean, He said that he deliberately created some of the lyrics to be interpreted by the listener as they saw fit. I just know it was one incredible song woven into the tapestry of modern rock music we all enjoy. Where would we be without music. It is truly the universal language.

[@rebecajohnston1135]

I graduated from high school in 1973. This song is our theme song at every reunion, the last song of the night when everyone is called out to be represented: cheerleaders, football players, drill team, band, orchestra, choir, Ag, every sport, every club. It's just an awesome celebration that honors everyone with this spectacular song. My daughter knows it from listening to it along with so much music from my era on long roads from college. Great times and memories

[@JeffPhillips-dn2fg]

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald- Gordon Lightfoot. Guys, another great history lesson song about a sinking ship with lost lives on it from the mid 70s. Gordon sang the song uniquely and as a history lesson to listeners. It went to #1 on the billboard charts. It’s a powerful song and I bet both of you would appreciate reacting to it.

[@Arkryal]

Good recommendation, I haven't heard that one in quite a while.

[@rhphotocdn]

Yes, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is a must listen. It tells such a powerful story.

[@tonycg9952]

must react to

[@RoGueNavy]

That song rips into me, every time. I'm a former Navy sailor, and having ridden out lots of powerful storms on ships, the opening guitar licks always send a chill down my spine. Every time we'd put to sea to ride out a hurricane, I'd envision the guitar licks.

[@kengunter6903]

Unless u understand the times in which this song came out it will b confusing but once u understand the terms & situations he's referring to its amazing!!!!

[@SK-lk3iu]

It was confusing to me even when it first came out; there were many theories discussed about who and what he was referring to!

[@jayedwards4787]

The lyrics are meaningless- McLean wasn’t making any profound references, just picking words that sound good.

[@kengunter6903]

@jayedwards4787 u a joke bro. Funny oh yea the earth is flat also.

[@jayedwards4787]

@@kengunter6903 I was around when the song came out, “ bro”- only the clueless think the song is packed with profound references . McLean laughed all the way to the bank !

[@robertshields4160]

This is a great song to sing along with. It just lends itself to a room full of people all singing at the top of their lungs.

[@helfgott1]

DEAR Friends I was born 1959 in germany , so when i was old enough to realize REAL music I heard This song. We my friends were the most unsucssful cover band ever, but we had sooooooo much fun . SO MUCH

[@DanFan2042]

Very sweet story...thanks for sharing.

[@DrivingSA-ot8ds]

McLean has generally avoided responding to direct questions about the song's lyrics; he has said: "They're beyond analysis. They're poetry."

[@justpassingthrough6550]

Yes, many people still are of the notion that the lyrics had very specific meaning to certain events, or individuals. From McLean 2022 interview - McLean then answers some of the long-standing questions on the song's lyrics, although not all. He reveals that Elvis was not the king referenced in the song, the "girl who sang the blues" was not Janis Joplin, and Bob Dylan was not the jester, although he is open to other interpretations. He says that "marching band" means the military-industrial complex, "sweet perfume" refers to tear gas, and Los Angeles is the "coast" that the Trinity head to ("caught the last train for the coast") - "even God has been corrupted", he comments. He says that "This'll be the day that I die" originated from the John Wayne film The Searchers (which inspired Buddy Holly's song "That'll Be the Day"), and "Bye Bye Miss American Pie" is a reference to a song by Pete Seeger, "Bye Bye, My Roseanna". McLean had originally intended to use "Miss American apple pie" but "apple" was dropped. McLean stated that the lyrics were meant to be impressionist, and that many of the lyrics, only a portion of which were included in the finished recording, were completely fictional with no basis in real-life events.

[@joelliebler5690]

Actually in a later interview over 25 years later Don Stated how most of it is about how American artists could not breakthrough the radio stations after the Beatles and British pop/ rock artists dominated the 1960’s and it took till the early 1970’s when they finally did!

[@Serai3]

I'm often puzzled by how much people want explained to them. Whatever happened to imagination? Use your mind and decide for yourself what it means!

[@Groffili]

Don't know how reliable that is... but there is the story that he responded to the question "What does that song mean?" with "It means I'll never have to work another day in my life."

[@truthguide1742]

If I'm mistaken recently Don McLean finally broke his silence or vagueness on the song's meaning. I think he said it was written so that people would have their interpretations. A special meaning for them. I could be wrong.

[@Beatles4Sale.]

While being about the Buddy Holly plane crash, Don McLean has also explained that it’s about the loss of morality in America. This song was written over several years. You can look up the meaning, but just to give you a little context, Bob Dylan is the court jester, the Beatles are the sergeants and the marching band. The concert is the Rolling Stones at Altamonte, where a fan in the crowd was murdered.

[@unstrung65]

The Byrds and 'Eight Miles High' are mentioned !

[@Jayscollo]

Also the lyrics “ Helter skelter in a summers swelter” refers to the Manson murders. There are so many cultural references to this song!

[@markhodge7]

Grade 5. 12 years old. 1972. Our teacher brought his guitar to school and sang this song. He was a hit. Yes, he was a cool Teacher!

[@binxbolling]

The hit song Killing Me Softly (with his song) was written about Don.

[@markgallemore8856]

A beautiful tapestry from Don McLean‘s perspective of America from the late 50s through the 60s into the beginning of the 70s people events places change a masterfully told story.

[@richardcurtis5281]

Released in 1971 and I still remember hearing this song for the first time. I've listened to it hundreds of times since then and I still get emotional listening to it. One of the most (if not THE most) iconic songs in American music history. You really need to research it to get the full meaning, way too many references to try to explain. His song Vincent is another must listen.

[@charlesc7950]

Everyone is just born knowing the chorus to the song.

[@jonniiinferno9098]

well - actually - Americans ae born knowing the chorus of American Pie... 😜

[@robertflores4710]

American Pie was like anthem at the time we were teensgers and I am 67 yrs old .Still love this folk rock jam . ❤😊

[@babylonsister118]

I was actually gifted with this single on my 13th birthday, with a "basement party"! You had to actually turn it over to hear the song in it's entirety, lol. Music really is the best time travel machine ever! Thanks for this!

[@scottborenstein8291]

I remember when this came out, it basically starts in 1959 with the plane crash that killed Valens, big bopper and Buddy Holly, that’s the day the music died and the innocence of the ‘50’s along with it. The rest basically talks about the turbulent ‘60’s. It’s a totally iconic song, I grew up in the ‘60’s and listening to this song always gives me a lump in my throat.

[@truckrboat]

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

[@daledodson1279]

I remember buying this 45 rpm single. You had to flip it over to hear the second half of the song. 😊

[@DrivingSA-ot8ds]

Iconic song. Don McLean is a phenomenal artist with songs like "Starry Starry Night" and his "Babylon" performance where he got a 10k crowd to sing in canon while playing a banjo

[@BigTimeRushFan2112]

also the song "Vincent"

[@markk.4941]

The song "Vincent" starts out with the line Starry, Starry Night.

[@rmacdougallaliasdogviticus]

"Starry Starry Night" is actually called 'Vincent'. Great song.

[@ORagnar]

"Starry Starry Night" is a great little ditty. A tribute to the artist Van Gogh. A very unusual and creative idea for a song. o

[@normandavidtidiman9918]

"Starry Starry Night",is actually called "Vincent"

[@AVGuyhall]

Masterpiece of a song. When I used to be a radio DJ, this was the song to play when a bathroom break was needed.

[@susannehouse3857]

An interviewer famously asked him once what it meant……..he said it means I’ll never have to work again…….😂😂😂

[@michaelpatton7065]

What makes this song SO BRILLIANT is the lyrics ! Each line or phrase not only has a smooth rythmedic flow but also tells a story about different musical artists and current events through the sands of time...From " The day the music died" ( February 1959) When Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper all died in a plane crash....The music dying refers to not only to these 3 artists future music potential, but also the end of so-called " Innocent Rock & Roll" ...as music became darker and the lyrics became more " Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll " I think it is probably the BEST LYRICAL SONG ever written !

[@andrewmccormack4295]

It's almost an American history lesson.

[@richardpedrazine731]

This song brings a tear to my eye everytime i listen to it

[@user-so5qp1ql1y]

He was asked during an interview what the song meant. He laughingly said It means I don't have to work anymore. Everyone else has given you a pretty good synopsis of lyrics. Mainly just enjoy the tune and don't worry too much about the lyrics. We didn't. Good reaction. Try some of his other tunes. I really like "Starry, Starry night".

[@joelliebler5690]

That song is called Vincent!

[@bibsp3556]

Its a pub classic. You become legend with a song like this

[@ozmaile7938]

1 The Jester:= Bob Dylan 2 The King = Elvis / Christ 3 Quartet in the park = Beatles (Candlestick Park last concert 4 Eight Miles High : The Byrds. 5 Marching Band = US military 6 Girl Sang the blues (Janis Joplin). 7 Father sun and holy ghost (the 3 of them Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" or JFK MLK and RFK. Just a few of the cultural references

[@user-xd3jm2kr8w]

the marching band came on the field of the cal-stanford football game too soon with the game winning touchdown being run through the baqnd

[@ozmaile7938]

@@user-xd3jm2kr8w Yes thanks.that is true like many of the line there was more than one meaning Don himself mention it was also a reference to trying to stop the war and that the military complex wouldn't

[@jasonsmith6795]

@@user-xd3jm2kr8w I think you're a bit confused. That game happened in 82. This song came out a decade earlier... unless you're saying he is a time traveler. lol

[@dazed1nyc]

I always thought the Jester was Dillon and the king was Elvis too but Don McClean said in an interview that if he meant them he would have mentioned them by name like he did James Dean and Lennon/Lenin sooo who knows lol

[@dazed1nyc]

​@@jasonsmith6795 I always thought "8 miles high and falling fast" was a reference to him returning to his original timeline after returning all 6 infinity stones

[@Jayscollo]

The lyric “no Angel born in hell, could break that satins spell” is said to reference when the hell’s angels were hired as bodyguards for The Rolling Stones & during that performance a man was killed by the hells angels to protect mick jagger from being attacked on stage. Referring to The Rolling Stones as satin as they had songs like sympathy for the devil.

[@unclejohn1053]

Wow. I rember that. Never linked that lyric to it. Thanks.

[@johncollins1177]

This is one of the iconic songs that I grew up with when I first started listening to music on the AM radio that my grandmother gave me when I was 7yo in 1972.

[@mkcraycray1316]

Not only is this a great song on its own but when you know who he's talking about its that much better.

[@rickcain4736]

On February 3 1959 Buddy Holly Richie Valens and The Big Bopper, who were 3 major rock n roll stars(especially Buddy Holly) were killed in a plane crash..The tragedy was coined The Day The Music Died which is what this is the main theme of this song....The song then is a sort of history of rock music and it effect on culture...

[@suecook1326]

They should react to some of the iconic music these 3 people produced! Peggy Sue for Buddy Holly, La Bamba for Richie Valens and Chantilly Lace for the Big Bopper!

[@harpergras]

One of the best songs ever made and his other song " Vincent " is also awesome...My favorite line in the song has always been " And the three men I admire most, The Father, Son and the Holy Ghost, They caught the last train for the coast "...An outstanding verse.

[@donpardo2510]

The song is a sort of history lesson about the 60s. There's a lot of music references in the song. For example, the jester is Bob Dylan. The jester(Dylan) became more popular than The King(Elvis) taking his crown. Dylan was also sidelined from a motorcycle accident and was in a cast. The song mentions Woodstock, landing on the moon, The Beatles, The Stones, Janis Joplin. There's so much packed into this song. You have to know the 60s to fully understand this piece of art

[@marleybob3157]

Once you realize what the lyrics actually mean, you'll never look at music the same way again.

[@jayedwards4787]

The lyrics dont mean anything

[@ericanderson8886]

"Vincent/starry starry night" by Don Mclean is another must listen to tune. It's brilliantly tragic.

[@ericsherer3505]

"Castles in the Air" is a favorite of mine from Don McLean.

[@user-kg7co9vi5r]

Don McLean did a reprise of this song fairly recently with Home Free. Another popular song of his is "Vincent " aka Starry Starry Night. A peaen to Vincent Van Gogh.

[@UTubeHandlesSuck]

For a fun diversion, check out _The Saga Begins_ by Weird Al Yankovic. It's his version of American Pie, with the most delicious bonus- Don McLean's daughter loved it so much he learned it for her, and has admitted that he occasionally gets the lyrics mixed up during shows. 😁

[@claude-emiliecloutier8186]

Totaly agree! They have to listen to Weird Al version 😂

[@mjsmcd]

Music died when 3 rock stars died in plane crash in late 50's big bopper ,richie valens ,buddy holly, byrds had a song called 8 miles high , helter skelter a heavy metal song by the beatles ,jumpin jack flash song by stones

[@binxbolling]

Listen to his tear-jerker about Van Gogh, Vincent. Beautiful lyrics.

[@jeffbeaver4419]

This is a classic and the lyrics have been debated for 50 years. As a boy,McClean was a huge Buddy Holly fan and he found out about the plane crash as he was delivering newspapers. It impacted his beliefs on religion as referenced in the song. Many of the lyrics reference singers of the 1960s including the Beatles,Bob Dylan,Elvis,and Janis Joplin.

[@blisguy]

It caused him to challenge his belief in a god rather than to just blindly believe because some book said to. Most theists do not challenge their beliefs. The bible is true because the bible says its true.

[@markmurphy558]

This song was in constant rotation on all the radio station formats for the summer of 73. It was also the song that broke the rule that songs couldn't be longer than 4 minutes. A real game changer.

[@ianz9916]

Except it wasn't. Hey Jude did that in 1968 at 7 minutes and 12 seconds.

[@fleegerbriggs5694]

I have been listening to this song since its release, and I never get tired of it.

[@aidiess]

I'm now 78 years of age and this still makes my top ten songs of all time ! in fact the American pie album is in my car as we speak (along with Dire Straits Alchemy album ) - probably the greatest live album of all time. I recommend you have a run through The American Pie album if you liked this !

[@BennoWitter]

I suggest you look up all the references he made to music history and then listen to it again. It will all make sense if you know what is going on. I have a feeling, that his song "Vincent" will amaze you just as much.

[@DEWDLES]

Vincent is a truly beautiful song

[@imocchidoro]

Great reaction. Love this song. I'm old so I know what he's talking about and it brings back many memories. McLean's "Vincent" is my favorite song especially while watching a video slideshow of Van Gogh's works.

[@radayhuff9234]

Old huh! is it as much fun as you thought it was going to be?

[@boosingh]

The Jester is Dylan, the Marching Band is The Beatles, Eight Miles High is The Byrds, The KIng whose crown is stolen is Elvis, the generation lost in space is a reference to Woodstock Festival, Jack Flash is Jagger. A shout out to Rob Stoner who played bass and back ground vocals and later did the same for Dylan on the album Desire and the Rolling Thunder Revue

[@1960rlv]

This is a masterpiece in lyricism because it gives just enough innuendo or clue to point the listener in the direction and the listener can interpret, survey the landscape, find their own meaning. This is art. It elicits intrigue and a reaction. …. Great one btw

[@jamesbobo]

He mentions a number of bands and musicians: the King is Elvis, the Jester is Bob Dylan (on the sidelines in a cast refers to his motorcycle accident) The Rolling Stones is the Devil (Sympathy for the Devil, and the mention of Jack Flash jumping a candle stick), the Byrds (8 miles high, one of their songs, and falling fast), The Beatles (a marching band like Sgt. Pepper who refused to yield). Also, Don McLean delivered newspapers as a kid. Bad news on the doorstep (that's where newspapers were usually thrown), the bad news being the death of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens is a plane crash. He read about his widowed bride, I'm pretty sure Richie was married and had a daughter.

[@correctlyrics]

Ritchie was 17. He wasn't married nor did he have a child. His girlfriend was Donna, but they weren't engaged. Not sure who the widowed bride is.

[@Rob-pv4zc]

@@correctlyricsthe “widowed bride” was Buddy Holly’s wife. There had been married for less than a year when he died

[@jamesbobo]

@@correctlyrics Then maybe it's The Big Bopper.

[@maryfischer875]

The widowed bride is Buddy Holly's wife, Maria. She was pregnant when he died, but she lost the baby.

[@tkmoore6057]

I’ve always interpreted this song as a reflection of world events. I put it in the same category with “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel and “End of the World as We Know It” by REM.

[@jessieball6195]

This song is WAY more involved with history than either of those two songs-especially more so than REM's "End.."

[@tkmoore6057]

@@jessieball6195 ok

[@bibsp3556]

Theyre very similarly themed

[@Radar544]

I saw Don McLean in concert late last year. I highly recommend his song Vincent.

[@neilfleming2787]

you need to hear this played in concert...EVERYONE sings that last chorus

[@ronnix23]

The song Vincent would be Don McLean's 2nd most popular song.

[@JohnBullard]

If you don't listen to his song STARRY STARRY NIGHT (VINCENT) you will miss an amazing experience.

[@The214624]

A few other lyric references; Quartet practiced in the Park is a reference to the Beatles The 60s group the Byrds had a great song “eight miles high”

[@threekidzmom04]

Love your reactions We really didn't focus so closely on the lyrics back then because we didn't have the lyrics available. We just enjoyed the music! and any words we did understand.

[@karenmandeville7116]

the 'good ole boys' drinking on the levee were 18 year olds who were being drafted to go to Vietnam. so many popular references-jumpin' jack flash (the rolling stones), the jester (bob dylan) and so many more.

[@leannlaplante3643]

It never fails. This song brings tears. It focuses me on a time gone by. It also reminds me that God and rock n roll are saviors to me and maybe others too.

[@markbartlett5049]

In the movie about Richie Valen and shows his family getting the news of the crash and raw emotion, this song at the end really captures that emotion.

[@ErickSowder]

Me and my sister could sing this in it’s entirety when we were 6! Lol. My parents had the album and we listen to it a lot. Cheers.

[@Nickel138]

You absolutely have to do “Vincent” by Don McLean. It’s an amazingly moving song about Vincent Van Gogh.

[@unstrung65]

Especially the 'live' version before an audience !

[@debrapugh6799]

Great song... I was 4 yrs old:)))) I rember my dad listening to this on radio in the car... I still love the music and rock and roll forever... ✌❤💙

[@drsebesta]

Definitely listen to this classic with a smile on! It epitomizes and memorializes early rock & roll at the same time

[@thewalrus6833]

One of the best songs ever written.

[@gswithen]

Definitely a top ten classic of all time. Buddy Holly (That'll Be The Day), Ritchie Valens (La Bamba) and The Big Bopper (Chantilly Lace) died in the plane crash. This works as a tribute to them and rock n roll in general. It also works as the death of America with the civil rights movement of the 60s and the Kennedy murders. Such a brilliant upbeat song about a heavy subject. Just brilliant.

[@GlobetrotterGranny]

A total history lesson of music, culture, and the news of the late 50s and through the 60s. Classic!

[@a.grimes4202]

That last verse always breaks me down in tears. *💔😢😭*

[@ralphkern380]

I am sure that there have been Doctoral Dissertations written about the ramifications and underlying meaning of this song. A person who lived through the events of the time - the music and cultural happenings - gets it more by feeling and instinct rather than by logical inclusion.

[@joeykopack]

Great reaction, you would never hear of the long version on Pop Radio, You would hear the edited version, I’m glad you did the full length version it’s full of generational landmarks

[@ritaloy8338]

Yes the long version was only available on the album. Even then you had to flip the album over to hear the full song.

[@Baldeson]

The history of Rock and Roll, in musical symbolism. The more I understand the song, the more I love it.

[@frankaq3951]

I loved your reaction to this. One of my favourite songs, and it was cool to see you get drawn into it. There are a lot of great metaphors in the lyrics.

[@markboogren2542]

Don McLean "Vincent" is another popular masterpiece you may want to react to.

[@timcarr6401]

Certainly.

[@LaurinGarcia]

I was born 1967 and I grew up listening to The Day the Music Died on the radio. For decades I use to wonder how on earth could there ever be a moment in the U.S. where the music could die. How could there ever be at least a day where there is no music? Then..... 9/11 Happened! I was born in New York City. And I spent 46 years out of my 56 years of life living in New York City. And yes, I was not too far from the World Trade Center on September 11th. In fact, I was late for work that day and getting out of the subway in Union Square when I saw the giant burning hole in the North Tower. Not fully understanding yet that we were under attack I went to my job and just missed witnessing the second plane hit the South Tower by seconds. I was in the elevator heading up to my place of work at a Broadway theatrical costume company when it happened. We were all in shock. Even my boss (who was the only person at our facility going into the fitting rooms to watch the news coverage on television) later that night had a cerebral hemorrhage, went into a coma and died two days later. To make a very long story short, needless to say, all radio stations STOPPED playing music for several days. Not even MTV or VH1 showed any music videos. And of course, Broadway shows were all shut down for several days as well. 9/11 happened on a Tuesday but it wasn't until Friday that MTV finally played it's first music video. It was a live performance of The Day the Music Died. They played the video multiple times that day. Suddenly, for the first time ever the song made sense to me. And for the first time that horrible week I finally Cried. And sobbed I did. After the radio stations began playing The Day the Music Died multiple times a day for several days as well. Everywhere it began to be about playing and performing songs of patriotism and rememberance. I had never experienced anything like it in that magnitude before nor after again in my personal lifetime. Even though I am a Goth and prefer Goth and metal music The Day the Music Died song has far greater meaning to me because of that incrediblely surreal week in New York City. September 11th, 2001 truly was the day the music died, even if only for a few days. 🗽🎶📻🇺🇲

[@charlesskinner1812]

I was a junior at the University of North Carolina when this song was released, It really resonated with my generation because of the time, remembering the deaths of the three, (The Big Bopper, Richie Valens, and Buddy Holly) and that the singers and groups mentioned ( Elvis, Dylan, Janis Joplin, Beatles, Rolling Stones,)were really popular with us,

[@billsimonis]

part of the song references The Altamont Free Concert where several people died. Especially during the Rolling Stones setlist and the song Sympanthy for the Devil. the biker gabd Hell's Angels provided security for the event and several people died,many injured, and extensive property damaged. The biggest issue was that the bands playing were unaware of the violence that were occuring but the media painted a different picture as if they knew but didnt care. Satan laughing with delight and no angel born in hell (hell's angels). Saw him on the standing on the stage (reference to Mick Jagger)

[@rubroken]

I agree with you that this is a great single, but you need to read all the comments to "get" the lyrics because, besides the poetry he's diving deeply into an era of great music, and its history

[@torriezenna653]

"Vincent" is a must do reaction. It is a beautiful tribute to Vincent VanGogh.