REACTION to Don Mclean - American Pie (Let's discover what these lyrics mean:)

Such an incredible song!
Original Video: • American Pie
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[@jefferyindorf699]

"The day the music died" was February 3,1959. My birthday, I entered the world screaming about 10 minutes after Buddy Holly exited the world screaming.

[@eddiewillers1442]

You had good reason.

[@Mal1234567]

Nope. The day the music died was Dec. 6, 1969, when Meredith Hunter was stabbed to death in the audience during the Rolling Stones' song Under My Thumb at the Altamont free concert.

[@robertgardner7725]

Don't let the trolls get you down. I'm 64 and I think it's great that you are exploring the music of the past - songs I know well. I enjoy watching you learn. Keep marching to your own drummer.

[@kathrynkissane5144]

Just ignore trolls. Seriously.

[@nattijeff]

I'm stuck on your miserable planet for approximately 27,000 of your years.

[@jkbowers56]

ABSOLUTELY, Robert... I'm of the same vintage, and I think it's fantastic that music of our era is being explored in such a inquisitive and thorough manner. Trolls are gonna troll . . best to just ignore them and let them starve. Keep digging through those old stacks of vinyl, Daniel!

[@cosybully]

Robert Gardner I am also sixty four, and I love what Daniel is doing. Sure, it's more of a challenge for him to figure out the meaning of this song, but it's people like Daniel who are going to keep this music alive.

[@garyharp7099]

Ditto....im 65 can't say how many times we sang that one at parties.... iconic is understatement. luv your channel

[@ronniemaclaine5234]

As a man who's almost three times your age I'm going to have to say I appreciate you and those like you who can have an open mind

[@brainsareus]

I am childless, but I would be so damn proud to have a son like you!

[@nancyblumberg4612]

I love your voice, you should consider a DJ job at least part time. I enjoy your videos so much. Keep on keeping on.

[@bobbiewallace4008]

I heard this song alot as a teenager and I believe it's about when Buddy Holly died in a plane crash. Still don't understand what America Pie means?!?

[@60sbaby456]

@@bobbiewallace4008American pie means that everything’s just fine

[@Michael75579]

I like Don Mclean's answer to "What does American Pie mean?" "It means I never have to work again" 🙂

[@joebittman5039]

Cheap reply.....sarcastic and vain

[@finncullen]

Peter Crouch, a talented but somewhat homely goalkeeper was asked what he would have been if not a footballer. He replied "A virgin"

[@Johnadams20760]

@@joebittman5039 he probably doens't feel lke explsing every single part of the entire song, i mean it is 8 or more minutes long

[@Rob-eo5ql]

The Jester: Bob Dylan The King: Elvis Presley Girl who sang the blues: Janis Joplin

[@colinmacaoidh9583]

the good old boys singing "this'll be the day that I died" are led by Waylon Jennings, who was Buddy Holly's bassist, and gave up his seat on the plane that crashed

[@SPGhettus]

Pretty sure Mick Jagger is the devil. In the song, not reality.

[@stevewilliams1834]

Quartet played in the park - last concert before the Beatles in Candlestick Park there we were in one place - Woodstock Three men I admire most "Buddy Holly, Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens while other thinks he was was referring to MLK, JFK and RFK there so means different meanings to this masterpiece. American Pie was the name of the plane that crashed

[@nerowolfe736]

I was born in 1960, just before the whole country drove off a cliff that we are still falling from. I have always tried not to take this personally. On a lighter note, you, my good sir, are now the only reaction artist I listen to regularly. Actual thought is such a rare thing...

[@er5406]

Daniel - I applaud the fact that you are interested in history whether it be of events or music. The fact that you weren’t born when these songs and events occurred means sometimes your going to get it wrong, that’s okay. Keep trying and I’ll keep listening. A different point of view is always valuable. Thanks. By the way, you’ve bitten off a large mouthful with this song. People have been trying to figure this one for fifty years.

[@emilyflotilla931]

And some of us are still trying!

[@daniangelicamongiat2417]

Thanks. By the way, you’ve bitten off a large mouthful with this song. People have been trying to figure this one for fifty years. very well written.. i applaud your reviews. also.

[@dalemettee1147]

Daniel, if you watch some old movies, consider the times. Blacks were treated very badly and were played to be stupid and dumb. Even though I'm older, I've never really liked or supported such portrayals. Keep watching and learning how show business has evolved and grown. Several actors to watch are Steve McQueen, several old time actors. I really like the fact that how much communication levels. IE. detectives watching a suspect and seeing them move locations. Years ago, one guy would say to the other, "I got to call this in". He would go to a drug store and make a phone call. Today, the guy just gets his smart phone out and calls it in.

[@tymmgwayn302]

Daniel... First, let me say that I think it's awesome that you "don't know the context"... because, you go LOOKING for the context. the troll should listen to what you say. Your first goal is to relate the lyrics to yourself, then you seek out the facts. And, Dude, you teach this old guy, who knows a bit about the music you share, but not everything. I love that I learn right along with you. You handled that situation with aplomb and maturity, my man! Second, I was looking forward to you doing this song. You said in a couple of earlier vids that you would. I've always loved this song. It always makes me cry, too. I remember watching a show in which he did it live, (I believe it was the first televised version of it), and cried... I was, like, 8 or 9, I think. Anyway, as always, I appreciate your personal insights and the fact that you search out the meaning and the context. You even touched on the urban legends and THAT was cool! Third, and final... I have been known to karaoke Weird Al's parody, "The Saga Begins" kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnbGm5qAiNaGiLc&ab_channel=alyankovicVEVO I'd love to see you react to that! It's awesome! Have a great week!

[@tymmgwayn302]

@William Wells Thank you. Yes, we are trying to all be safe over here.

[@rebecajohnston1135]

I am a historian, retired history teacher, counselor, and administrator. I truly admire the way you not only break these songs down, but you actually do research! Kudos to you! If every student I ever had had been like you, I would probably still be teaching. (JK, bad back injury ended my career but I still love teaching kids like you who want to learn.)

[@emanonfox1709]

Knowing the lyrics to this and Bohemian Rhapsody are essential for road trips. I'm actually glad you listened to this after your Vincent reaction because he deserves more musical props than he normally gets for this "overplayed on the radio" song... which is truly an enduring classic.

[@VadersRage]

Decades ago I vowed to learn the lyrics....fully. Now I'm working "It's The End Of The World As We Know It" by R.E.M. Still suffering on that one.

[@emanonfox1709]

@@VadersRage Understanding Michael Stipe is hard enough on a good day!

[@themagnacarter1304]

I met a girl who sang the blues And I asked her for some happy news But she just smiled and turned away I went down to that sacred store Where I’d heard the music years before But the man there said the music wouldn’t play And in the streets the children screamed The lovers cried and the poets dreamed Not a word was spoken The church bells all were broken And the three men I admired most The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost They caught the last train for the coast The day the music died

[@valexalex6187]

I'm 70 years old, and I really think you are really great. I love to listen to you. You are always so pleasant.

[@alanhandleman6513]

I just want to add one note here about Ritchie Valens. Ritchie was born Richard Steven Valenzuela. He was born in southern California to Mexican parents, and became the very first Chicano rock star, and source of deep pride to the Mexican-American community. During his 10 month recording career, he had 5 songs in the Billboard "Hot 100". Donna and La Bamba were major hits, and then died at the age of only 17. His star was on the rise, but was quickly shot down when he died in that plane crash along with Buddy Holly and the "Big Bopper". It was a horrible tragedy.

[@DF-ee8vt]

There are several entire websites dedicated to the translation of this song. After nearly 50 years, some of them almost have it totally deciphered!

[@firebird7479]

17:29 Two really excellent films: "The Buddy Holly Story" starring Gary Busey as Buddy Holly; "LaBamba" starring Lou Diamond Phillips as Ritchie Valens.

[@twlghtangel8922]

2 great films

[@RicoBurghFan]

The day the the music died refers to the death of Buddy Holly when McLean was a teen. But you need to look up the tutorial to the lyrics to this to get the full scope. Very dense, very deep, many allusions to music of the 50s 60s and culture, including Dylan, Elvis, the Byrds, the Beatles, Stones and Janis Joplin. Go learn about the meaning snd allusions and don't crack your head trying to figure it out my man 🤟💯

[@7fcutiepie]

Wait? What? Richie was on that plane too

[@michelletavernier8724]

And the big bupper to

[@BartholomewSmutz]

@@michelletavernier8724 Big Bopper

[@3ScotsInk]

@@BartholomewSmutz And the pilot died as well. His was the only body still in the wreckage, which was, truly horrific. Won't post the pix here, but they're out there to see.

[@OpheliaSees]

@@7fcutiepie Richie took Dion's place on the plane, when Dion didn't want to spend so much money on the charter flight that Buddy Holly arranged.

[@gabrielmauller8137]

Don’t listen to trolls, you’re way smarter than I was at 16......which might not be saying much now that I think about it. :)

[@danellwein8679]

am 64 ... and you are way smarter than i was at that age ..

[@pamelajordan5948]

😃🤔😁

[@cariwaldick4898]

Trolls come in different flavors. Most should be ignored. Occasionally there are those with a few brain cells working together. It's okay to listen to those--with a grain of salt and a mute button. Lack of tact, arrogance, and condescension, might mask some knowledge you can glean.

[@katiedeal3200]

I can't tell you how many of my friends of the 70's demand to or have already had this song played at their funeral. Plane crash in 1959, the year I was born, took the lives of the best singers of the 50's...Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens. This was before Elvis or the Beatles. My sisters, who were 10 and 8 years older, cried for days.

[@twlghtangel8922]

I rem that all to well..I was a teen

[@imagine1004]

Lost In Space was a show on TV. Could also mean the space programs.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Or too many drugs

[@imagine1004]

True hahaha

[@thethikboy]

You're doing great Daniel- your appreciation of these old pop classics is musically savvy - makes me happy to watch a teenager who's an actor and musician enjoying music composed before they were a twinkle in their father's eye.

[@mikephalen3162]

Dylan was a protest singer who got tired of protest songs and of being pegged as the spokeman for his generation. He went electric at Newport and was castigated as a traitor, a Judas, by the folkies, most notably Pete Seeger. Folk music's loss was rock's gain. Dylan wrote more personal songs and made a series of great albums. He was in self-imposed exile after his motorcycle accident (the jester on the sidelines in a cast). "Blood on the Tracks" in the mid-70s was regarded as his great comeback LP. He hooked up with The Band and had some great concert tours. He found Jesus and lost some popularity. In the late 1990s, he began to produce great work again. His Nobel Prize for Literature is the cherry on top of a brilliant career. And as bad as 2020 has been, it pales in comparison to 1968, the year the marching band refused to yield. The Vietnam War was still raging; civil rights battles were being fought in Congress and in the streets; cities were on fire; MLK and RFK were assassinated; the Democratic Convention was staged in the middle of a police riot. Ironically, the music was never better: Your AM transistor radio was pumping out classic songs of pop music, hard rock, Motown, love songs, songs with social messages, bubblegum songs; it was an amazing time to be a junior high or high school student.

[@rtwbikerider]

Dylan’s electric “Maggie’s Farm” at the Newport Jazz Festival while being jeered by the crowd is an awesome recording.

[@nealpierson9072]

Excellent comment. This man knows his Dylan.

[@snakelite61]

Good overview of the times. I was 19 in 68. It was a hell of a year, or more accurately, a year of hell.

[@bartstarr100]

Dylan has about 8 phases.

[@elkalabaw7665]

right on, brother.

[@wayneguess7946]

You are correct, about the music, BUT, when he does a live version with just his guitar, it is equally amazing!

[@isoron]

Yeah the live version where the crowd does the chorus.

[@muriel2267]

Never mind the trolls. You know what they say, those that can, do...and those that can’t, ...troll 😆 your channel is top tier 👍🏼👏

[@sheilaswegler4859]

Someone on Facebook tried to be bitchy to me today. She then wrote I bet I made you real mad. I replied: nope. I get to decide if a total stranger's words make me mad. Not the total stranger. (Same goes for non-strangers.)

[@imagine1004]

Don’t allow anyone to take your power.

[@mikeklesic7535]

Your great! Keep doing what your doing! I’m 63 I grew up with all these songs! You have some great insights

[@rhwinner]

Hearing you were doing American Pie I fully expected a 90 minute video....

[@nanner3200]

Nah. That'll be when he does Alice's Restaurant :P

[@twwtjohns]

I've recently seen a live version where the audience is singing along and at some point Don McLean begins to harmonize with them and it's pretty amazing.

[@757optim]

There is virtually no way you can get the musical references in this song. Heck, even people who lived through all of it disagree on some of the meaning. You can continue to build your classic rock knowledge and listen to American Pie many times and discover where there is room for interpretation. That's the genius of Don Mclean's creation.

[@joconnell8145]

To the trolls we say SELF COPULATE!!!

[@haroldjones8023]

Lol

[@jimcarlson6157]

after you GO!!!

[@Russ442100]

you mean self copulate while leaving the area? haha lol

[@jotham777]

Hey, I self copulate all the time, but I’m not a troll.

[@trumanwiz]

Daniel, Buddy Holly had a hit song, in 1957, with the repeated line, "Cause that'll be the day when I die." The band he was in was called "The Crickets."

[@rubytexas1563]

That'll be the day was a movie quote by John Wayne in one of his movies. Reportedly Buddy Holly had just seen the movie very recently.

[@georgewodicka4839]

This 33 minutes certainly shows in detail what separates you from other "reactors". Watching this, as usual, the next morning, I learned several tidbits from you and other commenters, who also did an incredible job filling in some of the blanks. Great lesson. As for trollage, I'd consider it a badge of honor, and you have thousands that have your back.

[@firebird7479]

"Yeah. That was off the hook. Make sure you hit the like button and support the channel by subscriber." ~ Annie Reactor.

[@georgewodicka4839]

@Harper Madison The Legion, with Harper leading it! ☺

[@georgewodicka4839]

@@firebird7479 So true, Daniel, 33 min, others, under 10 min...

[@brainsareus]

The 3 men I admire most, They caught the last train for the coast. Is just one of the most devastatingly beautiful, bittersweet lines ever written in music. It kills me every time

[@tonyallen4265]

A classic! A total freaking classic!

[@gabrielmauller8137]

If you want to hear Dylan, listen to the Traveling Wilburys. The super group he was in with Petty, Harrison, Orbison, and Lynne. The best supergroup ever.

[@suejaneuk1681]

Daniel, you get these trolls with a warped sense of humour and are self absorbed trying to destroy something you have created. You are doing a fantastic job and I enjoy watching every night. Don't let morons deter you.

[@daniangelicamongiat2417]

you get these trolls with a warped sense of humour and are self absorbed trying to destroy something you have created,indeed. you are doing a fab. job,,,is that a job ah,,huh? but i LOVE WHEN YOU SAID"A SONG MASTERFULLY CREATED "!

[@tamagotchidoctor5207]

'And while Lenin ( Lennon ) read a book on Marx' can be a reference to the Beatles song Revolution, but also how the Beatles took a page from the Marx Brothers old time comedy act, when they made the movie Hard Day's Night.

[@Johnadams20760]

i just love the absolutely passion in the way he sings this in so many spots

[@terrymoody2660]

The reference to "drove my Chevy to the levy but the levy was dry" refers to the time Don wrote a jingle for Chevrolet that didn't go over well.

[@marsbolt3424]

Your candour, integrity and transparency are so refreshing. I learn something new with every one of your postings that I watch, even if I already know the song. Keep your spirit up D. And thanks for being so honest, with your experiences and reactions. And many thanks for sharing this with us. My best bro.

[@mutleymutley7474]

Daniel, don't let the trolls put you down. You're doing great! We know you're young man learning the meaning of songs written 30, 40, 50+ years ago. Keep at it! You're getting an education like no other. American Pie is a great song with reference to history, people and events relevant to a time in America long ago.

[@headrushindi]

Don't worry about the morons who want to give you grief Daniel . What you are doing on this Chanel is a musical learning journey for you . There is NO student who has the answers prior to the lesson. You are giving yourself the best education as a musician and actor that you can possibly get ! Let the trolls go watch a brainless Flat Earth Video , the truth is we love ya kiddo , and you keep right on doin what your doin. I personally get a lot from these videos. It makes me smile to recall my younger years, and the joy and memories these great artists gave me and I smile knowing that there are youth out there who appreciate and understand great music. And you are doing the youth "In your age group" a GREAT boon by introducing them to real music, and helping them realize there is more to the musical arts than just poorly written lyrics, over Quantizing , and Auto tune ! If any song belongs in the Rock n Roll Bible of most influential songs this one would surely be on the top 10 list .

[@debbienockels7255]

Loved this reaction. Don McLean also did a beautiful cover of Roy Orbison’s “Crying.”

[@blackbeltboar4734]

I can't separate this song from my father. After he passed from cancer my uncle put together a post memorial service video of photos throughout his life to this song, so it always has a deep place with me beyond the obvious musical history references

[@scottincanada3903]

Regarding the criticism you mentioned at the start of this video: I would hope that most people would see that one of the purposes (and a significant value) of this channel is that it provides a learning opportunity and experience for both the host and the viewers. Kudos to you for going to musical places you've never been before and letting us watch you learn, and learn along with you.

[@edprzydatek8398]

A friend of mine was driving in his car and this song came on his radio. Having heard so much of this song he changed the station. It was playing on that station also. So he changed to a third station and guess what. Yes, it was on that station, too. A VERY popular song when it came out.

[@brianshakesby9826]

Associated radio stations were given the same playlist back in the day

[@pamnicklas5536]

The only time something like that happened to me...was hearing Stand Tall by Burton Cummings on 3 different stations at the same time!

[@lmkm57]

I suggest that you do at least one song each by Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. Just my two cents.

[@twlghtangel8922]

That's a good starting place and the day they all died

[@brandonflorida1092]

The song is about the death of rock founder Buddy Holly in a place crash in 1959.

[@emanonfox1709]

And the Big Bopper JP Richardson and Ritchie Valens... also about JFK

[@armadillotoe]

@@emanonfox1709 And The Rolling Stones, Hell's Angels, Bob Dylan, and ....

[@tee_d_we_d]

@@emanonfox1709 and who gave up his seat on the plane so Richardson could fly? Waylon Jennings.

[@brandonflorida1092]

@@armadillotoe What? "His widowed bride" is undoubtedly Maria Elena Holly.

[@clintlarvenz2570]

@@tee_d_we_d Always interesting how fate happens like that, like Clapton giving up his helicopter seat to Stevie Ray Vaughan

[@joanbounacos8958]

There are songs which, when they are played in public, become total singalongs. This is one of them, along with Piano Man, Carry on Wayward Son, Tiny Dancer, and tons of others. It brings strangers together. 😊 I've seen it happen in department stores, bars... Anywhere.

[@jaemyrick5277]

I turned 57 this year. I cherished this masterpiece classic of early pop culture. I truly wanted you and your generation to know about this song and embrace the story. I can see that you are embracing the song. Bravo to Don Mc Clean's story telling. There will never never be a song like this one. 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶☺️☺️☺️🎸

[@katiedeal3200]

then in 1977, we lost Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd and that was MY music. My sisters hugged me in remembrance of their loss of THEIR greatest.

[@marlaopper4837]

This is a song from my youth, now your youth. Sometimes understanding music is like mourning, it's different for all of us and right for all of us. Good job!!

[@richdiddens4059]

The part about Jack be nimble and on to Jack Flash sat on a candle stick and "fire is the Devil's only friend" probably refer to the Stones' songs Jumping Jack Flash and Sympathy For the Devil. When the song came out I was in college and most people thought that "the levee was dry. Those good old boys were drinking whisky and rye and singing this will be the day that you die." referred to the murder of 3 civil right activists where the KKK drove them to a dry earthen dam, shot, and buried them while drinking and taunting them. Also was the Marx mentioned Karl or Groucho as John Lennon was rumored to be a fan of the Marx Brothers.

[@rickwelch8464]

@Doug Johnson Your idiocy concerning BLM is noted.

[@tnolddawg]

The line about "Jack Flash sat on a candle stick", aside from the references to the Rolling Stones hits, brings other images to mind, like the budist monks who set themselves on fire to protest U.S. involvement in Vietnam Also, the line about the players tried to take the field, the marching band refused to yield... makes me think of the Kent State protest when students refusing to disperse were fired upon by ROTC cadets pressed into service as crowd control

[@naterater100]

I so adore your taste in music, and the understanding in how it relates to us all. One of the greats passed away today. Eddie Van Halen has lost his battle with cancer. Hearing this song, and thinking about my youth, growing up with this music, hits very hard for me tonight. You are doing such a wonderful job with this channel, man, it just his me all in the "feels" tonight. Keep up the great work!

[@kimberlybrewer8547]

Hey❤ i know i am very proud of you, coming from a 62-year-old young grandmother. I would be absolutely so proud if my three grandson's grew up like you!!!

[@TheUserid82]

I love the fact Don teamed up with Home Free to release a cover of the song on the 50th anniversary with Don still having a great voice in his 70's

[@aldennakano3291]

You have such an old soul....you will do great things in your life.....amazing for a 16 year old...hope I get to see all your accomplishments

[@rtwbikerider]

I never knew that there were deleted lyrics, or that it went from monophonic to stereo (like The Wizard of Oz went from b&w to color). Very cool. Thanks Daniel. For your next movie night, I recommend The Buddy Holly Story. The “final concert” scene is amazing. You won’t be disappointed.

[@jeffdetmer4681]

Dude, don't pay attention to the trolls and haters. Of course you don't have knowledge of a lot of things that happened decades before you were born. You're doing fine. Got to see Don McLean live only once. It was 1973 or 74 at a Spring weekend at Briar Cliff College in NY state. We were all sitting on the cafeteria floor and Don was alone sitting on a folding chair with his guitar. Saw some of the greatest performers in concert over the years, but that one still feels special. Keep reaching back man. You will find some of the greatest music ever traveling back through the 60s and 70s. Stay safe and well.

[@firebird7479]

25:53 "Helter Skelter" is a Beatles song about a sliding board, called a helter skelter. Manson took the lyrics to be a race war, which in the official story is what the prosecutors claim the Manson Murders were about. After reading the book "Chaos" about the Manson Murders, it turns out that the narrative was false.

[@randytorres8211]

There is a lot of meaning behind the lyrics of this song. You could spend a lot of time analyzing this song. But then again you will give it your best shot after the song. Great song and thanks for your reaction

[@wallyboy6666]

:) Daniel, this reaction & analysis video is an example of ONE of the reasons that I support you. Your legion is growing quickly! You've worked so hard & deserve your subscribers :) I honestly don't know how you do it all (school, this channel, acting, etc) :) An aside, thank you for doing what you're doing. Some of us are disabled & this channel is a nice way to spend time away from _____ (fill in the blank). So, thank you from those of us who can 'fill in the blank'. ♡

[@bruceday4036]

This song was an anthem in th 70's. Growing up then, it was about experiences we all felt. High school football, music and America

[@orinolsgaard1755]

When Buddy did not show up at the Moorhead, Minnesota auditorium, a young performer named Bobby Vee took his place.

[@willcool713]

Seriously, a doctorate in music history could center on a full exploration and dissection of this song, and still have room to explore yet. The poetry speaks broadly to an entire generation and has symbolism of shared experience and momentus historic events. So, while there are references that mirror musical events, they also reference larger events of the day. As an example, his widowed bride, can reference someone who died in the plane crash, or President Kennedy's assassination. The marching band which refused to yeild can reference several stage events, a scene at the Democratic National Convention, or the soldiers shooting protesters at Kent State. There are layers and layers of meanings and allusions.

[@Mal1234567]

The marching band represents the Beatles. (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.)

[@TennesseeMelanie]

American Pie is the first song I can remember on the radio...I was about 10 when it came out....it is still just as brilliant today. I love listening to your dissection of a very complex song. Keep up your fabulous work. I am so happy to see someone your age listening to such brilliant work.

[@karenj3611]

As someone born in the 50s, schooled in the 60's, graduated and married in the 70s, I was around when the events portrayed in this song took place. Someone born much later would have a hard time trying to figure this out. As many before have said, none of us know the true meaning to all of the lyrics. It's just a great song, period.

[@LynneConnolly]

this song is a masterpiece. There are explanations, but like all poetry, it means what you want it to mean.

[@greggbarrett7117]

50 years running I know every word to every verse, as soon as the verse begins

[@3ScotsInk]

The "widowed bride" refers to Buddy Holly's wife. They'd only been married 6 months or so and were both thrilled that she was pregnant with their first baby. After learning of his tragic death, she miscarried. God bless all the souls lost "the day the music died." And beyond. Love your curiosity, Daniel, and your thirst for knowledge. Don't let the haters ever, ever get you down!

[@ethelynchristopher6995]

This song was such a huge hit. Many of my age group knew all the lyrics and could easily sing along with it. Got to admit the chorus is damn catchy.

[@cherylann9781]

Elvis' " If I Can Dream" is a great place to start. Performed by Elvis as tribute to MLK, composed for Elvis specifically. His manager did not want him to perform it. I believe his 1968 Special performance is available on KZbin.

[@RickF-dw8cl]

McLean humorously said that this song means he never has to work again .

[@BrakRulesAll]

1971, freshman year of high school. I heard this song enough times on the radio to memorize the entire song.. and to this day, i can still sing along with it and not miss a word when it comes on the radio. Such an awesome tune.

[@jazzlefettie]

I was in middle school when this song was first released. The local radio station held a contest for the best explanation of the meaning of the lyrics. But back then, many singles were released on radio before the record was sold in any stores. So the only way to get the lyrics of any songs was to wait for it to play again on the radio and jot down the lyrics as fast as you could. Of course, you never got it right the first time with any song, but especially one this long. So a couple of my girlfriends and I decided to join forces on this contest, and we assigned different parts of the song to each girl in the group to get down in writing. That took us quite a few ‘girl hours’ of radio time. Anyway, we finally got the lyrics pulled together and then we spent many evenings in heated discussions about what the lyrics really meant. Anyway, long story longer, we submitted what we thought for sure would be the grand prize winner to the radio station and we impatiently waited to hear our names announced on air.....and someone else won. We were crushed, devastated, and definitely thought we had been horribly wronged. In reality, tho, we won something more important (I don’t even remember what the grand prize was): we learned the value of setting a goal and working hard to achieve it, regardless of the result. A lesson that has helped me my entire life!

[@jessicamartin1728]

As a guitarist, you NEED to listen to Ritchie Valens if you haven't yet. He was your age when he recorded his album and was cutting edge for his time.

[@ValerieBoyco]

This reaction was done so well, great job! If you want to watch a great Elvis song that you may not have heard yet, try In The Ghetto. Written in the 60's but still so relevant today.

[@verasileikis17]

🇨🇦You’re an extraordinary young man and I’ve just subscribed to your channel. Whoever criticized you must not understand the concept of reaction videos, so their opinions aren’t relevant. As you were reading the text from that website, I kept thinking that you couldn’t possibly be reading it for the first time because the cadence and rhythm of your speech was essentially conversational. Then I realized that you must simply be gifted in that regard, because of course some people are. (I watched your reaction to Vincent earlier today as well). American Pie was released when I was 17, and as one of my brothers is a guitarist, by default, I knew lots of musicians. Most of the responses to this song were positive, but I believe lots of struggling musicians didn’t like to talk about it because it touched on issues they didn’t want to face, like death, corruption and the unstable nature of the music industry. They were mostly rock and roll, while this song was folksy and Southern in nature, so that justified their apathy. The references to religion were also off-putting to some, unless one decided that McLean was utilizing religious references to dramatic effect, as others had been. My opinion is that Elvis Presley was well marketed and he was clearly dedicated to his career, but I have never seen evidence that he possessed any extraordinary talent. The concert at Altamont was, and still is, a gruesome legacy that shone a light on just how badly things can go. The assassination of JFK, MLK and RFK, the war in Vietnam and especially the Kent State student massacre were just a small sampling of what many of us saw as a reason to turn away from hope. The tragic death of Buddy Holly and the other two musicians obviously affected Mr. McLean in a personal way that would certainly have been keenly felt in 1959, but when the song was released, the most interesting aspects for many people were his references to current celebrities. I agree that this song is beautifully written and sung, and I like it. I’m glad to know that Mr. McLean is doing well.

[@OberonOZ]

Don't feed the trolls Daniel :) There will always be those out there who criticize and dont add anything themselves. Part of the reason I got drawn in to watching your content is because you DONT know and you dont pretend to. But the fun of it is first seeing you react to great music that I love but that is completely new to you (mostly) and then finding out what its all about. Yes, sometimes you get pronunciations wrong (as in this video, its pronounced Ma clane and not Mc Clean) but thats not the point. This is how you find things out. Its a dialogue between the regulars on your channel and you. For what its worth i) I really like your reactions and the range of stuff you react to and ii) the troll is living proof that its an ill wind that blows nobody any good. I made sure I subscribed today to balance out the negativity a little bit. All the best, all the way from Perth, Australia. Cheers, Steve

[@bartstarr100]

Roughly the 60s. Starts with Buddy Holly's death (1959) and ends with Kent State (1970)

[@jmweed1861]

I was a Freshman in college, back from Vietnam when Don released this. Played it over and over studying the lyrics, as I grew up at that time and was pretty much able to figure them all out. The deaths of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richy Valleys, Elvis, Bob Dylan, the Byrds,, the Beatles, the Stones at Altamont where they hired the Hells Angels as "Security Guards" and as they murdered that guy, Mick Jagger was helpless to stop it.. The only difference I had was "a generation lost in space " a whole generation high on Drugs....

[@Mal1234567]

My close reading of the first verse proves that this song is about the death of rock n roll coinciding with the death of Meredith Hunter at the Dec 6 1969 Altamont fFree Concert. “I can’t remember if I cried when I read about his (Holly’s) widowed bride (Feb 3 1959), but something touched me deep inside the day the music died (Dec 6 1969).”

[@wayneguess7946]

Look to see, who else, was supposed to be on the plane that crashed!

[@haroldjones8023]

Tommy Alsup he kept the coin from the coin toss the rest of his life. I had the pleasure of having lunch with him a few times

[@kennethtilton6137]

Jerry Lee Lewis, and he still lives.

[@lawrencedizon-weisberg8073]

The Plane Crash is Buddy Holly ("Peggy Sue" and dozens of other classics!), Richie Valens ("La Bamba"), and the Big Bopper ("Chantilly Lace")

[@judithshorey2137]

Waylon Jennings

[@donceltic4631]

First, I'm 65. Second, when i saw how young you appeared, i felt you deserved a thumbs up no matter what. I listened to this song on the car radio on the way to school. I get the gist of the song, but it is great even if i don't catch all the references. It does, however, strongly stir up wistful memories of my preteen years.

[@colincampbell5967]

Have a listen to "The Load Out" by Jackson Browne, a tribute to his roadies or Bright Baby Blues y the same artiste

[@emanonfox1709]

Elvis - Can't Help Falling In Love, A Little Less Conversation, Suspicious Minds, Always on my Mind

[@pierrevaillancourt1803]

Great reaction. I Just adore how much you got into this song. Your emotions triggered by the music are fun to read.

[@beast1624]

Well done Young Man. I was in 7th grade when this came out and wore out two LP albums listening to it and all the other tracks over the years...not to mention 8-Track, CD and eventually digital versions. Part of my playlist to this day...the WHOLE Album. The double entendre and subtle references in this song are unmatched in Rock And Roll history. In regards to Don's comments about the skyrocketing rise to fame of this song, he's right. You have to take the whole album into consideration. Not just this song, or Vincent (my personal favorite) but Babylon, The Grave, Winterwood and all the rest. The all blend together. This album is similar to Days of Future Past by the Moody Blues. All that being said, YOU'VE DONE GOOD fleshing this song out!!! Keep it coming!

[@akinpaws]

Seconded; the whole album is awesome.

[@marshabailey1121]

Love your reactions! This version is the one I know from the record. Such a work of genious. Don McLean was a great performer. Hours of just Don and his guitar...with the audience in the palm of his hand.

[@1nelsondj]

You should definitely listen to the Weird Al version, it's hilarious and the slow section is still moving. Regarding the troll's remark well of course you cannot get the context of songs written in a previous century. There were different attitudes, events, expressions, cultural references, a much shorter music history, fewer sounds, norms, standards, on and on. Plus the technology was limited, most of the Beatles albums were made on 4-track machines, they had to transfer tracks down to a single track in order to do more overdubs. You can do hours of research but still not know what a revelation it was when a particular song or album was released, Beatlemania or the controlled chaos of a new Who single or the shock of a Kinks single, psychedelia, the new sound of a mellotron, etc. And it's to be expected that you won't know how to pronounce a name you've never seen or heard before.

[@annedunne4526]

This is one of those special songs. Interesting lyrics and great chorus. When it came out, we all knew all the words and sang it all the time. I never knew what a " chevy" or a " levee" were but it didn't matter. Good times a long time ago.

[@larryhutchens7593]

During it's time period this was a great sing along song & many had no idea what the lyrics were about. "Feb. made me shiver with every paper I delivered" Don McLean had a paper route when Buddy Holley was killed in a plane crash outside Clearlake Iowa. "Bad news on the doorstep, couldn't take 1 more step," "Read about his widowed bride". Buddy (Charles Hardin Holley) had just married his wife. The rest of the song is about rock music history. Elvis got drafted & spent 2 years in Germany, the king lost his crown. Rock music was evolving and the older crowd lamented the loss of Buddy as the end of rock music, which was actually rock-a-billy. He died in a plane crash along with the Big Bopper & Richie Valens. Interesting thing about Richie Valens: he was Hispanic ( Last name actually Valenzuela) & had to change his name in order to sell records. Also, he witnessed a horrible plane crash of a DC-4 or 7 in which aircraft parts were scattered all over his school playground & it gave him a fear of flying. History ain't boring. Remember, the music that each generation likes does not spring up from the ground fully formed, it is an evolution of music that came before.

[@stevemd6488]

Death, musically of that generation. Thr Beatles Dylan etc were waiting for us. Similar theme in the movie American Graffiti

[@3ScotsInk]

Clear Lake, Iowa is less than 3 hours from my house. That's where the Surf Ballroom is, the last gig Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson aka The Big Bopper played. It was set for demolition but a private owner bought it and, in 2011, it was put on the Historical Registry and has now been restored to virtually exactly the way it looked on 2/2/59. Holly (and everybody else on the tour) were sick of going from gig to gig in school buses that were in such bad shape the schools had retired them. Holly, especially, wanted to do some laundry and sleep in a warm bed, so he chartered a plane rather than ride in a cold bus that would probably break down several times on the 350 mile trek to the next show in Minnesota. The plane took off a little after midnight on 2/3/59, made it about 6 miles in a fierce snowstorm, then crashed, killing all four, including the pilot. I'm gonna go check it out before the snows of winter set in and make it impossible to get to the actual crash site which was in 1959, and still is, a huge barren field.

[@catiejanb2587]

As a child I listened to all sorts of music rather than just what was popular for those my age. This music does not die because it is always relevant. Ignore those who bring you down. You are an explorer and you are making a lot of people appreciate the music they know and explore music they don't.

[@gchristyer]

Castles in the air 😁✌️👍🇬🇧🙏

[@tobystevens9183]

I first heard this incredible dark ballad when I was only eight years old. Fast forward 50 years. I hadn't heard this song in decades, but listened to it one night at a dear friends house and I immediately knew that it was about much more that just a tribute to Buddy Holly. It is a prophetic warning to this current generation. And it is a prophetic ode to America on her last day (American Pie is America). The chorus is sung SEVEN times (7 denotes God and perfection in the bible). The original Capital label on the 1971 45 single shows the producers as YAHWEH TUNES and MAYDAY MUSIC! Yahweh + Mayday = God's Warning! "I met a girl who sang the blues, and I asked her for some happy news, but she just smiled and turned away. I went down to the sacred store, where I'd heard the music years before, but the man there said the music wouldn't play... And in the streets the children screamed...the lovers cried and the poets dreamed...but not a word was spoken..." If you look at Revelation 18 (This prophecy was given to John the revelator on the island of Patmos by Jesus in a vision). Revelation 18 ALSO talks about America on her last day, and is eerily similar to this verse in the song! Can you figure out who the "jester" is? He sang "American Pie" at his own inauguration. There is so much more if you dig into it. IMO this song is 100% inspired by God, but not the god of this world as most pop songs are. This is something obviously quite different. Edit: I forgot the most important part. "Music" reference in the song is God Himself. His Spirit will disappear (took the the last train for the coast...the day the Music died) during the last seven years of this age after the saints are removed from the earth (rapture). God's presence and former hedge of protection will be completely absent as His Judgement/Wrath is poured out on a generation quite similar to the people found during the days of Noah.

[@TomGorham]

"This will be the day that I die." is a common drinking phrase that means all cares are to the wind.

[@tomdinder2109]

Two things:1)When talking to younger people,telling them about 45RPM records and how the song took both sides to fit,they were like “huh?”. 2)I never knew about what some of the lyrics meant. Thanks for sharing the info with me.Learned a lot.Kudos to you Daniel!

[@Rob-eo5ql]

“The day the music died” happened twice in this song: February 3, 1959: Clear Lake, Iowa. Buddy Holly plane crash. Ends the 1950s music era; begins the historical 1960s music era. December 11, 1969: Altamont, California. Four concert goers were murdered at the Altamont speedway free concert, 3 months after Woodstock (summer of love), headlined by The Rolling Stones. The disaster at Altamont ended the 1960s.

[@Rob-eo5ql]

Altamont: “watching with fist of rage” End of the song: he looses his innocence

[@Rob-eo5ql]

Beginning of the song: he’s innocent; he watches his sister dancing to a Buddy Holly song (“you both kicked off your shoes”, dances in the 1950s were called Sock Hops).

[@oldschool72]

Don Mclean wrote this about the plane crash that killed The Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Roger Peterson Feb 3, 1959.. basically 3 of the most famous rock and roll singers whos careers had just taken off ended. All of the US was in shock when their deaths aired on the radio.. to us it was the day the music died because we never thought any one would be able to take their place. I was 14 at the time.

[@blacbraun]

Don Mclean was asked in an interview what American Pie means. He said it means I don't have to work another day in my life ever again.

[@g.e.5723]

Daniel, your parents have done a stellar job raising you. You're a very bright, very thoughtful young man. That you are loving music that I grew up with is very enjoyable to watch. I was born in 1959 and tbh I never knew half of the cultural references in this song until the internet. I know you're a grounded young man, but I'm sure it's no fun having trolls. Try to ignore them, you have many many more "fans" than trolls.