Don McLean Explains The Story Of How He Wrote The Song 'American Pie'

[@tabitharagan6646]

Thank you mr.Mclean for keeping the music alive...when you are called up to the stars know you will be missed and never forgotten

[@billwalker7556]

Most people who were around in the 50's and 60's understand the symbolism of the lyrics of this masterpiece. However, McLean left it up to individual interpretation to most people. It's meaning and the lyrics are somewhat vague but others are obvious. It's actually a tribute to many artists and events. Brilliantly written. It's also a great sing along at his concerts and bars.

[@MegaPaulywally]

What a humble man he is. Totally genuine and his talent will breed thousands more talents for other artists.

[@kculbert7789]

He seems like a great guy. It's always incredible to see the human side of people who appear larger than life because of their talents or their accomplishments. He's just a regular guy...who probably has some great stories. Thanks, Don, for the music.

[@davidmoody3505]

I do love 'American Pie', but my favorite Don McLean song is the beautiful and hauntingly introspective "Starry Night". Thanks Don!

[@vickiross1025]

I love them both.

[@johnidstrom8980]

I love that he has always resisted telling his fans what the lyrics mean. There was one interview he gave where he said "you want to know what the lyrics mean? OK, I will tell you. They mean I have never had to work a day job in my life."

[@TXDude]

I remember that.

[@availethbajoran2663]

I don't "love that" about him. I think what he's avoiding saying is that the song is basically rather meaningless nonsense, just some great phrases strung together than sounded good the way a piece of candy tastes in your mouth but you don't know what flavor it is. I think he's kind of a fraud about this song, and he can't/won't talk about the lyrics because he really has nothing to say about them.

[@kangirigungi]

@@availethbajoran2663 There are some obvious references to Elvis, The Beatles, and whatever else I didn't catch. Apart from that, it's poetry and poetry doesn't need to have a definite meaning. Its primary purpose is to evoke feelings, and this song captures the feelings he has for the America of his time.

[@dbelex]

I still have it on 45!!

[@OmegaVideoGameGod]

I always was fascinated how Don wrote this song you can read the story word for word and just see how it started to build into the future it would change Don’s and many others’ lives.

[@nireeburr]

Music that I had as a baby .. Dad would play his guitar & sing all these songs to me .. while I was in a bouncer..✌🏼🕊🪶 some how these songs just roll out .. words of songs never forgotten . Gr8 ❤️

[@tomq5180]

An epic song..an american icon like apple pie, chevrolet, 4 th of july fireworks..glad don is still with us..🇺🇲

[@charlenegodbee1202]

Such a humble man/ Artist. Thank you Sir for the memories that should NEVER be forgotten 😢. PEACE!

[@mediamannaman]

I was 15 when American Pie was released and I liked it a lot, but Vincent was my favorite song from that album. It just touched me in a deeper, more emotional way.

[@cheriem432]

I was 17. It touched me too.

[@sistershane100]

A great-and very special tribute song-and i can imagine Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Richie Valens-all looking down and smiling-with thumbs up to Don.!

[@denveyebanks4787]

American Pie and Vincent have to be two of the very best songs ever written. Bravo to Mr Don McLean.

[@croppydoodle3730]

I'm here because it's my son's (with asd) fave. He's turning 7 this December.

[@josephconsoli4128]

I just so happen to go to the Tin and Lint Bar in Saratoga Springs, NY, with an old friend and as we were sitting in a random booth noticed a small brass plaque on the wall commemorating the writing of the song right there. We asked the bartender and were told the whole story. It stirred up conversation for sure! :)

[@paullockyer7905]

Love his humility and ability to laugh at himself. How refreshing.

[@gogoyubari366]

That interview was good.

[@5alitavakoli]

what a beautiful soul and a great artist!

[@patodwyer721]

Nice one The greatest song ever written 🎶💕

[@alabhaois]

Thanks for this!! 💕😎

[@mmcase]

He nailed it. It makes people research the references and learn more about American History.

[@maverickdoesgaming1847]

what a great guy he is

[@chadbridges4775]

Great guy

[@alisontunny9362]

Definitely the best song ever written of pop music!

[@bubba7665]

Wow! What a blast! Thanks!

[@TheMasterVideoPro]

This song is for me the warmer when I'm playing my drumset. It has been my favorite song for years. Great to know the history behind the creation of the song. God bless your life and family Don McLean

[@foylebutler8952]

I was around when this song first came out . Now my 7 and 11 yr old grand daughters love this song . Swifties rock. lol

[@x0rn312]

4:22 I love this guy

[@eyeonart6865]

Mr.Mclean is looking better and better. Always do what makes you happy, not what others want one to do. I use to love country music untill I started listening to the words. Most depressing music, most of the time, crying in the beer music. I want to feel better not worse. Your music has truth and so much more. TY

[@larrymclarnon-pd8xf]

I remember hearing it for the first time, about half a century ago.

[@voulathomacos-lagonas8445]

Great song

[@MichaelKalogeras-in6ku]

It's a catchy little Diddy. A long song, but, still being played today, very successful. Congrats Don, he can be considered a musical legend.

[@ernestpolk9555]

Great song, great singer!! He mentions MY IMHO greatest song Good Vibrations by Beach Boys Brian Wilson!!!

[@malemaline]

He seems like such a cool dude.

[@harleycao13]

I used to hate how nonsensical this song is until I heard the beginning of it in the car just now and it hit me... History. He was talking about history and things getting darker. And then I started listening to it and had to look up if anything official had been said about what the song means. Truthfullyy, I actually relate to some of it now and that is probably why I understand it better now. And so I'm really glad to have found this!!

[@Trina-g2y]

I remember listening to the song when I was akid.

[@billwalker7556]

There are college level classes that do nothing but direct the meanings of the lyrics and the symbolism it represents.

[@eyeonart6865]

I would like an album of his songs on just the music you know playing the guitar. I pray he never does drugs.

[@irfan_yusuf_shaikh]

"When you are famous you do not earn friendship, everybody wants to be your friend."

[@charlenegodbee1202]

I believe Mr Mclean addressed that certain predicament in his interview. He was spot on correct with his answer.

[@daviekuklatv]

I love how Don is just regular old Don, ordinary person, and he does not mind at all what people think of him or who covers it either. Nice to see someone normal and ordinary in that disease ridden holly-wierd world of entertainment

[@KingofNothing-me]

And what did he mean by “Good Vibrations”??? He could have meant any of the wonderful songs! This man speaks timelessly.

[@johnbernstein3916]

It's my favorite song. i know all six verses by heart. It's not suited to my voice, so I don't preform it. I can't do it justice.

[@tranquilize2277]

Close your eyes here him Speak, or sing. You will hear a younger Don McLean

[@DN-kz7xl]

Interesting shoes she is wearing. Like it.

[@henrikrdstherchristie9553]

And it's not even the best song he wrote. That would be VIncent.

[@robinwilliamsdouble5009]

Where would the world be without American culture

[@ClydeElliott-yh4vn]

Well hey ..there Don McLean. Are you thinking @ it 😮 I mean what it the middle East!!!

[@Triunfadora99]

So he doesn't break it down. But i do appreciate that is as American as Apple pie

[@michaelw3809]

The music died in 1959 when the plane carrying Ritchie Valens and buddy holly crashed killing all aboard

[@ColetteRobin19662]

I know The Day The Music Died

[@Walatsky]

Thank you for the music sir ❤

[@victorbitter583]

Farken ell. Is this what an interview in Aus consists of these days? Sad times. Must be Prime Time spun into Dreidel.

[@matthewtruscott9228]

This video sadely tells very little about the lyrics meanings

[@BraceUp]

윤석열 대통령이 여기로 보냈어요..분석 들어갑니다. President Yoon brought me here...Now I analyse the song.

[@choosecarefully408]

...wait, the movie *_wasn't_* based on the song?

[@68blues]

That woman isn't American, is she?

[@spencerantoniomarlen-starr3069]

Duh

[@robertsiebenrock3997]

Terrible, terrible!!!!!!

[@jamiegroves5155]

Go don go buddy

[@bobvadney7240]

I’m w/ you Don i hate wars they are useless aimless & senseless unless you,re an oil baron fm Texas ❤

[@AlexQC9]

Great song