About The Song
American Pie, a monumental work by Don McLean, released in 1971, is a sweeping narrative of the cultural and social shifts that defined America in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Spanning over 15 minutes, the song employs the iconic image of a “day the music died” to commemorate the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “Big Bopper” Richardson in 1959.
McLean weaves a tapestry of themes, exploring the poignant experiences of loss, nostalgia, and the passage of time. He delves into the emergence of the counterculture movement, the tumultuous backdrop of the Vietnam War, and the profound impact of the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. The song serves as a poignant reflection on the changing landscape of American society, capturing the spirit and aspirations of a generation.
Beyond its thematic depth, “American Pie” is notable for its musical composition. McLean’s intricate storytelling is complemented by a rich and evocative melody, featuring intricate chord progressions and memorable hooks. The song’s arrangement, with its blend of rock, folk, and classical elements, reflects the eclectic musical landscape of the time.
The song’s lasting impact can be attributed to its ability to resonate with listeners across generations. Its universal themes of loss, hope, and the search for meaning have made it a timeless classic. “American Pie” has been covered by numerous artists, ensuring its continued relevance in popular culture.
In addition to its cultural significance, “American Pie” has also had a profound influence on songwriting. McLean’s ability to craft a narrative-driven song with a strong melodic foundation has inspired countless artists to explore similar storytelling techniques. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its artistic merit and its ability to capture the spirit of an era.
In conclusion, “American Pie” is a masterpiece of songwriting that continues to captivate audiences. Its poignant exploration of themes, its rich musical composition, and its enduring cultural impact have solidified its place in the annals of popular music history. The song serves as a powerful reminder of the power of music to transcend time and connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I can still remember how that music used to make me smile
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those people dance
And maybe they’d be happy for a whileBut February made me shiver
With every paper I’d deliver
Bad news on the doorstep
I couldn’t take one more stepI can’t remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music diedSo bye, bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good ole boys were drinking whiskey ‘n rye
Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die
Did you write the book of love
And do you have faith in God above
If the Bible tells you so?
Now do you believe in rock and roll?
Can music save your mortal soul?
And can you teach me how to dance real slow?
Well, I know that you’re in love with him
‘Cause I saw you dancin’ in the gym
You both kicked off your shoes
Man, I dig those rhythm and blues
I was a lonely teenage broncin’ buck
With a pink carnation and a pickup truck
But I knew I was out of luck
The day the music died
I started singing bye, bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinking whiskey ‘n rye
Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die
Now for ten years we’ve been on our own
And moss grows fat on a rollin’ stone
But that’s not how it used to be
When the jester sang for the king and queen
In a coat he borrowed from James Dean
And a voice that came from you and me
Oh, and while the king was looking down
The jester stole his thorny crown
The courtroom was adjourned
No verdict was returned
And while Lennin read a book on Marx
The quartet practiced in the park
And we sang dirges in the dark
The day the music died
We were singing bye, bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinking whiskey ‘n rye
Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die
Helter skelter in a summer swelter
The birds flew off with a fallout shelter
Eight miles high and falling fast
It landed foul on the grass
The players tried for a forward pass
With the jester on the sidelines in a cast
Now the halftime air was sweet perfume
While the sergeants played a marching tune
We all got up to dance
Oh, but we never got the chance
‘Cause the players tried to take the field
The marching band refused to yield
Do you recall what was revealed
The day the music died?
We started singing bye, bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinking whiskey ‘n rye
And singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die
Oh, and there we were all in one place
A generation lost in space
With no time left to start again
So come on, Jack be nimble, Jack be quick
Jack Flash sat on a candlestick
‘Cause fire is the devil’s only friend
Oh, and as I watched him on the stage
My hands were clenched in fists of rage
No angel born in Hell
Could break that Satan’s spell
And as the flames climbed high into the night
To light the sacrificial rite
I saw Satan laughing with delight
The day the music died
He was singing bye, bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinking whiskey ‘n rye
And singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die
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
The church bells all were broken
And the three men I admire most
The Father, Son and the Holy Ghost
They caught the last train for the coast
The day the music died
And they were singing bye, bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good ole boys were drinking whiskey ‘n rye
Singin’ this’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die
They were singing bye, bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ole boys were drinking whiskey ‘n rye
And singin’ this’ll be the day that I die