Don McLean — American Pie
Album: American PieAvg rating:
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Length: 8:30
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A long, long time ago
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 while
But February made me shiver
With every paper I'd deliver
Bad news on the doorstep
I couldn't take one more step
I can't remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died
So bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and 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 singin' bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and 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 Lenin read a book on Marx
A quartet practiced in the park
And we sang dirges in the dark
The day the music died
We were singin' bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and 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 singin' bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and 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 singin' bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and 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 singin' bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
Singin' "This'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die"
They were singin' bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
And singin' "This'll be the day that I die"
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 while
But February made me shiver
With every paper I'd deliver
Bad news on the doorstep
I couldn't take one more step
I can't remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died
So bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and 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 singin' bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and 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 Lenin read a book on Marx
A quartet practiced in the park
And we sang dirges in the dark
The day the music died
We were singin' bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and 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 singin' bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and 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 singin' bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and 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 singin' bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
Singin' "This'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die"
They were singin' bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
And singin' "This'll be the day that I die"
Comments (268)add comment
This is the song I used to use to give my Air Force B-52 pilot father a glimpse of counter-culture of that era. He was a great man and simultaneously knew we had to be strong while aspiring to be better. The hard line was to be worse to be dominant over the other.
Oh American Pie. DJ must need a smoke break
RParadise wrote:
Oh there was definitely an AM radio version. I remember being astonished to hear the slow parts at the start and finish.
Unless you were there you can't imagine how astounding it was to have an 8:30 song playing on the radio, AM and FM. Unlike other songs that had "long" and "short" versions, this song had no short version (that I ever heard). Every time it came on, and that was a lot when it broke, everyone stopped to listen again, even though by then we all knew it by heart. It was just a phenomenon. And frankly if you're talking songcraft, it's a superbly built song.
Oh there was definitely an AM radio version. I remember being astonished to hear the slow parts at the start and finish.
Put on "American Pie" and all DJs can go make a sandwich, do number 2, grab a smoke, come back.
For fans of the song, check out the documentary THE DAY the MUSID DIED: the Story of Don McLean’s ‘American Pie’ now streaming on Paramount . It dispels some of the myths surrounding the lyrics, including some of the nonsensical ones below.
the appeal and nostalgia is totally gone, he's a monster in his personal life...
dv8sean wrote:
Eclectic radio station plays a song you don't like. Well, I never....
What is the minimum donation required for RP to promise to never play this song again?
Eclectic radio station plays a song you don't like. Well, I never....
rpshea wrote:
I repeat, please listen to the lyrics. Bizarre angry rant. If you have to play something by Don McLean, play Vincent.
Please listen to the lyrics! This is an angry diatribe masquerading as a feel good singalong, trashing the Beatles, Stones and Byrds. Don McLean doesn’t know anything about rock and roll. Rock and roll isn't white good old boys at the levee, it's selling your soul to the devil at the crossroads. Buddy Holly played The Apollo, he would have understood and loved the Beatles and Stones. It certainly is an impossibly catchy chorus…..but please listen to the lyrics!
I repeat, please listen to the lyrics. Bizarre angry rant. If you have to play something by Don McLean, play Vincent.
Please listen to the lyrics! This is an angry diatribe masquerading as a feel good singalong, trashing the Beatles, Stones and Byrds. Don McLean doesn’t know anything about rock and roll. Rock and roll isn't white good old boys at the levee, it's selling your soul to the devil at the crossroads. Buddy Holly played The Apollo, he would have understood and loved the Beatles and Stones. It certainly is an impossibly catchy chorus…..but please listen to the lyrics!
dv8sean wrote:
I'll see your donation and raise to hear it again occasionally.
What is the minimum donation required for RP to promise to never play this song again?
I'll see your donation and raise to hear it again occasionally.
RParadise wrote:
The BBC, being crap, played an edited version. :O(
Unless you were there you can't imagine how astounding it was to have an 8:30 song playing on the radio, AM and FM. Unlike other songs that had "long" and "short" versions, this song had no short version (that I ever heard). Every time it came on, and that was a lot when it broke, everyone stopped to listen again, even though by then we all knew it by heart. It was just a phenomenon. And frankly if you're talking songcraft, it's a superbly built song.
The BBC, being crap, played an edited version. :O(
dv8sean wrote:
buy the place from Bill and Rebecca.
otherwise, hit next and be off with you
What is the minimum donation required for RP to promise to never play this song again?
buy the place from Bill and Rebecca.
otherwise, hit next and be off with you
What is the minimum donation required for RP to promise to never play this song again?
RParadise wrote:
The 45 was split into part one and two. A bit too long for one side.
Unless you were there you can't imagine how astounding it was to have an 8:30 song playing on the radio, AM and FM. Unlike other songs that had "long" and "short" versions, this song had no short version (that I ever heard). Every time it came on, and that was a lot when it broke, everyone stopped to listen again, even though by then we all knew it by heart. It was just a phenomenon. And frankly if you're talking songcraft, it's a superbly built song.
The 45 was split into part one and two. A bit too long for one side.
I realize this is a very good song, and many people love it - but I don't care if I never hear it again. No. 1 most overplayed song ever! I still rated it "9" though.
Took my nephew to his 1st NFL game in Charlotte a few ago.
He was about 12 years old and lived in the DC area.
I flew out from Chicago and the 2 of us drove down for the game.
He learned the lyrics to this song as we sang it together during that road trip.
He was about 12 years old and lived in the DC area.
I flew out from Chicago and the 2 of us drove down for the game.
He learned the lyrics to this song as we sang it together during that road trip.
This is a song I think is overplayed and over used (as in movies). Yes it's good, but I'm to the point when I hear it, I cringe, and hit the mute button (if possible).
YMMV, of course.
YMMV, of course.
The very first song that I ever really became "aware" of playing on my parents transistor radio in our summer cottage. I remember asking my mother..."what is this about"...and she tried to explain, but likely couldn't to the child that I was in those days...that was may, many years ago and my mother is long gone...but this song takes me instantly to that moment, clear as ever...and for that it will always remain a 10
What asked what the song means, McLean replied, "It means I don't ever have to work again."
kcar wrote:
This song used to be played endlessly on FM radio during the 70s. You just could not miss over the course of a coupla weeks. And its reference to that plane crash was pretty much understood if you were over a certain age.
I don't know if Don McClean ever felt like a one-trick pony—he also had huge hits with "Crying" and "Vincent"—but this song defined his career and one era's remembrance of post-war America. A golden chestnut. Thank you, Bill and Rebecca.
Harry Chapin probably felt that way about "Taxi"...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
This song used to be played endlessly on FM radio during the 70s. You just could not miss over the course of a coupla weeks. And its reference to that plane crash was pretty much understood if you were over a certain age.
I don't know if Don McClean ever felt like a one-trick pony—he also had huge hits with "Crying" and "Vincent"—but this song defined his career and one era's remembrance of post-war America. A golden chestnut. Thank you, Bill and Rebecca.
Harry Chapin probably felt that way about "Taxi"...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
RParadise wrote:
I can confirm that there was a radio-edit version on 45 rpm because we had a copy in the library of the top 40 AM radio station I worked overnights on in 1981. We never played it. We DJ's who grew up with the song knew better than to even attempt it. Long version or nothing.
Unless you were there you can't imagine how astounding it was to have an 8:30 song playing on the radio, AM and FM. Unlike other songs that had "long" and "short" versions, this song had no short version (that I ever heard). Every time it came on, and that was a lot when it broke, everyone stopped to listen again, even though by then we all knew it by heart. It was just a phenomenon. And frankly if you're talking songcraft, it's a superbly built song.
I can confirm that there was a radio-edit version on 45 rpm because we had a copy in the library of the top 40 AM radio station I worked overnights on in 1981. We never played it. We DJ's who grew up with the song knew better than to even attempt it. Long version or nothing.
Although I don't care if I never hear it again, I recognize that this is a classic, classic song. Gets a 9 from me, just for the memories.
ArrayMac wrote:
Just AFC and NFC champions.
Refrigerator moment: who is playing football in February?
Just AFC and NFC champions.
Refrigerator moment: who is playing football in February?
So delightful to hear this once in a long while. It helps me remember how amazing it really is.
overplayed in the same way that Hotel California was/is. If I never hear either again that would be okay
This takes me back to high school, my Susan and nights filled with promise.
If ever there was an undisputed 10, this is it.
KevinM wrote:
...
And the Jedi I admire most
Met up with Darth Maul and now he's toast
...
The lyrics are awesome!
The 'Weird Al' Cover/Parody is better:
Oh my my this here Anakin guy
May be Vader someday later - now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Sayin' "Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"
...
And the Jedi I admire most
Met up with Darth Maul and now he's toast
...
The lyrics are awesome!
pawelcitak83 wrote:
I would guess that is because of Madonna?
No idea why, but I truly hate this song, it's so irritating to my ears I can't really explain why, but I dont like it from the bottom of my heart. Sorry.
I would guess that is because of Madonna?
nook wrote:
Yes, music can take you to different places, different times. That's why music is magical
Remembering my first date in the family car, parked out, way out, on an old logging road. What happened then is always accompanied by this song as a soundtrack of those days in my memories. ahhh, good times.
Yes, music can take you to different places, different times. That's why music is magical
I was nine years old. I remember this like learning how to walk. Of course I had no idea what I was listening to.
RParadise wrote:
The 45-version skips the third verse ("Helter Skelter in a summer swelter") and completely omits the epilogue. It's pretty well chopped up, and once you hear the complete version, you realise just what a fine piece of composition this is.
Unlike other songs that had "long" and "short" versions, this song had no short version (that I ever heard). Every time it came on, and that was a lot when it broke, everyone stopped to listen again, even though by then we all knew it by heart. It was just a phenomenon. And frankly if you're talking songcraft, it's a superbly built song.
The 45-version skips the third verse ("Helter Skelter in a summer swelter") and completely omits the epilogue. It's pretty well chopped up, and once you hear the complete version, you realise just what a fine piece of composition this is.
KevinM wrote:
I have alternate lyrics in my head for most parts of this song, but not Weird Al's. Instead a local Cincinnati singer/songwriter named Bob Cushing. He would bring down the house with his lyric changes. We went to the bar he played at weekly. One of my most vivid college memories. Will always love this song for that reason.
The 'Weird Al' Cover/Parody is better:
Oh my my this here Anakin guy
May be Vader someday later - now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Sayin' "Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"
Oh my my this here Anakin guy
May be Vader someday later - now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Sayin' "Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"
I have alternate lyrics in my head for most parts of this song, but not Weird Al's. Instead a local Cincinnati singer/songwriter named Bob Cushing. He would bring down the house with his lyric changes. We went to the bar he played at weekly. One of my most vivid college memories. Will always love this song for that reason.
cool
jp33442 wrote:
I wish they made a full version after producing this teaser
Why this song is not at least a nine is beyond me
I wish they made a full version after producing this teaser
RParadise wrote:
I had downloaded it when I was 14, back in those peer-to-peer days. The song stopped abruptly after the "And while Lenin read a book on Marx - A quartet practiced in the park - And we sang dirges in the dark- The day the music died" verse.
I had always thought this was on purpose until a friend who was looking for songs we could sing together got this one out. I was like "bring it on, I know those lyrics by heart!" And discovered, as he was still going on when I had stopped, that there were not one, not two, but three full verses I had never heard
And they make the song even better!
Unless you were there you can't imagine how astounding it was to have an 8:30 song playing on the radio, AM and FM. Unlike other songs that had "long" and "short" versions, this song had no short version (that I ever heard). Every time it came on, and that was a lot when it broke, everyone stopped to listen again, even though by then we all knew it by heart. It was just a phenomenon. And frankly if you're talking songcraft, it's a superbly built song.
I had downloaded it when I was 14, back in those peer-to-peer days. The song stopped abruptly after the "And while Lenin read a book on Marx - A quartet practiced in the park - And we sang dirges in the dark- The day the music died" verse.
I had always thought this was on purpose until a friend who was looking for songs we could sing together got this one out. I was like "bring it on, I know those lyrics by heart!" And discovered, as he was still going on when I had stopped, that there were not one, not two, but three full verses I had never heard
And they make the song even better!
kingart wrote:
About McLean's thumbs up on the cover. To we U.S.ers it's "A-OK" or "cool beans." To those of other nations, however.........
Merica Baby
Merica Baby
this is a 10
this has it all......if you voted "less", perhaps you just over heard it, that shouldn't change the fact this song is a 10
not a 9......a 10
this has it all......if you voted "less", perhaps you just over heard it, that shouldn't change the fact this song is a 10
not a 9......a 10
lizardking wrote:
What else was happening in February 1959? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
This is one of those songs that's probably a 10 for many that rate lower because of the "overplayedness" of it....I'm going 8 to 9 expecting to hear some Buddy Holly next.....Long Live RP!!
This is one of those songs that's probably a 10 for many that rate lower because of the "overplayedness" of it....I'm going 8 to 9 expecting to hear some Buddy Holly next.....Long Live RP!!
one of the greatest songs ever written
To this day hearing this makes me so damn happy-
Up to a 10
Up to a 10
Remembering my first date in the family car, parked out, way out, on an old logging road. What happened then is always accompanied by this song as a soundtrack of those days in my memories. ahhh, good times.
"The day the music died" quite literally =) But honestly just too much of something is not good
Why this song is not at least a nine is beyond me
Unless you were there you can't imagine how astounding it was to have an 8:30 song playing on the radio, AM and FM. Unlike other songs that had "long" and "short" versions, this song had no short version (that I ever heard). Every time it came on, and that was a lot when it broke, everyone stopped to listen again, even though by then we all knew it by heart. It was just a phenomenon. And frankly if you're talking songcraft, it's a superbly built song.
xray38 wrote:
Yes. This captured the spirit of a generation much like Simon & Garfunkel's best songs did. Maybe "American Pie" got overplayed but Don McLean nailed it.
If you grew up in a certain era, this song is part of your life, for better or worse. (better for me)
Yes. This captured the spirit of a generation much like Simon & Garfunkel's best songs did. Maybe "American Pie" got overplayed but Don McLean nailed it.
pawelcitak83 wrote:
Hi,
I gave your comment a thumbs down, which isn't appropriate. You are entitled to your opinion and we all have a right to post it here. The song has special meaning to me, and I like it.
Keep posting!
No idea why, but I truly hate this song, it's so irritating to my ears I can't really explain why, but I don't like it from the bottom of my heart. Sorry.
Hi,
I gave your comment a thumbs down, which isn't appropriate. You are entitled to your opinion and we all have a right to post it here. The song has special meaning to me, and I like it.
Keep posting!
Treacle.
It's NOT "rhythamic blues?"
Well my first girlfriend let me do things when this albun was on repeat, so 10. 
Hannio wrote:
Watch Amazon's Patriot to see this song literally used as torture. OTOH if you're the sort of person who saw Fargo and said "that's just gross" skip Patriot.
Most annoying song ever. By far. I'm pretty sure this is on rotation at Guantanamo.
Watch Amazon's Patriot to see this song literally used as torture. OTOH if you're the sort of person who saw Fargo and said "that's just gross" skip Patriot.
Bill, I dare you to follow this up with Weird Al's "The Saga Begins". 
Never liked this song at all when I was a long hair hard rocker in 1971. Seems a bit better now.
Up from 1 to 3.
(edit) YIKES !! Just caught myself singing along. Up from 3 to 6.
Up from 1 to 3.
(edit) YIKES !! Just caught myself singing along. Up from 3 to 6.
What else was happening in February 1959? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
This is one of those songs that's probably a 10 for many that rate lower because of the "overplayedness" of it....I'm going 8 to 9 expecting to hear some Buddy Holly next.....Long Live RP!!
This is one of those songs that's probably a 10 for many that rate lower because of the "overplayedness" of it....I'm going 8 to 9 expecting to hear some Buddy Holly next.....Long Live RP!!
If you grew up in a certain era, this song is part of your life, for better or worse. (better for me)
peyotecoyote appears to be the only one who understands and posted the truth about this classic song's origin. I had just turned 13 and remember that day well.
peyotecoyote wrote:
It was on February 3, 1959, that a small-plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, killed three American rock and roll musicians: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, as well as the pilot, Roger Peterson. This day was later cal...led The Day the Music Died by Don McLean, in his song "American Pie".
Events leading up to the crash: "The Winter Dance Party" was a tour that was set to cover twenty-four Midwestern cities in three weeks. A logistical problem with the tour was the amount of travel, as the distance between venues was not considered when scheduling each performance. Adding to the disarray, the tour bus used to carry the musicians was ill-prepared for the weather; its heating system broke down shortly after the tour began. Holly's drummer, Carl Bunch, developed a severe case of frostbitten feet while on the bus and was taken to a local hospital. As he recovered, Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens took turns playing the drums.
The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, was never intended to be a stop on the tour, but promoters, hoping to fill an open date, called Carroll Anderson, who was the manager of the Surf Ballroom, and offered him the show. He accepted and the date of the show was set for Monday, February 2.
By the time Buddy Holly arrived at the ballroom that evening, he was frustrated with the tour bus and told his bandmates that once the show was over, they should try to charter a plane to get to the next stop on the tour, which was Moorhead, Minnesota. According to VH-1's Behind the Music: "The Day the Music Died", Holly was also upset that he had run out of clean undershirts, socks, and underwear and he needed to do some laundry before the next performance and the local laundromat in Clear Lake was closed that day.
Flight arrangements were made with Roger Peterson, a 21-year-old local pilot who worked for Dwyer Flying Service in Mason City, Iowa. A fee of $36 per passenger was charged for the single-engine 1947 Beechcraft Bonanza 35 (V-tail), registration N3794N (later reassigned). The Bonanza could seat three in addition to the pilot. Richardson had developed a case of flu during the tour and asked Waylon Jennings, one of Holly's bandmates, for his seat on the plane...Jennings agreed to give up his seat. When Holly learned that Jennings wasn't going to fly, he said in jest, "Well, I hope your ol' bus freezes up" and Jennings responded in jest, "Well, I hope your ol' plane crashes". This exchange of words would haunt Waylon Jennings for the rest of his life. Ritchie Valens had never flown in a small plane before, and asked Holly's remaining bandmate on the plane, Tommy Allsup, for his seat. Tommy said "I'll flip ya for the seat". Contrary to what is seen in biographical movies, the coin toss did not happen at the airport shortly before takeoff, nor did Buddy Holly toss it. Bob Hale, a DJ with KRIB-AM who was working the concert that night, flipped the coin at the ballroom shortly before the musicians departed for the airport. Valens won the coin toss, and with it a seat on the plane. Dion DiMucci of Dion and the Belmonts was approached to join the flight, although it is unclear exactly when he was asked. Dion decided that, since the $36 cost of the flight was the same as the monthly rent his parents paid for his childhood apartment, he couldn't justify the indulgence.
The Crash: The plane took off at around 12:55 AM Central Time. Just after 1:00 AM Central Time, Mr. Hubert Dwyer, a commercial pilot and owner of the plane, observing from a platform outside the tower stated, "I saw the tail light of the aircraft gradually descend until out of sight." Peterson had told Dwyer he would file a flight plan with Air Traffic Control by radio after departure. When he did not call the Air Traffic Control communicator with his flight plan, Dwyer requested that Air Traffic Control continue to attempt to establish radio contact, but all attempts were unsuccessful. By 3:30 AM, when Hector Airport in Fargo, North Dakota, had not heard from Peterson, Dwyer contacted authorities and reported the aircraft missing. Around 9:15 AM, Dwyer took off in another small plane to fly Peterson's intended route. A short time later, he spotted the wreckage in a cornfield belonging to Albert Juhl, about five miles (8 km) northwest of the airport. The Bonanza was at a slight downward angle and banked to the right when it struck the ground at around 170 miles per hour (270 km/h). The plane tumbled and skidded another 570 feet (170 m) across the frozen landscape before the crumpled ball of wreckage piled against a wire fence at the edge of Juhl's property. The bodies of Holly and Valens lay near the plane, Richardson was thrown over the fence and into the cornfield of Juhl's neighbor, Oscar Moffett, and the body of Peterson remained entangled inside the plane's wreckage. Surf Ballroom manager Carroll Anderson, who drove the musicians to the airport and witnessed the plane's takeoff, made positive identifications of the musicians.
All four had died instantly from "gross trauma" to the brain, the county coroner Ralph Smiley declared. Holly's death certificate detailed the multiple injuries which show that he surely died on impact:
The body of Charles H. Holley was clothed in an outer jacket of yellow leather-like material in which four seams in the back were split almost full length. The skull was split medially in the forehead and this extended into the vertex region. Approximately half the brain tissue was absent. There was bleeding from both ears, and the face showed multiple lacerations. The consistency of the chest was soft due to extensive crushing injury to the bony structure. Both thighs and legs showed multiple fractures. Investigators concluded that the crash was due to a combination of poor weather conditions and pilot error. Peterson, working on his Instrument Rating, was still taking flight instrumentation tests and was not yet rated for flight into weather that would have required operation of the aircraft solely by reference to his instruments rather than by means of his own vision. The final Civil Aeronautics Board report noted that Peterson had taken his instrument training on airplanes equipped with an artificial horizon attitude indicator and not the far-less-common Sperry Attitude Gyro on the Bonanza. Critically, the two instruments display the aircraft pitch attitude in the exact opposite manner; therefore, the board thought that this could have caused Peterson to think he was ascending when he was in fact descending. They also found that Peterson was not given adequate warnings about the weather conditions of his route, which, given his known limitations, might have caused him to postpone the flight.
So the story goes.
* sources: Wikipedia, Rolling Stone Magazine, VH1-Behind the Music*
Events leading up to the crash: "The Winter Dance Party" was a tour that was set to cover twenty-four Midwestern cities in three weeks. A logistical problem with the tour was the amount of travel, as the distance between venues was not considered when scheduling each performance. Adding to the disarray, the tour bus used to carry the musicians was ill-prepared for the weather; its heating system broke down shortly after the tour began. Holly's drummer, Carl Bunch, developed a severe case of frostbitten feet while on the bus and was taken to a local hospital. As he recovered, Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens took turns playing the drums.
The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, was never intended to be a stop on the tour, but promoters, hoping to fill an open date, called Carroll Anderson, who was the manager of the Surf Ballroom, and offered him the show. He accepted and the date of the show was set for Monday, February 2.
By the time Buddy Holly arrived at the ballroom that evening, he was frustrated with the tour bus and told his bandmates that once the show was over, they should try to charter a plane to get to the next stop on the tour, which was Moorhead, Minnesota. According to VH-1's Behind the Music: "The Day the Music Died", Holly was also upset that he had run out of clean undershirts, socks, and underwear and he needed to do some laundry before the next performance and the local laundromat in Clear Lake was closed that day.
Flight arrangements were made with Roger Peterson, a 21-year-old local pilot who worked for Dwyer Flying Service in Mason City, Iowa. A fee of $36 per passenger was charged for the single-engine 1947 Beechcraft Bonanza 35 (V-tail), registration N3794N (later reassigned). The Bonanza could seat three in addition to the pilot. Richardson had developed a case of flu during the tour and asked Waylon Jennings, one of Holly's bandmates, for his seat on the plane...Jennings agreed to give up his seat. When Holly learned that Jennings wasn't going to fly, he said in jest, "Well, I hope your ol' bus freezes up" and Jennings responded in jest, "Well, I hope your ol' plane crashes". This exchange of words would haunt Waylon Jennings for the rest of his life. Ritchie Valens had never flown in a small plane before, and asked Holly's remaining bandmate on the plane, Tommy Allsup, for his seat. Tommy said "I'll flip ya for the seat". Contrary to what is seen in biographical movies, the coin toss did not happen at the airport shortly before takeoff, nor did Buddy Holly toss it. Bob Hale, a DJ with KRIB-AM who was working the concert that night, flipped the coin at the ballroom shortly before the musicians departed for the airport. Valens won the coin toss, and with it a seat on the plane. Dion DiMucci of Dion and the Belmonts was approached to join the flight, although it is unclear exactly when he was asked. Dion decided that, since the $36 cost of the flight was the same as the monthly rent his parents paid for his childhood apartment, he couldn't justify the indulgence.
The Crash: The plane took off at around 12:55 AM Central Time. Just after 1:00 AM Central Time, Mr. Hubert Dwyer, a commercial pilot and owner of the plane, observing from a platform outside the tower stated, "I saw the tail light of the aircraft gradually descend until out of sight." Peterson had told Dwyer he would file a flight plan with Air Traffic Control by radio after departure. When he did not call the Air Traffic Control communicator with his flight plan, Dwyer requested that Air Traffic Control continue to attempt to establish radio contact, but all attempts were unsuccessful. By 3:30 AM, when Hector Airport in Fargo, North Dakota, had not heard from Peterson, Dwyer contacted authorities and reported the aircraft missing. Around 9:15 AM, Dwyer took off in another small plane to fly Peterson's intended route. A short time later, he spotted the wreckage in a cornfield belonging to Albert Juhl, about five miles (8 km) northwest of the airport. The Bonanza was at a slight downward angle and banked to the right when it struck the ground at around 170 miles per hour (270 km/h). The plane tumbled and skidded another 570 feet (170 m) across the frozen landscape before the crumpled ball of wreckage piled against a wire fence at the edge of Juhl's property. The bodies of Holly and Valens lay near the plane, Richardson was thrown over the fence and into the cornfield of Juhl's neighbor, Oscar Moffett, and the body of Peterson remained entangled inside the plane's wreckage. Surf Ballroom manager Carroll Anderson, who drove the musicians to the airport and witnessed the plane's takeoff, made positive identifications of the musicians.
All four had died instantly from "gross trauma" to the brain, the county coroner Ralph Smiley declared. Holly's death certificate detailed the multiple injuries which show that he surely died on impact:
The body of Charles H. Holley was clothed in an outer jacket of yellow leather-like material in which four seams in the back were split almost full length. The skull was split medially in the forehead and this extended into the vertex region. Approximately half the brain tissue was absent. There was bleeding from both ears, and the face showed multiple lacerations. The consistency of the chest was soft due to extensive crushing injury to the bony structure. Both thighs and legs showed multiple fractures. Investigators concluded that the crash was due to a combination of poor weather conditions and pilot error. Peterson, working on his Instrument Rating, was still taking flight instrumentation tests and was not yet rated for flight into weather that would have required operation of the aircraft solely by reference to his instruments rather than by means of his own vision. The final Civil Aeronautics Board report noted that Peterson had taken his instrument training on airplanes equipped with an artificial horizon attitude indicator and not the far-less-common Sperry Attitude Gyro on the Bonanza. Critically, the two instruments display the aircraft pitch attitude in the exact opposite manner; therefore, the board thought that this could have caused Peterson to think he was ascending when he was in fact descending. They also found that Peterson was not given adequate warnings about the weather conditions of his route, which, given his known limitations, might have caused him to postpone the flight.
So the story goes.
* sources: Wikipedia, Rolling Stone Magazine, VH1-Behind the Music*
kingart wrote:
"...the positive “thumbs up” in Western cultures is a big no-no in other countries, such as Greece, Italy, and some throughout the Middle East. It’s essentially the equivalent of the middle finger.
Am Italian, I've never seen or heard of the thumbs up used as an insult or in any negative connotation.No idea why, but I truly hate this song, it's so irritating to my ears I can't really explain why, but I dont like it from the bottom of my heart. Sorry.
I love how this song was used in season 1 of Amazon's Patriot.
Takes me back more years than I care to remember and instantly a teenager again for that alone it's priceless. Wore out my 45 of it.
fogmoose wrote:
At least the part about the chorus is BS. "The Levee" was a bar near Rye, NY, where Don and his teenage buddies used to hang out in the mid 60's. It closed down.... thus "the Levee was dry". And the good old boys were drinking whiskey IN Rye, not AND Rye.
Yeah that's not true... https://www.newrochelletalk.com/content/read-fun-article-about-don-mclean-and-new-rochelle-county-leg-maisano
At least the part about the chorus is BS. "The Levee" was a bar near Rye, NY, where Don and his teenage buddies used to hang out in the mid 60's. It closed down.... thus "the Levee was dry". And the good old boys were drinking whiskey IN Rye, not AND Rye.
Yeah that's not true... https://www.newrochelletalk.com/content/read-fun-article-about-don-mclean-and-new-rochelle-county-leg-maisano
Clyde_Bedow wrote:
Word, I hate this sentimental song so it won't hurt to post that here where it gets undying praise. I'm waiting for the day this song dies!
From the time this song was new I couldn't understand its popularity. I never really "felt" it and it drags on and on......
But I totally "get" the reminiscing of old times and this song playing. For me that memory is just about the overwhelming desire to change the channel.
But I totally "get" the reminiscing of old times and this song playing. For me that memory is just about the overwhelming desire to change the channel.
Word, I hate this sentimental song so it won't hurt to post that here where it gets undying praise. I'm waiting for the day this song dies!
this song transports me...
DaidyBoy wrote:
Thank you for that.
Great read, especially since those were my days...
I don't know if it's 100% accurate, but I've found this to be educational:
https://understandingamericanpie.com
https://understandingamericanpie.com
Thank you for that.
Great read, especially since those were my days...
DaidyBoy wrote:
At least the part about the chorus is BS. "The Levee" was a bar near Rye, NY, where Don and his teenage buddies used to hang out in the mid 60's. It closed down.... thus "the Levee was dry". And the good old boys were drinking whiskey IN Rye, not AND Rye.
I don't know if it's 100% accurate, but I've found this to be educational:
https://understandingamericanpie.com
https://understandingamericanpie.com
At least the part about the chorus is BS. "The Levee" was a bar near Rye, NY, where Don and his teenage buddies used to hang out in the mid 60's. It closed down.... thus "the Levee was dry". And the good old boys were drinking whiskey IN Rye, not AND Rye.
NickDanger wrote:
My 9th grade music teacher had some of us create a mural depicting various artists forming the roots, trunk, and branches of rock as it existed then (1972). This song fit that mural perfectly, and we played it as we worked. Incessantly.
My 11th grade English teacher had us study the song one day in a 70 minute class. Essentially is was his interpretation of the meaning of every word in the lyrics.
My 9th grade music teacher had some of us create a mural depicting various artists forming the roots, trunk, and branches of rock as it existed then (1972). This song fit that mural perfectly, and we played it as we worked. Incessantly.
My 11th grade English teacher had us study the song one day in a 70 minute class. Essentially is was his interpretation of the meaning of every word in the lyrics.
This album has such a striking cover. It would fit right in on a modern record, though the image would probably be interpreted quite differently these days.
melzabutch wrote:
I always thought it was Donny Most.
The three men I admire most Kevin McHale, Larry Bird
...
And Johnny Most
...
And Johnny Most
I always thought it was Donny Most.
melzabutch wrote:
"Havlicek Stole the Ball!"
Ah, nice photo of Johnny. Remember the good old days when you could just light up inside a sports arena?
—-T. Chong
And Johnny Most:
"Havlicek Stole the Ball!"
Ah, nice photo of Johnny. Remember the good old days when you could just light up inside a sports arena?
—-T. Chong
Don McLean's on tour, and will be at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley on August 19th. Unfortunately I'll be out of town that weekend.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Too funny. Our 8th grade English teacher was big on this one too.
Strangely enough, she also had us studying "Lucky Man" by ELP; go figger.
My 9th grade music teacher had some of us create a mural depicting various artists forming the roots, trunk, and branches of rock as it existed then (1972). This song fit that mural perfectly, and we played it as we worked. Incessantly.
Too funny. Our 8th grade English teacher was big on this one too.
Strangely enough, she also had us studying "Lucky Man" by ELP; go figger.
My 9th grade music teacher had some of us create a mural depicting various artists forming the roots, trunk, and branches of rock as it existed then (1972). This song fit that mural perfectly, and we played it as we worked. Incessantly.
Just Amazing
mememu wrote:
Too funny. Our 8th grade English teacher was big on this one too.
Strangely enough, she also had us studying "Lucky Man" by ELP; go figger.
Such sweet memories of 9 am English class in the language lab, listening to this song and filling the blanks in the lyrics the teacher had given us!
When you are learning English, the vocabulary in this song can really drive you nuts! If it weren't for the music and the bits I could understand (and the cultural clues the teacher gave us), I guess I would have dropped the course...
When you are learning English, the vocabulary in this song can really drive you nuts! If it weren't for the music and the bits I could understand (and the cultural clues the teacher gave us), I guess I would have dropped the course...
Too funny. Our 8th grade English teacher was big on this one too.
Strangely enough, she also had us studying "Lucky Man" by ELP; go figger.
Such sweet memories of 9 am English class in the language lab, listening to this song and filling the blanks in the lyrics the teacher had given us!
When you are learning English, the vocabulary in this song can really drive you nuts! If it weren't for the music and the bits I could understand (and the cultural clues the teacher gave us), I guess I would have dropped the course...
When you are learning English, the vocabulary in this song can really drive you nuts! If it weren't for the music and the bits I could understand (and the cultural clues the teacher gave us), I guess I would have dropped the course...
I had that one as well. Owned it as a 7th grader. Jack_Jefferson wrote:
When I was about 10 years old, I got a hand-me-down collection of 45's from my cousin. They were songs she liked in her grade school and high school years (late '60's/early '70's). This one was included. This whole song was on both sides. The chorus faded out on the first side then the "Helter Schelter" verse started on the B side. I wish I still had that 45. I can't imagine there being many 45's like that.
I was lucky to see him perform this solo at the Kennedy Center a million years ago.
I thought this one was like "Alice's Restaurant", being played only one day a year. Luckily it has been several years since I have heard it, so I can gladly tap my foot and sing along.
Kaisersosay wrote:
Rip away and give the song digs all you want, lean on the technical flaws, dislike as you may ........Its a moment in time, that brings me back to a summers day , sitting next to my dad , now long gone, a 61 Chevy impala convertible, listening him to sing this song at the top of his lungs......I smile , and love this song for making that day as clear in my mind as I sit here right now.
A lot of people had experiences like that when listening to this song. It really captured America at a certain time. It wasn't just a jumbled collection of references and quotes.
melzabutch wrote:
I ran high school track with Johnny's other son, Robbie. I had no idea that book existed. Johnny had one of the iconic voices in American sports. I got the indirect impression that he wasn't an easy guy to live with but he loved his family.
As for Larry: man, he's ugly now.
Rip away and give the song digs all you want, lean on the technical flaws, dislike as you may ........Its a moment in time, that brings me back to a summers day , sitting next to my dad , now long gone, a 61 Chevy impala convertible, listening him to sing this song at the top of his lungs......I smile , and love this song for making that day as clear in my mind as I sit here right now.
A lot of people had experiences like that when listening to this song. It really captured America at a certain time. It wasn't just a jumbled collection of references and quotes.
melzabutch wrote:
The three men I admire most Kevin McHale, Larry Bird
And Johnny Most
And Johnny Most
I ran high school track with Johnny's other son, Robbie. I had no idea that book existed. Johnny had one of the iconic voices in American sports. I got the indirect impression that he wasn't an easy guy to live with but he loved his family.
As for Larry: man, he's ugly now.
I'm not sure the message here has so much to do with the meaning of the lyrics but rather that it really doesn't matter what you sing as long as you sing it with confidence.
in a recent interview of Don when asked yet again "What is the Meaning of American Pie?"
"it means I will never have to work again" (with a great sinister smile)
we should all be so lucky.
"it means I will never have to work again" (with a great sinister smile)
we should all be so lucky.
I don't know if it's 100% accurate, but I've found this to be educational:
https://understandingamericanpie.com
https://understandingamericanpie.com
From the time this song was new I couldn't understand its popularity. I never really "felt" it and it drags on and on......
But I totally "get" the reminiscing of old times and this song playing. For me that memory is just about the overwhelming desire to change the channel.
But I totally "get" the reminiscing of old times and this song playing. For me that memory is just about the overwhelming desire to change the channel.
The 'Weird Al' Cover/Parody is better:
Oh my my this here Anakin guy
May be Vader someday later - now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Sayin' "Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"
Oh my my this here Anakin guy
May be Vader someday later - now he's just a small fry
And he left his home and kissed his mommy goodbye
Sayin' "Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"
"Soon I'm gonna be a Jedi"
the day the music was reborn
.
.
VH1 wrote:
So I was right, you are a plonker!
You do not even understand that my remark had absolutely nothing to do with you disliking the song, mate.
I found your comment about Guantanamo disgraceful!
Where people are being held without a trial and being tortured for years on end!
And you being not a native Texan or not, is water under my bridge. What I meant is, that Texas has the death penalty and so is anyway pretty igorant about a human life, so a remark about a prison camp is probably a joke in Texas.
When you do not understand that making a nonchalant ignorant remark about an unlawful torture prison camp, then I am afraid I cannot help you!
So what I despise is not your dislike of the music or the song, you dipstick, but bringing a torture camp in the equation!
Geez, that I even have to explain this, says is all!
"This song is on rotation in Guantanamo"? What sort of remark is this anyway? Sometimes I despair!
Ah! I understand now. It was all just sanctimonious posturing and virtue signalling on your part.
So I was right, you are a plonker!
You do not even understand that my remark had absolutely nothing to do with you disliking the song, mate.
I found your comment about Guantanamo disgraceful!
Where people are being held without a trial and being tortured for years on end!
And you being not a native Texan or not, is water under my bridge. What I meant is, that Texas has the death penalty and so is anyway pretty igorant about a human life, so a remark about a prison camp is probably a joke in Texas.
When you do not understand that making a nonchalant ignorant remark about an unlawful torture prison camp, then I am afraid I cannot help you!
So what I despise is not your dislike of the music or the song, you dipstick, but bringing a torture camp in the equation!
Geez, that I even have to explain this, says is all!
"This song is on rotation in Guantanamo"? What sort of remark is this anyway? Sometimes I despair!
Ah! I understand now. It was all just sanctimonious posturing and virtue signalling on your part.
Hannio wrote:
I don't know what being in Texas has to do with my disliking this song. For the record, I am not a native Texan, I'm from Chicago.
I'll tell you a secret, not everybody likes the songs you do and vice-versa, but that is ok. When you grow up you will understand.
Be that as it may, I am sure that plenty of Texans do like this song, even a majority as far as I can tell.
And please consider that this song is about a Texan.
So I was right, you are a plonker!
You do not even understand that my remark had absolutely nothing to do with you disliking the song, mate.
I found your comment about Guantanamo disgraceful!
Where people are being held without a trial and being tortured for years on end!
And you being not a native Texan or not, is water under my bridge. What I meant is, that Texas has the death penalty and so is anyway pretty igorant about a human life, so a remark about a prison camp is probably a joke in Texas.
When you do not understand that making a nonchalant ignorant remark about an unlawful torture prison camp, then I am afraid I cannot help you!
So what I despise is not your dislike of the music or the song, you dipstick, but bringing a torture camp in the equation!
Geez, that I even have to explain this, says is all!
"This song is on rotation in Guantanamo"? What sort of remark is this anyway? Sometimes I despair!
I don't know what being in Texas has to do with my disliking this song. For the record, I am not a native Texan, I'm from Chicago.
I'll tell you a secret, not everybody likes the songs you do and vice-versa, but that is ok. When you grow up you will understand.
Be that as it may, I am sure that plenty of Texans do like this song, even a majority as far as I can tell.
And please consider that this song is about a Texan.
So I was right, you are a plonker!
You do not even understand that my remark had absolutely nothing to do with you disliking the song, mate.
I found your comment about Guantanamo disgraceful!
Where people are being held without a trial and being tortured for years on end!
And you being not a native Texan or not, is water under my bridge. What I meant is, that Texas has the death penalty and so is anyway pretty igorant about a human life, so a remark about a prison camp is probably a joke in Texas.
When you do not understand that making a nonchalant ignorant remark about an unlawful torture prison camp, then I am afraid I cannot help you!
So what I despise is not your dislike of the music or the song, you dipstick, but bringing a torture camp in the equation!
Geez, that I even have to explain this, says is all!
"This song is on rotation in Guantanamo"? What sort of remark is this anyway? Sometimes I despair!
VH1 wrote:
I say this not often, but you are a real plonker, mate!
But then again, what can you expect from an Texan!
I don't know what being in Texas has to do with my disliking this song. For the record, I am not a native Texan, I'm from Chicago.
I'll tell you a secret, not everybody likes the songs you do and vice-versa, but that is ok. When you grow up you will understand.
Be that as it may, I am sure that plenty of Texans do like this song, even a majority as far as I can tell.
And please consider that this song is about a Texan.
I say this not often, but you are a real plonker, mate!
But then again, what can you expect from an Texan!
I don't know what being in Texas has to do with my disliking this song. For the record, I am not a native Texan, I'm from Chicago.
I'll tell you a secret, not everybody likes the songs you do and vice-versa, but that is ok. When you grow up you will understand.
Be that as it may, I am sure that plenty of Texans do like this song, even a majority as far as I can tell.
And please consider that this song is about a Texan.
Kaisersosay wrote:
Rip away and give the song digs all you want, lean on the technical flaws, dislike as you may ........Its a moment in time, that brings me back to a summers day , sitting next to my dad , now long gone, a 61 Chevy impala convertible, listening him to sing this song at the top of his lungs......I smile , and love this song for making that day as clear in my mind as I sit here right now.
Fabulous "moment in time" Kaisersosay! Beautiful (I didn't really need the song again but your addition to the comments made my day Thank You!)
Rip away and give the song digs all you want, lean on the technical flaws, dislike as you may ........Its a moment in time, that brings me back to a summers day , sitting next to my dad , now long gone, a 61 Chevy impala convertible, listening him to sing this song at the top of his lungs......I smile , and love this song for making that day as clear in my mind as I sit here right now.
Fabulous "moment in time" Kaisersosay! Beautiful (I didn't really need the song again but your addition to the comments made my day Thank You!)
Hannio wrote:
I say this not often, but you are a real plonker, mate!
But then again, what can you expect from an Texan!
Most annoying song ever. By far. I'm pretty sure this is on rotation at Guantanamo.
I say this not often, but you are a real plonker, mate!
But then again, what can you expect from an Texan!
WOW what a guilty pleasure!!
Most annoying song ever. By far. I'm pretty sure this is on rotation at Guantanamo.
testpilot wrote:
Rip away and give the song digs all you want, lean on the technical flaws, dislike as you may ........Its a moment in time, that brings me back to a summers day , sitting next to my dad , now long gone, a 61 Chevy impala convertible, listening him to sing this song at the top of his lungs......I smile , and love this song for making that day as clear in my mind as I sit here right now.
Sounds like a bastard child of Paul Simon and Bob Dylan. One smug, pretentious, self-indulgent bastard child.
Lyrically it's a singable version of "Jeopardy!" and an exaggerated praise of Buddy Holly which he himself would probably laugh off. Musically, it wouldn't be as annoying as it is if McLean sang it straight from beginning to the end like "the Jester" would. But already at the second verse he becomes uncomfortable with his own melody, so he goes on and hams it up with frivolous variations more and more with every new iteration. He just doesn't seem to believe in his own songwriting ability.
It took Madonna to show McLean what to do with the song.
Lyrically it's a singable version of "Jeopardy!" and an exaggerated praise of Buddy Holly which he himself would probably laugh off. Musically, it wouldn't be as annoying as it is if McLean sang it straight from beginning to the end like "the Jester" would. But already at the second verse he becomes uncomfortable with his own melody, so he goes on and hams it up with frivolous variations more and more with every new iteration. He just doesn't seem to believe in his own songwriting ability.
It took Madonna to show McLean what to do with the song.
Rip away and give the song digs all you want, lean on the technical flaws, dislike as you may ........Its a moment in time, that brings me back to a summers day , sitting next to my dad , now long gone, a 61 Chevy impala convertible, listening him to sing this song at the top of his lungs......I smile , and love this song for making that day as clear in my mind as I sit here right now.
aw shucks, it seems to early in the day to use the PSD but ya gotta do what ya gotta do
rporter wrote:
Thanks for the reference. Deep read.
A truly great song and an obvious classic that will be played for generations. For those who might be interested in the meaning and background, since it's 45 years old, there's a website that tries to explain the song...https://understandingamericanpie.com. Check it out...
Thanks for the reference. Deep read.
Sounds like a bastard child of Paul Simon and Bob Dylan. One smug, pretentious, self-indulgent bastard child.
Lyrically it's a singable version of "Jeopardy!" and an exaggerated praise of Buddy Holly which he himself would probably laugh off. Musically, it wouldn't be as annoying as it is if McLean sang it straight from beginning to the end like "the Jester" would. But already at the second verse he becomes uncomfortable with his own melody, so he goes on and hams it up with frivolous variations more and more with every new iteration. He just doesn't seem to believe in his own songwriting ability.
It took Madonna to show McLean what to do with the song.
Lyrically it's a singable version of "Jeopardy!" and an exaggerated praise of Buddy Holly which he himself would probably laugh off. Musically, it wouldn't be as annoying as it is if McLean sang it straight from beginning to the end like "the Jester" would. But already at the second verse he becomes uncomfortable with his own melody, so he goes on and hams it up with frivolous variations more and more with every new iteration. He just doesn't seem to believe in his own songwriting ability.
It took Madonna to show McLean what to do with the song.
"A long long time ago" In deed it was. I was 11 when this song hit the radio waves. I think it was the biggest selling song of the year, which I think is kind of cool when you consider what songs probably now get that title. And it is the first song I recall trying to decipher to understand the references.
Yeah kind of long. But when a girl sang it at my son's high school talent show a couple of years ago (which is also kind of cool) I was disappointed when she shortened it. (by the schools dictate, I am sure)
Yeah kind of long. But when a girl sang it at my son's high school talent show a couple of years ago (which is also kind of cool) I was disappointed when she shortened it. (by the schools dictate, I am sure)
The three men I admire most Kevin McHale, Larry Bird
And Johnny Most
And Johnny Most
A truly great song and an obvious classic that will be played for generations. For those who might be interested in the meaning and background, since it's 45 years old, there's a website that tries to explain the song...https://understandingamericanpie.com. Check it out...
VH1 wrote:
I am trying to learn them and, as English isn't my native language, I find it quite (euphemism) difficult. I envy you ;) in a nice way
Fantastic song
Great Song! 
After all the years I still know the lyrics! 
After all the years I still know the lyrics! I am trying to learn them and, as English isn't my native language, I find it quite (euphemism) difficult. I envy you ;) in a nice way
Fantastic song
Great Song! After all the years I still know the lyrics!
After all the years I still know the lyrics! Amen!
One of my all time favorites!
It's too long and is boring.
About McLean's thumbs up on the cover. To we U.S.ers it's "A-OK" or "cool beans." To those of other nations, however,
https://www.cracked.com/article_16335_7-innocent-gestures-that-can-get-you-killed-overseas.html - hilarious
What might have McLean really been expressing? Hmmm...
"...the positive “thumbs up” in Western cultures is a big no-no in other countries, such as Greece, Italy, and some throughout the Middle East. It’s essentially the equivalent of the middle finger, which is why you should keep your thumbs safely tucked away if you aren’t sure about the custom."
https://www.ethos3.com/2014/07/dont-give-a-thumbs-up-in-russia-and-other-hand-gesture-facts/
https://www.cracked.com/article_16335_7-innocent-gestures-that-can-get-you-killed-overseas.html - hilarious
What might have McLean really been expressing? Hmmm...
DaveInVA wrote:
Well lots of musicians are f%&# up. Still a great song.
Well lots of musicians are f%&# up. Still a great song.
Muddyman3019 wrote:
Agreed. Never a bad idea.
I know, played to death but still a great song.
Agreed. Never a bad idea.
I know, played to death but still a great song.
I will be happy to NEVER hear this song again...
Peddlers Pub, Halifax Nova Scotia, closing Saturday afternoon session song of the 80's. Greatest time and place to be young and alive, but I may be biased :)
10, 10, 10!!!
Some years after its success an interviewer asked Don McLean what this intricate song meant, to which he replied "it means I never have to work again!"
Ugh. I've already heard it this millennium.
Like it well enough, good memories over time. Haven't heard it in a while and enjoy hearing it now and then. Then can come in a other month or more.
Amen...I can't say "sucko-barfo" because it's a classic song, but I've heard it waaay too many times on radio and bad campfire jams. In a strange twist of tortuous fate, American Pie continues to play behind the next track when I try to PSD. My own personal hell...
bstevens1951 wrote:
bstevens1951 wrote:
I'm in the age bracket, and I don't ever, ever want to hear this song ever, ever again. Please Bill.
Best song EVER!!!
I LOVE RADIO PARADISE!!!
I LOVE RADIO PARADISE!!!
If ever there was a song to want to sing as a kid, THIS was it... At school, while the teachers played it and we sang along, sure — but a capella, too: my friend Roger and his sister and me, trying to remember all the words, in the driveway, in the rain, singing our lungs out, in blissful Heaven...also, my friend David and his sister and me, in the woods, behind their house, giddy high on the meanings of it all...