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About This Track
“American Pie” is a folk rock song by singer-songwriter Don McLean.
Recorded and released on the American Pie album in 1971, the single was a number-one U.S. hit for four weeks in 1972. A re-release in 1991 did not chart in the U.S., but reached number 12 in the UK. The song is an abstract story surrounding “The Day the Music Died” — the 1959 plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper (Giles Perry Richardson, Jr.). The importance of “American Pie” to America’s musical and cultural heritage was recognized by the Songs of the Century education project which listed the song as the number five song of the twentieth century. Some Top 40 stations initially played only side two of the single, but the song’s popularity eventually forced stations to play the entire piece.
Background and interpretation: The song’s lyrics are the subject of much curiosity. Although McLean dedicated the American Pie album to Buddy Holly, none of the musicians in the plane crash are identified by name in the song itself. When asked what “American Pie” meant, McLean replied, “It means I never have to work again Later, he more seriously stated “You will find many interpretations of my lyrics but none of them by me… sorry to leave you all on your own like this but long ago I realized that songwriters should make their statements and move on, maintaining a dignified silence.”[2] McLean has generally avoided responding to direct questions about the song lyrics (“They’re beyond analysis.
Recorded and released on the American Pie album in 1971, the single was a number-one U.S. hit for four weeks in 1972. A re-release in 1991 did not chart in the U.S., but reached number 12 in the UK. The song is an abstract story surrounding “The Day the Music Died” — the 1959 plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper (Giles Perry Richardson, Jr.). The importance of “American Pie” to America’s musical and cultural heritage was recognized by the Songs of the Century education project which listed the song as the number five song of the twentieth century. Some Top 40 stations initially played only side two of the single, but the song’s popularity eventually forced stations to play the entire piece.
Background and interpretation: The song’s lyrics are the subject of much curiosity. Although McLean dedicated the American Pie album to Buddy Holly, none of the musicians in the plane crash are identified by name in the song itself. When asked what “American Pie” meant, McLean replied, “It means I never have to work again Later, he more seriously stated “You will find many interpretations of my lyrics but none of them by me… sorry to leave you all on your own like this but long ago I realized that songwriters should make their statements and move on, maintaining a dignified silence.”[2] McLean has generally avoided responding to direct questions about the song lyrics (“They’re beyond analysis.
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Albums featuring this track
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American Pie
Don McLean
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American Pie - the Greatest Hits
Don McLean Buy- Download Album
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The Best Of Don McLean
Don McLean Buy- Download Album
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Favorites & Rarities (World)
Don McLean Buy- Download Album
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Shouts
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swollenappetite wrote:
This is brilliant, as always with Don McLean, but it doesn't quite feel like the original on the album it says it is. It's far more rocky, even jazzy, than the one I remember... really good, though. God, Madonna - great pop artist, Like A Prayer superb, the best Evita since Julie Covington, but keep her away from Don McLean and anyone like him!
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r-iman wrote:
oh yes feb3, 1959 was the day.buddy holly, Rictie Valens and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash in Iowa.
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sabirdsall wrote:
One of many great songs by him!!
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oldiesfanjohn wrote:
@niqart...are you serious?Madonna?....sheesh..,this song had such personal meaning for a lot of people back in the day when it came out...you denegrate it and insult it by even mentioning Madonna!
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m320753 wrote:
this was the ultimite history of rock and roll up to the time in history it was recorded
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pitpatnan53 wrote:
I remember in the 9thgrade english,listening to this,and having to elaborate on what it meant,my teacher rocked!!
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dana58 wrote:
One of the best rock songs ever!!!
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niqart wrote:
Madonna`s version better & has more interesting chart
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leudh wrote:
good song, never tired of hearin'
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AndyBarratt wrote:
I never tire of hearing this track.
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Cojage wrote:
Madonna ruined it. Don's best song.
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yourbrat wrote:
and that's how it happened
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oldiesfanjohn wrote:
the music died= Buddy Holly,he singing about
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Marjo47 wrote:
Good old song!
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Loner64 wrote:
Where can I find this version?
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Loner64 wrote:
I love this song so much, one of my favorites.
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gdcman wrote:
Madonna has more soul? That is the most absurd statement of 2011.
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ldpazos wrote:
A great song . I remember this song was a victim of censure in Spain, my country ,when goberned dictator Franco .
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ROOUSTERMAN wrote:
I love this track and also like his album ClasicsandRairities
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crevlthe wrote:
This was the song that started my music library.
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