American Pie (8:27)
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“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.
Video
Added by josephj2o
From BBC Top of the Pops October 31st 1991
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Shouts
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SaulKarath wrote:
I only knew the Weird Al Yankovich version, where Obi-Wan sings the Star Wars story. They're both great.
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matchajor wrote:
had this on cassett, wore it out!
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her035 wrote:
Legendary
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ankursatriani wrote:
beautiful song...
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Hold-Me-Close wrote:
All time classic...just wonderful.
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eskimal62 wrote:
good memories!
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iluvslolipops wrote:
one of my favorite songs, i luv singing it! truley one of the best songs i ever heard!!!
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Marjo47 wrote:
Good song and singer. thank you.
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Retro_Saiyan wrote:
The birds flew off with a fallout shelter!!
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everetten wrote:
Long before I knew the meaning behind the lyrics or what 'dirges' were, I loved this song. I remember playing this and Sympathy For The Devil over and over and over for hours.
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mybossisatwat wrote:
dont make em like this no more !
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rockandroller1 wrote:
It is quite right in the words of the song - does it touch your mortal soul ! In memory of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. When good men fall there will always be others to replace them. Don Mclean is one of the good men making sure that the essence of music lives on. A beautiful song.
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domeknadrzewie wrote:
most often song singing by me during my morning shower ! :D
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RadyFahmy wrote:
One of the best song of all times, by one of the most underrated performer of all times!
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bickenbeach wrote:
very good
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marcy50 wrote:
thanks ,,chj,,I luv this song!
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marcy50 wrote:
This is the neatest song,,,love it...fun to sing to....!
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OLDCHAVYCAR2RED wrote:
a cool tune
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mrmxyzptlk1 wrote:
Lyrical genius
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Flikt wrote:
So bye bye, miss american pie! Great song :)
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