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Apart from stating the obvious that the first part is about buddy holly the rest is "it could be about that.....". The song is about how America morally and musically went backwards after buddy died and took on a soul less face with bands like the beatles. And how it lost morality.
i agree with some of it refering to BH but not the chrois. It refers to baseball and apple pie, kniwn to be the most american tjings ever. and there was a bar named levi and ut closed so they had to drive to the town of Rye to get a drink.
The song is a "Masterpiece" and we can all draw our own conclusions as to what message Don wanted to convey. I for one prefer to think that here is a guy who idolised the pure talent of Buddy and wrote a great song. Loved the song from minute one and love it now. Thanks for the post, inspiring, Anton aka Whiskerydick
Like the videos maker said... the song is open to interpretation but I am more than sure McLean has been pretty open with what he was saying. I'm also more than sure he said 'The King' referenced is not Elvis Presley but rather Alan Freed and the verdict mentioned is the Payola scandal that really hurt 'Rock n' Roll'... a term Freed created. In the time line of the song it makes more sense too...
It just doesn't make sense... why would McLean speak of events leading up to the time the song was written, and then repeat one event (the chorus) from the beginning over and over again? So, either the whole song take place around the same time, or the chorus doesn't. Perhaps the chorus still refers to the plane crash, but only in verse one?
@foodforthoughtFEAST That's a good point, but there is one thing that's clear in the chorus: "This'll be the day when I die" is absolutely from Buddy's most well known song, "That'll Be the Day" ("That'll be the day when you say goodbye/That'll be the day when you make me cry/You say you're gonna leave me, I know it's a lie/Cause that'll be the day-ay-ay... when I die.") Maybe he's applying the reaction to Buddy's death to other events in the following decade.
@LDeeGee No it wasn't. It was written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimble. They played the song for Lieberman, who was the first to record the song in 72. She said the song reminded her of being at a Mclean concert.
My Uncle went to Lubbock, High with Buddy and has told a few story's and from just listening to the song over and over when it 1st came out and still listen I beleive it's a tribute to Buddy Holly...
When Mclean sings he says, "Lenin read a book on Marx."
He refers to the Russian leader Vladimir Lenin, who followed the ideas of Karl Marx`s views of communism around 1917-1924, when V.Lenin was in power of the Bosheviks.
He had taken power after the abdication and execution of Czar Nicholas II, Nicholas II was the last Czar of Russia, this ended Russia`s Monarch.
I always thought that American Pie symbolized a certain innocence that America had, "as American as Mom and Apple Pie". ALL of those values and innocence went up in smoke in the 60's. No more Leave It To Beaver or Father Knows Best. And America became a burning pit of anger and drug abuse. We still haven't recovered. So it is still Bye Bye Miss American Pie
This is what they teach it to be in school.... this was in my history of rock class... so id assume this to be the best interpretation possible... understandingamericanpie dot co.m
Thanks for all the comments. I wish I had time to respond to all personally, but a few notes. Yes, this is one persons opinion, based on everything I've read. Many other interpretations can be made. NO American Pie is NOT the name of the plane. I've met the man who owns the plane, it just had tail numbers. Levy may be a bar that McClean hung out at. I did this for a bit of fun as I was learning an editing program, so take it in that sense. FUN, enjoy the music...it will never die.
I know it was a Beatles song but during the Manson murders, it was written on the wall in blood...so I thought when McClean said "Helter Skelter in the summer swelter" mean the murders on that hot August night in 1969 in LA.
Doesn't Helter Skelter in the summer swelter refer to the Tate/LaBianca murders by Charles Manson? No mention in this video or two other explanations of this song. Whats up?
Miss American Pie is NOT a person. One of the meanings of the word pie is an event. Miss is a term that is commonly used to indicate a certain attribute, e.g. little miss perfect. Hence, "Miss American Pie" is referring to some of the major American events and sensations.
Please thumbs up if you understand and/or support my theory.
The "music died" cause after that the music turned into protest song,ideological,social... (bob dylan, beatles...) and not ever for just dancing and having fun.They three were the last three active rock n roll singers in the moment.The American pie reffers to the apple pie (from us army in IIWW), symbolizing 50s, the american dream,with the chevie -chevrolet- and the rock n roll, before 60s with vietnam etc.
a generation lost in space. that generation went to either 'nam or as it says "with no time to start again" got all drugged up and died. such a sad time it was.
he leaves out the vietnam connection to the good old boys drinking whiskey and rye and this being a the day that they die phrase, which is in reference to the pre battle toast that i paraphrase,' drink heartily for tomorrow we die'.
Your interpretation is bang-on to what I had envisioned the song's lyrics to mean. This may have already been brought up but, you missed just ONE little part.
"Eight Miles High and fallin' fast"(Of course, The Byrds... the Byrds covered many Dylan songs in their career) "The players tried for a forward pass but the Jester (Dylan, as you said) on the sidelines in a cast" My interpretation of this line is Dylan's hiatus in the late 60's when he retreated to Woodstock after his motercylcle crash.
I'm usually afraid to know the meaning of songs that I really love, but this actually gave it more meaning instead of taking away from it, and even knowing the meaning behind it, I can still enjoy it in the simplicity that I did before I knew.
So is he saying that Bob Dylan and the Rollling Stones killed rock n' roll? This is an honest question, I'm a little confused on why he paints such a dark picture of them and why he uses "jester" and "Satan" to symbolize Dylan and the Stones.
@fatmunch8 The rock and roll changed the music objectov: from dance and having fun, innocent songs (50s) to protest, social lyrics or other (60s and after). Not for dancing like 50s and before. And the world changed. The society changed (from 'glorious' 50s to social unrest)
I don't remeber ehy jester, but satan alludes to a real symbol, a song of rolling stones (6:08), there were in an actuation a murder, look in detail the images of the video.
Jagger as the devil is a refence to the Rolling Stones Song "Sympathy for the Devil". Dylan as the Jester is, I think, a reference to either "All Along the Watchtower" or "Like a Rolling Stone", both of which contain lyrics about a jester or joker.
The main character appears to be traveling through life in a state of shell shock, watching events come and go in his life. There are some obvious references to McLean's colleagues and contemporaries, but those aren't nearly as important, imo, as the idea of it being a strange surrealistic dream that the main character is traveling through due to coming of age traumas that sparked an entire generation (death of Buddy Holly, Kennedy, etc..) and McLean himself. (with his father's death.)
This song is about Don McLean's life story up until this point, starting with the death of his childhood heroes ("Buddy Holly was probably the only hero I ever had" according to Don McLean) and the death of his father. These are then followed by the death of Kennedy, the 60s counterculture, and spiritual awakening. The lyrics don't really mean anything specifically because the main character is traveling through a surreal-like dream state the entire song. All according to McLean on his website.
Levee was dry could mean - read Levee (ceremony) on wikipedia - the king being probably those killed in the crash and it was dry because of the sadeness of this "meeting" and sorrow of those that felt that loss the most. I'm Polish so some Americans would be needed to prove it but I also heard about the murder of a few people (probably students) that were then buried into the "dry levee" which was found out when a driver accidentally hit it with his car - or sth like that.
1972 I started high school and within a month we were being torn apart by riots that continued off and on for the next 4 years. For me this song was the epitome of the world ending around us. All the safety of the hometown being torn apart. Violence where my brother and sisters had known only peace. For me this was a very personal good bye to the American dream, BYE BYE Miss American PIE.
Helter Skelter could also be referring to Charles Manson as well as the Beatles. The trial would have have been going on for about two years by the time this song. The murders took place in the 60s, matching the timeline presented in the song.. And "in a summer swelter" could refer to the Tate murders, which took place in August. But that's my opinion.
Was "American Pie" not the name of the plane they crashed in? It was rumored wasn't it? And I don't understand the point of driving his chevy to the levee which was dry! What does it refer to?
It about Buddy Holly and RItchie Valens dying obvious, the rest are the later musicians became famous because they best where gone so lesser talents became famous. Jester in james dean coat = Elvis, Quartet and marching band who refused to yield are the beatles, Devil is mick jagger
Just think, this could be a prophetic song. The demise of Christianity in the U.S. The demise of the American way. And Global warming. I know it's not, but it could be over thought and you could come to these conclusions !!
im young but my dad always played this song in the car I new every word but I asked him what the song ment he said it talks about how rock and roll ended so I yelled and I now think I was born too early cause all my friends listen to noise
Nice video. However if I had a dollar for every different version of the "interpretation" of American Pie, I could take you all out to lunch. Everyone comes up with a different set of "meanings"
@Mamelaification As a lyricist, I can say you that's the beautiful thing about those lyrics. Sure, the writer has meanings, and sometimes he wants the listener to discover that, but most of the time it's how you can put the lyrics in your own experiences. How lyrics make you clear your mind about something, etc.
The clips of Buddy Holly and the Crickets were from of all things, "The Arthur Murray Dance Party" Arthur Murray's wife was the one time baby sitter for Dick Clark and she supplied him with the Buddy Holly segments which were not considered successful at the time.
Great job. I remember buying the' 45'. It ran over both sides of the disk. Noticed something new. At 4:22 Don mentions the jester is in a cast. Possibly referring to Dylan's mysterious motorcycle accident in mid-66.
I have always and will forever despise Mick Jagger & the Stones for trying to be so hip and using the Hells Angels for security. He should have been on trial for accessory to murder.
My take on the line "We all got up to dance, but we never got the chance, the players tried to take the field, the marching band refused to yield" was referring to Chicago 68 Dem Convention. We wanted to participate by getting ourselves heard (dance) never got the chance (Chicago PD), we tried to take the field (protest), the marching band (CPD) refused to yield.
Great song and alot of what they are saying seems legitimate but some seems like they are just reaching out for anything other than that its an awsome song and opened my eyes to alot of what the song means
"and while the king was looking down the jester stole his thorny crown" refers to John Lennon's statement that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus.
Okay, um quick note the phrase "Moss grows Fat On A Rolling Stone..." This as you were right with the picture is a reference to how the actual band. But you should have explained that he was referring that the Rolling Stones were making millions, hence "Moss grows Fat on a Rolling Stone" Moss meaning Cash
Actually it means Drinking whiskey AND rye, rye is a type of whisky.
What he's singing about is Buddy Holly etc. joking around, "Richardson had developed a case of flu during the tour and asked Waylon Jennings for his seat on the plane. 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, also in jest, "Well, I hope your ol' plane crashes". This exchange of words would haunt Jennings for the rest of his life."
Your right man, It had to be about John Lennon. Even though we don't want to think anything negative about him he was known for his radical stances and Ideas. I'm sure McLean knew of what he was singing about and you have pretty much pegged the meanings here.
Wow that was very interesting I think you spoke he words from a hollow cabin where the spiders spin there web,and the dead dream night dreams,You did an excellent job both in posting and putting all the pcs.to the song into one perfect harmony.I don't think that Don McLean would have put it any other way,How did you get your information?
The Quartet in the park was reference to the Gang of four who took over communist China Putting Mao in power. the park is a well known area in Shanghi.
Hey I'm a teen. Not all of us have sucky taste in music. Heck, Sting is about my favorite artist ever. All the crap that plays today needs to be turned off for awhile.
Hey I'm a teen. Not all of us have sucky taste in music. Heck, Sting is about my favorite artist ever. All the crap that plays today needs to be turned off for awhile.
Miss American Pie isn't a person. She's the ideal. The All-American girl every guy aspired to possess. We dreamed of her, coveted her, and cherished just the chance to buy her a Coke, This one was easy.
I sat here with tears in my eyes as I watched. We always knew of course the song had great meaning. There was always an argument or discussion over it. It's good to know I got most of it right. Thank you for a great interpretation of an American classic. To call it a "song" is disingenuous. It is a true anthem.
The impression I get is that Buddy Holly's wife is Miss American Pie and the day the "music" died is Buddy Holly's death date. She's American Pie because she represents the grief on the behalf of all Americans, Buddy Holly being a big inspiration for Rock 'n' Roll and American musical culture. I dunno, that's just what I believe. Like the Bible, or any Buddhist, or Hindu scripture, everyone interprets it a different way depending on their experience.
I heard that "American Pie" was the name of the plane that crashed killing Buddy Holly, The BIg Bopper,and Richie Valens. Fact or fiction ? I would like to know!
The story of the coin toss is legend, but it isn't true. The Big Bopper, Jape Richardson, was sick, but Ritchie Valens had a sore throat, and the heater on the bus wasn't working properly so Waylon Jennings gave up his seat to Ritchie Valens; their was no "coin toss".
Another part of the untold story is that they had all been drinking heavily. The pilot who was supposed to fly them refused to take off because their was a strong likelihood of ice buildup on ice on the wings, and in the engine carburetor. The Big Bopper, Jape Richardson, who was the "alpha dog" of the group, fired the pilot, and hired Roger Peterson; Peterson was only 21, and was not a highly experienced pilot. The rest is history.
Being a child of the 90's, I grew up with these kinds of songs, but only until i was around 7. Then we lost all of our good songs, and now all we have to listen to is replays. This is one of my all time favourite songs, and seeing the meaning behind it adds to it's legend.
Wow. I've always considered "American Pie" to be one of the songs that defined my generation. I, too, never could quite get all the references, I don't care how accurate, or not, this video is. It put a lot of puzzle pieces together for me. I'm 57 now, but this ranks in my top 5 all time faves. Thanks for making this!
I love the explanation of this video cause I was told by my parents when growing up in the 70's that it referenced drugs and it was a bad song although I always felt there was more to it that they didn't understand. Can you confirm that Waylon Jennings, who gave up his seat is the same as the country star. Thank you again.
This is a great video. However you did make a mix up the pickup truck does not represent sexual potency or coolness. At the time 50's-60's pickup trucks were the like driving a minivan today.
Fascinating video and well done. Just another bit of trivia:
"Well I know that your in love with him
'Cause I saw you dancing in the gym
You both kicked off your shoes
And I dig those rhythm and blues"
Isn't this a reference to the 'sock hop'. American schoolkids use to dance to records on the wooden floor in the gym and had to take their shoes off first..
Beautiful illustration of one of the masterpiece songs of the 20th century. Great work!
Just two more bits of trivia that were missing: "American Pie" was actually the name of the plane that crashed, and "The Levy" was the name of Don McLean's favourite pub (which was closed on the day he learned about the accident - man, would he have needed a stiff drink then!)
@saschaleib The plane was not called "The American Pie." That is a popular belief but it is wrong. The plane was chartered from Dwyer's Flying Service which did not name any of their planes.
Song Based On Real Life Story and music history of America.. I love his passion about music.. 10 Years he has been writing this song.. his music won't die any day.
Song Based On Real Life Story and music history of America.. I love his passion about music.. 10 Years he has been writing this song.. his music won't die any day.
@JoeMcBadass Well I agree that there are not near as many greats as there were generations ago;but I also like Taylor Swift and Eminem.I also love the song "As Long as You Love Me" by The Backstreet Boys.
@JoeMcBadass your generation also has many great musicians;every generation has them.I am 51 and I often find hear new singers and bands that are great.
Oh man, this composition is simply awsome! I'm only 21 and from Brasil, whos suposed to be born in 60's USA, i love this song, this era of songs, where the music had a meaning, even if it was just to make people think, today no one thinks anymore, the computer does it for them. This is the culture that need to be put on the spotlight, you know. It's ridiculous, now in octuber/2011 will have the ROCK'n'rio, ROCK, but there'll be shows of Kate Perry, Rihana (nothing against them),but it aint rock!
This was pretty good. I was 13 when the song came out, and the only thing I would point out is that I think the "Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet" ad campaign came out well after this song did. I think the expression, "As American as Apple Pie" was an old expression, and McLean was symbolizing how the innocent 50's gave way to the turbulent 60's. The plane crash, after all, came at the cusp of the new decade.
I think the part where the jester takes the king's crown, speaks for "you and me" and ends up in a courtroom is about Muhammad Ali (he met the Beatles the day he fought Sonny Liston, and he entered the ring in a robe that Elvis Presley had given to him)
I think the song is about mourning the loss of freedom in America. That's the beauty of any art form. It can be interpreted many different ways and we can all take what we want from it.
@varsity65sup Back then it seemed so much was going on in California, I went out there myself.. there were all kinds of new religions and new idea popping up. Most of it was just BS but it was there and people were listening to it... I think thats what it means...
check out Glenn Beck's version of the meaning of the song.
SpringsEternal100 1 day ago
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I know its hard to listen to music by regular, ordinary people, but I really need you guys help to get my name out there. Even though no one will probably read or like this, I believe at least one person will see it. It would mean a lot if you can check my channel. I know we all have dreams, and my dream can only come true with the help of you guys. If you can like this it would really help.If I get 40 likes everyone would notice my message. Thank you.
FullEffectVisualTv 4 days ago
brilliant video - Thanks
Trealawking 4 days ago
Apart from stating the obvious that the first part is about buddy holly the rest is "it could be about that.....". The song is about how America morally and musically went backwards after buddy died and took on a soul less face with bands like the beatles. And how it lost morality.
santacruzsevilla777 1 week ago
Its about the loss of innocence.
stevinie7free 1 week ago
Weird al star wars
nevesonod 2 weeks ago
You have an amazing video here. Great visuals amazing facts. Thankyou very much!
19580712 2 weeks ago
i agree with some of it refering to BH but not the chrois. It refers to baseball and apple pie, kniwn to be the most american tjings ever. and there was a bar named levi and ut closed so they had to drive to the town of Rye to get a drink.
Stinker142174 3 weeks ago
Lighten up, everyone, this is a great video.
bt51 3 weeks ago
The song is a "Masterpiece" and we can all draw our own conclusions as to what message Don wanted to convey. I for one prefer to think that here is a guy who idolised the pure talent of Buddy and wrote a great song. Loved the song from minute one and love it now. Thanks for the post, inspiring, Anton aka Whiskerydick
WHISKERYDICK 3 weeks ago
a treasure of a song a treasure of a video - Leave it be as it is what it is
yalecheerleder 3 weeks ago
Like the videos maker said... the song is open to interpretation but I am more than sure McLean has been pretty open with what he was saying. I'm also more than sure he said 'The King' referenced is not Elvis Presley but rather Alan Freed and the verdict mentioned is the Payola scandal that really hurt 'Rock n' Roll'... a term Freed created. In the time line of the song it makes more sense too...
hawkboy71 3 weeks ago
It just doesn't make sense... why would McLean speak of events leading up to the time the song was written, and then repeat one event (the chorus) from the beginning over and over again? So, either the whole song take place around the same time, or the chorus doesn't. Perhaps the chorus still refers to the plane crash, but only in verse one?
foodforthoughtFEAST 3 weeks ago
@foodforthoughtFEAST That's a good point, but there is one thing that's clear in the chorus: "This'll be the day when I die" is absolutely from Buddy's most well known song, "That'll Be the Day" ("That'll be the day when you say goodbye/That'll be the day when you make me cry/You say you're gonna leave me, I know it's a lie/Cause that'll be the day-ay-ay... when I die.") Maybe he's applying the reaction to Buddy's death to other events in the following decade.
bfish89ryuhayabusa 6 days ago
Killing Me Softly was not written about McLean.
jonnnymarvelous 3 weeks ago
@jonnnymarvelous Actually it was. It was written by Lori Lieberman after attending one of Don McLean's concerts.
LDeeGee 2 weeks ago
@LDeeGee No it wasn't. It was written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimble. They played the song for Lieberman, who was the first to record the song in 72. She said the song reminded her of being at a Mclean concert.
jonnnymarvelous 2 weeks ago
February made me shiver
yalecheerleder 3 weeks ago
Thank you for the post and correcting errors :)
MsTxCougar 3 weeks ago
My Uncle went to Lubbock, High with Buddy and has told a few story's and from just listening to the song over and over when it 1st came out and still listen I beleive it's a tribute to Buddy Holly...
MsTxCougar 3 weeks ago
Always thought the Day the Music died was about John Lennon's death
MetrazolElectricity 3 weeks ago
@MetrazolElectricity
How could it be about Lennon's death? John Lennon died in 1980, and McLean wrote this song in 1971.
rmar67 5 days ago
@rmar67 you're right, man. I didn't know the history of the song... I just kinda heard it first time like a few years ago.
MetrazolElectricity 5 days ago
When Mclean sings he says, "Lenin read a book on Marx."
He refers to the Russian leader Vladimir Lenin, who followed the ideas of Karl Marx`s views of communism around 1917-1924, when V.Lenin was in power of the Bosheviks.
He had taken power after the abdication and execution of Czar Nicholas II, Nicholas II was the last Czar of Russia, this ended Russia`s Monarch.
(Not John Lennon of the Beatles.)
JADandKPpro 4 weeks ago
I always thought that American Pie symbolized a certain innocence that America had, "as American as Mom and Apple Pie". ALL of those values and innocence went up in smoke in the 60's. No more Leave It To Beaver or Father Knows Best. And America became a burning pit of anger and drug abuse. We still haven't recovered. So it is still Bye Bye Miss American Pie
captainronable 4 weeks ago
miss american pie is what sixtyes pop culture is called his widowed bride is JFKs wife
carson3223 4 weeks ago
this is hands down, in my opinion, Along with Bohemian Rhapsody, the greatest song of all time... End of discussion.
i13m 1 month ago
Great vid...thanks
john9594 1 month ago
thank you for this video
XrisaPattinson 1 month ago
This is what they teach it to be in school.... this was in my history of rock class... so id assume this to be the best interpretation possible... understandingamericanpie dot co.m
voradeaur 1 month ago
Thanks for all the comments. I wish I had time to respond to all personally, but a few notes. Yes, this is one persons opinion, based on everything I've read. Many other interpretations can be made. NO American Pie is NOT the name of the plane. I've met the man who owns the plane, it just had tail numbers. Levy may be a bar that McClean hung out at. I did this for a bit of fun as I was learning an editing program, so take it in that sense. FUN, enjoy the music...it will never die.
lonestarsound 1 month ago 7
I know it was a Beatles song but during the Manson murders, it was written on the wall in blood...so I thought when McClean said "Helter Skelter in the summer swelter" mean the murders on that hot August night in 1969 in LA.
dutchmen1002 1 month ago
Doesn't Helter Skelter in the summer swelter refer to the Tate/LaBianca murders by Charles Manson? No mention in this video or two other explanations of this song. Whats up?
dutchmen1002 1 month ago
@dutchmen1002 Helkter Swelter in a Summer Skelteris a song by the beatles and was copied by motley crue.
joesky43 1 month ago in playlist Liked videos
Miss American Pie is NOT a person. One of the meanings of the word pie is an event. Miss is a term that is commonly used to indicate a certain attribute, e.g. little miss perfect. Hence, "Miss American Pie" is referring to some of the major American events and sensations.
Please thumbs up if you understand and/or support my theory.
foodforthoughtFEAST 2 months ago
Killing me softly is NOT about American pie,or Buddy Holly.that part is just a myth and is FALSE.
Foolishpleazure 2 months ago
The "music died" cause after that the music turned into protest song,ideological,social... (bob dylan, beatles...) and not ever for just dancing and having fun.They three were the last three active rock n roll singers in the moment.The American pie reffers to the apple pie (from us army in IIWW), symbolizing 50s, the american dream,with the chevie -chevrolet- and the rock n roll, before 60s with vietnam etc.
beebledoggie 2 months ago in playlist Más vídeos de lonestarsound
Buddy Holly, buddy holly, buddy holly.... Always buddy holly, it seems like in 3.2.1957 only died him!! They were three...
beebledoggie 2 months ago in playlist Más vídeos de lonestarsound
Excellent!!
jamcdonald 2 months ago
a generation lost in space. that generation went to either 'nam or as it says "with no time to start again" got all drugged up and died. such a sad time it was.
joesky43 2 months ago
he leaves out the vietnam connection to the good old boys drinking whiskey and rye and this being a the day that they die phrase, which is in reference to the pre battle toast that i paraphrase,' drink heartily for tomorrow we die'.
chill3115 2 months ago
aww shit now im never gonna look at this song the same now THANKS YOUTUBE!!!!!
jcola99 2 months ago
Your interpretation is bang-on to what I had envisioned the song's lyrics to mean. This may have already been brought up but, you missed just ONE little part.
"Eight Miles High and fallin' fast"(Of course, The Byrds... the Byrds covered many Dylan songs in their career) "The players tried for a forward pass but the Jester (Dylan, as you said) on the sidelines in a cast" My interpretation of this line is Dylan's hiatus in the late 60's when he retreated to Woodstock after his motercylcle crash.
Downtownnomesayn 2 months ago
I'm usually afraid to know the meaning of songs that I really love, but this actually gave it more meaning instead of taking away from it, and even knowing the meaning behind it, I can still enjoy it in the simplicity that I did before I knew.
eleventhousandfour 2 months ago
So is he saying that Bob Dylan and the Rollling Stones killed rock n' roll? This is an honest question, I'm a little confused on why he paints such a dark picture of them and why he uses "jester" and "Satan" to symbolize Dylan and the Stones.
fatmunch8 2 months ago
@fatmunch8 The rock and roll changed the music objectov: from dance and having fun, innocent songs (50s) to protest, social lyrics or other (60s and after). Not for dancing like 50s and before. And the world changed. The society changed (from 'glorious' 50s to social unrest)
I don't remeber ehy jester, but satan alludes to a real symbol, a song of rolling stones (6:08), there were in an actuation a murder, look in detail the images of the video.
beebledoggie 2 months ago in playlist Más vídeos de lonestarsound
@fatmunch8 all, all in this lyrics are symbols, refferences to real facts/persons/events in history. all.
beebledoggie 2 months ago in playlist Más vídeos de lonestarsound
@fatmunch8
Jagger as the devil is a refence to the Rolling Stones Song "Sympathy for the Devil". Dylan as the Jester is, I think, a reference to either "All Along the Watchtower" or "Like a Rolling Stone", both of which contain lyrics about a jester or joker.
rmar67 5 days ago
People have a tendency to overanalyze this song, putting more emphasis on little details than on the overall idea of the song.
MsFelixtheCat50 2 months ago
The main character appears to be traveling through life in a state of shell shock, watching events come and go in his life. There are some obvious references to McLean's colleagues and contemporaries, but those aren't nearly as important, imo, as the idea of it being a strange surrealistic dream that the main character is traveling through due to coming of age traumas that sparked an entire generation (death of Buddy Holly, Kennedy, etc..) and McLean himself. (with his father's death.)
MsFelixtheCat50 2 months ago
This song is about Don McLean's life story up until this point, starting with the death of his childhood heroes ("Buddy Holly was probably the only hero I ever had" according to Don McLean) and the death of his father. These are then followed by the death of Kennedy, the 60s counterculture, and spiritual awakening. The lyrics don't really mean anything specifically because the main character is traveling through a surreal-like dream state the entire song. All according to McLean on his website.
MsFelixtheCat50 2 months ago
Great job!
LRH67 2 months ago
1:43 i loled haha
famouspharaohfilms 2 months ago
Levee was dry could mean - read Levee (ceremony) on wikipedia - the king being probably those killed in the crash and it was dry because of the sadeness of this "meeting" and sorrow of those that felt that loss the most. I'm Polish so some Americans would be needed to prove it but I also heard about the murder of a few people (probably students) that were then buried into the "dry levee" which was found out when a driver accidentally hit it with his car - or sth like that.
jacquaire 2 months ago
1972 I started high school and within a month we were being torn apart by riots that continued off and on for the next 4 years. For me this song was the epitome of the world ending around us. All the safety of the hometown being torn apart. Violence where my brother and sisters had known only peace. For me this was a very personal good bye to the American dream, BYE BYE Miss American PIE.
DrHambrock 3 months ago
By far the best song to be ever written.
CamouflageMr 3 months ago
as well the most obvious interpretation of "players tried for a foward pass". The Super Bowl, which started in the late sixties.
istilldontcare2 3 months ago
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Helter Skelter could also be referring to Charles Manson as well as the Beatles. The trial would have have been going on for about two years by the time this song. The murders took place in the 60s, matching the timeline presented in the song.. And "in a summer swelter" could refer to the Tate murders, which took place in August. But that's my opinion.
istilldontcare2 3 months ago
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istilldontcare2 3 months ago
Was "American Pie" not the name of the plane they crashed in? It was rumored wasn't it? And I don't understand the point of driving his chevy to the levee which was dry! What does it refer to?
CyrusFun 3 months ago
It about Buddy Holly and RItchie Valens dying obvious, the rest are the later musicians became famous because they best where gone so lesser talents became famous. Jester in james dean coat = Elvis, Quartet and marching band who refused to yield are the beatles, Devil is mick jagger
karlyoung1987 3 months ago
@karlyoung1987 The "Sergeants" also refer to The Beatles. (Sgt. Pepper's Band)
TheZombieKiller29 2 months ago
Every time I hear this song on the Radio, I blast it, and I listen to the whole song, no matter where I am, or what time it is
65jackstraw95 3 months ago
Just think, this could be a prophetic song. The demise of Christianity in the U.S. The demise of the American way. And Global warming. I know it's not, but it could be over thought and you could come to these conclusions !!
msilva1957 3 months ago
They were ritually slaughtered! Blessed be them.Shalom Arkadash.
Syphonaptera 3 months ago
dude i live an hour and a half from Fargo in a little town called larimore
twinsfan900 3 months ago
im young but my dad always played this song in the car I new every word but I asked him what the song ment he said it talks about how rock and roll ended so I yelled and I now think I was born too early cause all my friends listen to noise
SNITZ0 3 months ago
Nice video. However if I had a dollar for every different version of the "interpretation" of American Pie, I could take you all out to lunch. Everyone comes up with a different set of "meanings"
Mamelaification 3 months ago 7
@Mamelaification
I agree 100% !! It can be interpreted by whatever is on an individuals mind at the time..
msilva1957 3 months ago
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1bam159 3 months ago
@Mamelaification As a lyricist, I can say you that's the beautiful thing about those lyrics. Sure, the writer has meanings, and sometimes he wants the listener to discover that, but most of the time it's how you can put the lyrics in your own experiences. How lyrics make you clear your mind about something, etc.
SwoobGuitar 3 days ago
Don Maclean was once asked in an interview "what does America pie mean?" It means I never have to work again.
Charlie20301 3 months ago
i bet every time don mclean turns the radio on today he bows his head in shame. and thinks to himself "the day the music died."
iobserveutube 3 months ago
Pure Americana, I love it!
Blackfriday420 3 months ago
Unfortunate it's all true, bye miss American pie.
tehuti2012 3 months ago
The clips of Buddy Holly and the Crickets were from of all things, "The Arthur Murray Dance Party" Arthur Murray's wife was the one time baby sitter for Dick Clark and she supplied him with the Buddy Holly segments which were not considered successful at the time.
Starcastle2009 3 months ago
Great job. I remember buying the' 45'. It ran over both sides of the disk. Noticed something new. At 4:22 Don mentions the jester is in a cast. Possibly referring to Dylan's mysterious motorcycle accident in mid-66.
Cypress26725 4 months ago
very powerful tribute to a great song and brilliant writer. Cudos
frederick631 4 months ago
I have always and will forever despise Mick Jagger & the Stones for trying to be so hip and using the Hells Angels for security. He should have been on trial for accessory to murder.
rogerrodd 4 months ago
Probably one of the most poetic rock songs of all time. Amazing.
DistortedFaiths 4 months ago
My take on the line "We all got up to dance, but we never got the chance, the players tried to take the field, the marching band refused to yield" was referring to Chicago 68 Dem Convention. We wanted to participate by getting ourselves heard (dance) never got the chance (Chicago PD), we tried to take the field (protest), the marching band (CPD) refused to yield.
latour90 4 months ago
Great song and alot of what they are saying seems legitimate but some seems like they are just reaching out for anything other than that its an awsome song and opened my eyes to alot of what the song means
jacohagan 4 months ago
I was born too late ....
sweetsparrow 4 months ago
"and while the king was looking down the jester stole his thorny crown" refers to John Lennon's statement that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus.
theatermike 4 months ago
Okay, um quick note the phrase "Moss grows Fat On A Rolling Stone..." This as you were right with the picture is a reference to how the actual band. But you should have explained that he was referring that the Rolling Stones were making millions, hence "Moss grows Fat on a Rolling Stone" Moss meaning Cash
the3rdsekona 4 months ago
@the3rdsekona
uhhh, i think that should be Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone"; the Stones don't enter into the song yet.
TheSEEDanno70 4 months ago
Actually it means Drinking whiskey AND rye, rye is a type of whisky.
What he's singing about is Buddy Holly etc. joking around, "Richardson had developed a case of flu during the tour and asked Waylon Jennings for his seat on the plane. 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, also in jest, "Well, I hope your ol' plane crashes". This exchange of words would haunt Jennings for the rest of his life."
iHeartAniime 4 months ago 15
illuminati refernces in the last verse
yourdate4tonight 4 months ago
won't lennon be the lennon of russia and marxism? or communism not john lennon of the beatles?
1Ezk 4 months ago
@1Ezk
Lenin... interesting play of words but pun intended, no doubt.
TheSEEDanno70 4 months ago
The airplane Buddy Holly died in was the "American Pie." (Thus the name of the Don McLean song.)
LeroyTheThird 4 months ago
Also, Helter Skelter is obviously a reference to Charles Manson....
MrGuy214 4 months ago
I was thinking it could be the Russian Lenin because he and Marx are often compared but TheBrowniesnoops is right about it being out of place.
MrGuy214 4 months ago
Your right man, It had to be about John Lennon. Even though we don't want to think anything negative about him he was known for his radical stances and Ideas. I'm sure McLean knew of what he was singing about and you have pretty much pegged the meanings here.
cedarmillman52 4 months ago
Al Yankovic's version is better lol ;)
xUnknownBeastx 4 months ago
Not John Lennon the Russian Lenin
cedarmillman52 4 months ago
@cedarmillman52 Lenin died in 1924, it would be the most out of place lyric if he were talking about Lenin.
TheBrowniesnoops 4 months ago
Excellent:)!
paulie56il 4 months ago
Love this...thank you very much - great song as well.
fusejockey 4 months ago
american pie = those singers were as american as pie?
colrod111 4 months ago
whats with the beatles in the time 3:25?
DEEBIC021 4 months ago
@DEEBIC021 Maybe cause The Beatles were inspired by Buddy Holly and the Crickets and is also were the got there name from.
Markb2477 4 months ago
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@Markb2477 good point..... who are the crickets
DEEBIC021 4 months ago
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DEEBIC021 4 months ago
Wow that was very interesting I think you spoke he words from a hollow cabin where the spiders spin there web,and the dead dream night dreams,You did an excellent job both in posting and putting all the pcs.to the song into one perfect harmony.I don't think that Don McLean would have put it any other way,How did you get your information?
thundermaster41 5 months ago
The Quartet in the park was reference to the Gang of four who took over communist China Putting Mao in power. the park is a well known area in Shanghi.
jumpin386 5 months ago
@jumpin386
Funny/strange; Lennon = Lenin and "quartet" = Beatles and Gang of Four then. What's the "practiced" of the Gang of Four then?
TheSEEDanno70 4 months ago
great vid cool
FelipeReyes38 5 months ago 7
I LOVE ROCK N'ROLL, only this makes me happy lately... =]
L2505 5 months ago
Hey I'm a teen. Not all of us have sucky taste in music. Heck, Sting is about my favorite artist ever. All the crap that plays today needs to be turned off for awhile.
RealxCheese 5 months ago
Hey I'm a teen. Not all of us have sucky taste in music. Heck, Sting is about my favorite artist ever. All the crap that plays today needs to be turned off for awhile.
RealxCheese 5 months ago
...now I understand...,"I saw satan laughing with delight the day the music died",..
kathberry8 5 months ago
also, lennon said he had a vision as a child that said a flaming pie said you are beatles with an "a"
oldsoul4475 5 months ago
why do u just mention holly? what about valens and the bopper?
oldsoul4475 5 months ago
@oldsoul4475 never mind, u did
oldsoul4475 5 months ago
@oldsoul4475 ....Cause buddy Holly was Don McLean's hero...All were good!!!
CLAGRAVE 5 months ago
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@oldsoul4475 ....Cause buddy Holly was Don McLean's hero...All were good!!!
CLAGRAVE 5 months ago
dude this is great but you forgot to put in the chicago 7 and charles manson
iL3GiTpRO 5 months ago
Miss American Pie isn't a person. She's the ideal. The All-American girl every guy aspired to possess. We dreamed of her, coveted her, and cherished just the chance to buy her a Coke, This one was easy.
scorpio27adc 5 months ago
I sat here with tears in my eyes as I watched. We always knew of course the song had great meaning. There was always an argument or discussion over it. It's good to know I got most of it right. Thank you for a great interpretation of an American classic. To call it a "song" is disingenuous. It is a true anthem.
scorpio27adc 5 months ago
Thank u so much! An amazing interpretation of this song.
angelheart7 5 months ago
Do a video on "Blinded by the Light" - Manfred Mann's Earth Band next :D
WeeblesRebellion 5 months ago
The impression I get is that Buddy Holly's wife is Miss American Pie and the day the "music" died is Buddy Holly's death date. She's American Pie because she represents the grief on the behalf of all Americans, Buddy Holly being a big inspiration for Rock 'n' Roll and American musical culture. I dunno, that's just what I believe. Like the Bible, or any Buddhist, or Hindu scripture, everyone interprets it a different way depending on their experience.
Transformers2themax 6 months ago
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I guess you dont listen too much into the song, he is singing about the Vietnam war. That is my interpretation anyway. But what do I know?
Sukkii25 6 months ago
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I guess you dont listen too much into the song, he is singing about the Vietnam war. That is my interpretation anyway.
Sukkii25 6 months ago
I guess you dont listen too much into the song, he is singing about the Vietnam war. That is my interpretation anyway
Sukkii25 6 months ago
I heard that "American Pie" was the name of the plane that crashed killing Buddy Holly, The BIg Bopper,and Richie Valens. Fact or fiction ? I would like to know!
spider62able 6 months ago
Thank-you so much for this video.
missionrd100 6 months ago
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"Don Mclean said the song didn't mean anything..... he just said its a song"
Asked once what it meant he said, "It means that if I don't want to. I don't have to work again."
lagerhound 6 months ago
CTYers put your PCTYed hands up
96DoulbleE 6 months ago
One of the greatest songs ever
holyhellbombsfromshi 6 months ago
Don Mclean said the song didn't mean anything..... he just said its a song
bobdolelostbad 6 months ago
The Untold Story, Pt.1
The story of the coin toss is legend, but it isn't true. The Big Bopper, Jape Richardson, was sick, but Ritchie Valens had a sore throat, and the heater on the bus wasn't working properly so Waylon Jennings gave up his seat to Ritchie Valens; their was no "coin toss".
CounterCultureLives 6 months ago
@CounterCultureLives The untold Story, Pt.2
Another part of the untold story is that they had all been drinking heavily. The pilot who was supposed to fly them refused to take off because their was a strong likelihood of ice buildup on ice on the wings, and in the engine carburetor. The Big Bopper, Jape Richardson, who was the "alpha dog" of the group, fired the pilot, and hired Roger Peterson; Peterson was only 21, and was not a highly experienced pilot. The rest is history.
CounterCultureLives 6 months ago
Being a child of the 90's, I grew up with these kinds of songs, but only until i was around 7. Then we lost all of our good songs, and now all we have to listen to is replays. This is one of my all time favourite songs, and seeing the meaning behind it adds to it's legend.
xemkis 7 months ago
I already knew most of that.
But it still sends chills up and down my back.
RdneckEntertainment1 7 months ago
Wow. I've always considered "American Pie" to be one of the songs that defined my generation. I, too, never could quite get all the references, I don't care how accurate, or not, this video is. It put a lot of puzzle pieces together for me. I'm 57 now, but this ranks in my top 5 all time faves. Thanks for making this!
miriamhyde54 7 months ago
So lovely...everything ties up beautifully, doesnt matter if its hundred percent accurate or not. Thank you!!
suraiya95 7 months ago
Roberta Flack didn't wirte "Killing Me Softly With His Song"
Lori Lieberman did, she released it in 1972. The song is based off of a poem she wrote.
talknaway1 7 months ago
Sorry, she did not write it but she is the original preformer and she wrote the poem.
talknaway1 7 months ago
I love the explanation of this video cause I was told by my parents when growing up in the 70's that it referenced drugs and it was a bad song although I always felt there was more to it that they didn't understand. Can you confirm that Waylon Jennings, who gave up his seat is the same as the country star. Thank you again.
gaylyfwd 7 months ago
@gaylyfwd Yes, it's the same Walon Jennings.
AgustaBeata 1 month ago
WaYlon Jennings...
AgustaBeata 1 month ago
This is a great video. However you did make a mix up the pickup truck does not represent sexual potency or coolness. At the time 50's-60's pickup trucks were the like driving a minivan today.
emlcompapps 7 months ago 4
The Levee was a pub that closed when McLean was young. He was forced to go to Rye, New York to drink with his friends. "Drinkin' whiskey IN Rye"???
brettdude1 7 months ago 2
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HIS NEXT CONCERT IS COMING !!! "The Next Love" at the pasadena civic, end of august !!!
bauttar 7 months ago
The story about America,,, beautiful.
RAMSEESXXXIII 7 months ago
hearing this in 2011 and will hear it over and over again even at 2111....
vickedv5 8 months ago
Fascinating video and well done. Just another bit of trivia:
"Well I know that your in love with him
'Cause I saw you dancing in the gym
You both kicked off your shoes
And I dig those rhythm and blues"
Isn't this a reference to the 'sock hop'. American schoolkids use to dance to records on the wooden floor in the gym and had to take their shoes off first..
lagerhound 8 months ago
Beautiful illustration of one of the masterpiece songs of the 20th century. Great work!
Just two more bits of trivia that were missing: "American Pie" was actually the name of the plane that crashed, and "The Levy" was the name of Don McLean's favourite pub (which was closed on the day he learned about the accident - man, would he have needed a stiff drink then!)
saschaleib 8 months ago 2
@saschaleib The plane was NOT named "American Pie"; that's an urban legend. The plane had no name, just the usual call numbers.
rmar67 7 months ago
@saschaleib The plane was not called "The American Pie." That is a popular belief but it is wrong. The plane was chartered from Dwyer's Flying Service which did not name any of their planes.
elviscash56 4 months ago
@saschaleib you're half right. The Levy was the pub, but I've met the man who owns the wreckage of the plane and it has no name.
lonestarsound 1 month ago
@lonestarsound OK, I admit half-defeat then ;-) Thanks for all the research. Great video!
saschaleib 1 month ago
who is circled at 6:04?
bugboy5577 8 months ago
i miss Buddy Holly Ritchie Valens & The Big Bopper. D:
xEdddie 8 months ago
what event is the picture at 7:05
alphawolfRidge 8 months ago
@alphawolfRidge a protest agenst the war turned violent when police fired on some of the protesters
bugboy5577 8 months ago
@alphawolfRidge
The Kent State massacre.
rmar67 7 months ago
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Song Based On Real Life Story and music history of America.. I love his passion about music.. 10 Years he has been writing this song.. his music won't die any day.
asaraf28 8 months ago
Song Based On Real Life Story and music history of America.. I love his passion about music.. 10 Years he has been writing this song.. his music won't die any day.
asaraf28 8 months ago 6
The Jester just turned 70 and he is still going strong.
mldnathai 8 months ago
@JoeMcBadass Well I agree that there are not near as many greats as there were generations ago;but I also like Taylor Swift and Eminem.I also love the song "As Long as You Love Me" by The Backstreet Boys.
brian6078 8 months ago
@JoeMcBadass your generation also has many great musicians;every generation has them.I am 51 and I often find hear new singers and bands that are great.
brian6078 8 months ago
Oh man, this composition is simply awsome! I'm only 21 and from Brasil, whos suposed to be born in 60's USA, i love this song, this era of songs, where the music had a meaning, even if it was just to make people think, today no one thinks anymore, the computer does it for them. This is the culture that need to be put on the spotlight, you know. It's ridiculous, now in octuber/2011 will have the ROCK'n'rio, ROCK, but there'll be shows of Kate Perry, Rihana (nothing against them),but it aint rock!
FelipeSouzaRodrigues 8 months ago 2
This was pretty good. I was 13 when the song came out, and the only thing I would point out is that I think the "Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet" ad campaign came out well after this song did. I think the expression, "As American as Apple Pie" was an old expression, and McLean was symbolizing how the innocent 50's gave way to the turbulent 60's. The plane crash, after all, came at the cusp of the new decade.
BrianMChampion 9 months ago
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I think the part where the jester takes the king's crown, speaks for "you and me" and ends up in a courtroom is about Muhammad Ali (he met the Beatles the day he fought Sonny Liston, and he entered the ring in a robe that Elvis Presley had given to him)
FijneWIET 9 months ago
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FijneWIET 9 months ago
I think the song is about mourning the loss of freedom in America. That's the beauty of any art form. It can be interpreted many different ways and we can all take what we want from it.
DJNutmucker 9 months ago
@varsity65sup Back then it seemed so much was going on in California, I went out there myself.. there were all kinds of new religions and new idea popping up. Most of it was just BS but it was there and people were listening to it... I think thats what it means...
deewkay1