Fifty years after the release of “American Pie,” one of the most memorable and beloved songs in rock history, Don McLean is still asked about his magnum opus. A twisting, turning, roller coaster of 868 words—some of which could be heard as references to people, places and events—the most common question that McLean is asked to this day is: “What does that song mean?” McLean has never publicly indulged anyone with a verse-by-verse explanation because, to him, there is no literal answer. But McLean is more than happy to talk about the song, his inspirations for it, and how it impacted so many lives, including his own. From sold-out concerts to television appearances to books, Don McLean is proud of the song for which he will always be known. In this special commemorative, the first of its kind with words and pictures from McLean himself, Insights will be revealed. So will McLean's answer to what he feels is the best question: “What is it about ‘American Pie’ that is so powerful and enduring?”
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
THE BOY DOWN THE BLOCK • A long, long time ago I can still remember how that music Used to make me smile
HERO WORSHIP • 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
TRAGEDIES • 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
SALVATION • And I knew if I had my chance That I could make those people dance And maybe they’d be happy for a while
DREAMS • I was a lonely teenage broncin’ buck With a pink carnation and a pickup truck
LESSONS LEARNED • Now, do you believe in rock ’n’ roll Can music save your mortal soul
THE SONG • We were singin’, bye-bye, Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry Them good ol’ boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye Singin’, “This’ll be the day that I die This’ll be the day that I die”
PERSPECTIVE • 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
LEGACY • Do you recall what was revealed The day the music died?
Don McLean’s American Pie
PHOTO CREDITS