American Pie

[Astraz]

What is the meaning behind Don McClean's song American Pie ?

[sft42]

To quote Mr. McLean himself "It means I never have to work another day in my life"

[Starsky]

I believe it refers to how he felt when he heard that Buddy Holly was dead - "the day the music died".

[andy hughes]

I've always thoght it referred to the end of the 'Ameicn Dream' symbolised by the death of Buddy Holly, instead of the death of JFK.

[Pinotage]

Don McClean said "I have never discussed the lyrics, but have admitted to the Holly reference in the opening stanzas. I dedicated the album American Pie to Buddy Holly ..... You will find many "interpretations" of my lyrics but none of them by me. "

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This. and an annotated discussion of the meaning of every line, appears at http://www.faqs.org/faqs/music/american-pie/

[simonoly]

American Pie was the name of the light plane in which Buddy Holly died. The song is a tribute to his memory

[bluedolphin]

Good link Pinotage.....I really enjoyed the read.....I was introduced to Don McClean by my music teacher back in the seventies thru his song "starry starry night...Vincent" ahh good memories.

[levitt]

Wow, it's such an incredible song filled with so much meaning. Check out my site: www.missamericanpie.co.uk will also be further updated soon. Bye the way, the simonoly's comment about the plane that killed Buddy Holly is not correct. This was a great urban legend, that Don has denied, as does the crash report.