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Don McLean Serves Us A Delicious American Pie (Patreon)

Published:
2025-01-15 16:08:14
Imported:
2026-06
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If this is representative of Don McLean’s work, he is worthy of the title American Troubadour. What a lovely song!

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Chester Beals

Can't view on browser. Edit: Fixed now! Edited more: This song got played A LOT on the radio, to the point where the masses got a little oversaturated with it and started dismissing it as kitsch. Unfortunate, as it's really a great song. Don McLean has written/performed some really great songs, a deeper dive into him would be rewarding.

DJ Marquis Marc Rambeau du Tacoma

VINCENT (about Vincent Van Gogh) and EMPTY CHAIR are two other good songs from Don. I first heard this when it was released in 1971 (age 10)... and quite liked it. However, I liked it less when I understood better how much Don hated The Rolling Stones... Don speaks of The Marching Band (Sgt. Pepper) being taken over by the Devil's greatest friend: HELTER SKELTER [Beatles song from 1968] in a summer swelter The birds [here he means the band, The Byrds] flew off with a fallout shelter EIGHT MILES HIGH [a Byrds psychedelic song] and falling fast It landed foul on the grass The players tried for a forward pass With the jester [Bob Dylan, most likely] on the sidelines in a cast Now the halftime air was sweet perfume While the sergeants [The Beatles] played a marching tune We all got up to dance Oh, but we never got the chance 'Cause the players [who played rock, not rock'n'roll] tried to take the field The marching band refused to yield [but The Beatles were players too] Do you recall what was revealed The day the music died? Oh, and there we were all in one place A generation [hippie baby boomers, like me] lost in space With no time left to start again So come on, Jack be nimble, Jack be quick [JUMPING] JACK FLASH [hit song by Mick and the Stones] sat on a candlestick 'Cause fire is the devil's only friend Oh, and as I watched him [Mick Jagger, presumably] on the stage My hands were clenched in fists of rage No angel born in Hell Could break that Satan's spell __________________ And while Lennin read a book on Marx The quartet practiced in the park And we sang dirges in the dark The day the music died FYI: Don McLean intentionally spelled "Lennon" as "Lennin", because Lennon flirted with far-left ideologies... Vladimir Lenin was a leader of the communist revolution in Russia.

Nicholas Costello

Would lkove to hear your thoughts on Don’s song Vincent.

Ye_Humble_Scrivener

From innocence to experience to disillusionment, as reflected through the music of the era. I've always assumed that the "jester" in the second verse is Bob Dylan. I don't think there's any doubt that "Satan" is Mick Jagger, and the verse as a whole refers to Altamont, the post-Woodstock rock festival that the Stones organized and headlined. The band had the bright idea to hire the Hells Angels as stage security, and pay them with all the beer they could drink. (What could go wrong?) Things got very ugly very quickly, as the Angels attacked the crowd with weighted pool cues, beat the crap out of Marty Balin of Jefferson Airplane when he tried to intervene, and knifed a black man to death while the Stones were performing. Altamont is often held up as symbolic of the end counterculture idealism, and the Sixties in general.

DJ Marquis Marc Rambeau du Tacoma
>>161391240

VINCENT is McClean's most beautiful and heartfelt song. I heard the song (as a kid in the early 70s) long BEFORE I ever knew of Van Gogh, the artist... ...but, you know, when I finally did learn about the Impressionists/Post-Impressionists/Expressionists (the artists that I most truly admire and take inspiration from - on an impossibly lower level, naturally), I knew Don's song VINCENT had kind of prepared me for his story and art. And, seriously, Nicholas, that's really pretty nifty for a "random" song that used to play on the radio, don't you think?

Alan

I had no idea what a "levee" was until Hurricane Katrina when there were concerns about the levee's breaching. It's a song that keeps on giving and teaching, no matter how many times you hear it. So happy to have seen Don Mclean in Hyde Park, London, in 1975. Looking forward to reading member's "de-coding" of the lyrics!

Misty Bastian

As always, Amy, I very much enjoyed your analysis of American Pie. It was nice to hear a reaction to it that doesn’t have all the baggage of rock history that most of us who first heard it in 71 carried with us as we listened. I note that DJ Marquis Marc Rambeau du Tacoma has given you a head’s up to the Beatles’ appearance as St. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and to the identity of the Devil. (I do think that Jim Morrison is lurking around there, too, in the reference to “fire is the devil’s only friend,” but maybe you haven’t encountered the Doors’ Light My Fire yet.) I’d add that most of us from the Day consider the Jester to be Dylan, here sidelined by a motorcycle accident. McLean, being a folkie, probably preferred his earlier incarnation singing “in a voice that came from you and me.” (Covert reference to Woody Guthrie’s This Land Is Your Land, maybe. Which Dylan would approve.) The identities of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost remain controversial. But taking the last train for the Coast seems to imply that the music scene is going to be run out of LA from that point on, and McLean isn’t sure that’s a good thing at all. I just want to add that I was once in a Trader Joe’s in Wilmington, DE, buying some frozen food, when American Pie came on over the speakers. The African American guy down the aisle from me started singing along, followed by the suburban white lady with the shopping cart. I thought, “Why not?” So I started singing it, too. By the time that the song was over, the entire store had joined in. Well, I guess, what else could you do on a Thursday afternoon in March in Wilmington, DE? (I’m not from there, but it gave me a good impression of Wilmington.) Maybe the Library of Congress is onto something with their list.

DJ Marquis Marc Rambeau du Tacoma
>>161392636

Good commentary. The year was circa 1971 (and I'm 10 years old)... and my mom and dad drove my sister and I to Reno, NV from Los Gatos CA in order to watch a Raiders football game that was blacked out where we lived. Mom and dad dropped us off at the theater to see Gene Wilder in CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY... which, for me, at that age and in that time, was really a hoot... ...so while my younger sister is watching chocolate being made, I go down to the concessions and find a $5 bill [that's nearly $40, adjusted for inflation... I just checked] on the floor... (ground score!)... pretty memorable, which is almost why I'm recounting this story (and... I'm just bored right now ;)... ...but instead of turning left for Charlie and the factory story... I turn right to see GIMME SHELTER... (I was a Rolling Stones fan even at age 10)... the documentary on the disastrous ALTAMONT concert that you speak of... which was only across the Bay from where I lived at the time. Yes... I truly think Vlad and Amy should watch the following three films, which will better inform her of the music that informed most all other rock musicians who followed: 1967 INTERNATIONAL MONTEREY POP FESTIVAL (by filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker) 1969 WOODSTOCK FESTIVAL (by filmmaker Michael Wadleigh) 1969 ALTAMONT FESTIVAL ("GIMME SHELTER" by filmmaker Albert Mayles)

Lior Goell

The lyrics remind me of T.S Elliot (not in structure or style - don't hang me) in the sense of how saturated it is with references that are both classical, popular contemporary (For the time) , theological and mystical - all in an obscure way

Peter Buwen

Don McLean is a brilliant observer and a great lyricist. In my opinion, the song is extremely important. The lyrics have been discussed for decades and I have spent a long time studying it. I believe I understand most of the details in the song today and have made a video with an interpretation of the song myself. If you like, you can watch it on my YouTube channel.

MARK Stacy
>>161389388

"Fire is the devil's only friend" - "Fire" was a reference to the song FIRE by the Crazy World of Aurthur Brown (1968).

Ron

As much as I appreciate this song, McLean's "Vincent" is at least as well written and even more powerful!

Peter Buwen

To your final words: I believe that music is always divine first and foremost. It is what people, who are created in the image of God, can create themselves. But Satan always tries to take control of all human creations. In the case of rock music: has he succeeded?

DJ Marquis Marc Rambeau du Tacoma
>>161393817

Wait until Amy gets to LED ZEP IV (Zoso, to some of us) with Memphis Minnie's account of an actual levee break, with what is one of the heavy beats ever recorded by man: WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS. No... Zep didn't give, as usual, any songwriting credits from where they "bit" (to use a hip-hop term) their music from.

MARK Stacy
>>161389388

...I've read that in one analysis. Could be including more than one example in one metaphor.

Alan
>>161396072

Wow. It’s a song you just have to sing too, especially when you are on the move somewhere.

Michael LaPorte
>>161397838

As well Dylan's symbolist period, like the lengthy, tangled allusions in Highway 61 and Desolation Row. And Dylan was certainly reading a lot of Elliot (and Rimbaud, Ginsberg).

George Brady

Amy, what a sensitive and eloquent analysis of this timeless happy/sad song. When this first bounced out of the radio in my little Volkswagen, my girlfriend and I were nodding along with the beat right away while continuing our conversation, but suddenly it was "Wait! What did he just say?" which began years of discussions. Thank you!

DJ Marquis Marc Rambeau du Tacoma
>>161397838

"Dylan's symbolist period..." you speak of Mr. Tambourine Man and Chimes of Freedom... yes? My ABSOLUTE favorite period of his! (The new Dylan movie is excellent, btw, imo.) The two songs I mention are definitely influenced by Symbolist poet, Arthur Rimbaud: University of Exeter professor Martin Sorrell argues that Rimbaud was and remains influential in not only literary and artistic circles but political spheres as well, having inspired anti-rationalist revolutions in America, Italy, Russia, and Germany. Sorrell praises Rimbaud as a poet whose "reputation stands very high today", pointing out his influence on musicians Jim Morrison, Bob Dylan, Luis Alberto Spinetta, Patti Smith, and writer Octavio Paz. Dylan has referred to Rimbaud multiple times over his career,  including in the track "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go" - Wikipedia article on Rimbaud

DJ Marquis Marc Rambeau du Tacoma
>>161389388

Mark [great name, btw ;] - it's just that in the line prior, Don mentions JUMPING JACK FLASH. Misty Bastian commented above that Jim Morrison must be lurking [a cool Genesis song, btw: LURKER] around here somewhere, because of the song LIGHT MY FIRE. As a songwriter of some ill-repute, I will add this: "could be including more than one example in one metaphor..." - yeah - couldn't have said it better myself.

William McDonald

Nice review Amy. This was required at many house parties I went to. Everyone singing along. Great fun.

Paul D. Hoffmaster III

I had got back from my time for the War, just got married, and was in my last year in the Air Force in Kansas when this song came out. To say that it was played often on the Rock Station would be a great under statement. I never looked deep into the lyrics, over the years, to see what others said about them, even the writer's, so I could keep my thoughts on them my own, as much as possible. But now, they are deep enough in my mind that I can see what others have to say about the song. Not that I didn't hear others talk about the song when it first came out, but there was no easy way to verify it than. InterWHAT? Good review Amy, and I hope you visit the song again sometime, looking deeper to see what you have found.

Scott
>>161392636

The 1971 film version of Ronald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was titled Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Mike Clancey

I was not expecting that, glad you got to listen to it. There's so much to try to decipher that you almost forget the music. But the music is such a great vehicle for the song. Yes, Vincent is a really beautiful piece that he does.

Siôn Hewitt

Wonderful song of our times. Wonderful review too. All the more emotive once you know the Buddy Holy story. Some songs to review there too ! That’ll be the Day !

Julian Ortiz
>>161401338

This is a place for all opinions. Skip the ones you don’t like and leave it at that.

Julian Ortiz

I loved this. I believe this is one of the most culturally important songs of the Golden Era of Rock and Roll. The lyrics are obviously from Don McLean’s perspective, but they’re brilliantly written in a way that everyone who hears it, and is familiar with the historical references made, is clear on what they’re about, but also recognize that they could also have a second of third meaning as well. The song is an enigma in that sense. Just when I think it means one thing, another possibility comes to mind that fits a little better. I agree the song is hopeful and uplifting, but I have to admit this is one of those songs that brings tears to my eyes and gives me a lump in my throat for nostalgic reasons. I’m not sure if anyone mentioned this yet, but one of the things I really appreciate is the vocal delivery. The way Don McLean stretches words or syllables to help them fit into the rhythmic measures of the song is genius. It has caused me to mishear the lyrics over the years. Side Note: the song “Killing Me Softly with His Song” by Lori Lieberman is about Don McLean. The song was made famous by Robert Flack. This was an excellent first listen and analysis, Amy. As always, I really enjoyed your insight.

RAD1

'Empty Chairs' is the third great song off this album, a simpler but moving masterpiece.

Rea Lavi

"Helter skelter in the summer swell" never noticed that before

Rea Lavi

The shifts from style/genre to style are so well done

TangoEliott

Classic song that one can never tire of.

Margaret Posner

I agree with you about how great this song is. I would love for you to break it down more (if you want to) in an academic way. So many components that make it appealing, but I don’t have the musical education you do to describe it.

Jordan Crosno

Woody Guthrie would be good, so would a dive into the Weavers.

Rea Lavi
>>161487295

Yes I would love an in-depth as well! And Amy will learn a ton of rock history from it

Andy G

I hope you react to “Vincent” off of the same album!

jimdkc

So iconic, this song! Takes me right back to high school. We spent hours figuring out the lyrics back then! I still get misty listening to it... You should definitely dig in to Richie Valens, the Big Bopper, and especially Buddy Holly... I always say I was born 10 years too late... I should have been a child of the 50's-60's instead of 60's-70's! Waylon Jennings was supposed to be on that flight, but gave up his seat to J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper) because Richardson was ill... Couple hints (you may have figured out anyway...) The Jester = Bob Dylan. The girl who sang the blues who just smiled and turned away = Janis Joplin. Lennon read a book on Marx = The Beatles changing styles... You might want to look for Don's live version of this on YouTube... Just him, a guitar, and the audience. He also does quite a bit of playing around vocally and the audience joins in on the chorus. It's wonderful. And finally... If you're not familiar with it, check out Roberta Flack's song "Killing Me Softly (With His Song)". It's lyrics were inspired by a Don McLean performance that one of the song writers (Lori Lieberman) had attended (and she's not even credited for it!) I loved your analysis!

Joe Cunningham

Decoding a few obvious lyrics for fun: “Sargents played a marching tune” probably refers to The Beatles and the Sgt. Pepper album. “We were all there in one place, a generation lost in space” sounds like Woodstock to me. And “Jack Flash” is likely the Rolling Stones (not sure if Amy is familiar with their song “Jumping Jack Flash”). I wonder if any of these ones I mentioned were debunked by McLean. I really want to know who the Jester is. Dylan?

Terence colin Shortman

Apple Pie not really an American Pie Originating in the 14th century in England, Lattice pastry styles were found from the 17th century alongside the more traditional dome shaped pie crust. Apple pie was brought to the colonies by the English, the Dutch, and the Swedes during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Terence colin Shortman

Vincent by Don is another song you should check out he defiantly was a poet.

Joe Wright
>>161634580

The jester wearing a jacket like James Dean is Dylan for sure. And Lennin(on) read a book on Marx.

Rob Reed

It's not really religious though. It's really an allegory comparing music to religion (Christianity). For example "'A girl who sang the blues' is Janis Joplin, and 'The Father, Son and Holy Ghost' refers both to the three singers who died on Buddy Holly's plane (Holly himself, Richie Valens and J P Richardson, the Big Bopper) and to the three most prominent assassination victims of the sixties, Martin Luther King, Bobby Kennedy and JFK." https://www.theguardian.com/notesandqueries/query/0,5753,-1182,00.html

Rob Reed

Note: McLean is pronounced maclayn.

hgf

There are two "days the music died". The first when Buddy Holly died and the second was the free concert at Altamont. (not Woodstock). The song first tracks the decline of innocence (dancing in the gym etc) through to the 3 men he admires most giving up and emigrating. The song introduces the Stones earlier with" moss grows fat on a rolling stone" and again at the concert. Look up the concert and you will see that a concert, organised in 2 days, with 250,000 pitching up (3X the capacity) with the Hell's gels handling the security (paid with $500 of beer), protecting a vulnerable low stage from a drug and drink fuelled crowd, might not have been a great idea. As Mick Jagger sand on stage ("as I watched him on the stage") a young black man was beaten and stabbed to death in front of the stage. No angel born in hell......,

hgf

Further to my previous post : watch https://youtu.be/CjEPQ6YLGBk to get the backdrop for Altamont. The re-listen to the song and see how the brilliant lyrics move thorugh the 50's and sixties and use songs to highlight the changes. The Monotone s "Book of Love" ,"If tghe bible tells me so" etc. Once you watch the Altamont video above, you will never listen to American Pie the same. Incidentally, "the levee" was a drinking hole in NY.

hgf

When you listen to Vincent please have an image of Vincent Von Gogh's "Starry Night"painting. The song by itself i fantastic. When reviewing whilst viewing the painting, it becomes an absolute work of art in itself. If you are familiar with the song, re-listen in this way to get a completely new experience.

WayneC
>>161389388

Helter Skelter may also refer to the events that occurred in California that were inspiredby a twisted mind's interpretation of the song.

Jeff Boice

Amy, the original lyrics/manuscript for American Pie were auctioned off in 2015 for $1.2 Million. Pretty amazing.