Tragic hidden meaning in Don McLean’s American Pie lyrics revealed – Mirror Online
What is the meaning behind Don McLean’s American Pie? Singer discusses the hidden personal meaning within the sad song 50 years after its release
50 years ago music icon Don McLean released the smash hit record ‘American Pie’ loved by music fans across the world.
Despite the cheery tune, McLean has revealed that there is a traumatic event hidden in the lyrics.
At eight minutes and 36 seconds long, it is the longest song to ever top the Billboard 100 — however fans might be surprised to hear the sad undertones of the ballad.
McLean has remained generally tight-lipped over the meaning, often choosing not to go into the details of the lyrics — even as fan websites spout endless theories.
But what do the lyrics actually mean?
Image:
Michael Ochs Archives)
Michael Ochs Archives)
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‘The day the music died’ meaning
‘The day the music died’ is the most famous line from the song.
Typically, ‘the day the music died’ is used to refer to Buddy Holly’s plane crash death.
Many believe that Buddy Holly’s death marked the end of the Rock and Roll movement in the 1950’s.
But there is another tragic meaning behind the line — which McLean has spoken about before.
Many believe that ‘the day the music died’ is a reference to his father’s tragic death.
McLean’s father died in front of him when he was 15.
“He’d turned green. I didn’t know what I was going to do without him. He was the king, the boss. He knew everything”, McLean told The Guardian.
When asked if this was the inspiration behind the lyrics, McLean told the Guardian, “I mean, that’s exactly right.
“That’s why I don’t like talking about the lyrics because I wanted to capture and say something that was almost unspeakable. It’s indescribable.”
Image:
Andre Csillag/REX/Shutterstock)
Andre Csillag/REX/Shutterstock)
Civil rights movement
As for the rest of the song, there are plenty of theories, but one verse in particular stands out.
Many believe that the song runs through the 1960s — the decade known for its liberation and also birth of the hippie movement.
Social evolution was common and younger generations became gradually more liberal, culminating in the so-called ‘summer of love in 1967’ and Woodstock festival two years later.
Music was more experimental than before and the years are also credited with sexual liberation and experimentation with drugs.
“Now, the halftime air was sweet perfume
While sergeants played a marching tune
We all got up to dance
Oh, but we never got the chance
‘Cause the players tried to take the field
The marching band refused to yield
Do you recall what was revealed
The day the music died?”
Image:
Mirrorpix)
Mirrorpix)
The ‘sergeants’ likely refer to the height of The Beatles, who were the most popular band of the decade. They released ‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ in 1967, the same summer as the summer of love.
A year later, the hippie movement was causing tension among the establishment and eventually led to civil unrest a year later, particularly in the US. At the same time, protests over the Vietnam War were taking place.
There were several protests but one, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968, stands out and was heavily cracked down on by the police.
