American Pie (song)

American Pie is a song by Don McLean. It was recorded the title in 1971 and published in the same year on the album American Pie. The song reached the top spot in 1972 in the U.S. singles chart and number 2 in the UK. It tells the story of rock ' n ' roll from 1959 to 1969 and is peppered with allusions to the stars and titles that decade. Don McLean was inspired by the tragic death of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and JP Richardson, Jr. ( "The Big Bopper " ), who died as passengers on February 3, 1959 in a plane crash in Iowa (USA).

History

The song became famous mainly for its allusive text, which has for years maintained an interest in education awake and triggered a flood of speculation. The album American Pie is indeed expressly dedicated to Buddy Holly, mentioned by name in the song, however, none of the musicians who came with him in a plane crash. Don McLean has hardly commented on the text. When asked what the title American Pie mean, he replied: " It means I never have to work again. " Later he remarked something serious and said: " There are many interpretations of my text, but do not come from me [ ... ] I'm sorry if I can not help you there, but I realized long ago that songwriters make their statements, but then turn to other things and keep on what has been dignified silence should. "

McLean has also always refused to answer questions about specific details in his song: " They elude interpretation. They are poetry " is an exception to his comment the line" February made ​​me shiver / with every paper I'd deliver ". He admitted that he was just going to fold the papers for his tour as a newspaper boy when he on the morning of February 3, 1959 learned of the death of Buddy Holly on the radio.

Over the years, many radio presenters and DJs have released unofficial interpretations, and it has been supported by the Internet, emerged such thing as a " standard interpretation ". The breakdown of the essential allusions based on the interpretations of Bob Dearborn and Jim Fann. These include the following interpretations:

  • The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost = Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper and Buddy Holly
  • The day the music died = February 3, 1959
  • This'll be the day I did the play on Buddy Holly song That'll Be the Day
  • Who wrote the book of love refers to the song The Book of Love by The Monotones
  • The king Elvis Presley =
  • The queen = Connie Francis
  • The jester = Bob Dylan
  • The quartet = Beatles
  • Helter skelter quotes the Beatles song Helter Skelter
  • Eight miles high quotes the Byrds song Eight Miles High
  • The marching band = Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles
  • There we were, all in one place refers to the Woodstock Festival 1969
  • Satan laughing with delight = Mick Jagger
  • The girl who sang the blues = Janis Joplin or Billie Holiday

( Made famous by the covers of Roberta Flack and the Fugees ) The Don McLean dedicated to song Killing Me Softly with His Song by Lori Lieberman, it goes contrary to the widespread view not American Pie, but the song Empty Chairs from the album American Pie.

In the wake of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 a list of 166 songs was from the radio network " Clear Channel Communications " issued with the recommendation not to send it now. American Pie was among them.

Cover versions

American Pie has been covered many a time. Among the most famous versions of the Madonna, Catch 22, Pearl Jam and Weird Al Yankovic are. Garth Brooks sang the song on the occasion of the inauguration of Barack Obama in January 2009.

From American Pie there is also a German -language version. This was sung in the 1970s by Hans Hass Jr., the son of Hans Hass, with text based on the original version.

Helter Skelter (song) 2001 Clear Channel memorandum Catch 22 (Band)
56242
de