American Pie

[pegkerr]

On this date in 1959, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. (the Big Bopper) Richardson died in a plane crash in Clear Lake, Iowa. I have been listening to Don McLean's elegiac American Pie, which was released on February 3, 1971 and been searching for information on the cryptically mysterious lyrics. I found a couple of excellent sites, here and here.

I have been feeling a lot of political despair in the last several years. Here we are embroiled in a grim war embarked upon for all the wrong reasons, and a polarized, angry electorate, and it makes me think of the 60s. I couldn't bring myself to watch the State of the Union address last night. So I remind you of this date, and this song, and its sad survey of a time of turmoil in this country's life. I wish I could feel that we have come further than we have.

Comments

[cmpriest.livejournal.com]

i got to watch Don McLean play it live at a festival here a few years ago.
i had to use my press pass to get onto a bridge to do it (he was playing underneath it), and it was awesome. everyone sang along so loud that in parts i could hardly hear him ... still, it was worth it.

[marykaykare.livejournal.com]

You have just been an official Bad Influence as I immediately went to iTunes and bought the whole album...

MKK

[nmsunbear.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I read the second one, because the layout of the first hurt my eyes, and it was very interesting. Though I was perplexed at this interpretation:

'Cause fire is the devil's only friend
It's possible that this is a reference to the Grateful Dead's "Friend of the Devil."

...when Mick Jacker is mentioned in reference to the line immediately before, and much of the rest of this verse is interpreted as being in reference to the Stones and *particularly* the song "Sympathy for the Devil," which I always thought was the clear referent in that line.

Anyway, I enjoyed it and may check out the other one on a day when my eyes feel more cooperative. Thanks for the links.

[deedop.livejournal.com]

I had the opportunity to meet Don McLean years ago (working backstage at a college concert). He was quite gracious and much funnier than I would have expected from his serious music.

Thank you for the reminder of the date. Sad times, still, indeed.