This week in Classic Rock Challenge, I bring you a true American classic. American Pie by Don Mclean. Who hasn't sang along to "American Pie" when it comes on the juke box, or on your car radio, even though, you know people will see you & think your crazy! "Bye, Bye, Miss American pie. Drove my chevy to the levy, but the levy was dry. Those good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey & rye. Singin', this'll be the day that I die." You guys are lucky you can't here me right now. There's a reason the nuns never let me sing in the choir! A lot has been pondered about the true meaning of this song. So here's an excerpt from the Official
Don Mclean Website.
Quote:
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Initially inspired by his memories of the death of Buddy Holly in 1959, ‘American Pie’ is autobiographical and presents an abstract story of Don McLean’s life from the mid 1950s until when he wrote the song in the late 1960s. It is almost entirely symbolised by the evolution of popular music over these years and represents a change from the lightness of the 1950s to the darkness of the late 1960s. This is also very symbolic of changing America during this era. In Don’s life the transition from light (the innocence of childhood) to the darker realities of adulthood probably started with the death of Buddy Holly and culminated with the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963 and the start of a more difficult time for America. In this 4 year period, Don moved from a fairly idyllic childhood existence, through the shock and subsequent harsh realities of his father’s death in 1961, to his decision in 1963 to quit Villanova University to pursue his dream and become a professional singer.
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Another tidbit you may not have heard before.
''Killing Me Softly With His Song' is an all time classic song and a massive number 1 hit for Roberta Flack in 1973 and The Fugees in 1997. The subject of the song is, of course, Don McLean. The story of how the song was written after Lori Lieberman saw Don in concert at the Troubadour in LA was told in a newspaper article from April 1973.
Tracks
1. American Pie
2. Till Tomorrow
3. Vincent (Starry Starry Night)
4. Crossroads
5. Winterwood
6. Empty Chairs
7. Everybody Loves Me, Baby
8. Sister Fatima
9. The Grave
10. Babylon
Now remember, You just need to interpret either the song title, or the album title into a picture. There are no other rules. For those that do not know, the song "Vincent" is about Vincent Van Gogh & his masterpiece "Starry Night". In case you were wondering. More info about Van Gogh here.
Vinnie
Now, my take. It's all in fun remember!
7. Everybody Loves Me, Baby
I have no Shame!!
