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American Pie (song)

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"American Pie"
Song
B-side"Empty Chairs" (promo)
"American Pie part 2" (first release)

"American Pie" is a folk rock song by American singer-songwriter Don McLean. Recorded and released on the American Pie album in 1971, the single was a #1 U.S. hit for four weeks in 1972. A re-release in 1991 did not chart in the U.S., but reached #2 in the UK. The song is a recounting of "The Day the Music Died"---the 1959 plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper (Jiles Perry Richardson, Jr.). The song was listed as the #5 song on the RIAA project Songs of the Century. "American Pie" is Don McLean's signature song.

Background

The song is well known for its cryptic lyrics that have long been the subject of curiosity and speculation. Although McLean dedicated the American Pie album to Buddy Holly, none of the musicians in the plane crash are identified by name in the song itself. When asked what "American Pie" meant, McLean replied, "It means I never have to work again."[1] Later, he more seriously stated, "You will find many interpretations of my lyrics but none of them by me.... Sorry to leave you all on your own like this but long ago I realized that songwriters should make their statements and move on, maintaining a dignified silence."[2]

McLean has generally avoided responding to direct questions about the song lyrics ("They’re beyond analysis. They’re poetry.")[3] except to acknowledge that he did first learn about Buddy Holly's death while folding newspapers for his paper route on the morning of February 3, 1959 (the line "February made me shiver/with every paper I'd deliver"). He also stated in an editorial published on the 50th anniversary of the crash in 2009 that writing the first verse of the song exorcised his long-running grief over Holly's death.

The third verse begins "Now ten years we've been on our own"[4]. So we can assume that this verse and perhaps the rest of the song refers to some time around 1969 (ten years after Holly's death). According to one interpretation[5] much of the rest of the song refers to events of the 1960s, particularly illustrating how once unified, peaceful, and idealistic youth movements (see Hippie) began to split apart, how the death of JFK was used by as the symbolic "loss of innocence" for 1960s youth[6], leading up to the Altamont Free Concert, a symbolic end of 1960s youth movements[7].

The concert at Altamont took place in December 1969, the same year in which the third verse in American Pie opens. Lines from American Pie, particularly in the fifth verse, may refer to this event[8][9][10][11][12]. It was supposed to be a second Woodstock Festival, but instead was characterized by drugs and violence[13]. (Reference the death of 18 year old Meredith Hunter[14].) Sociologist Todd Gitlin says of Altamont, "Who could any longer harbor the illusion that these hundreds of thousands of spoiled star-hungry children of the Lonely Crowd were the harbingers of a good society?"[15]. Given the year the song was released, the date suggested in the third verse, and the themes of loss of innocence that exist throughout the song, embodied by Holly's death[16], it is not unlikely that American Pie was inspired by the events at Altamont, although McLean has never indicated so.

Many American AM and FM rock radio stations released printed interpretations and some devoted entire shows to discussing and debating the song's lyrics, resulting in both controversy and intense listener interest in the song. Some examples are the real-world identities of the "Jester", "King and Queen", "Satan", "Girl Who Sang the Blues", and other characters referenced in the verses. Also Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and The Big Bopper are often thought to be referred to as "The Father, Son, and The Holy Ghost."

References in the song

Notable references are based on interpretations of the song by Bob Dearborn[17] and Jim Fann.[18]

Charts

Chart (1971) Peak
Position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 1
U.S. Billboard Easy Listening 1
Canadian RPM Top Singles 1
Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary Tracks 1
Australian Kent Music Report 1
New Zealand Singles Chart 1
UK Singles Chart 2
Norwegian Singles Chart 9
Dutch Singles Chart 10

Parodies, revisions and uses

In 1999, "Weird Al" Yankovic did a Star Wars-inspired lyrical adaptation of "American Pie". Entitled "The Saga Begins", the song recounts the plot of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace through the eyes of Obi-Wan Kenobi. While McLean gave permission for the parody, he did not make a cameo appearance in its video, despite popular rumor. McLean stated he was very pleased with the parody. He even admits to almost singing Yankovic's lyrics at live shows, because his children played the song so often.[20][21]

Former Grateful Dead keyboardist Tom Constanten played an adapted version of "American Pie" when opening for Jefferson Starship on August 9, 2005, the tenth anniversary of Jerry Garcia's death. Constanten altered the lyrics to allude to Jerry's death and how he heard the news by a phone call from Bruce Hornsby.

In the finale of the 5th Season of That '70s Show Kelso sings his version of the song. Trying to impress Jackie and stop her from going back to Hyde with the lyrics "the day Hyde lied. So bye bye Mr. Steven Hyde" and etc.

The City of Grand Rapids, Michigan in response to a Newsweek article stating the city was "dying", created a Lib Dub video to "American Pie" in an attempt to challenge the article.[22] The video is hailed by many as a fantastic performance, including Roger Ebertwho said it is "the greatest music video ever made."[23]

Cover versions

A few cover versions have been made over the years. The first English language cover version was by The Brady Bunch in 1972, but a Spanish translation sung by voice actor Francisco Colmenero surfaced around Mexico in 1971. A very significant version, also in Spanish, was recorded in 1984 by the Nicaraguan singer Hernaldo Zúñiga. (Eduardo Fonseca recorded a cover version of the translation in 2000.) Ska punk band Catch 22 made a ska version which became a staple of their live show, released in several versions. Alternative rock band Killdozer recorded a thrashing, ironic version of the song in 1989.

As heard on Live, Mott the Hoople opened mid-1970s concerts with singer Ian Hunter performing the first verse on solo piano up to the phrase the day the music died. Hunter would then add "or did it?", and the full band would segue into the next number.[24]

British a cappella group King's Singers covered the song for their 1993 album 'Good Vibrations.

Chris de Burgh covered the song in 2008 on the album Footsteps.

Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder has sung the chorus of "American Pie" over the outro music of "Daughter" during select live performances.

It was also Hong Kong pop superstar Leslie Cheung's breakthrough song.

Madonna

"American Pie"
Song

Background

American pop star Madonna released a cover version of the song in March 2000 to promote the soundtrack to her film The Next Best Thing (2000). Her cover is much shorter than the original (it contains only the beginning of the first verse and all of the second and sixth verses) and was recorded as a pop-dance song. It was co-produced by Madonna and William Orbit, after Rupert Everett (Madonna's co-star in The Next Best Thing) had convinced her to cover the song for the film's soundtrack. Due to the success of the single, it was included as a bonus track on her 2000 studio album Music, making the song the first single of the new album; however it was not available on the North American version. Madonna explained in a 2001 interview on BBC Radio 1 with Jo Whiley, the reason that the song was omitted from her 2001 greatest hits compilation GHV2: "It was something a certain record company executive twisted my arm into doing, but it didn't belong on the (Music) album so now it's being punished".

Reception

Released in March 2000, the song was a big worldwide hit, reaching #1 in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Italy, Germany (her first since "La Isla Bonita", in 1987), Switzerland, Austria, and Finland. The song was the 19th best selling of 2000 in the UK. The single was not released commercially in the United States, but it reached #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 due to strong radio airplay. NME gave it a negative review, saying that it was a "sub-karaoke fluff" and that "it's a blessing she didn't bother recording the whole thing."[25] Chuck Taylor from Billboard on the other hand, was impressed by the recording and commented, "Applause to Madonna for not pandering to today's temporary trends and for challenging programmers to broaden their playlists. [...] In all, a fine preview of the forthcoming soundtrack to The Next Best Thing."[26] Don McLean himself praised the cover, saying it was "a gift from a goddess", and that her version is "mystical and sensual."[27] According to The Official Charts Company, the song has sold 385,000 copies there.[28]

Music video

File:Americanpiemusicvideo.jpg
Madonna in the music video for "American Pie".

The music video, filmed in London[29] directed by Philipp Stölzl, depicts a diverse array of Americans, including scenes showing a lesbian and a gay couple kissing. Two official versions of the video were produced, the first of which now appears on Madonna's greatest-hits DVD compilation, Celebration, and was released as the official video worldwide. The second version was issued along with the "Humpty Remix", a more upbeat and dance-friendly version of the song. This video was aired on MTV's dance channel in the United States to promote the film The Next Best Thing, starring Madonna and Rupert Everett; it contains totally different footage and new outtakes of the original and omits the lesbian kiss. Everett, who provides backing vocals in the song, is also featured in the video.

Track listings and formats

Charts and certifications

References

  1. ^ Howard, Dr. Alan. "The Don McLean Story: 1970–1976". Don-McLean.com. Retrieved 2007-06-03.
  2. ^ "What is Don McLean's song "American Pie" all about?". The Straight Dope. 1993-05-14. Retrieved 2007-06-03.
  3. ^ "American Pie". Don McLean.com.
  4. ^ http://www.don-mclean.com/viewsong.asp?id=89
  5. ^ http://understandingamericanpie.com/
  6. ^ http://understandingamericanpie.com/60s.htm
  7. ^ http://understandingamericanpie.com/altamont.htm
  8. ^ http://understandingamericanpie.com/vs5.htm
  9. ^ http://www.elivermore.com/photos/Hist_lvr_altamont3.htm
  10. ^ http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1885895_1885893_1885875,00.html
  11. ^ https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/~jdevor/links/TheMeaningOfAmericanPie.htm
  12. ^ http://www.wright.edu/cola/Dept/eng/blakelock/rockweb2/rockpgs/w99/ampie2.htm
  13. ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altamont_Free_Concert
  14. ^ http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/05/26/ALTAMONT.TMP
  15. ^ http://understandingamericanpie.com/altamont.htm
  16. ^ http://understandingamericanpie.com/chorus.htm
  17. ^ Dearborn, Bob (2002-08-10). "Bob Dearborn's Original Analysis of Don McLean's 1971 Classic "American Pie"".
  18. ^ Fann, Jim. "Understanding American Pie". Historically oriented interpretation of "American Pie". The interpretation was specifically noted on in an archived version of McLean's website page on "American Pie".
  19. ^ http://www.rockpostercollector.com/BGletter.html
  20. ^ ""Ask Al" Q&As for September, 1999". Archived from the original on 2006-09-02. Retrieved 2006-10-29.
  21. ^ "Jedi Council – Interviews Weird Al Yankovic". TheForce.Net. 1980-09-14. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  22. ^ The Grand Rapids Lib Dub http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/06/01/136816940/the-grand-rapids-lip-dub-a-giant-street-party-set-to-music
  23. ^ The greatest music video ever made http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/music/the-greatest-music-video-ever.html
  24. ^ Perkins, Adrian. "Mott The Hoople track finder". Mott The Hoople and Ian Hunter. Adrian Perkins. Retrieved 2007-12-20. This 1974 set opener would segue neatly into The Golden Age of Rock n Roll
  25. ^ American Pie – Track Reviews.
  26. ^ Taylor, Chuck (2000-02-12). "Spotlight: Madonna "American Pie"". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 2010-04-28.
  27. ^ "Madonna : Don McLean Praises Madonna's 'American Pie' – Rhapsody Music Downloads". VH1.com. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  28. ^ "Madonna: The Official Top 40". MTV. MTV Networks. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  29. ^ Ciccone, Christopher (2008) 'Life with my Sister Madonna', Simon & Schuster: New York, p278
  30. ^ "Madonna – American Pie". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  31. ^ "Madonna – American Pie". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  32. ^ "Madonna – American Pie". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  33. ^ "Madonna – American Pie". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  34. ^ "Madonna – American Pie". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  35. ^ "Madonna – American Pie". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  36. ^ "Madonna – American Pie". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  37. ^ "Madonna – American Pie". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  38. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Steffen Hung. "lescharts.com". lescharts.com. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  39. ^ "Allmusic". Allmusic. 1958-08-16. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  40. ^ "Top40.nl". Top40.nl. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  41. ^ http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=866989
  42. ^ Salaverri, Fernando (2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN 978-84-8048-639-2. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Missing pipe in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  43. ^ "chartstats.com". chartstats.com. 2000-06-24. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  44. ^ a b c Billboard chart peaks Billboard.com. Retrieved 22 June 2009.
  45. ^ http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations-singles-2000.htm
  46. ^ "IFPI Austria – Verband der Österreichischen Musikwirtschaft" (in Template:De icon). Ifpi.at. Retrieved 2010-05-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  47. ^ http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/page-259165.xml?year=2000&type=6
  48. ^ ÅR 2000
  49. ^ Steffen Hung. "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community". Swisscharts.com. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
  50. ^ http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/search.aspx

Further reading

Official

Unofficial

Transcriptions

Preceded by U.S. Billboard Hot 100 number-one single
(Don McLean version)
January 15, 1972 (four weeks) 		Succeeded by
Australian Kent Music Report number-one single
(Don McLean version)
March 6, 1972 – April 2, 1972 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Billboard Easy Listening Singles number-one single (Don McLean version)
January 15, 1972 (3 weeks) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
"The Chase" by Giorgio Moroder vs. Jam & Spoon
 Billboard Hot Dance Club Play number-one single (Madonna version)
April 1, 2000 		Succeeded by
"Think It Over" by Jennifer Holliday
Preceded by Swedish Singles Chart number-one single (Madonna version)
March 23, 2000 – March 30, 2000 		Succeeded by
Preceded by UK Singles Chart number-one single (Madonna version)
March 5, 2000 – March 12, 2000 		Succeeded by
Preceded by German Singles Chart number-one single (Madonna version)
March 10, 2000 – March 17, 2000 		Succeeded by
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