American Pie Apocalypse
The catchy and unforgettable tune, “American Pie”, written and released by Don McLean in 1971, is a song that depicts not only negative and positive events of the 50’s and 60’s, but also his personal life during those years. One of the depictions, is that of the 1959 plane crash Clear Lake, Iowa. This specific plane crash was most notable known for being described with the everlasting title: The Day the Music Died. This titlement was the headline of the news published on February 3rd 1959. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper had all been killed during the crash. Coincidently, the pilot, Roger Peterson also died. The crash was sparked by the winter’s weather as well as the darkness. The plane was found in a cornfield near Clear
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McLean was most notably known for his songs “Vincent,(Starry,Starry,Night), “Crying”,”Castles in the Air,”and, “American Pie.” Despite the popularity of all four pieces, “American Pie” depicted an issue much closer to home for the American music industry. McLean’s song, “American Pie” was sparked by McLean’s personal interest in the 1959 Clear Lake crash, also know as the Day the Music Died. When the crash surfaced the media in 1959, McLean was one of the first people to know. As a paperboy, he quickly received note of the tragic event. His connection with the 1959 crash sparked an interest in writing. Likewise, these following lyrics symbolize the crash. “But February made me shiver, with every paper I delivered. Bad news on the doorstep, I couldn’t take one more step.” Another lyrical stance, “ Something touched me deep inside, the day the music died.” Although a majority of McLean’s song symbolizes the crash of 1959, the song also has several more symbolizations. One of which includes a timeline of events throughout the 1950’s and 60’s. Many of the lyrics of the song were written in regards to the nation’s transition from the prolific and uplifting 50’s to the charmless and dreary 60’s. The first lyric of the chorus, “Bye bye Miss American Pie” represents the goodbye given to the feel-good 50’s. This goodbye also represents the hello to the dreary
McLean was most notably known for his songs “Vincent,(Starry,Starry,Night), “Crying”,”Castles in the Air,”and, “American Pie.” Despite the popularity of all four pieces, “American Pie” depicted an issue much closer to home for the American music industry. McLean’s song, “American Pie” was sparked by McLean’s personal interest in the 1959 Clear Lake crash, also know as the Day the Music Died. When the crash surfaced the media in 1959, McLean was one of the first people to know. As a paperboy, he quickly received note of the tragic event. His connection with the 1959 crash sparked an interest in writing. Likewise, these following lyrics symbolize the crash. “But February made me shiver, with every paper I delivered. Bad news on the doorstep, I couldn’t take one more step.” Another lyrical stance, “ Something touched me deep inside, the day the music died.” Although a majority of McLean’s song symbolizes the crash of 1959, the song also has several more symbolizations. One of which includes a timeline of events throughout the 1950’s and 60’s. Many of the lyrics of the song were written in regards to the nation’s transition from the prolific and uplifting 50’s to the charmless and dreary 60’s. The first lyric of the chorus, “Bye bye Miss American Pie” represents the goodbye given to the feel-good 50’s. This goodbye also represents the hello to the dreary