Explanation Of The Song 'American Pie' By Don Mclean

Given the points above, it is almost sacrilege to classify this song as anything other than an American classic. Even in today’s time people recognize

Essentially, the late 1960s and early 1970s are an in between stage for America, where people were exploring the many options in their lives. The release of “American Pie” in 1971 was a landmark in pop music history because the song was eight minutes and thirty-two seconds long. Later, it was divided up into two parts and then turned into the version that is known today (www.don-mclean.com). Now that the time period that surrounded the release of “American Pie” is established it is easier to understand the song because it can be read more in context.

"American Pie" starts out addressing McLean love for music in the 50's. During the 50's, music was a tool for getting people off their feet and on to the dance floors. "And I knew if I had my chance, that I could make those people dance, and maybe they'd be happy for a while" (McLean). This verse symbolizes why he loves to create and perform for his fans. McLean then goes on to mention his mentor Buddy Holly. "But February made me shiver. With every paper, I'd deliver. Shocking news on the doorstep, I couldn't take one more step. I can't remember if I cried. When I read about his widowed bride. But something touched me deep inside. The day the music died" (McLean). Buddy Holly died on February 3, 1959, in a plane crash. There are two theories on why the song was called "American Pie." It was rumored, "American Pie" was the name of the plane that took Buddy Holly life. Also, someone refers it to a symbol of the beauty queen Miss America (Morgan). Mclean remembered the paper boy delivering the morning paper and there on the front page, was the story of the death of Buddy Holly. At the time Holly's wife was pregnant and soon had a miscarriage afterward. McLean, he says he can't remember if he cried in the moment or not. All this was in the first few verses in "American Pie." McLean incorporated these lines of imagery to help the listener picture his past emotional experiences. I believe McLean wanted to paint a picture for his audience could relate to. During these times it was tough for McLean. Not only did Buddy Holly die but also rock star legends Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper. For McLean music died for him and the rest of the world.

“Uncle Sam Goddamn” is a song written by Brother Ali in 2007 that conveys the United States government as harsh and cruel. Brother Ali writes lyrics in a very personal and inspiring way. Ali wrote this song in anger and in protest of the United States due to its controversial history and he writes with anger and passion. Ali calls out the United States Government and he wants change. Ali uses phrases to show Americas flaws and controversial history. He is disappointed in the way that America has become what it is today. Brother Ali shows his disappointment of America’s controversial past by using vigorous language and his concern for what America has become.

It is uncommon for an American singer to decry Billie Holiday’s art of music considering that many cite the influence of her career not only on jazz but also on other American music. The distinctive phrasing,

I feel that the repertoire of songs that were written by Tin Pan Alley composers appeal to so many Americans and continue too, today; because, their songs tempo are so upbeat, very rhythmic, making it very fun to listen to. Tim Pan Alley composers and performers inspired the American public during a delicate time, giving hope while influencing people’s feelings and opinions. Finally, another reason that many of these great American song are still appealing is because we hear them in popular movies. For example, song by Diana Krall, “You Don’t Know Me;” can be heard in “MY Best Friend’s Wedding,” along with one of Michael Bublé songs, “The Way You Look Tonight. Another example is, “How Sweet it is” in American Pie by Michael Bublé. Some of these

The 1930’s was a decade of extremely hard times, following the stock market crash and an extreme depression. In spite of the tremendous hardships in America during this decade, it also became a time of great music that is still remembered today. Jazz music was highly popular in this time, and Billie Holiday was a famous jazz performer. She stood out from many other musicians because of her intense and passionate performances. Jazz arose from “unacceptable” segments of society, but quickly grew like wildfire. We often think of the 1930’s as the decade that jazz became civilized, and famous throughout popular culture through the work of pioneering artists like Billie Holiday. People did not own televisions or cable, so radio was their main source of entertainment, and music during this decade was both up beat and a source of relaxation. “Strange Fruit” defied musical category because it was considered too artsy to be folk, and too explicitly political to fit into jazz. This is why “Strange Fruit” became such a powerful phenomenon. Many other artists later took on this song, changing the genre but still portraying the same message. Nina Simone dramatized “Strange Fruit” in the context of the Civil Rights Movement. More important artists like Jeff Buckley, Rene Marie, Labor Camp Orchestra, and many others made their own rendition on the song, still leaving all of their audiences moved by the powerful imagery of the lyrics.

The writing styles of Claudine Rankine and Colson Whitehead vary significantly, but both manage to address the issue of race in America in profound ways. In Citizen: An American Lyric, the former utilizes a combination of images and poetry to convey a sense of open-endedness, while the latter follows a traditional historical fiction narrative in his novel, The Underground Railroad. The books build on historical and modern events to evoke emotion and convey criticism. *Rankine uses an experimental style to allow introspection, and Whitehead’s traditional writing blurs the line between fiction and nonfiction.

Arguably one of the most powerful of Dylan’s social issue charged song is The Death of Emmet Till, a young black man who was unrightfully killed by the Ku Klux Klan. By 1963, Dylan and his on and off lover Joan Baez were both very well known in the civil rights movement. Baez and Dylan would sing together at rallies including the famous March on Washington. Dylan was on stage with Martin Luther King Jr. when his gave his infamous I Have a Dream speech. Though Dylan sang of American injustices, he was never incredibly interested in politics and he was ultimately frustrated by people defining him solely as a protest singer. Dylan’s frustrations with the unsought political branding are expressed in It Ain’t Me Babe, which “appears to be a song about rejected love, [it] was actually his rejection of the role his reputation and fans had thrown on him” (Carlson).

The lyrics express Guthrie's belief that the working class should have the same rights as the rich. He very proudly carried the torch of singing songs about the American worker. Woody Guthrie’s music was not written down, but instead sung, performed, and taught completely by memory. The structure of this song is easy and memorable, using an "ACAB" format, which repeats the beginning of the melody (A section) for the third line. There was a certain Americana aspect to his folk music. He was a migrant farmer traveling as a country singer, using only his guitar and voice (occasionally using a harmonica) in his performances. He created songs from the sights he saw as he traveled all over the USA as a country singer, and spoke out against the lack of fairness and justice of capitalism and poor treatment of blue collar workers. He preached that his folk music was not just something that was made just to “sell” and “make money”, it was intensively focused on political and worldly events.

-Throughout the novel, there is a constant reference to the “American Dream.” F. Scott Fitzgerald, even appears to mock the naivety and oblivion that comes with this false reality. Characters like Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby attempt to hold onto the idea of what a perfect and happy life is. They attempt to envision a better and brighter day. They attempt to “start over”, Tom with his mistress, Daisy with her affair with Gatsby, and Gatsby with his affair with Daisy. However, Fitzgerald proves that the notions of a “perfect” tomorrow are flawed, and he does so by having all of their lives (Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby) end with some type of tragedy.

The song American Pie is a representation of loss during the transition into the 1970s. It was written in 1971 by Don McLean and filled with his views on the state of society, political changes, and cultural changes. The cultural changes and the loss of everything society knew produced the lost generation that McLean was apart of. He demonstrated his disapproval of the direction of the country by using music, faith, and war as examples of the changes and loss his generation faced.

The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck,

Dear Uncle Sam, written by Loretta Lynn is one of the various anti-war movement songs to come out during the Vietnam war. Music was a popular way to protest the war during this era. Through lyrics and sounds all the artist were able to express what one felt for this tragic event. Released in January 1966 Loretta Lynn speaks about a husband sent off to war, and the feelings of grief when the husband is killed. She was very indecisive of speaking on the topic, but influenced by her husband she was able to share this beautiful country song. Listening to the song various times I have been able to understand part of the grief that wife’s, mothers and family members felt when being told there love one had passed away.

Super Sad True Love Story, America, next to of course god america i, and I, Too, Sing America, are all story/poems that in some form or another address the theme of American exceptionalism and patriotism. In each of the titles, it is established that America is not as revered as it once was or possibly could be and that change needs to take place. Through dystopian tales, satirical speeches and exaggerated ideals the authors of these works of literature try to identify the issues faced in American society.