Released in 1971, Don McLean’s American Pie topped the charts worldwide and has been described as ‘one of the most successful and debated songs of the 20th century’. Now, McLean himself believes the folk-rock track – which exceeds eight minutes in length – predicted ‘woke’ culture. With nostalgic themes woven into its lyrics, American Pie has been interpreted countless times by critics and fans alike, with McLean himself explaining it centres around ‘morality’ and uses figures such as Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan as inspiration.
Lyrics include repetition of the phrase ‘the day the music died’, which refers to a plane crash in 1959 that killed early rock and roll stars Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens, ending that era. In a new interview with Metro.co.
uk , the 78-year-old musician reflects on American Pie’s legacy, explains why he refuses to retire, and shares his views on ‘angry’ youngsters. Never one to hold back when it comes to expressing his opinions, McLean has previously given the likes of Prince Harry a tongue-lashing and branded ‘political people’ as ‘pedantic’ and ‘boring’. When asked what American Pie means to him today, McLean begins: ‘The song really does open up a whole historical question about what happened in the 60s and assassinations and the history that forms the backbone of the song as it moves forward.
‘This song talks about the fact that things are going somewhat in the wrong direction, and I thin.