Don McLean released this groundbreaking song on the album American Pie in 1971. It is full of pop-culture references. An entire website has been created by Jim Fann to explore the song— Understanding American Pie.[1]
This song tackles the evolution of rock & roll through the 60s, following the 1959 plane crash that led to the death of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. McLean explores many of the major events of the 60s, including the moon landings, Dylan’s rise and crash, the dominance of The Beatles, and the death of Janis Joplin.
While his magnum opus is known for its deep, almost cryptic lyrics, for many years McLean left its meaning up to the speculation of others, feeling no need to explain things himself. Asked by one interviewer what the song meant, McLean said, “It means I never have to work again.”
McLean first revealed intended meaning of his lyrics in 2015, when the original manuscript and notes were sold at auction for a fee to the tune of $1.2 million.
Although the lyrics might no longer be enigmatic, McLean’s track will forever be regarded as a poetic look into the past of rock & roll.
For a quick summary of what the song means, check out this video:
Don McLean - The meaning of American Pie (UPDATE) | 08:46 | https://youtu.be/VsZFiMo8TIc
- This is a revision to previously posted videos. I was fortunate enough to go to the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake IA and speak firsthand with many who were there including Tommy Allsup who flipped the coin with Ritchie Valens. This version corrects some factual errors and includes new footage from the SURF
It is my obligation to inform you of a newer Don McLean song, Meanest Girl, about the ex wife who he abused, Patricia McLean.
It’s fucking wild.
TIL, thanks for sharing.
It seems to be just more celebrity drama, broken families, and relationships.
It reminds me of all the stuff that happened with Eminem and his family as well.
Don McLean Lyrics - “The Meanest Girl”
- You’re the meanest girl
- That I ever knew
- Did you know it
- Well you are
- You’re the meanest girl
- That I ever knew
- By far
- You’re an empty vessel, you’re a loaded gun
- You’re a Nazi general, you ain’t too much fun
- 'Cause you are really stupid
- And you’re ugly too
- Your face is full of worry lines
- From all the mean you do
- 'Cause you’re the meanest girl
- That I ever knew
- Did you know it
- Well you are
- Yeah you’re the meanest girl
- That I ever knew by far
-
You’re a total stranger
-
You’re wasting time on me
-
You should spend some money
-
And buy a personality
-
'Cause you’re always using people
-
And you think they won’t catch on
-
You should wear that COVID mask
-
When the germ is gone
- 'Cause you’re the meanest girl
- That I ever knew
- Did you know it
- Well you are
- You’re the meanest girl
- That I ever knew by far
- You’re a hateful fireman
- Your situation’s dire
- Your Lucifer’s companion
- And you’re a funeral pyre
- You’re a [?] midnight
- You’re the living end
- You have been deleted
- Now I am pressing send
- 'Cause you’re the meanest girl
- That I ever knew
- Did you know it
- Well you are
- You’re the meanest girl
- That I ever knew by far
- You have no compassion
- No more happy bells
- It’s your hatred that defines you
- Your self pity smells
- You had a shining moment
- You had all the bests
- Now you’re an embarrassment
- You’re really just a pest
- 'Cause you’re the meanest girl
- That I ever knew
- Did you know it
- Well you are
- You’re the meanest girl
- That I ever knew by far
- You’re the meanest one I knew
- By far
