In an expansive new documentary, Don McLean talks about the much-discussed meaning of his enduring hit song
Photograph: Michael Putland/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Michael Putland/Getty Imageslong, long time ago – five decades to be exact – America was roiled by wrenching generational showdowns, massive street protests, and a blazing array of social justice movements. Now, half a century later, similar events and dynamics dominate the public conversation.
The first part of the film covers McLean’s early life, including his time as a paper boy in the suburb of New York City where he grew up. In an extensive interview for the film, McLean talks about delivering the paper that carried news of the crash, something he alludes to towards the start of the song’s lyrics. At the time, Buddy Holly was his musical idol. If his death instigated the song’s words, a more personal loss altered the course of McLean’s life.
At the same time, the song’s message couldn’t be more adult. “For me, American Pie is the eulogy for a dream that didn’t take place,” says the song’s producer, Ed Freeman, in the film. “We were witness to the death of the American dream.” McLean’s desire to stand out from the other singer-songwriters who dominated music at the time had a careerist incentive as well. His debut album, Tapestry, released in 1970 hadn’t made waves and his small record company, MediaArts, had little faith in him. Even so, the big statement song he devised to turn that around arrived in a form that defied the most basic edict of a hit – that it last no longer than three minutes.
Often, it’s a coy one. The lyrics brim with coded references to kings, queens, and jesters, along with a host of cultural figures that, together, turn it into a virtual pop quiz: “Name that reference!” The result has made the song especially involving, teasing the listener to solve its puzzle. “Every time you listen, you think of something else,” Proffer said.
One of the most interesting sections of the documentary offers a granular dissection of the evolution of the song’s arrangement. It didn’t find its true groove until they brought in session keyboardist Paul Griffith, who has played on seminal recordings by everyone from Dylan to Steely Dan. His piano parts brought a gospel fervor to the song, as well as an extra pop bounce. Hooks like that helped a song of daunting density and length become beloved by millions.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘I said, Don, it’s time for you to reveal’: 50 years later, the truth behind American PieIn an expansive new documentary, Don McLean talks about the much-discussed meaning of his enduring hit song
Read more »
'I had to fight so many battles to get this thing done': Don McLean looks back at his masterpiece, American PieA new documentary tells the story of a singalong classic that began with a plane crash.
Read more »
‘I said, Don, it’s time for you to reveal’: 50 years later, the truth behind American PieIn an expansive new documentary, Don McLean talks about the much-discussed meaning of his enduring hit song
Read more »
'I had to fight so many battles to get this thing done': Don McLean looks back at his masterpiece, American PieA new documentary tells the story of a singalong classic that began with a plane crash.
Read more »
Would be ‘very hard’ for Australia to acquire ‘off-the-shelf’ nuclear subs
Read more »
Xi Jinping visiting China regions to ‘stay in power’
Read more »