According to the song's author and performer, what inspired him to write the song "American Pie"?
Correct answer: The plane crash that killed Buddy Holly
mmblues51
very nice tribute
flowercat0523
I always liked the lines "But when the players tried to take the field, the marching band refused to yield."
Missy K
Take some time and read about all the lyrics, some of it refers to other singers, events and more. I learned about some things and now get so much more out of the song, save thing with Billy Joel's We Didn't Start the Fire and a few other songs. Think I'll go listen to the girl he met who sang the blues, then smiled turned away, or something that was playing when his hands were clenched in fits of rage... moss grows fat on a rolling stone
Trucker91203
Missy K, another song with lyrics that are mystical and have other meanings is Hotel California by the Eagles. "They stab it with their steely knife...." is a veiled tip of the hat to the band Steely Dan, who also mentioned the Eagles in one of their non hit songs.
Player :: SQinfoNUTS
there's more to the story than that. every single line refers to an event in the rock and roll story of History.
MoodyDemigod35933
Missy K, waylon Jennings gave up his seat to the Big Booper.
TheAmazingKeni
American Pie was the name of the plane that crashed killing Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper.
docdebbielove1
What a beautiful way to honor the passion of the artists that died so tragically.
Player #1790949
that is my favorite song!!
Player #472251
PeacefullRunner33750, didn't know that was the name of the plane.
NotYoMama
Being one of my favorite songs, I, of course, knew the answer right away. I cheat often, but this was an easy one. Thx
Right ✅️ US
Looked it up, Simply titled Robbie Roberson (from 1987)
Right ✅️ US
Since there is a lot of talk about artists in other artists songs.
Robbie Roberson one. of the founding members of "The
BAND" has a solo album with a song (all songs on it are good)
called "American Roulette". In that song are veiled references of James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. Listen Up !
Right ✅️ US
JiminyLovesQL, No tickets involved but the "flying fickle finger of fate" comes into play. Stevie Ray Vaughn wanted to get to the next gig to set up & rehearse some songs so he convinced Eric Clapton to let him take his place on the helicopter. ¿ Bad : Juju ?
Right ✅️ US
MoodyDemigold35933, Eric Clapton gave up his seat to Stevie Ray Vaughn. That just may go to show that with one decision down a hole you go.
Right ✅️ US
sTrucker91203, Do you know what a "Steely Dan" is ? Surprize
joey
PeacefullRunner33750, no it wasn't that is an urban myth
joey
TheAmazingKeni, no it was NOT thats an urban myth the plane only had a number n3794n
option
great song.
antzuzu
Actually the meaning of the lyrics to AP cryptically allude to many events & social changes experienced during the period 1959-70s. McLean had declined to explain the symbolism behind the many characters but *the day the music died* lyric does symbolize the plane crash cited by earlier posts.
Virg
Player #13023389, I'm 86 and still remember that day.
Lady butterfly
I wondered where “American Pie” came into it
Joseph
PeacefullRunner33750, no it wasn't
Joseph
TheAmazingKeni, that's not true it's a false urban legend
wildarbennett
here's an oddity that most people do not know, Bubby Holly was terrified of flying. and Richie Valeanez was warned not to get in the airplane.
Also my Mother went to High school with Buddy Holly and my Aunt Pat dated the drummer off & on while in school in Lubbock Texas.
Player #92723922
Trucker91203, Wrong on everything
Joseph
Trucker91203, listen to proco harmems "whiter shade of pale" and let me know what that song is all about, you can find it on YouTube
Joseph
looks like Flan to me
TxTechAlum
JimmyLovesQL, Buddy was sick and wanted to get home quickly. Riding the bus would take too long. Funny how that one decision cost him his life.
joey
Olivia, he also wrote a hauntingly beautiful song about van gogh called starry starry night
Nikki~Mae
TheAmazingKeni, Sorry, but you’re wrong. “American Pie” was not the name of the plane Buddy Holley died in. That’s an urban legend.
Martie
I am enjoying reading all of your comments!
I am a 80 year old woman, born in “42”.
Loved all of their music and others.
The music, words, & performers of that era
was magnificent!!!! No swearing needed
to tell a story. The music makes my heart
sing. Truly a magical time.
Olivia
the song Killing Me Softly was written about Don McLean
Vic
Missy K, you are absolutely right, you appreciate the wonderful writings of the music world, very interesting people,,wrote great songs for the world 🌎 to enjoy!
Floie
Player #24358685, oh well. still neat to think about it.
Floie
TheAmazingKeni, now that is really cool. I never knew that!
Vic
SIXX1981, the Big Bopper, was truly talented, I loved his deep voice and beautiful meanings to the song s ,,
Vic
Minnie Rice, haha, that’s my favorite line, too
Kaylatoledo
Player JD, Waylon gave up his seat because they were also taking a bus, and the bus didn't have a working heater and the Big Bopper had been sick so Waylon let him take the warmer ride
Player JD
JimmyLovesQL, the way I understood it Waylon lost his seat in a contest, flip of cards or something. it haunted him for the rest of his life too, I heard.