In the late summer of 1967, Jay & the Techniques did their best to increase our consumption of “Apples, Peaches and Pumpkin Pie,” which peaked at #6 and was their only Top Ten hit…
“American Pie”, his only #1 hit, which first appeared on the Top 40 charts on December 4, 1971, eventually occupying the #1 slot for four consecutive weeks. McLean was apparently folding newspapers for his paper route on the morning of February 3, 1959, when he learned of the plane crash killing Bully Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper on February 3, 1959, as suggested by the lyrics, “…February made me shiver/with every paper I’d deliver..”
The meaning of the song has been subject to numerous attempted interpretations. Those who would like to learn more can find it here.
When initially asked about the meaning of the song, one of McLean’s first remarks was, “It means I never have to work again.” Since then, he has essentially left it to others to determine whatever the meaning of the song might be.
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“Honey Pie” on their White Album in 1968…
In the late summer of 1967, Jay & the Techniques did their best to increase our consumption of “Apples, Peaches and Pumpkin Pie,” which peaked at #6 and was their only Top Ten hit…
“American Pie”, his only #1 hit, which first appeared on the Top 40 charts on December 4, 1971, eventually occupying the #1 slot for four consecutive weeks. McLean was apparently folding newspapers for his paper route on the morning of February 3, 1959, when he learned of the plane crash killing Bully Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper on February 3, 1959, as suggested by the lyrics, “…February made me shiver/with every paper I’d deliver..”
The meaning of the song has been subject to numerous attempted interpretations. Those who would like to learn more can find it here.
When initially asked about the meaning of the song, one of McLean’s first remarks was, “It means I never have to work again.” Since then, he has essentially left it to others to determine whatever the meaning of the song might be.