In a sense, 'American Pie' was a very despairing song but it can also be seen as very hopeful. Don McLean More Quotes by Don McLean More Quotes From Don McLean This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you. Don McLean survivalbeautifulromantic Some believe in Jesus, they don't act like they do. Some believe in Mohammed, I don't believe that's true. Cause they do believe in money, and gold is what it's for, all the gold can't buy no peace of mind in a world that don't believe in nothing anymore. Don McLean religiousbelievejesus The kids today all seem to think they should be stars, but I wasn't brought up that way. Don McLean starskidsthinking But I knew - in the old days, if a song was a good song, I don't care if it was 'Yellow Submarine' or, you know, or 'The Times They Are a-Changin' or 'Don't Be Cruel', you knew it, you know? You heard that song, and you were talking about it, and you knew it. Don McLean yellowsongtalking When I go on the road now, which is less than before, but still more than I'd like to, I think of myself primarily as a singer. Not a songwriter, not a celebrity, just a man who likes to sing. Don McLean goes-onmenthinking People ask me if I left the lyrics open to ambiguity. Of course I did. I wanted to make a whole series of complex statements. The lyrics had to do with the state of society at the time. Don McLean american-piemusicpeople I'd listen to all the stuff that was going on around me and drift off into my fantasies about it. My fantasies have fuelled all the songs I've ever written. Don McLean fantasystuffsong The Byrds flew off the fallout shelter, eight miles high and falling fast. Don McLean eightmusicalfall I had asthma when I was a kid, asthma so bad that it would turn into pneumonia and I almost died several times. Nobody knew why back then, but now it's obvious. Don McLean pneumoniaobviouskids I got my first guitar when I was 16. I'd play for my family and friends, but taking that guitar out there into the wide, wide world wasn't something I ever thought about. Don McLean family-and-friendsguitarplay I don't relate to what's left of the music business. There doesn't seem to be any point to it anymore. The business that I grew up in and loved, we made records a different way - there were record companies, there were stores where you could buy albums. Don McLean recordsalbumsdifferent I developed this fantasy world. I found that that was much more fun and more interesting and exciting than real life was to me. Then, once I got the guitar going when I was a teenager, I set sail for the direction I've been in my whole life. Don McLean teenagerrealfun Every thread of creation is held in position by still other strands of things living. In an earthly tapestry hung from the skyline of smoldering cities so gray and so vulgar, as not to be satisfied with their own negativity, but needing to touch all the living as well. Don McLean negativitycitiesphilosophy Because of an off-hand funny comment I made backstage at a concert years ago, a story circulated that the song has been a burden and even that I didnt sing it for a while. Thats completely false. I am very proud of American Pie and the many satellites that grow from it and revolve around it. For many years I carried my songs around and now they carry me around. I have always sung American Pie for my audience and would never think of disappointing them since it is they who have given me a wonderful life and untold affection for almost 30 years. Don McLean songhandsthinking Paris loves a lot of artists, im not her only love ; shes got many others. Don McLean entertainment I have a great girlfriend and she travels everywhere with me. Don McLean entertainment Herman Melville was supposed to be an accountant. Van Gogh was meant to be an art dealer. I was meant to take the train into New York and work for a bank. To be an artist, you have to say goodbye to your family. Don McLean youfamilyworkart Basically, in 'American Pie,' things are heading in the wrong direction. It is becoming less ideal, less idyllic. I don't know whether you consider that wrong or right, but it is a morality song in a sense. Don McLean directionyoumoralitysong That song didn't just happen. It grew out of my experiences. 'American Pie' was part of my process of self-awakening: a mystical trip into my past. Don McLean happenprocesssongpast If something comes up I might write about it, but without an outlet the whole thing winds down. Don McLean writewithoutdownsomething
