“American Pie”
Lesson: Students will analyze the song “American Pie” by Don McLean.
Objective: To be able to identify and discuss some musical and historical issues of the 1950's, 60’s and 70’s.
Materials needed:
1. Recording of song “American Pie” by
Don McLean
2. Lyrics from the same song
3. Video Recording of 70’s Music Video Album from the Educational Video
Network
4. VHS/DVD Player
Procedure:
1. Teacher will review class discussions on musicians of the 50’s and
60’s. During these discussions, the teacher will remind
the students of some of the issues the teens had to deal with at the time.
2. Teacher will give a brief Bio on composer Don McLean.
3. Students will listen to the song “American Pie”.
4. Hand out the lyrics to the song, working in groups of two or three underline
all the items, which deal with historical/social issues of the time and the
circle all the items, which deal with musical issues of the time.
5. In their small groups, students will discuss their choices and list them
in order of the items in the song.
6. Teacher will then go over the verses of the song and have a class discussion
on the choices made by the groups.
7. Finally, play the “American Pie” song on the video 70’s
Music Video Album. See how the classes’ choices matched up with the
creator of the video.
Evaluation:
The evaluation occurs while the students are discussing the song. Since
this is a follow up on previous class work, grading will be done on
participation
level only.
Reflection Statement:
Throughout history, songs are written to reflect issues and emotions we all deal with every day. American Pie is no different. Don McLean wrote this song in connection to his life. His feelings about the death of 3 great musicians. About those that influenced his music as he got older. And, about the issues that influenced the music of his era. American Pie made a great impact on the music industry in 1971 and continues to be loved by young and old today.
“American Pie” by Don McLean
A long long time ago
I can still remember how that music used to make me smile
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those people dance
And maybe they'd be happy for a while.
But February made me shiver
With every paper I'd deliver
Bad news on the doorstep
I couldn't take one more step
I can't remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died
{Refrain}
So bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my chevy to the levee
But the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
Singin' this'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die
Did you write the Book of Love
And do you have faith in God above
If the Bible tells you so
Do you believe in rock 'n roll
Can music save your mortal soul
And can you teach me how to dance real slow
Well, I know that you're in love with him
'Cause I saw you dancin' in the gym
You both kicked off your shoes
Man, I dig those rhythm and blues
I was a lonely teenage broncin' buck
With a pink carnation and a pickup truck
But I knew I was out of luck
The day the music died
I started singin'
{Refrain}
Now for ten years we've been on our own
And moss grows fat on a rollin' stone
But that's not how it used to be
When the jester sang for the King and Queen
In a coat he borrowed from James Dean
And a voice that came from you and me
Oh, and while the King was looking down
The jester stole his thorny crown
The courtroom was adjourned
No verdict was returned
And while Lenin read a book of Marx
The quartet practiced in the park
And we sang dirges in the dark
The day the music died
We were singing
{Refrain}
Helter Skelter in a summer swelter
The birds flew off with a fallout shelter
Eight miles high and falling fast
It landed foul out on the grass
The players tried for a forward pass
With the jester on the sidelines in a cast
Now the half-time air was sweet perfume
While the Sergeants played a marching tune
We all got up to dance
Oh, but we never got the chance
'Cause the players tried to take the field
The marching band refused to yield
Do you recall what was revealed
The day the music died
We started singing
{Refrain}
Oh, and there we were all in one place
A generation Lost in Space
With no time left to start again
So come on, Jack be nimble, Jack be quick
Jack Flash sat on a candlestick
'Cause fire is the Devil's only friend
Oh, and as I watched him on the stage
My hands were clenched in fists of rage
No angel born in hell
Could break that Satan's spell
And as the flames climbed high into the night
To light the sacrificial rite
I saw Satan laughing with delight
The day the music died
He was singing
{Refrain}
I met a girl who sang the blues
And I asked her for some happy news
But she just smiled and turned away
I went down to the sacred store
Where I'd heard the music years before
But the man there said the music wouldn't play
And in the streets the children screamed
The lovers cried, and the poets dreamed
But not a word was spoken
The church bells all were broken
And the three men I admire most
The Father, Son and the Holy Ghost
They caught the last train for the coast
The day the music died
And they were singing
{Refrain}
They were singing bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my chevy to the levee
But the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singin' this'll be the day that I die