Don McLean

Donald "Don" McLean III (born 2 October 1945) is an American singer-songwriter most famous for his 1971 songs "American Pie" and "Vincent".

Quotes

 * As you can imagine, over the years I have been asked many times to discuss and explain my song "American Pie" I have never discussed the lyrics, but have admitted to the Holly reference in the opening stanzas. You will find many interpretations of my lyrics but none of them by me. … Sorry to leave you all on your own like this but long ago I realized that songwriters should make their statements and move on, maintaining a dignified silence.
 * As quoted in "What is Don McLean's song 'American Pie' all about?" at The Straight Dope (15 May 1993)


 * In light of the recent events in Texas, I have decided it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week. I’m sure all the folks planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these events as well. After all, we are all Americans. I share the sorrow for this terrible, cruel loss with the rest of the nation.
 * Quoted in "Musicians cancel performances at upcoming NRA convention in wake of Uvalde shooting", by Cheri Mossburg, CNN (26 May 2022)

Tapestry (1970)



 * And if she asks you why, You can tell her that I told you That I'm tired of castles in the air. I've got a dream I want the world to share, And castle walls just lead me to despair. Hills of forest green where the mountains touch the sky, A dream come true, I'll live there till I die. I'm asking you to say my last goodbye. The love we knew ain't worth another try.
 * "Castles in the Air"


 * Every thread of creation is held in position By still other strands of things living. In an earthly tapestry hung from the skyline Of smouldering cities so gray and so vulgar, As not to be satisfied with their own negativity But needing to touch all the living as well.
 * "Tapestry"


 * And I love you so The people ask me how How I've lived till now I tell them I don't know. I guess they understand How lonely life has been But life began again The day you took my hand.
 * "And I Love You So"

American Pie



 * 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.


 * Do you recall what was revealed The day the music died?


 * 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.


 * 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 woudn'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.

Vincent

 * A song inspired by Vincent van Gogh and his painting The Starry Night - YouTube video




 * Starry starry night, Paint your palette blue and grey Look out on a summer's day with eyes that know the darkness in my soul…


 * Now I understand what you tried to say to me How you suffered for your sanity How you tried to set them free They would not listen — They did not know how, Perhaps they'll listen now.


 * Weathered faces lined in pain Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand. For they could not love you, But still your love was true And when no hope was left in sight, on that starry starry night You took your life as lovers often do, But I could have told you, Vincent, This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.


 * Now I think I know what you tried to say to me How you suffered for your sanity How you tried to set them free They would not listen They're not listening still... Perhaps they never will...

Don McLean (1972)



 * I feel like a spinning top or a Dreidel The spinning don't stop when you leave the cradle You just slow down Round and around this world you go Spinning through the lives of the people you know We all slow down.
 * Dreidel


 * No days you can borrow, no time you can buy. No trust in tomorrow. It's a lie.
 * Dreidel


 * Faces come and faces go in circular rotation. But something yearns within to grow beyond infatuation.
 * If We Try

Homeless Brother (1974)

 * Wonderful baby, nothin' to fear. Love whom you will, but doubt what you hear. They'll whisper sweet things to make untrue. So be good to yourself, that's all you can do. You're a wonderful baby livin' on love The sandman says maybe he'll take you above, Up where the girls fly on ribbons and bows, Where babies float by, just counting their toes.
 * Wonderful Baby