February 3rd was the day that the Big Bopper, Richie Valens, and Buddy Holly died in a plane crash. This song was written and sang in memory of them. Who's here on February 3rd, 2026?
My father died 40 minutes ago. My Oldest memory with him was dancing to this song, that was the happiest I remember him being. The smile on his face... In his later life it was very rare that you saw him smile. Fuck Cancer.
The family met today in my granny's house, and we ended up sharing stories and talking about the kind of support we've gotten from people learning of his death. I always knew he had friends from every walk of life, but there were people sending their condolences from everywhere, even retail workers in shops he frequented and chemists learned of his death and contacted us. Teachers from educational facilities he hadn't learned at in 25+ years too. I've been placed in charge of making a playlist of music that he would have liked to play before he's cremated and this song will definitely be on it.
Thanks to my father for raising me with this kind of masterpiece. December 08, 2025 I’m just leaving this comment here so I can come back to it whenever someone likes it.
Romans 3:10: "as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;" Romans 3:23: " for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 6:23: " For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." John 3:16: " “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Mark 1:15: "and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Acts 16:30-31: "Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." God bless you.
It’s April 28, 2023 and I just heard the President/Prime Minister of South Korea sang this at a official state banquet and diplomatic reception. He did the first verse and I gotta give him credit. He won over everyone in that room. Well done sir. You touched many American hearts. Thank you.
@isleuntoherself Кстати это так странно =)))) Америка всегда отличалась от всего мира =))) У вас и вместо сантиметров, дюймы и галлоны ваши и пуанты вместо литров =)
This was my dad's favorite song. He passed away on July 17, 2022, right after our whole family sang it too him. This is a song that is very precious to our family. 💔😢
Not everybody knows this but this entire song is quite literally a tribute to Buddy Holly and a message to tell the world how rock and roll changed since his death this whole song was written in a bar and it is probably the best piece of music composed in a very long time
The song is about Buddy but its about much more then just that. Its also him telling his life of being a paperboy thinking dreaming one day becoming a performer, on up to a high school let down over a girl he had an eye out for. How music along with past events and war changed America. England invasion of music became so popular it overcame even the crown. The falling away from god from the new music misleading a nation away from pure values to do as they pleased and what felt good. Jack on the candle stick is America waking up from its demonic trance ways, maybe when its to late. It close to being prophetic looking at things in today's world.
I met Buddy Holly in 1958. He was a fun person to hang out with for a while. Buddy enjoyed every minute of life. Today, I'm 75 and a writer. Thanks Buddy for inspiration you can do anything life! R.I.P. . . .😇
On February 3rd 2024 it has been 65 years since that tragic day we LOST BUDDY HOLLY, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. Yet their music still Rocks to this very DAY! Thank You Don McLean for this awesome Tribute to the entire Rock & Roll Industry. Rock On!
@finallife87 True, though the tragedy is that were taken from us in their prime. Buddy Holly was only 22 when the crash happened. Who knows what he would've been able to do if he had more time.
My oldest and dearest friend passed a couple of weeks ago, one of my many memories with him are driving around in his ‘73 mustang singing this song at the top of our lungs. Godspeed Bruce till we see each other again. Love you man.
Well, that's gonna sting for a long, long time. Eventually, it gets better, and you're quite lucky to have one of the greatest songs in all of Americana, to remember him with.
My father died 13 years ago. This was his favourite song and one we played at his funeral. I still can't listen to it without tears welling up. I love you Dad.
My 60 year old daughter's funeral was two days ago. She was special. She had planned every segment of her 'Celebration of Life'. The funeral home could not seat everyone as people just kept coming in. She had been fighting cancer for eight years and she never gave up. Her faith and her positive attitude kept her going. But her body finally ran out of steam. The last song she requested and asked people to join in was American Pie. Everyone, including this 86 year old Mom sang. There was not a dry eye in the place. I told you she was special.
Very moving about your brave daughter...tears in my eyes. I don't think the repeated line, "the day the music died" totally applies to her though. It's clear the music in your heart for your daughter is still very alive and will always play❤. Take good care.
@michaelmoslak2975 my father passed in 2018 and I often think about how disappointed he was in the decline of America. He never got over it and I often think about him when I listen to The Statler Brothers song " Do you remember these". I am glad he didn't have to endure covid or the insanity of the last couple of years. Let's try to Make America Great Again for my father and all our past generations that gave everything for this country.
This song seems to hold a special place for many people... and rightly so... So for everyone: May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. This traditional Irish blessing is an ancient Celtic prayer.
I'd heard this before and looked for it, but never didn't know where nor what I was really looking for. Thank you very much for bringing this to us. God's blessings be on thee as well.
My mom and dad bought me a 62 Impala for 150 bucks when I was 15 in 71. Someone put in a 8 track player in it and they left this 8 track in it. So just me dad went for a drive. Him teaching me how to drive. We stopped and got fried chicken. We were leaving Hood River going up to Mount Hood. Curvy road and we listen to this song. Stopped and ate the chicken. That was one of the greatest days I've ever had. Learning to drive and me and Dad hanging out. I sure miss Dad.
Thank you. We butted heads once in a while, when I was working with him. He taught me how to hunt, fish,repair cars I could make a longer list. 😊 Thank you again for the reply.
When I was a little kid, my Dad would play this for me countless times because he knew how much I loved this song. So when he passed away, after a three year battle of A.L.S.😢 I wrote a parody of this song as a tribute to my late father. VERSE 1 Long long time ago, I can still remember how his music used to make us smile. A 1959 born man, thought he had a long lifespan, and we could all be together for a while. But 2016 made us shiver, for his right leg began to quiver, it got worse with each step, he couldn’t take one more step. He wrote software he could upload, used computers, and advanced codes, and now sun’s set on his road, we call it his ORANGE ASPHALT. Oh my my Stephen was a smart guy, he has been here, for 60 years, now he says his good-byes, he’s in Heaven, that’s where today he resides, saying one day you’ll be by my side, one day you’ll be by my side. VERSE 2 Did you know he met a girl, at university where his life unfurled, for she you see was his future love. Their relationship began as friends of course, despite flaws love’s a greater force, and yes they were both blessed by the lord above. Oh he purposed and became engaged, and their requested marriage was arranged, they were the best of husbands and wives, it was the best day of their lives. They had 3 great kids who they both adore, and one married a man of Canadian lore, but sadly the great wedding wasn’t before our man Stephen’s ORANGE ASPHALT. I started singing My my Stephen was smart guy, he has been here, for 60 years, now he says his good-byes, he’s in Heaven, that’s where today he resides’ saying one day you’ll be by my side, one day you’ll be by my side. VERSE 3 Now for decades music was a loved thing, he cherished with his beloved siblings, and wow what a very merry group they were. Yes their loving parents were so filled with joy, they were deeply proud of their girls and their boys, it was an extraordinary concert yes sir. Well he passed his great love for the art, to his 3 kids he loved with all his heart, he entertained them with his gift, and their spirits he did lift. Yeah on his great guitar he was indeed a bliss, and he truly was a musical artist, his musical hands will sorely be missed, oh yes after his ORANGE ASPHALT. We started singing My my Stephen was a smart guy, he has been here for 60 years, now he says his good-byes, he’s in Heaven, that’s where today he resides’ saying one day you’ll be by my side, one day you’ll be by my side. VERSE 4 Destination visitation anticipation for vacation, he loved one spot in this whole nation. Yes up in York Maine was a sensation, at his vast family’s cabin’s location, his thing was nature hiking exploration. Oh Bar Harbor, and Jordon Pond, and Mount Cadillac, Black woods and beyond, on the island he loved it all, Mount Desert Island it is called. Yes Steve loved the state of Maine the very best, yes his favorite in the hemisphere of the west, Maine mourns the loss of one of it’s guests, oh yes after Steve’s ORANGE ASPHALT Maine started singing My my Stephen was a smart guy, he has been here for 60 years, now he says his good-byes, he’s in Heaven, that’s where today he resides, saying one day you’ll be by my side, one day you’ll be by my side. VERSE 5 Oh this song’s title I’ll explain what that is, it’s long story but it goes something like this, it all started with a video game. It has a total of 30 levels it’s true, and we advanced to the level 22, and yes orange asphalt is that level’s given name. Because you control a motorcycle, on a sunset lit road for a while, Stephen took that level to heart, I guess that was his favorite part. Because ever since then he asked from morning to 9, may I name this after, favorite level of mine, we will treasure late Steve’s famous line, “Can I call this ORANGE ASPHALT?”. He’s probably singing My my Stephen was a smart guy, he has been here for 60 years, now he says his good-byes, he’s in Heaven, that’s where today he resides, saying one day you’ll be by my side, one day you’ll be by my side. VERSE 6 We already missed Stephen yes, when he had been cursed with A.L.S., we miss the man he used to be. We took the task to help our man, in any possible way we can, the bad illness proceeded unfortunately. On July 10 2019, his fate we feared had been seen, and zero words were spoken, the hearts of us were broken. And the level Steve admired best, I took to my heart cross my chest, I named the song you know the rest, Steve may call it ORANGE ASPHALT. And I was singing…. My my Stephen was a smart guy, he has been here for 60 years, now he says his good-byes, he’s in Heaven, that’s where today he resides, saying one day you’ll be by my side, one day you’ll be by my side. FINALE We were singing…. My my Stephen was a smart guy, he has been here for 60 years, now he says his good-byes, he’s in Heaven, that’s where today he resides, saying one you’ll be by my side.
This song speaks to the soul. It's not just about music-it’s about life, loss, and the search for meaning. Even in the sadness, there’s a quiet hope… like a prayer wrapped in melody. Thank you, Don McLean, for this timeless reminder that even when things fall apart, we can still remember, reflect, and keep going.
Absolutely. I'm 38 in 2025 (when writing this comment). I never experienced a single thing that inspired this song. Most of the events don't even touch me beyond the basic "historical interest" way. But this song transcends that and still touches me because it speaks to things far deeper than merely what it is "about."
The day after the accident, I was walking to the mailbox, and some kid I didn't know walked up to me and said that the Big Bopper had died. I was 10 years old, and I am embarrassed to say that I didn't know who the Big Bopper was.
My little brother was killed 30 years ago today, Aug 14,1993. He sang this song solo karaoke at a big family reunion just a few weeks before that. It had always been one of my favorite songs, but it definitely hit even harder ever since. Love you and miss you Josh! Bye bye 'til I see you again!
I was 20 yrs old when this became popular, immediately I was caught in by its nostalgic and haunting lyrics because I knew the meaning was tied to the tragic loss of 3 young artists and rock and roll. I'm 72 now, and I thank God for having been part of the best years, best poets and best music ,my body's old but I'm still young inside 😮.
Can you tell me what the heck he’s trying to say? I know about the plane crash and that explains only the first verse, but what other kind of real-world events are being alluded to in this coherent fantasy yet incoherent allegory? I grew up on this song, hearing it on the oldies station and having almost memorized it by the mid-2000s, but I could never make head or tail of it.
@albertnortononymous9020He's talking about the 50s and 60s dying. The end of an innocent era. Not just Buddy Holly...he brings up the Manson murders of Sharon Tate and her friends when he says "Helter Skelter in the Summer swelter". The dying of a more innocent time in history 😢😢
My dad died yesterday and this was one of his favorite songs. He had the 45 record and I have early childhood memories of him playing this record on the stero. RIP Daddy. ❤
Thank you to everyone that has responded to my comment about my dad's passing and the love of this song. I was 3 and would and can remember standing next to him singing it. It was a song that had a lot of meaning to it to me, not because of what or who it was written about, but because my dad and I would sing it together. My dad was in the Navy and then the Army and will always be y hero! Everyone has different opinions about the song but my opinion (memory) was we would sing it together so it held a special place in my heart. 💔 I am still trying to mend my broken heart. I certainly did not mean to bring any bad feelings to anyone about this song. I have a big heart and love everyone. ✌
I am sorry you lost your dad, but at least you have beautiful memories of him, so he will always live on in your heart and will share all the good times with you. Wish you and your family the best!
I sang it with my dad too. I used to love singing the part about jack sotting on a candle stick and Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall take care love. May your road be filled with much light to lead the way.
The first song I learned to sing in English at 5 years old. The first song I learned to play on the guitar. The song of my life. Timeless, this gives me goosebumps and this feeling for a decade I wish I have lived in.
I remember hearing American Pie for the first time in December 1971 on the old KIMN AM in Denver CO riding around in my moms brand new 72 Gran Torino. I was 13 years old. It continued to get frequent airplay well into 1972 (although a cut-down version rather than the 8 minute plus long version), I didn't even know there was a long version for several years after it was released. Fifty years on, I still occasionally hear it on an oldies station, its in the top 5 of my favorite pop/rock songs of all time. I often wish there was a song like this that told the story of pop music and the culture that went along with it in the decades since, (other than Billy Joels "We didn't start the Fire") They dont write them like that anymore (to borrow the lyrics from an 80s song)....and likely never will.
I was just thinking that when I die, I will be leaving in the company of other people of my time, this time. The time of the greatest music. We will have a lot to share, so it will be nice.
The lyrics are everything. It's the history of rock and roll without using the names. The King was Elvis, the players on the grass were the Beatles at Shea Stadium, their last concert, moss on a rolling stone refers to Dylan taking over the scene, and on and on. Maybe THE greatest song ever written. Pure genius.
I'm a 35 year old bartender at a karaoke bar in Porto Alegre-Brazil. I think last December a group of North Americans were staying in a hotel next to the bar and decided to go sing one night. One of them started singing this song which brought me a wonderful nostalgic feeling as I used to hear this song from time to time in my childhood and given a while later I never heard it again and didn't know the name and artist. I used shazam that night and I never missed this song again, and now every time I listen to it I have a smile and a tear on my face as I remember my childhood. The guy who sang it doesn't know my name, and I don't know his, but on that magical night, we did each other really well (he with the music, me with the cocktails). Thanks for that, friend!
Bacana Nery. Eu tambem procuro uma musica que tocava em um comercial da MTV Brasil que começava assim "I used to love every night as religion"... Nunca encontrei a musica e sinto uma frustração enorme por isso. Acho que essa musica deve ter sido feita somente para o comercial, é a unica explicação que encontro :(
Ever since 1969, the Fraternal Odor of Politics 😮& CIGAR Smoke 😢 Has been stinky & in need of Housing. DAMN the Feminist Manifestos of Middle Eastern Hoochi Mamma Dancers.❤❤❤
It's because, besides having a great tune, this song is packed full of Americana, of nostalgia about the times when we didn't let divisive progressive ideologies into our lives, when everyone just lived their lives and let others live theirs.
I hope all the old folks here know how much the younger generation loves and reveres yall. I’m a 90’s kid, but this song was my favorite when I was just 4 years old. I practically live and breathe classic rock even though my music taste spans a huge variety, growing up listening to lots of metalcore and hip hop, classical and r&b, ragtime & jazz. But there’s something truly special about the 70’s & 80’s. And this song always gets me a bit misty eyed, reminiscing on my childhood, and on all the elders who have gone, or are still standing, the precious memories of the generation before me and all the beautiful traditions & legacies the passed on to us. I’m so thankful to be apart of this beautiful world.
I have to say we appear to have been incredibly blessed with our music in the 70s and 80s, so many huge hits by bands still going now and the concerts,, wow
[Verse 1] 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 [Chorus] So, bye-bye, Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry And them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye Singin', "This'll be the day that I die This'll be the day that I die" [Verse 2] Did you write the book of love? And do you have faith in God above If the Bible tells you so? Now, 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 [Chorus] I started singin', bye-bye, Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry Them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye And singin', "This'll be the day that I die This'll be the day that I die" [Verse 3] 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 Lennon read a book on Marx The quartet practiced in the park And we sang dirges in the dark The day the music died [Chorus] We were singin', bye-bye, Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry Them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye And singin', "This'll be the day that I die This'll be the day that I die" [Verse 4] Helter skelter in a summer swelter The birds flew off with a fallout shelter Eight miles high and fallin' fast It landed foul on the grass The players tried for a forward pass With the jester on the sidelines in a cast Now, the halftime air was sweet perfume While 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? [Chorus] We started singin', bye-bye, Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry Them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye And singin', "This'll be the day that I die This'll be the day that I die" [Verse 5] 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 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 [Chorus] He was singin', bye-bye, Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry Them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye And singin', "This'll be the day that I die This'll be the day that I die..." [Bridge] 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 [Chorus] And they were singin', bye-bye, Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry And them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye Singin', "This'll be the day that I die This'll be the day that I die" [Outro] They were singin', bye-bye, Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry Them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye Singin', "This'll be the day that I die"
This is easily one of the greatest songs ever written, if not the greatest. The way Don tells stories through each lyric is still impressive, despite the song being 50 years old. True masterpiece.
Ah, because you know and understand all the songs since the beginning of time, in all languages? " one of the greatest songs ever written, if not the greatest " LOL
I’m 14 and I have been listening to this forever. This song will never die Thx for all the sweet comments P.S never let the good oldies die out Thanks for all the likes
My dad used to play this on record for me when I was a little kid. Sadly he dad passed away 2 years ago and for some stupid reason we didn't have contact the last few years. I was there by his side at the end, but never got a chance to tell him how much he really meant to me and how sorry I was for not keeping in touch. Love you dad.
If you were there, he already knew. I lost my dad 8 years ago. It feels like an eternity has passed since then, but I know I will see him again and he will be cancer-free once again.
I'm so sorry to hear that. It truly breaks my heart. Forgiveness is essential in our lives, for our time here on earth is short. That's why I believe in Christ, cause I want to live in eternity. God bless you and know you will always have the good memories you shared with your father.
I'm so glad I was a teenager in the 70's, we tried to interpret this song while smoking weed. We came to the conclusion that Don had a dream/vision that was telling us not to forget music/humanity. Music is the one thing besides your faith that no one can take from you. Thanks Don - some good old lyrics and story-telling genius. Everyone knows the chorus! Your music will never die. Bless you.
It’s had me listening to this way more often lately. That was sooo sweet and human wasn’t it? I feel like nobody I showed it appreciated it as much. It made me feel so connected to humanity.
Fifty years ago. I got into my permanent duty station at Illesheim. Germany...the day I got there, November 8th. Three Dog Night was the most played group on AFN...Beginning in December American Pie had completely taken over as Number 1...we'd listen to Kasey Kasem's shows on AFN...American Top 40 for clues to the various meanings hidden in the song...it stayed at number 1cuntil January when America's Horse With No Name bumped it out of that spot...
Wow it’s really interesting the story behind the lyrics too my dad taught me that it was about the great artists that died in the plane crash but it gave me chills. i’m 17 btw
How was the time over here? It would be very interesting to know for me (and some other people here probably too) how it was over here as an solider in the Cold War.
No, the song is about a few singers in the 50's who died in a plane crash I forgot thire name but because they were grand level musicians the song tells about the day the music died. @birdmanbob4
When I was a little baby, my mom used to sing this song to me because she didn’t know any lullabies but she knew this by heart. Then I see this gets posted and it brings a tear to my eye every time.
I know this song when I was 14, my tenant played this song and 'Beautiful Sunday' when his presence. It's almost 50 years. Right now, most of Hong Kongers, who are fond of music from the US, have no longer lived in HK
I grew up in the 70's my Dad would turn the car radio off to listen to me singing. I new all the words. I miss him so much! I'm so sorry for you. Its been 10 years this month. 😢😢😢😢
Gotta tell ya, 16 years ago, this song saved my life quite literally. After my mother passed away, I was in a deep depression. Couldn't eat. Could barely sleep except to Mitch Hedberg standup reruns playing in the background. One day, as the depression hit further, I hit rock bottom. I remember drinking. My friend, on the phone asked me to have faith and put this song. Then she said "now hang up, listen to this song, dance as hard as you can, then call me back and tell me how you feel" ... I danced, sang as loud as I could, and I saw the light on the other side of the dark tunnel. This song is basically from heaven in my book.
I see everyone commenting on how they were young when they first heard this song and now they're old. I'm 25 right now, it's january 30, 2026. This is a message for future me (if I can remember to come back) You've done great so far, you got the job you wanted, you've started travelling the world, you're learning a new language, you have your family. If you're reading this as an elder person, don't be afraid of what's coming next. You've lived a good life. (Hoping to have travelled even more by that time) - M.A.S.S.
Yes, rest in peace to these musical revolutionaries. And yeah, he references that in the beginning and how, to him, it was the end of good music and of traditional values. However, the whole song is actually about the evil that infiltrated the 1960s through its music, drugs, Marxism, and most importantly for him, the rejection of God in America. He references The Beatles becoming radicalized, The Rolling Stones' Satanic music and the fact that they hired the fucking Hell's Angels for security, which resulted in the death of an innocent Black man, Bob Dylan, "The Jester" (who he disliked for above reasons, but also because he couldn't sing) the Helter Skelter murders orchestrated by Charles Manson, and the Vietnam War. "The Day The Music Died" was just the beginning of the end of fun, happy music that you could dance to, and of the America he knew and loved.
All the references in this song is crazy. the plane crash with all the musicians, Elvis, Beatles, and more. it's crazy how much history can be in one song
It was written about Buddy Holly, Beatles were never in a plane crash. Just check it out you will find some of them still alive. Elvis didn't die in a plane crash but sadly in the bathroom.
@debbiebeach4113 Yeah I know. I was listing some things that were referenced in the song, not the people in the plane crash but I can see how the way I worded it was confusing, oops
@micahfitzpatrick967 oh ok, I'm not much of a music nerd per se so I was talking to my father about this song and he was saying Elvis was referenced in the song. I guess that while we were listening to this song and talking about it we misunderstood some references
At 22 yrs old in 2024 i hope this song is not only played, but is admired as deeply as i and many others admire it today. This song is timeless. The celebratory sorrow of a tale of saddness anyone can relate to is unbeatable. I still recall singing this with my grandparents before understanding it and realizing the meaning these words would possess someday. Music is the most universal, easiest understood form of communication. From individual to societal, music can deliver a message otherwise too vague, and too broad.
Yes still. Thank you you young man. I shared this song with my children now 44, 42 and almost 34. They know all the Lyrics and it is a stand up song because when it starts people stand up and start singing ❤
This is poetry, I had a really had drinking problem for a while and my dad slowly lost his love for me. I’m good now and our relationship is golden, I read this comment and immediately called my dad and said this comment to him. Despite my awful drinking and the way he saw me in those days, we always have connected through music. For a while music was the only way I could communicate my feelings to my dad
My granddaughter came in my room singing this! Sure brought back great memories from my high school days. 50+ yrs difference between us & we both have great taste! ❤
This song is about the death of Buddy Holly not the death of democracy. Nothing to do with what's being done in our country today by the republicans and Trump.
My Dad would play this on his guitar when I was a kid. He died in 2023. The song came into my head this morning and here I am listening as tears roll down my face.😢 This song will always remind me of him.
My dad just passed unexpectedly the day after Christmas this past year (2024) and his would be 66th birthday starts in 20 mins (4/4) and as I was sitting here, tears rolling down my face I started singing this song and came to put it on. Seems this song reminds everyone of their dad too 🖤
My grandfather died on 5/17/25, he always talked about this song. I remember from being a small child and having trivia with him about what the song is about. I used to roll my eyes hearing it 80 million times. Man was more of a father to me than he was a grandfather. What I wouldn't give to hear "Do you know why they wrote this song?" I'll forever miss you Oldman
I am so sorry for you loss, I remember talking about this song meaning with my father, he also had a different vision but at the end we found the truth about it, it was partly a relieve and on the other side a hard blow
I remember I was 12 the 1st time I heard this. I told my mom, "I don't understand this song, but I want to." So my precious mother, who 20 years later took her first computer class, went to the library. There she and the librarian found the lyrics, and (remember this), mimiographed those lyrics. Then she went to the record store and bought the 45f American Pie for me. (If you ask your kids what a 45 is, they will probably say, much like mine, "Uh, is it a gun?") I listened to that 45 and read those lyrics over and over again until one day it clicked for me. I understood what Donem McClain was trying to impress on my young mind. American Pie wasn't just a rock anthem, it became MY anthem.God bless us, the children of the 70s!
Terrible situation which could have been minimized or prevented. After crying, be a part of a dramatic change in government leadership. Just like this this classic, memories will last but Rock and Roll lives with new leadership. 74 year old former musician and veteran.
![Hardnard - Butta B (Official Music Video) [Dir By Kharkee]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/W3EDlWKUnw4/mqdefault.jpg)
As a 16 year old I can confirm that this song is still loved by the younger generation.
thank you, let the 70's music live ❤🔥
I was coming home from one of my sports recently and me and a bunch of friends started singing this cuz we all knew the lyrics. And it was so fun
There is hope!!!
as a middle aged 20yo: LESGOO
there's always hope :P
i beat cancer today
❤❤❤
Congratulations 👏
Congratulations ❤
That’s great,I hope you’re doing well man.
Most excellent 🎉.
February 3rd was the day that the Big Bopper, Richie Valens, and Buddy Holly died in a plane crash. This song was written and sang in memory of them.
Who's here on February 3rd, 2026?
I’m here 😊
Present!
I am
i'm here, Amen
Sup’
April 2026 anyone???!!!
Edit: Good to see people still listening to this song even now😍🤩
Me
Hereee
HEREEEEE
bro i am 13 and i love this song
@O3XGAMING-x4w Same!! I’m 13 and love TRUE country too❤
My father died 40 minutes ago.
My Oldest memory with him was dancing to this song, that was the happiest I remember him being. The smile on his face... In his later life it was very rare that you saw him smile.
Fuck Cancer.
The family met today in my granny's house, and we ended up sharing stories and talking about the kind of support we've gotten from people learning of his death.
I always knew he had friends from every walk of life, but there were people sending their condolences from everywhere, even retail workers in shops he frequented and chemists learned of his death and contacted us. Teachers from educational facilities he hadn't learned at in 25+ years too.
I've been placed in charge of making a playlist of music that he would have liked to play before he's cremated and this song will definitely be on it.
So sad…. I’m so sorry for your loss :/
It must be very hard for you…
Let those memories push you trough tuff moments
Не переживай, все когда- нибудь уйдем. Сожалею о вашей утрате.
so sorry for your loss man, praying for you and your family.
May the Lord bless you and keep you
Thanks to my father for raising me with this kind of masterpiece. December 08, 2025
I’m just leaving this comment here so I can come back to it whenever someone likes it.
Listening at 4:35 AM from the Dominican Republic.
@josesanchez-almonte369 listening at 9:45.PM in the philippines
@SmashmelewbrotheraYes listening at 11:45 AM in the philippines
Romans 3:10: "as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;"
Romans 3:23: " for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
Romans 6:23: " For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
John 3:16: " “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
Mark 1:15: "and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Acts 16:30-31: "Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
God bless you.
I'm so sorry
It’s April 28, 2023 and I just heard the President/Prime Minister of South Korea sang this at a official state banquet and diplomatic reception. He did the first verse and I gotta give him credit. He won over everyone in that room. Well done sir. You touched many American hearts. Thank you.
Not Prime Minister. He is President
@大韓帝國-e3h Thank you for sharing this with us. Have a great weekend!
Great Yoon can make better S.Korea
Truly shows the kids how legendary this song is. put a smile on my face that’s for sure
@오동재-q1y 위대해서 국제호구라고 놀림을 받냐?
i hope we never let this masterpiece die. (08/01/2026)
Still listening 10/1/26...
1/10/26
@robmcguire7534Same
@isleuntoherself Кстати это так странно =)))) Америка всегда отличалась от всего мира =))) У вас и вместо сантиметров, дюймы и галлоны ваши и пуанты вместо литров =)
Эта песня, это Шедевр не только в Америке, но по всему миру.
This was my dad's favorite song. He passed away on July 17, 2022, right after our whole family sang it too him. This is a song that is very precious to our family. 💔😢
Rest in peace 🙏
So sorry for your loss
My dad used to play this on his guitar. He passed in 2018. Well will listen together in memory of our fathers and the great music they taught us.
Sorry for your loss 😢
Sorry for your loss but good choice
Not everybody knows this but this entire song is quite literally a tribute to Buddy Holly and a message to tell the world how rock and roll changed since his death this whole song was written in a bar and it is probably the best piece of music composed in a very long time
Adding to the tribute, the album was written to be dedicated to Buddy Holly
I'm 44 and know exactly what this song is about!
@susanwagner900 I would love to hear from you. Where can I contact you?
Disclaimer: this is a theory.
The song is about Buddy but its about much more then just that. Its also him telling his life of being a paperboy thinking dreaming one day becoming a performer, on up to a high school let down over a girl he had an eye out for. How music along with past events and war changed America. England invasion of music became so popular it overcame even the crown. The falling away from god from the new music misleading a nation away from pure values to do as they pleased and what felt good. Jack on the candle stick is America waking up from its demonic trance ways, maybe when its to late. It close to being prophetic looking at things in today's world.
I met Buddy Holly in 1958. He was a fun person to hang out with for a while. Buddy enjoyed every minute of life. Today, I'm 75 and a writer. Thanks Buddy for inspiration you can do anything life! R.I.P. . . .😇
Wow, you were present for such an iconic slice of time. If you ever decide to write a memoir, count me as one of your readers 😁🙌
Great story
I’d also love to read it if you write a memoir
Please tell us in the comments if that ever happens
So you met him and hung out in 1958 for a while, when you were 10 years old. I'll take things that never happened for $2,000 Alex.
So you were only nine or ten years old? How come you “hung out” with him?
Anyone here, Today?
To the generations to come, never let this song die.
YES SIR CAM❗❗❗❗❗❗
July 2024 /Still Rockingg.
on it
Got it
ok sir
On February 3rd 2024 it has been 65 years since that tragic day we LOST BUDDY HOLLY, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. Yet their music still Rocks to this very DAY! Thank You Don McLean for this awesome Tribute to the entire Rock & Roll Industry. Rock On!
they would probably have died now anyway.
@finallife87maybe but it’s totally possible they could still be alive considering Donna (Ritchie’s gf) is still alive
oooo wee oooo i look just like buddy holly
sorry weezer fan
@finallife87 True, though the tragedy is that were taken from us in their prime. Buddy Holly was only 22 when the crash happened. Who knows what he would've been able to do if he had more time.
Still one of my all-time favorites! 🖤
My oldest and dearest friend passed a couple of weeks ago, one of my many memories with him are driving around in his ‘73 mustang singing this song at the top of our lungs. Godspeed Bruce till we see each other again. Love you man.
Condolence T_T
I'm so sorry for your loss. 😢
❤🩹
Well, that's gonna sting for a long, long time. Eventually, it gets better, and you're quite lucky to have one of the greatest songs in all of Americana, to remember him with.
@JeffUy287thank you
Who’s here in 2026?
I PRAY THAT THE WORLD ACCEPTS JESUS AS THEIR PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOR AND THIS NEW YEARS BRINGS BLESSINGS TO US ALL BIG AND SMALL❤❤❤
Yes sirrrrr
My cousin who I've known since Birth died yesterday.
The music has died for me
Come on, already? 🤣🤣
@matteohautman1704bro me and my mrs are playing cards
My father died 13 years ago. This was his favourite song and one we played at his funeral. I still can't listen to it without tears welling up. I love you Dad.
May he be in forever peace, I know how you feel
May the music never die. May we all sing together in harmony.
amen and amen!
YES! My grandads favourites. Can't believe half my music taste Is game music and the other half my grandads playlist lmao. This song is a banger >:)
@TheXTForMP dirges in the dark!
Dude the point of the song is that the music is dead. The culture of the United States is nearly gone.
@michaelseiber1794 why did you ruin the nostalgia for me 😭😭😭 I knew it had a sad outlining but you didn't need to ruin my childhood
Dude "the day the music died" has to be one of the saddest possible sentences
Music was never alive. People making music are alive when you listen to music you are alive but music has never been alive
@juanmanumanudice8848
It must be difficult always taking things literally
Aint easy these days to not be a depressive bug like you.
@juanmanumanudice8848 r/Iamverybadass
@HopePapernackyit’s the best way to look at things
I'm from Nepal a GenZ and this song made me feel like I'm American from the wild America of the 70s
Thukka mora, gayera Nepathya suna 😂😂😂
My 60 year old daughter's funeral was two days ago. She was special. She had planned every segment of her 'Celebration of Life'. The funeral home could not seat everyone as people just kept coming in. She had been fighting cancer for eight years and she never gave up. Her faith and her positive attitude kept her going. But her body finally ran out of steam. The last song she requested and asked people to join in was American Pie. Everyone, including this 86 year old Mom sang. There was not a dry eye in the place. I told you she was special.
Very moving about your brave daughter...tears in my eyes. I don't think the repeated line, "the day the music died" totally applies to her though. It's clear the music in your heart for your daughter is still very alive and will always play❤. Take good care.
Thank you so much. You read me right. @gmtgsong4635
sorry for your loss that is sad im 10 and this is making me cry.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@gmtgsong4635 h
she must have been really cool... ngl,this made me almost tear up. may she rest in peace
Its timeless because its about yesterday, and every generation has its yesterday. Its a tragically beautiful life. Live it. Love you all
This song reminds me of our stolen presidential election and I could cry seeing what's been done to America by the Biden crime regime!!
@michaelmoslak2975 my father passed in 2018 and I often think about how disappointed he was in the decline of America. He never got over it and I often think about him when I listen to The Statler Brothers song " Do you remember these". I am glad he didn't have to endure covid or the insanity of the last couple of years. Let's try to Make America Great Again for my father and all our past generations that gave everything for this country.
You two are smoking some shit 😂
@michaelmoslak2975you can't be seriously blaming that old **** for everything when before him there was a bunch of garbage in his place.
@LeoKinhg It's the entire party not just creepy joe.
This song seems to hold a special place for many people... and rightly so...
So for everyone:
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
This traditional Irish blessing is an ancient Celtic prayer.
Someone told me that many years ago I've heard that before as a child
@007JHS
I've never heard that until now. But thank you kindly! That is beautiful and I wish the same for you as well. God bless you! 😊
Thank you man. Wishing all luck from Italy.
I'd heard this before and looked for it, but never didn't know where nor what I was really looking for. Thank you very much for bringing this to us. God's blessings be on thee as well.
Some of me English is terrible, but I hope you got my message.
My mom and dad bought me a 62 Impala for 150 bucks when I was 15 in 71. Someone put in a 8 track player in it and they left this 8 track in it. So just me dad went for a drive. Him teaching me how to drive. We stopped and got fried chicken. We were leaving Hood River going up to Mount Hood. Curvy road and we listen to this song. Stopped and ate the chicken. That was one of the greatest days I've ever had. Learning to drive and me and Dad hanging out. I sure miss Dad.
I'm so sorry about your dad
Thank you. We butted heads once in a while, when I was working with him. He taught me how to hunt, fish,repair cars I could make a longer list. 😊 Thank you again for the reply.
@Moses1973No problem
I was here in 1973 and I'm still here in 2025. I have lived a full life, full of joy and great music like this
We were blessed ❤
The jester is so real
@SpencerSilitch AM 79 , MUSIC HAS BEEN SOME OF MY BEST DAYS !
meus parabéns, muitos anos a mais pra vc, 👏👏👏👏, você ouviu muita coisa boa.
Yes me too friend
When I was a little kid, my Dad would play this for me countless times because he knew how much I loved this song.
So when he passed away, after a three year battle of A.L.S.😢
I wrote a parody of this song as a tribute to my late father.
VERSE 1
Long long time ago,
I can still remember how his music used to make us smile.
A 1959 born man,
thought he had a long lifespan,
and we could all be together for a while.
But 2016 made us shiver, for his right leg began to quiver,
it got worse with each step, he couldn’t take one more step.
He wrote software he could upload, used computers, and advanced codes,
and now sun’s set on his road, we call it his ORANGE ASPHALT.
Oh my my Stephen was a smart guy,
he has been here, for 60 years, now he says his good-byes,
he’s in Heaven, that’s where today he resides,
saying one day you’ll be by my side, one day you’ll be by my side.
VERSE 2
Did you know he met a girl,
at university where his life unfurled, for she you see was his future love.
Their relationship began as friends of course,
despite flaws love’s a greater force,
and yes they were both blessed by the lord above.
Oh
he purposed and became engaged, and their requested marriage was arranged,
they were the best of husbands and wives, it was the best day of their lives.
They had 3 great kids who they both adore, and one married a man of Canadian lore,
but sadly the great wedding wasn’t before our man Stephen’s ORANGE ASPHALT.
I started singing
My my Stephen was smart guy,
he has been here, for 60 years, now he says his good-byes,
he’s in Heaven, that’s where today he resides’
saying one day you’ll be by my side, one day you’ll be by my side.
VERSE 3
Now for decades music was a loved thing, he cherished with his beloved siblings, and wow what a very merry group they were.
Yes
their loving parents were so filled with joy, they were deeply proud of their girls and their boys, it was an extraordinary concert yes sir.
Well
he passed his great love for the art, to his 3 kids he loved with all his heart, he entertained them with his gift, and their spirits he did lift.
Yeah
on his great guitar he was indeed a bliss, and he truly was a musical artist,
his musical hands will sorely be missed, oh yes after his ORANGE ASPHALT.
We started singing
My my Stephen was a smart guy,
he has been here for 60 years, now he says his good-byes,
he’s in Heaven, that’s where today he resides’
saying one day you’ll be by my side, one day you’ll be by my side.
VERSE 4
Destination visitation anticipation for vacation, he loved one spot in this whole nation.
Yes up in York Maine was a sensation, at his vast family’s cabin’s location, his thing was nature hiking exploration.
Oh
Bar Harbor, and Jordon Pond, and Mount Cadillac, Black woods and beyond, on the island he loved it all, Mount Desert Island it is called.
Yes
Steve loved the state of Maine the very best, yes his favorite in the hemisphere of the west,
Maine mourns the loss of one of it’s guests, oh yes after Steve’s ORANGE ASPHALT
Maine started singing
My my Stephen was a smart guy,
he has been here for 60 years, now he says his good-byes,
he’s in Heaven, that’s where today he resides,
saying one day you’ll be by my side, one day you’ll be by my side.
VERSE 5
Oh this song’s title I’ll explain what that is, it’s long story but it goes something like this, it all started with a video game.
It has a
total of 30 levels it’s true, and we advanced to the level 22, and yes orange asphalt is that level’s given name.
Because
you control a motorcycle, on a sunset lit road for a while, Stephen took that level to heart, I guess that was his favorite part.
Because
ever since then he asked from morning to 9, may I name this after, favorite level of mine,
we will treasure late Steve’s famous line, “Can I call this ORANGE ASPHALT?”.
He’s probably singing
My my Stephen was a smart guy,
he has been here for 60 years, now he says his good-byes,
he’s in Heaven, that’s where today he resides,
saying one day you’ll be by my side, one day you’ll be by my side.
VERSE 6
We already missed Stephen yes, when he had been cursed with A.L.S., we miss the man he used to be.
We took the task to help our man, in any possible way we can, the bad illness proceeded unfortunately.
On July 10 2019, his fate we feared had been seen, and zero words were spoken, the hearts of us were broken.
And the level Steve admired best, I took to my heart cross my chest,
I named the song you know the rest, Steve may call it ORANGE ASPHALT.
And I was singing….
My my Stephen was a smart guy,
he has been here for 60 years, now he says his good-byes,
he’s in Heaven, that’s where today he resides,
saying one day you’ll be by my side, one day you’ll be by my side.
FINALE
We were singing….
My my Stephen was a smart guy,
he has been here for 60 years, now he says his good-byes,
he’s in Heaven, that’s where today he resides,
saying one you’ll be by my side.
This is a beautiful tribute to your father, he would have been so proud.
It's only been 3 years, I'm real sorry for your loss.
@Tsch6373 Thank you for your condolences.
That's a lovely tribute to your dad. He is looking down on you, very proud and guiding you always from heaven.
@LindaPerry_337 😊❤️
I'm so sorry, this song is wonderful god bless u
One of the greatest songs ever. I was a young kid when it came out. I’m now 61 and still love hearing it
overrated
@johnnyringo2695 ofc a guy with the last name "ringo" says that
I'm only 19 and this is my favorite song of all time.
@johnnyringo2695
Really? Jealous much? That sounds like, a personal problem to me and not a, wise one to have either. Sucks to be you!
@flickcentergaming680 I'm 14 and I like this song.
Bye bye 2025 I learned a lot thanx..
wish you all the luck for 2026.
@SriRam.268tanx bro..🙏
Now‘s all the shit behind, lets go forward to the golden years! :)
what did you learn? Share your wisdom with the human tribe. Have a good new year 2026!
This will be the day I die....
This song speaks to the soul. It's not just about music-it’s about life, loss, and the search for meaning.
Even in the sadness, there’s a quiet hope… like a prayer wrapped in melody.
Thank you, Don McLean, for this timeless reminder that even when things fall apart, we can still remember, reflect, and keep going.
Baby
@Rachel-e9m9g what do you mean
Perfectly spoken…
🎶❤️🤍💙💪🥰✍️
Yes I do remember
Absolutely. I'm 38 in 2025 (when writing this comment). I never experienced a single thing that inspired this song. Most of the events don't even touch me beyond the basic "historical interest" way. But this song transcends that and still touches me because it speaks to things far deeper than merely what it is "about."
6:32 It's currently 1:12 A.M. September 11th, 2025, and it felt appropriate to revisit this song
Been a crazy 2 days hasn't it
The people who listen to this song and understand it will continue to hear it
There is in fact something about this song and these times that just appropriate.
This song was needed yesterday
Same here
Apparently everyone’s dad loved this song
My dad has this as his ringtone and his alarm clock, so I have to wake up EVERY MORNING to this song.
As I get older I get it
I'm a dad, I approve this comment 👌
Well, my dad certainly likes this song. It's a great song, I guess we can't blame them for appreciating this banger
@indridcold8433 me too
I see were all here in memory.
RIP Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, and Ritchie Valens
Next is Buddy Holly by wheezer.
The day after the accident, I was walking to the mailbox, and some kid I didn't know walked up to me and said that the Big Bopper had died. I was 10 years old, and I am embarrassed to say that I didn't know who the Big Bopper was.
OZZY OSBOURNE 😭😭😭🕊
UK, prince of da FIA
Olá gostaria que o ozzy estivesse vivo
Ok
R.I.P Ozzy Osbourne ❤️🩹
Damn
My little brother was killed 30 years ago today, Aug 14,1993. He sang this song solo karaoke at a big family reunion just a few weeks before that. It had always been one of my favorite songs, but it definitely hit even harder ever since. Love you and miss you Josh! Bye bye 'til I see you again!
Sorry for your loss
Sorry Man. I hope you’ll reunite with him one day.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my brother a few months ago 💔
I’m sorry for your loss
I was 20 yrs old when this became popular, immediately I was caught in by its nostalgic and haunting lyrics because I knew the meaning was tied to the tragic loss of 3 young artists and rock and roll. I'm 72 now, and I thank God for having been part of the best years, best poets and best music ,my body's old but I'm still young inside 😮.
Your saying this era was better at song writing than Cardi B??? Your wild… haha
I had just entered the Air Force when this song was popular. It kept me sane through the whole experience.
Can you tell me what the heck he’s trying to say? I know about the plane crash and that explains only the first verse, but what other kind of real-world events are being alluded to in this coherent fantasy yet incoherent allegory? I grew up on this song, hearing it on the oldies station and having almost memorized it by the mid-2000s, but I could never make head or tail of it.
@albertnortononymous9020He's talking about the 50s and 60s dying. The end of an innocent era. Not just Buddy Holly...he brings up the Manson murders of Sharon Tate and her friends when he says "Helter Skelter in the Summer swelter". The dying of a more innocent time in history 😢😢
damn gramps, didn't know you we're chill like that
My father died at 68 he guards the gates of heaven now !! Semper Fi
My dad died yesterday and this was one of his favorite songs. He had the 45 record and I have early childhood memories of him playing this record on the stero. RIP Daddy. ❤
Take Care, my condolences
❤
👍🤣
Take care....my condolences. May your father rest in peace.
R.i.p too all good dad's that had passed 😢😢
Thank you to everyone that has responded to my comment about my dad's passing and the love of this song. I was 3 and would and can remember standing next to him singing it. It was a song that had a lot of meaning to it to me, not because of what or who it was written about, but because my dad and I would sing it together. My dad was in the Navy and then the Army and will always be y hero! Everyone has different opinions about the song but my opinion (memory) was we would sing it together so it held a special place in my heart. 💔 I am still trying to mend my broken heart.
I certainly did not mean to bring any bad feelings to anyone about this song. I have a big heart and love everyone. ✌
How old was he?
Great comment it is meaning full 👍
I am sorry you lost your dad, but at least you have beautiful memories of him, so he will always live on in your heart and will share all the good times with you. Wish you and your family the best!
I sang it with my dad too. I used to love singing the part about jack sotting on a candle stick and Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall take care love. May your road be filled with much light to lead the way.
Oh man, I'm so sorry for your loss, may our Lord have your father's soul and, one day, should you be together again.
1:40 Yes, I do believe in rock n’ roll.
1:44 Yes, Music can save my mortal soul.
@daveweinberger2021I thought ur pfp was h*tler😭😭
1:46 Yes, I can teach you how to dance real slow.
I know that you're in love with him.
Yes WE do
今こそ…この曲が刺さる。
右も左も落ち着いて、ただただ真実が欲しい。
The first song I learned to sing in English at 5 years old. The first song I learned to play on the guitar. The song of my life. Timeless, this gives me goosebumps and this feeling for a decade I wish I have lived in.
👍
A monumental classic for sure!!Glad you love it too! God bless you.
I remember hearing American Pie for the first time in December 1971 on the old KIMN AM in Denver CO riding around in my moms brand new 72 Gran Torino. I was 13 years old.
It continued to get frequent airplay well into 1972 (although a cut-down version rather than the 8 minute plus long version), I didn't even know there was a long version for several years after it was released.
Fifty years on, I still occasionally hear it on an oldies station, its in the top 5 of my favorite pop/rock songs of all time.
I often wish there was a song like this that told the story of pop music and the culture that went along with it in the decades since, (other than Billy Joels "We didn't start the Fire")
They dont write them like that anymore (to borrow the lyrics from an 80s song)....and likely never will.
Plot twist she is Natasha Romanoff little sister
Classic
One of the greatest songs ever performed. Made the tears run. Glad I'm 65 and grew up in the best music time in history. God bless to all of you.
About to turn 62....Didn't really understand exactly what this was about but I always loved the song. Lost innocence
I was just thinking that when I die, I will be leaving in the company of other people of my time, this time. The time of the greatest music. We will have a lot to share, so it will be nice.
Amen to that!!
About the day Buddy Holly died, actually.
Don't forget Richie Valens and the Big Bopper too
The lyrics are everything. It's the history of rock and roll without using the names. The King was Elvis, the players on the grass were the Beatles at Shea Stadium, their last concert, moss on a rolling stone refers to Dylan taking over the scene, and on and on. Maybe THE greatest song ever written. Pure genius.
The king in the song is Jesus 😂😂
Orrrrr it's about Buddy Holly Ritchie Valenz n The Big Bopper J P Richardson.....
the only thing elvis was king of was drugs, he was terrible
@TsDomain do you think a song just about those three would be considered one of the greatest of all time? They are just the symbols; do some research
@mikegilbert2500 they are just symbols of.... "The Day The Music Died"....
01-26-2026
This song is longer than 8 minutes but you're not bored listening and that makes this song amazing.
Buddy Holly was a Legend
Had he lived a long life he would Elvis Presley wouldn't of been the King.
The song almost didn't get released because of the 8 minute length. The suits didn't think it would do well.
It's a tour de force masterpiece!
Who cares if 3 minutes or 8 minutes it's banging still
Back in the 70s when radio had late night disc jockeys, this 8 minute song was played when they needed a bathroom break. 😂
I'm a 35 year old bartender at a karaoke bar in Porto Alegre-Brazil.
I think last December a group of North Americans were staying in a hotel next to the bar and decided to go sing one night. One of them started singing this song which brought me a wonderful nostalgic feeling as I used to hear this song from time to time in my childhood and given a while later I never heard it again and didn't know the name and artist. I used shazam that night and I never missed this song again, and now every time I listen to it I have a smile and a tear on my face as I remember my childhood.
The guy who sang it doesn't know my name, and I don't know his, but on that magical night, we did each other really well (he with the music, me with the cocktails). Thanks for that, friend!
que experiência linda! fico feliz que o destino tenha trazido essa música de volta aos seus ouvidos
Porto Alegre, lar de uma das três melhores bandas de Rock Nacional na minha opinião e acho que na de muita gente também, talvez até na sua né
cool and i agree
Bacana Nery. Eu tambem procuro uma musica que tocava em um comercial da MTV Brasil que começava assim "I used to love every night as religion"... Nunca encontrei a musica e sinto uma frustração enorme por isso. Acho que essa musica deve ter sido feita somente para o comercial, é a unica explicação que encontro :(
I wish I were there. Never been to Brazil.... Would love to go.
This is still a popular song in 2023, including college bars. I can’t believe a song this long has continued to be so popular. An absolute banger!
SOme songs are just so dang good that they should never end...American Pie is one of them.
Ever since 1969, the Fraternal Odor of Politics 😮& CIGAR Smoke 😢
Has been stinky & in need of Housing. DAMN the Feminist Manifestos of Middle Eastern Hoochi Mamma Dancers.❤❤❤
It's because, besides having a great tune, this song is packed full of Americana, of nostalgia about the times when we didn't let divisive progressive ideologies into our lives, when everyone just lived their lives and let others live theirs.
to me a 16 year old in highschool when im feeling down
This somg is one of the greatest of all time.
Boy. You. Can't. Beat. The. Classics
WOW, I had no idea this song came to mind for so many. July 3, 2025. I will remember the date. Peace to all.
YOU ALSO
Anyone else here after seeing the South Korean president sing a verse in the White House?
🎉yes
Yes
@MachoMabz 😂
@topcthepainclan2004 I’m embarrassed after re reading my own reply to the comment. Because even I don’t know what I was saying there bro.
Me too😊
I hope all the old folks here know how much the younger generation loves and reveres yall. I’m a 90’s kid, but this song was my favorite when I was just 4 years old. I practically live and breathe classic rock even though my music taste spans a huge variety, growing up listening to lots of metalcore and hip hop, classical and r&b, ragtime & jazz. But there’s something truly special about the 70’s & 80’s. And this song always gets me a bit misty eyed, reminiscing on my childhood, and on all the elders who have gone, or are still standing, the precious memories of the generation before me and all the beautiful traditions & legacies the passed on to us. I’m so thankful to be apart of this beautiful world.
I'm a 2000's kid and this song is one of my tops
I have to say we appear to have been incredibly blessed with our music in the 70s and 80s, so many huge hits by bands still going now and the concerts,, wow
I'm 16 and love this song
I love this song im in highschool
That's nice to hear, especially when so many young folks like to blame everything bad on "Boomers". Thank you.
1/25/2026
[Verse 1]
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
[Chorus]
So, bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
And them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
Singin', "This'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die"
[Verse 2]
Did you write the book of love?
And do you have faith in God above
If the Bible tells you so?
Now, 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
[Chorus]
I started singin', bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
And singin', "This'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die"
[Verse 3]
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 Lennon read a book on Marx
The quartet practiced in the park
And we sang dirges in the dark
The day the music died
[Chorus]
We were singin', bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
And singin', "This'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die"
[Verse 4]
Helter skelter in a summer swelter
The birds flew off with a fallout shelter
Eight miles high and fallin' fast
It landed foul on the grass
The players tried for a forward pass
With the jester on the sidelines in a cast
Now, the halftime air was sweet perfume
While 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?
[Chorus]
We started singin', bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
And singin', "This'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die"
[Verse 5]
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 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
[Chorus]
He was singin', bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
And singin', "This'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die..."
[Bridge]
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
[Chorus]
And they were singin', bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
Singin', "This'll be the day that I die
This'll be the day that I die"
[Outro]
They were singin', bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
Singin', "This'll be the day that I die"
Thankss
@lunasaffron556 You're welcome
Good copying
@deepto793011 that was 6 months ago you aint gonna get a response most likely
Thank you!
This is easily one of the greatest songs ever written, if not the greatest. The way Don tells stories through each lyric is still impressive, despite the song being 50 years old. True masterpiece.
Perhaps the GOAT, really. It tests the human limits of talent and creativity.
@guilhermehomsy674 I totally agree.
the metaphors are crazy
It’s definitely up there.
Ah, because you know and understand all the songs since the beginning of time, in all languages?
" one of the greatest songs ever written, if not the greatest " LOL
I’m 14 and I have been listening to this forever. This song will never die
Thx for all the sweet comments
P.S never let the good oldies die out
Thanks for all the likes
50 years here and im 60 years old 🌀
@финик-с6ч no doubt 👍
The first time I listened to this I was also 14.
Same, be raised on this song. It's my brother's favorite, and he loved to play it and explain every little detail about each verse.
@gabrielintano2202lol it’s the same with me but it’s my dad and my big brother
Anyone in 09/04/2026😊
President of R.O.K,Yun,sang this song today,so I came here.
My dad used to play this on record for me when I was a little kid. Sadly he dad passed away 2 years ago and for some stupid reason we didn't have contact the last few years. I was there by his side at the end, but never got a chance to tell him how much he really meant to me and how sorry I was for not keeping in touch. Love you dad.
He’ll know without you having to tell him, comes from the heart. And he’ll never be more than a thought away ❤
If you were there, he already knew. I lost my dad 8 years ago. It feels like an eternity has passed since then, but I know I will see him again and he will be cancer-free once again.
Man your Dad loves you!!!❤
I'm so sorry to hear that. It truly breaks my heart. Forgiveness is essential in our lives, for our time here on earth is short. That's why I believe in Christ, cause I want to live in eternity. God bless you and know you will always have the good memories you shared with your father.
sending you love & your dad knows everything that might've gone unsaid❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I'm so glad I was a teenager in the 70's, we tried to interpret this song while smoking weed. We came to the conclusion that Don had a dream/vision that was telling us not to forget music/humanity. Music is the one thing besides your faith that no one can take from you. Thanks Don - some good old lyrics and story-telling genius. Everyone knows the chorus! Your music will never die. Bless you.
actually it is about Buddy Holly and how he and a few other musicians died in a plane crash.
@markpullman785 Thanks, I didn't identify the song to Buddy Holly. He is a legend!
@jennifercontoplianos3615 You're welcome
@markpullman785 everyone percieves music different. I percieve it as a tribute to buddy,richie, the big bopper and society at the time in general.
Not what he was saying but okay
Whose here is 2026?
I'm here on Jan 16th
same
It's Jan 17th
Me too, just 17th already for me
@Izi1984 not for everyone my friend, depends on what time zone people live in
17th ...early
The Korean president singing this song brought me here
It’s had me listening to this way more often lately. That was sooo sweet and human wasn’t it? I feel like nobody I showed it appreciated it as much. It made me feel so connected to humanity.
The internet is great an bring people together from strange places
Beautiful
Wait what?! I need a link to the vid!
ruclips.net/video/wyF3dvFRrE4/video.html
ruclips.net/video/u-E6Bk-JHvo/video.html
Me too
0:29 that part actually made me shiver
Fifty years ago. I got into my permanent duty station at Illesheim. Germany...the day I got there, November 8th. Three Dog Night was the most played group on AFN...Beginning in December American Pie had completely taken over as Number 1...we'd listen to Kasey Kasem's shows on AFN...American Top 40 for clues to the various meanings hidden in the song...it stayed at number 1cuntil January when America's Horse With No Name bumped it out of that spot...
What a time to Be alive!!!
0
Wow it’s really interesting the story behind the lyrics too my dad taught me that it was about the great artists that died in the plane crash but it gave me chills. i’m 17 btw
the day the music died
How was the time over here? It would be very interesting to know for me (and some other people here probably too) how it was over here as an solider in the Cold War.
Feb 3, 2026?
songs of love and ecstasy remind me how it used to be,
I thought those days would never end, but now it seems I need a friend...
Indeed. 🙏
I was here is Feb 4th now I forgot to comment
The 4th blasting🎛📲 this VallejoCalifornia 🙋🏽🙆🏽
9 de febrero, aquí
0:54 never gets old
Came here on the 28th April after South Korea President sng this song at the dinner with Pres Joe.
Who's listening in 2025?
This song is about the day JFK died I wonder what kind of song they would write if Trump had died
No, the song is about a few singers in the 50's who died in a plane crash I forgot thire name but because they were grand level musicians the song tells about the day the music died. @birdmanbob4
Me
Me
Me
February 3rd, it's 12:30 soon, I'm gonna start playing it then...
When I was a little baby, my mom used to sing this song to me because she didn’t know any lullabies but she knew this by heart. Then I see this gets posted and it brings a tear to my eye every time.
What a sweet memory. You had a lovely mother
I do.
@lizardgaming6597 you are very blessed to have her!
overrated
I know this song when I was 14, my tenant played this song and 'Beautiful Sunday' when his presence. It's almost 50 years. Right now, most of Hong Kongers, who are fond of music from the US, have no longer lived in HK
Came here after listening to Korean president in white house dinner
Fat sooo not right
The Korean president brought me here lol
I grew up in the 70's my Dad would turn the car radio off to listen to me singing. I new all the words. I miss him so much! I'm so sorry for you. Its been 10 years this month. 😢😢😢😢
子供の頃から聴いてるけど、本当に色褪せない名曲だと思う
Top 💯
P😊😊p😊😊p😊😊pp😊😊p😊p😊😊😊]❤😊9l@luizhonorio9917
La neta que sí, carnal.
Still listening to it in 2025❤
Me
7:28 the day the music diee
Gotta tell ya, 16 years ago, this song saved my life quite literally. After my mother passed away, I was in a deep depression. Couldn't eat. Could barely sleep except to Mitch Hedberg standup reruns playing in the background.
One day, as the depression hit further, I hit rock bottom. I remember drinking. My friend, on the phone asked me to have faith and put this song. Then she said "now hang up, listen to this song, dance as hard as you can, then call me back and tell me how you feel"
... I danced, sang as loud as I could, and I saw the light on the other side of the dark tunnel. This song is basically from heaven in my book.
February 3, 1959 💔😢
Rest in paradise, love and music...
Ritchie Valens 🙏 🎶 🎸❤
Buddy Holly 🙏 🎶❤
The Big Bopper 🙏 🎶❤
And Roger Peterson, the pilot...
Amém
3 amazing performers
Rest in peace
❤❤❤🕊
Don McClean is a magnificent storyteller.
"McClean", really? 😂
Brush it's Don McLean 😅😅😂😂
Sorry it's bruh not brush
The best!
Today is 63 years since the Day the Music Died. 51 years since American Pie was released. I was alive for both. Damn, I'm old.....
💯
I'm sorry but what is the day the music died? Asking for a millennial
@TimmithyZERO the day when the plane holding Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Richie Valens crashed
you may be old timer, but that's what makes the story intresting
Not old, just perfectly aged I reckon
I see everyone commenting on how they were young when they first heard this song and now they're old. I'm 25 right now, it's january 30, 2026. This is a message for future me (if I can remember to come back)
You've done great so far, you got the job you wanted, you've started travelling the world, you're learning a new language, you have your family.
If you're reading this as an elder person, don't be afraid of what's coming next. You've lived a good life. (Hoping to have travelled even more by that time)
- M.A.S.S.
chill
I love the fact that 99% of the people that are here don't need to watch the screen to sing along, for the entire 8 and a half minutes.
Well said man
This song feels as if it was a minute long, you just gotta keep replaying it
@luftwaffle173 that 8 and a half mins feel like 3 seconds
Cheered me up tonight this tune, stay bless people.
R.I.P to buddy Holly, Richie valens and the big bopper which this song is a tribute to them.
It’s a tribute to the whole 1950s and how the counter culture of the 60s fucked the world
@troygibbons41 Was the counterculture really responsible?
i never knew that
@troygibbons41 counterculture was a consequence of fighting the injustices toward all minorities and in addition the wars for profit.
Yes, rest in peace to these musical revolutionaries. And yeah, he references that in the beginning and how, to him, it was the end of good music and of traditional values. However, the whole song is actually about the evil that infiltrated the 1960s through its music, drugs, Marxism, and most importantly for him, the rejection of God in America. He references The Beatles becoming radicalized, The Rolling Stones' Satanic music and the fact that they hired the fucking Hell's Angels for security, which resulted in the death of an innocent Black man, Bob Dylan, "The Jester" (who he disliked for above reasons, but also because he couldn't sing) the Helter Skelter murders orchestrated by Charles Manson, and the Vietnam War. "The Day The Music Died" was just the beginning of the end of fun, happy music that you could dance to, and of the America he knew and loved.
Today marks 67 years since the day the music died. RIP Buddy Holiday, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper.
I lost my wife on 13th August 2021. This song makes me flood with tears every time I hear it. I love her so.
overrated
Sorry for your loss.
L
@maryeunicesupremacy582 I bet you felt good saying that
“peace be with you”…
A 67 years old dog from Thailand was and still listenning to this song.A thousand thanks and loves!
r u still alive?
@yeshua6857 Dude it's only been 3 months
@John-wf5dm lmao
Hell yeah I hope the best for you, keep your voice in good shape!
Do you own a bar on the beach in Koh Tao by chance?
All the references in this song is crazy. the plane crash with all the musicians, Elvis, Beatles, and more. it's crazy how much history can be in one song
It was written about Buddy Holly, Beatles were never in a plane crash. Just check it out you will find some of them still alive. Elvis didn't die in a plane crash but sadly in the bathroom.
@debbiebeach4113 Yeah I know. I was listing some things that were referenced in the song, not the people in the plane crash but I can see how the way I worded it was confusing, oops
Don mc lean said Elvis was in no way being referenceed. Watch the documentary American Pie with McLean talking about the lyrics.
@micahfitzpatrick967 oh ok, I'm not much of a music nerd per se so I was talking to my father about this song and he was saying Elvis was referenced in the song. I guess that while we were listening to this song and talking about it we misunderstood some references
@micahfitzpatrick967 Who did he say the "king" was then who had his crown stolen by the jester?
People who watching in 2026
👇
At 22 yrs old in 2024 i hope this song is not only played, but is admired as deeply as i and many others admire it today. This song is timeless. The celebratory sorrow of a tale of saddness anyone can relate to is unbeatable. I still recall singing this with my grandparents before understanding it and realizing the meaning these words would possess someday. Music is the most universal, easiest understood form of communication. From individual to societal, music can deliver a message otherwise too vague, and too broad.
Yes still. Thank you you young man. I shared this song with my children now 44, 42 and almost 34. They know all the Lyrics and it is a stand up song because when it starts people stand up and start singing ❤
💖🎶🎶🎶🎶💖
This is poetry, I had a really had drinking problem for a while and my dad slowly lost his love for me. I’m good now and our relationship is golden, I read this comment and immediately called my dad and said this comment to him. Despite my awful drinking and the way he saw me in those days, we always have connected through music. For a while music was the only way I could communicate my feelings to my dad
I'm 71 years old, and this song still resonates with me just like it did in 71. I hope it's not prophetic.
I just turned 70@FTONY-sl8mq
My granddaughter came in my room singing this! Sure brought back great memories from my high school days. 50+ yrs difference between us & we both have great taste! ❤
Dang right 👍
Perhaps your good taste is genetic!
I know. I understand (December 30th,2024 and January 3rd,2025).
that's adorable. hope you and your granddaughters' bond continues to grow stronger.
Aww ☺
Happy Heavenly Boys!
Came after listening to Korean President's whitehouse vid.😂
Mine after: the night they drove old dixie down
8:32 minutes of pure bliss
Couldn’t agree more
I agree
Why is this song still so applicable in 2024? It was prophetic. 😢
Yes
This song is about the death of Buddy Holly not the death of democracy. Nothing to do with what's being done in our country today by the republicans and Trump.
@njprepper8601 yes again.
BINGO!!!
20 january 2026 anyone?
Me🎉
Yes
Come to Kazan Russia 😁
Hi
Me
My Dad would play this on his guitar when I was a kid. He died in 2023. The song came into my head this morning and here I am listening as tears roll down my face.😢 This song will always remind me of him.
I feel your pain. When my sisters and I lost Dad several years ago it was devastating. The joy of memories can put some grief to rest .
My dad just passed unexpectedly the day after Christmas this past year (2024) and his would be 66th birthday starts in 20 mins (4/4) and as I was sitting here, tears rolling down my face I started singing this song and came to put it on. Seems this song reminds everyone of their dad too 🖤
Sorry for your loss.
😢
The president of Korea brought me here
me too haha
i also…
Which Korea?
@RyanBatista_ south I assume 😂
What video?
My grandfather died on 5/17/25, he always talked about this song. I remember from being a small child and having trivia with him about what the song is about. I used to roll my eyes hearing it 80 million times. Man was more of a father to me than he was a grandfather.
What I wouldn't give to hear "Do you know why they wrote this song?"
I'll forever miss you Oldman
I am so sorry for you loss, I remember talking about this song meaning with my father, he also had a different vision but at the end we found the truth about it, it was partly a relieve and on the other side a hard blow
5/17/25 has not came yet
@Marilena-g1uyes it has. That’s may, it’s now July.
Still enjoying in March 2026 because this is timeless music
I remember I was 12 the 1st time I heard this. I told my mom, "I don't understand this song, but I want to." So my precious mother, who 20 years later took her first computer class, went to the library. There she and the librarian found the lyrics, and (remember this), mimiographed those lyrics. Then she went to the record store and bought the 45f American Pie for me. (If you ask your kids what a 45 is, they will probably say, much like mine, "Uh, is it a gun?") I listened to that 45 and read those lyrics over and over again until one day it clicked for me. I understood what Donem McClain was trying to impress on my young mind. American Pie wasn't just a rock anthem, it became MY anthem.God bless us, the children of the 70s!
Beautiful comment,such a lovely story
Watching my home town burn, crying listening to this, LA, California 1/11/25
I’m sorry
Terrible situation which could have been minimized or prevented. After crying, be a part of a dramatic change in government leadership. Just like this this classic, memories will last but Rock and Roll lives with new leadership. 74 year old former musician and veteran.
So sorry 💔❤️🩹 Hope you and your family are safe. Sending light and love from the Philippines 🇵🇭
I'm so very sorry. All of Western North Carolina is sending y'all love and strength.
I have many relatives in CA.....sending prayers wishes and love to the entire state