Don Mcleans "American Pie"
lyrical analysis
"American Pie" Background
Analyzing Verse 2
1st Historical reference
This verse has been interpreted as 10 years they went without Buddy Holly and co. since he passed in 1959 and Mclean wrote this song in 1971
2nd Historical Reference
This verse has been thought to mean either two things. First was the mention of the band "The rolling stones." The second was Bob Dylans "Like a rolling stone." Since without Buddy, these bands/artist had started to become popular.
3rd Historical Reference
The jester is thought to had meant Dylan. The King was thought of to mean Elvis or either JFK and Jackie Kennedy when Dylan sung for them.
4th Historical Reference
Dylan performed in front of the President in "not such appropriate clothing."
5th Historical Reference
Folk music was thought of as music from the people. Dylan and Mclean both sung folk.
6th Historical reference
This was thought to had meant Dylan stealing Elvis' "crown," as he went up and Elvis' popularity descended.
7th Historical Reference
No relation to the previous verse, this verse was thought to had meant either the trial of Chicago seven or the assassination of JFK since the assassin was killed.
8th Historical Reference
Lennon started to get into politics and used it in his and the Beatles music.
9th Historical Reference
This was thought to had referred to the band the "Weavers"
10 Historical Reference
Dirges mean funeral songs. This could mean Mclean and others sang songs in mourning of the death of Holly, Valens and Bopper.