Over the past 50 years, the song "American Pie" has become a household favorite as it's constantly being played on radio stations and music streaming services. Today, singer Don McLean is ready to reveal the true meaning behind the iconic song.
Speaking to Fox News Digital to promote the upcoming documentary "The Day the Music Died: The Story of don McLean's 'American Pie,'" the singer said it's one of the greatest songs in music history.
He first noted the compliment he got from Garth Brooks as the song also impacted his life heavily.
The singer said the country legend had a very personal connection to the song since he was a little kid because he felt like the track resonated with his career and life in music.
Regarding the iconic line, "the day music died," McLean explained that it's a metaphor for death, not actual death, but rather the death of spirit because music is the equivalent of spiritual life.
"And so, you know, if the music dies, the spirit dies," he added.
Dissecting the iconic classic hit, the musician said every verse of the song has different layers interpreting the day music died.
"It's all poetic, really. It's not prose, you know, it's meant to be taken in metaphorical terms. A lot of that song, like a lot of songwriting," he added.
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Speaking about the upcoming Paramount+ documentary, McLean said he wanted to talk about the lyrics of his song over the past five decades and he's ready to give an in-depth explanation of how it all happened.
The documentary will feature how much negativity the singer had to overcome.
Elsewhere in the interview, the musician opened up about how his family reacted to his success, saying his mom was "very proud."
McLean also said he's delighted and that makes his life worthwhile because he started the song with an interest in something which cannot be found in most music.
"I don't think most music introduces anybody to anything like that. That's what makes 'American Pie' unique and amazing," he concluded.
Directed by Mark Moorman, Don McLean's latest documentary feature is now available for streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
Aside from the singer, the movie also features legendary musicians like Brooks, Peter Gallagher, Brian Wilson, and more.
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