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Announcing the launch of my new American Pie web blog

I am pleased to announce the initial launch of my new blog, Miss American Pie, an analysis of the lyrics of the song “American Pie” by Don McLean. This site was inspired by my trip to Clear Lake, IA, and a longstanding desire to help people understand the magical imagery in McLean’s fabulous work.

While there have been many interpretations of the song, Don McLean has not answered any questions about the “meanings” contained in the song. An artist or poet does not explain their work. If it truly as an artisitic masterpiece, such a work is open to many interpretations. That allows a broader audience to develop their own meanings, their own understandings.

My intent is not to force an interpretation. In some cases, I was able to provide clues because of my familiarity with McLean’s home town and because we attended the same high school. For example, I hope that I have offered a probable solution to the riddle of “the sacred store.”



I hope you visit and look at the great pictures from Clear Lake, Iowa, the location of the crash that killed Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens on February 3, 1959 … the day the music died

Comments and input are welcome as each page has a discussion section. I am always interested in hearing alternative meaning and interpretations. Such discussions of this wonderful poem help preserve the song’s status as a cultural statement and keep promoting the tribute that McLean intended.

Peace, love and happiness to all.