Background
The title track contains references to the death of Buddy Holly (McLean being a 13-year-old paper-boy at the time). The phrase "The Day the Music Died" was coined by McLean on this song, and has now become an unofficial name for the event.
The third track and second single "Vincent" concerns the Dutch post-impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh, who struggled for fame while he was alive and eventually killed himself.
In one version of the story, the track "Empty Chairs" inspired Lori Lieberman to write the poem upon which the song "Killing Me Softly" is based.
"The Grave", originally a protest song against the Vietnam War, was covered by Wham! member George Michael in protest against the Iraq War in 2003.
Read more about this topic: American Pie (album)
Famous quotes containing the word background:
“In the true sense one’s native land, with its background of tradition, early impressions, reminiscences and other things dear to one, is not enough to make sensitive human beings feel at home.”
—Emma Goldman (1869–1940)
“I had many problems in my conduct of the office being contrasted with President Kennedy’s conduct in the office, with my manner of dealing with things and his manner, with my accent and his accent, with my background and his background. He was a great public hero, and anything I did that someone didn’t approve of, they would always feel that President Kennedy wouldn’t have done that.”
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