Don McLean quotes - page 2

In a sense, 'American Pie' was a very despairing song but it can also be seen as very hopeful. (Don McLean)

Over the years I've had more and more of an association with Nashville.

Don McLean

People ask me if I left the lyrics open to ambiguity. Of course I did. I wanted to make a whole series of complex statements. The lyrics had to do with the state of society at the time.

Don McLean

I mean, I've been given a terrific life by the audiences who stuck with me all over the world.

Don McLean

I realized that songwriters should make their statements and move on, maintaining a dignified silence.

Don McLean

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.

Don McLean

As you can imagine, over the years I have been asked many times to discuss and explain my song "American Pie"

Don McLean

You will find many interpretations of my lyrics but none of them by me.

Don McLean

I am what I do, and that's partly why I don't want to give up singing. But when I can't sing well, I will.

Don McLean

But I knew - in the old days, if a song was a good song, I don't care if it was 'Yellow Submarine' or, you know, or 'The Times They Are a-Changin' or 'Don't Be Cruel', you knew it, you know? You heard that song, and you were talking about it, and you knew it.

Don McLean

When I go on the road now, which is less than before, but still more than I'd like to, I think of myself primarily as a singer. Not a songwriter, not a celebrity, just a man who likes to sing. (Don McLean)

I'd listen to all the stuff that was going on around me and drift off into my fantasies about it. My fantasies have fuelled all the songs I've ever written.

Don McLean

I got my first guitar when I was 16. I'd play for my family and friends, but taking that guitar out there into the wide, wide world wasn't something I ever thought about.

Don McLean

The kids today all seem to think they should be stars, but I wasn't brought up that way.

Don McLean

I was always just into my music and maybe into trying to save the world a little bit. I never really thought I'd have a hit record or anything like that. I was prepared to travel around all over the country, kind of like a Johnny Appleseed, and sing.

Don McLean

And if she asks you why, You can tell her that I told you That I'm tired of castles in the air. I've got a dream I want the world to share, And castle walls just lead me to despair.Hills of forest green where the mountains touch the sky, A dream come true, I'll live there till I die. I'm asking you to say my last goodbye. The love we knew ain't worth another try.

Don McLean

In light of the recent events in Texas, I have decided it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week. I'm sure all the folks planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these events as well. After all, we are all Americans. I share the sorrow for this terrible, cruel loss with the rest of the nation.

Don McLean

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's 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.

Don McLean

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Don McLean

Don McLean - Image

Photo: A Howard, CC BY 2.0

Occupation: American Musician
Born: October 2, 1945
Quotes count: 43
Wikipedia: Don McLean

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