"American Pie" is one of the most iconic songs in popular music. However, its enigmatic lyrics full of references to pop culture and Americana have mystified listeners since singer Don McLean released the single in 1971. He has generally declined to discuss the meaning behind the song's lyrics until now.
Christie's will auction off McLean's original manuscript and notes to the song on April 7 in New York. The 16 pages of the manuscript and drafts are estimated to auction for $1 to $1.5 million, according to a press release from Christie's.
"I thought it would be interesting as I reach age 70 to release this work product on the song American Pie so that anyone who might be interested will learn that this song was not a parlor game. It was an indescribable photograph of America that I tried to capture in words and music and then was fortunate enough through the help of others to make a successful recording," McLean wrote on his website in regard to the upcoming auction.
Since the eight-minute song debuted in October 1971, fans have tried to interpret McLean's lyrics. He's been mostly mum on their meaning through the years, except on the lyric "the day the music died," which references the February 1959 plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson.
