Full Description
Since its release in 1971, Don McLean's song "American Pie" has become an indelible part of U.S. culture. It has sparked countless debates about the references within the lyrics; been celebrated as a chronicle of American life from the late 1950s through the early 1970s; and has become iconic itself as it has been remade, parodied, and referenced within numerous texts and forums. This volume offers a set of new essays that focus on the cultural and historical significance of the song. Representing a variety of perspectives and fields of study, the essays address such topics as historical and literary interpretations of the song's lyrics, its musical qualities, the commentary the song offers on rock and roll history, the continuing significance of the song, and the ways in which the song has been used by various writers and artists.
Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.
Contents
Table of Contents
"American Pie"
Preface
Introduction: Far from Dry, Far from Gone
RAYMOND I. SCHUCK and RAY SCHUCK
1. A Long, Long Time Ago: A Lyrical Interpretation
JOSEPH E. BURNS
2. A Line by Line Analysis of a Classic Song
RAY SCHUCK
3. The Perception of Race in Rock and Roll
RICHARD J. MCGOWAN
4. Lyrical History: There Is More to Music Than Making the People Dance?!
RUSS CRAWFORD
5. Eight-and-a-Half Minutes Is a Long, Long Time
WILLIAM B. ROBISON
6. Rock and Roll Grows
HARRY EDWIN EISS
7. A Generation Lost in Space
ROBERT MCPARLAND
8. A Tale of Two Sagas
RAYMOND I. SCHUCK
Bibliography
About the Contributors
Index
