What approximately is the standard playing time for the song, American Pie by Don McLean?

"American Pie" is a song by American folk rock singer and songwriter Don McLean. Recorded and released on the American Pie album in 1971. When asked what "American Pie" meant, McLean jokingly replied, "It means I don't ever have to work again if I don't want to." McLean has left the interpretation of the song to others.

At 8 minutes 32 seconds, this is the longest song in length to hit #1 on the Hot 100 Chart. The single was split in two parts in 1971 because the normal 45 record did not have enough room for the whole song on one side. Side A ran 4:11 minutes, and the B side was 4:31 minute. One had to flip the record in the middle to hear all of it. Disc jockeys usually played the album version at full length, which was to their benefit because it gave them time for a snack, a cigarette or a bathroom break.

Don McLean began writing the song in upstate Saratoga Springs at Caffe Lena, according to local lore. He continued to write in Cold Spring, New York and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The song made its debut in Philadelphia at Saint Joseph's University in March 1971.

More Info: www.songfacts.com

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36 Comments

Bill Ford

The meaning of the song is very clear. It memorializes "The Day the Music Died", when the Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, and Ritchie Valens died in the Clear Lake, IA plane crash. The crash occurred on February 3, 1959.

Robert Snow

In -A - Garda - Da - Vida 17 minutes and 5 seconds , who remembers this one ???

Bill Ford

I was a DJ when the song came out. Bathroom break!

tdelisi

Nicholas Miernicki, and?

Jas Newman

Wanda Baker, It's between eight and nine.

Jas Newman

Gery Tillmanns, Agree.I was looking for nine minutes, but eight was the closest option.

Howard Groopman

The disparity of the choices made this easy. I've heard that song 100s of times. Like "Hey Jude," I loved it at first but now dislike hearing it.

Robert Oldenburg

Robert Snow, great drum solo

Nicholas Miernicki

I currently have "Not Fade Away" on my playlist.

Richard D. Boyle

American Pie is a ‘60s icon. It’s Don McClean’s “To Kill Mockingbird.”

Richard D. Boyle

filmnut, Thanks for your passionate rant and for your service. As to your assessment of Cadet Bonespurs, I could not agree with you more. Your strong statement has spoken for countless of us who have served and countless more who have not. Thank you and best wishes.

filmnut

I’m from California. 73 years old. Actually drove our Chevy’s to the Levies of “The American River in ‘Rancho Cordova, California.” We were “The Coachmen” Car Club. You drove a ‘55, ‘56 or ‘57 Chevy ‘Bel Air’ or 210. We had a number of Anglophile or Surf Bands. My early band “The Mods” opened for the Beatles in 1964 at The Cow Palace in San Francisco. Later “The Coachmen” opted for the ‘ Kinks’ at the same venue. I didn’t get to be 21 years old till July of 1969. Right before we ‘ America landed on the Moon. This was when “ America was Great”. Donald J Trump is my Same Age only our youth was cut short by the “War” that liar and pervert “Dodged”. I was 6’7” and 3/4”s 235 lbs. We hated that war, but we weren’t rich, but we all had balls. He’s a national disgrace. Our Mothers, Fathers Aunts and Uncles went to War for this Country. America was always great. All of our families served. This ‘Chump’ doesn’t have a clue. When wasn’t this Country Great ? He’s never ever said “When !” . . . Just talks Trash. Doesn’t Know Where Kansas City Isn’t . . . Talk, talk. . . Talk talk !

Gery Tillmanns

I don't agree 8:42. By rounging off, 9 would be the appropriate answer.

Wanda Baker

Back many years ago a disc Jockey told me it was 12 minutes long. I'm going to have to time it now

Kenneth Stevens

Yeah I get THAT part Bill Ford but what about all of the other references like jesters stealing thorny crowns and Jesus saving your immortal soul? They could teMach a whole 3 credit university course on this song!