I saw an interview with Don once and he was asked what the song means, he said "It means I never have to write another song ever again". Perfect answer.

My dear young man, greetings from a 63 year old chap from the UK. May I say how much I have enjoyed your musical journey to date - and hope to do so for some while yet! It's my birthday on the 22nd July, so if you feel like giving some old foreigner a birthday gift I offer a couple of suggestions. I had considered a reaction to 'When I'm 64' by the Beatles (very apropos) but I would truly love to get a young American's reaction to 'Alice's Restaurant' by Arlo Guthrie. This is probably the ultimate political statement by American youth in the 1960s. I would recommend doing a little Wikipedia check on the song before listening - just to put it in context. Here is a link to a version with the lyrics displayed - be prepared to smile

R.I.P. Richie Valens,Buddy Holly and Big Bopper!!Sad day!!

Every line of that song is Don's tribute to musicians he admired both living and dead.

This song is like a musical history of the 60s. The day the music died is the day Buddy Holly died. Some of the other characters are the King is Elvis, the Jester is Bob Dylan, the Sargents and marching band are The Beatles, the Devil is Mick Jagger/The Rolling Stones. Besides the changes in music, several events in the 60s are referenced.

Fun fact: Everyone over 40 knows every word to this song.

Good song, but that's a picture of Bob Dylan. Vincent is another great song by Don McLean

"We all need music -it's like a hospital - it's a remedy - it cures". terrific statement and observation about music's healing qualities.

the king was elvis Presley and the jester was bob Dylan. the marching band was the beatles lonely hearts club band. there are all kinds of references to people and events that happened during the 60's and 70's love it

The song is about how the music and social change of the 50s and 60s collapsed into murder and self-destruction. As a metaphor, he uses the original plane crash deaths of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens (only 17 years old) and J.P. Richardson, known as the Big Bopper. Richardson had a son on the way when he was killed. McLean references every symbolically big star and big band of the era to chronicle what he thought was the end of hope. It's a sad song.

FYI: Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly" was written about Don McLean.

Such a great, classic song. I'll never forget first hearing it. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up when I did, with music that was new and different every day. With music that took your soul on a journey. Thanks for reacting to it!

Now you should learn about the actual "Day the Music Died", then meet Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Richie Valens....really, you won't regret it. I love seeing the music through new eyes, makes me remember when my Dad used to teach me all he knew about rock'n'roll. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Day_the_Music_Died

“Music is like a Hospital”.....Dude, you are the KING of similes, and metaphors.

If no one has mentioned this before, Don McLean IMHO is one of the most poetic songwriters out there, and ‘American Pie’ is full of political and cultural allusions to events in the 50’s (e.g., Buddy Holly’s death), 60’s (e.g., Beatles/Dylan/Vietnam war), and 70’s (e.g., Kent State massacre). There is a video on YT which follows along with the songs with pictures to most of the allusions if interested.

I enjoyed this so much!! That song will touch anyone who has a soul, so glad you got to hear it. I appreciate you. ✌️❤️

Saddest song ever written, I loved all three of them, and I wasn't even born then!

A song I loved as a child in the 70,s, what the song is about made me cry eveytime I heard it.

A masterpiece I remember listening to this on the floorboard of my dad's 64 Chevy pickup it was the first song I ever feel in love with I was 4.

RIP ....Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper !!!!!.... God Bless You , Sir !!!!!!

So great to see such an emotional reaction to old stuff. You come across as very genuine, seeking inspiration and humanity via music/art. Sending love to you and all your family x

You are on another level my firend. Power to you, and may your channel grow and grow.

If it's too loud you're too old! Is the saying. Soon as you start jamming, you know you shouldn't ever forget to keep music in you're life.

Love your reactions to these great old songs. Please never stop.

"The only proof he needed for the existence of God was music" - Kurt Vonnegut

You need to learn the history of this song, about the plane crash that took away Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens.

Another fun fact. Killing me softly with his song was originally a poem written by a Don Mclean concert goer about Don. It was later turned into a song.

There is a song by Mac Davis, called I Believe in Music. The beginning says, "Music is the universal language, and love is the key, to brotherhood, peace, and understanding, and living in harmony." Music and food bring people together. Play on brother!

I have video of my late wife and myself singing this on Karaoke. Seems like yesterday.

The music belongs to you as well. Everything is there for you to discover.

Pure artistry. An American masterpiece written by a seriously gifted genius.This song will never go away. Timeless........

I can listen to this song a million times and it won't ever not affect me - and it's a total joy seeing someone else affected by it for the first time. 😍

Glad you found (and appreciate) this timeless classic! IT's about a lot of things ... you could dig into those lyrics. They're deep. Lovely reaction, as always!

References to THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED, for when rocker Buddy Holly died in a plane crash. Also references to Elvis (mentioned as the King with a coat he borrowed from James Dean).

If you like this song you should try Vincent by Don McLean it is also a great song about Vincent Van Gogh a little depressing but a great song.

"Stary, Stary Night!!!"

"I can't remember if I cried when I read about his widowed bride". In reference to Buddy's wife who upon notice of his death had a miscarriage.

I've been re-discovering some of the 60s and 70s folk songs I grew up on. "Free To Be You and Me," "One Tin Soldier" (this one is AWESOME), "I'd Like To Teach the World To Sing"... so many good ones.

One of my Dad’s favorite song. Thank you. ❤️ Made me cry!

THis came out at the end of 1971 but really hit the charts in 72. The Beatles had broken up in Sept. 69. Hendrix died in September 1970, and I was so happy to hear music that made me feel great again.

Thanks, sweetie. We think we were lucky, too, growing up with all this great music. But, YOU are too because you’ve discovered it. 🤗

"Killing Me Softly" is a song about someone reacting to hearing this song for the first time.

The music we had is music you now have. I saw him play this on his guitar at a place called The Golden Bear (now gone) in Southern California in 1981 from 10 feet away while seated at a table. Thank you for reminding me of that wonderful experience :) You're an awesome soul! Peace! (his song "Vincent" about the painter, Van Gogh, is wonderful)

This is our life. The music of the 70's every day on the radio. This song has long been in the top 2 or 3 rock songs of all time. Even young people know all the words of this one when they play it at a party! Like Bohemian Rhapsody.

Love the reactions man. Keep them coming. The song describes the evolution of rock and roll after the deaths of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson. Some of the cast of characters: The Jester: Bob Dylan The King: Elvis Presley The girl who sang the blues: Janis Joplin..

Study the lyrics of this song like a history class to fully appreciate its content and allusions.

We were lucky.. I'm 51 I saw the greatest music ever.. It was so much at once it was hard to take it all in..

Every word in this song has a reason. The more you understand it the more you love it.

I would LOVE to see you react to Van Morrison. He was a true poet.. I recommend Into the Mystic or These Are the Days...both songs a pure poetry. Moondance is another great one!

Pls do react to Jim Croce’s “Operator”. Another great musician/lyricist.

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE your reaction to this song! It is brilliant. I was 25 when it was released and it changed the musical landscape forever. People have tried to analyze it for years. Who is this he's referencing, who is the "jester," who is the "King," and so on. Everyone has their own answers. I have mine. As for Don McLean when asked what the song means he said "It means I'll never have to work again unless I want to." LOL! One of the most icon songs of the 1970s. Thanks so much for playing it.

This song never gets old.

There’s another Genre out there you haven’t played yet. It’s called Doo Wop. The Marcel’s singing Blue Moon Arthur Alexander singing “Anna” Solomon Burke singing “Cry to Me” The Diamonds singing “Little Darlin” That should get you started with Doo Wop. Love you and your channel. You’re doing great.

JB, first let me say that I love your videos. You inspire hope , that young folks can rediscover great music, no matter the age, artist or category. As I watch your video, I feel right there with you on a fantastic journey. You open your heart and receive such joy that all I can do is smile. Thank You JB. My only regret is that I'm not there to hug the stuffing out of you! God bless sir. Your happiness is contageous. "I Have A Dream"- ABBA.....give it a try.

Just found you on KZfaq as I love reaction videos. You're playing the music of my youth and I love that you love it. I've always taken it for granted, but seeing you enjoy it and be truly moved by some of them is making me feel really grateful I grew up with these songs. Vincent is another beautiful song, my favourite in fact. Keep on enjoying!

great great reaction this was on heavy rotation when I was in high school and everytime you listen to this you hear something you hadn't heard before. this is a masterpiece.

JBLETHAL... you sure have a great ear for music brother..... when talent mattered... your comments are so sincere...

JBLETHAL ~ I wish I could express just how wonderful it makes this ol' Baby Boomer feel to hear you react to the music I have loved over the decades prior to, oh about 1990ish. So glad that it's obvious to you that much of the music was produced by writers with heart, singers with talent and skilled instrumentalists - instead of artificial machines and formula songwriters. There are of course some great songs being recorded, but they seem to be few and far between. Sadly, young folks of today just haven't been exposed to much of the really good stuff, and each generation knows only what it is given. So thank you, so much, not only for me but on behalf of the new listeners. Love your reactions!!

I'm in my 60s. Thank you for reminding me of so many songs I had loved, but forgot how magical they are. I am from a very fortunate generation, at least musically. I remember when "the music died". Again, thank you.

Thanks ...for posting and your comment about those of us who grew up w/ this music!

Don Mclean has been an interesting artist. I remember when it came out. It became a monster hit --building momentum half a year. There are many oblique references to people and events that no one here should expect you to know about. Don was a big fan of Buddy Holly who tragically died in a plane crash with the Big Bopper and Richie Valens in 1959. That's what Don is referencing when he sang :"The day the music died." Don M. wrote some songs for others. Perry Como had a big hit with "And I love You So."

I will always remember my older sister having this album! The big picture of his thumb with the American flag painted on his thumb. I've loved this song since it first came out!

Back in the 80s a prof I had in literature played this for our class and we discussed the events referenced in this song for 2 days. He was adamant that rock and roll was the modern day equivalent to classic Greek theater. He was a great professor.

The death of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Richie Valens! So many references in this song to a lot of singers, MLK, JFK, RFK, historical events. It was a changing of generations.

Greatest song ever. Look into the history. Iconic

Great song. You should react to The Hollies - He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.

Really enjoy your channel - it's great to see young folks hear these wonderful songs for the first time! Like a kid who goes to Disneyland for first time or tasting Ice cream for the first time! American Pie is one of my top 10 of all time!! Consider listening to Van Morrison "Into the Mystic" and anything from the group AMERICA.

It's such a joy to watch someone experiencing great songs for the first time. This song always makes my heart happy.

I love this song. You have good taste in music! I've been watching your reactions since you started your Queen journey. Cheers! Listen to Vincent by Don McLean as well.

Check out the story behind this song. I think I remember that he was able to retire on the proceeds of this one song. There was a documentary about it. "The day the music died" refers to the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. Why is a Bob Dylan album cover on the screen?

I worked backstage security for a Don McLean concert in 2016. He seemed like a nice fellow and his band was very friendly. What a song

I’m British, I’m 44 and I’ve loved this song since I was a baby ☺️ first time watcher of your channel and what a song to tune in to. Deep and I feel the same way as him about music. As do you by the look of it. Brilliant! 👍🏻

I don't know if McLean wrote a whole lot of songs, but this one is a classic, for sure. My other favorite by him is Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) about Vincent Van Gogh. I'd love to see your reaction to it. I would suggest the one with the lyrics & Vincent's paintings. But if it leaves you in tears, as it might, just react to a couple of songs by Cat Stevens, like Morning Has Broken, & Peace Train. Those were some golden days of song writing.

This song was a tribute to the passing of Buddy Holly

What a treat it is to watch a younger person discover these treasured songs that some of your audience grew up on and have been singing for almost half a century. Thank you so much for doing these reaction videos.

At the time I'm watching this there are 19,464 people who have been fortunate enough to experience your reaction to a classic. The second best thing to experiencing a great song is doing so through someone else, especially someone who feels things the way you do. Keep up the good work. Much respect, my friend.

That pic is of Bob Dylan (the jester). One of the best song writers/storytellers). Look up The Traveling Willburys, Handle with Care. This is a super group made up of all rock legends. 🔥🔥🔥

10:15 - Most people's reaction at least somewhere in that song the first time they hear it!!! If it comes on the radio, I have to listen, and I've heard that song for 30 years!!

We knew every word of this song - about 15 years old, listening to the radio around the kitchen table - country Australia. We were indeed the luckiest generation. Love your reactions 😊

Love your reaction to this all tie great. I was lucky enough to see Don McLean perform this this summer in Birmingham UK- such an honour. Peace and Love -

Gordon Lightfoot Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald is a good one.

Check out "Alice's Restaurant" by Arlo Guthrie

No you don't feel good...but you feel. He reaches into you and makes you feel!! Anyone over 45 knows this song by heart and has sung along to 100 strangers in a bar in college

I love watching your reactions to these songs. Beautiful soul.

An American classic 😍🇨🇦 check out copperhead road by Steve Earle

Whenever he sings about the music died it’s in regards to The big bopper Buddy Holly And Ritchie Valens who died. In a plane crash

This song begins with the death of Buddy Holly the Big Bopper and Richie Valens - the day the music died was a plane crash the widowed bride was Buddy Holly's young wife who was pregnant. It continues with mention of many artists - the marching band is the Beatles who continued as the most popular. The jester is Bob Dylan who had a car accident and was sidelined for awhile. Satan on stage refers to Mick Jagger and the infamous concert at Altamont CA., where several fans died. It was a terrible incident and Jagger was stoned and laughing throughout. The girl who sang the blues was Janis Joplin who turned away and died. His whole premise is that these various incidences changed the original fabric of rock and roll, morphing it into something else. There is more but I will leave you to research the rest. Beautiful song indeed , filled with imagery and storytelling. Thanks for featuring it!!

You picked a great one to react to! One the the greatest songs of all time IMO! And your reaction did it justice!!

I'm thinking you'd find Cat Steven's "Cat's in the Cradle" a profoundly moving song.

you might enjoy Piano Man, by Billy Joel. I love that you are diversifying your music choices. much love!!!

You have a really deep soul, my brother. I appreciate what you do.

Great song! I haven't heard this in forever! THANK YOU! 💯♥️🎼🎶🤟

I remember when this came out.... Yup I'm an old fogey.

Buddy Holly is worth checking out. I really like Everyday and Maybe Baby. Richie Valens La Bamba and Oh Donna and The Big Boppers Chantilly Lace are great

This song. It's an anthem! It grows and sweeps you up!

I'm 56. Latin heritage. I grew up on these songs. I miss them. He was singing about, the big three who died in a plane crash. The big Bopper, Richie Valens and Buddy Holly. As if he was a child when they died and he believed he lost out on what music would be. He uses symbolism to depict the people involved in this time frame. And criticized those who could have continue with the music of this era but didn't.

Now please react to Weird Al Yankovich’s version of this song! “The Saga Begins”

Check out Bob Dylan too. "Blowin' In The Wind" would be a good place to sart.

Excellent reaction man! i gotta say...i've heard this song a billion times so it's not something i go to often, but watching your reaction hearing it for the first time gives me renewed appreciation for it., You are correct tho...we (us old folks) sure had it lucky when it came to music...a golden age if you will. As much as it sucks getting old, i wouldn't trade it for the world. I got to see and hear many of these people in their primes. Now, watching you folks like yourself hear things for the first time...and having an appreciation for it is an absolute pleasure. ...so thanks for that !! two more things....probably Don Mclean's best song....Vincent (starry starry night). BEAUTIFUL. if that one doesn't have you in tears, i'd say make sure you have a pulse. ;O)/ the other thing....that's bob dylan in the picture :O)

GOOOD Old fashioned rock and roll🎸🎸 Great reaction! ❤