- published: 14 Aug 2008
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Donald "Don" McLean (born October 2, 1945, New Rochelle, New York) is an American singer-songwriter. He is most famous for the 1971 album American Pie, containing the renowned songs "American Pie" and "Vincent".
Both McLean's grandfather and father were also named Donald McLean. The Buccis, the family of McLean's mother, Elizabeth, came from Abruzzo in central Italy. They left Italy and settled in Port Chester, New York, at the end of the 19th century. He has other extended family in Los Angeles and Boston.
As a teenager, McLean became interested in folk music, particularly the Weavers' 1955 recording At Carnegie Hall. Childhood asthma meant that McLean missed long periods of school, particularly music lessons, and although he slipped back in his studies, his love of music was allowed to flourish. He often performed shows for family and friends. By age 16 he had bought his first guitar (a Harmony acoustic archtop with a sunburst finish) and begun making contacts in the music business, becoming friends with folk singer Erik Darling, a latter-day member of the Weavers. McLean recorded his first studio sessions (with singer Lisa Kindred) while still in prep school.
Don McLean- American Pie (with Lyrics)
Don McLean - American Pie 1971 Full Album
Vincent (Starry Starry Night) Don McLean
don mclean - vincent
American Pie - Don McLean - Full Length 1989 Video from Original 1971/72 Song
Don McLean - American Pie better quality
Don McLean performs American Pie live at BBC in 1972 - Newsnight archives
Crying - Don McLean
Don Mclean : The Greatest Hits - The Best of Don Mclean
Rocksmith 2014 - DLC - Guitar - Don Mclean "American Pie"
[Chorus]
Well you better Jump, Jump, Jump,
If you wanna' live at all.
Yes you better Jump, Jump, Jump,
Even though you're bound to fall
Cause' they're gonna' make you sorry gonna' make you cry
If you don't Jump, Jump, Jump, into the seat by and by.
Well, you Jump for joy and happiness,
You Jump when things go right.
You Jump when you're asleep
And you hear a strange voice in the night.
Sometimes we get to use to things, they don't mean what they did.
I know that what make my floor, make another fellows lid.
(Chorus)
Well, I'm always on the lookout,
For somethin' fresh and new.
Like bein' on a cookout with a crazy Kangaroo.
Just when I think I've found a place where I'm sure I wanna' stop.
My body won't quit cookin' and my mind begins to hop.
(Chorus)
Well, I'm thinkin' about a thousand things,
I'm a losin' lots of sleep.
I'm glidin' on my inner wings, I'm gettin' set to leap.
I'm ridin' on my pony, I'm lettin' out my rope.
I'm lookin' for an idea that a big bar of soap.
(Chorus)
(Instrumental Break)
(Chorus)
Well, one man was cold and hungry,
One man was rich and well.
One man stood at the window, as the crowd began to yell.
While the poor man prayed to Jesus and the rich man made a deal.
One man was standing naked yellin' do what you feel.
(Chorus)