peace AND WAR
http://mediaculturefear.blogspot.com/2012/02/analysis-of-night-of-living-dead.html
Aside from the diverse "at home" issues pressing on the American citizens during the 1960's, international relations were a concern of the general public as well. These issues include the Vietnam war and the Cold War, two events that in turn began the age of hippies. The sixties shaped much of how America has ended up today, leading the chorus to describe how the outlook on life that Americans upheld had changed.
"Miss American Pie" is the title of ideal America that Mclean gave the nation in the song. The verse "Bye, bye Miss American Pie" refers to the change of the country. This change is called "Counterculture," which was a very clear movement of the American people in the sixties.
"So bye bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee
But the levee was dry
Them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
Singing "this'll be the day that i die
This'll be the day that I die"
The chorus describes the passing era of the 1960's. The 1960's were a time of political unrest throughout international affairs, as well as widespread thread of protest on college campuses.
Vietnam and the Cold War
One of the most important events of the 1960's was Vietnam and the Cold War. The affect that the Vietnam war had on the nation was a mix of confusion and stress, on top of what was already apparent from the Cold War. America had suffered from several decades of wars, causing the innocent appeal on a "free nation" seen prior to the 1900's to disintegrate. Mclean titled the emotions of the general public felt as a "live for the moment" outlook. With the Cold War, citizens were constantly on edge, inspiring the chord "This will be the day that i die." Such a nationwide stress began to take hold of the already risen youth, pushing their voices to become louder. Mclean, being a part of this climactic rise in America, included this important change in the meaning of the song.
Aside from the diverse "at home" issues pressing on the American citizens during the 1960's, international relations were a concern of the general public as well. These issues include the Vietnam war and the Cold War, two events that in turn began the age of hippies. The sixties shaped much of how America has ended up today, leading the chorus to describe how the outlook on life that Americans upheld had changed.
"Miss American Pie" is the title of ideal America that Mclean gave the nation in the song. The verse "Bye, bye Miss American Pie" refers to the change of the country. This change is called "Counterculture," which was a very clear movement of the American people in the sixties.
"So bye bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee
But the levee was dry
Them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
Singing "this'll be the day that i die
This'll be the day that I die"
The chorus describes the passing era of the 1960's. The 1960's were a time of political unrest throughout international affairs, as well as widespread thread of protest on college campuses.
Vietnam and the Cold War
One of the most important events of the 1960's was Vietnam and the Cold War. The affect that the Vietnam war had on the nation was a mix of confusion and stress, on top of what was already apparent from the Cold War. America had suffered from several decades of wars, causing the innocent appeal on a "free nation" seen prior to the 1900's to disintegrate. Mclean titled the emotions of the general public felt as a "live for the moment" outlook. With the Cold War, citizens were constantly on edge, inspiring the chord "This will be the day that i die." Such a nationwide stress began to take hold of the already risen youth, pushing their voices to become louder. Mclean, being a part of this climactic rise in America, included this important change in the meaning of the song.
http://www.mortaljourney.com/2011/03/1960-trends/hippie-counter-culture-movement
The Development of Peace Campaigns
America's culture was once again having an altering change. Clothing became far more flashy than ever before, children were being raised on a much racier level, and the nation seemed to be scattered. This was known as "Counterculture." This ripple of campaigns was an affect of the war.
Although American Pie does not directly address the issue of Hippies, they were a major part of the songs success. Hippies would gather for hours to debate the meaning of the lyrics. The ending conclusion was that the song was a metaphor, encompassing the changing elements of America in the 1960's.
"Hippies advocated nonviolence and love, a popular phrase being “Make love, not war,” for which they were sometimes called “flower children.” They promoted openness and tolerance as alternatives to the restrictions and regimentation they saw in middle-class society. Hippies often practiced open sexual relationships and lived in various types of family groups. They commonly sought spiritual guidance from sources outside the Judeo-Christian tradition, particularly Buddhism and other Eastern religions, and sometimes in various combinations. Astrology was popular, and the period was often referred to as the Age of Aquarius. Hippies promoted the recreational use of hallucinogenic drugs, particularly marijuana and LSD(lysergic acid diethylamide), in so-called head trips, justifying the practice as a way of expanding consciousness."
The development of this cultural trend begins to expose the shift of youth in America. The nations rise of youth shifted the industry of entertainment, making a song, such as American Pie, so popular.
The Development of Peace Campaigns
America's culture was once again having an altering change. Clothing became far more flashy than ever before, children were being raised on a much racier level, and the nation seemed to be scattered. This was known as "Counterculture." This ripple of campaigns was an affect of the war.
Although American Pie does not directly address the issue of Hippies, they were a major part of the songs success. Hippies would gather for hours to debate the meaning of the lyrics. The ending conclusion was that the song was a metaphor, encompassing the changing elements of America in the 1960's.
"Hippies advocated nonviolence and love, a popular phrase being “Make love, not war,” for which they were sometimes called “flower children.” They promoted openness and tolerance as alternatives to the restrictions and regimentation they saw in middle-class society. Hippies often practiced open sexual relationships and lived in various types of family groups. They commonly sought spiritual guidance from sources outside the Judeo-Christian tradition, particularly Buddhism and other Eastern religions, and sometimes in various combinations. Astrology was popular, and the period was often referred to as the Age of Aquarius. Hippies promoted the recreational use of hallucinogenic drugs, particularly marijuana and LSD(lysergic acid diethylamide), in so-called head trips, justifying the practice as a way of expanding consciousness."
The development of this cultural trend begins to expose the shift of youth in America. The nations rise of youth shifted the industry of entertainment, making a song, such as American Pie, so popular.
Sixties Fashion Game: http://www.i-dressup.com/girls/makeovers/Fashion_Yearbook_1960s.php