Memories of a Different Time

The song came on my radio and it took me back to ten years ago
The second time I heard the song, I began to sing along 
It sang about the cold sad day when the music died and went away
I missed those days when the songs were true
But I was a fan of the Quartet and the Jester too
James Dean and the girl who sang the blues
Were obituaries in the morning news
New music that they were putting out
Were mixed with drugs and political clout
With the Jester hurt and the Quartet gone
New bands would try to carry on
But the music couldn’t match the scene
Back to the days when the door was green
So I say Bye Bye to Miss American Pie
Sometimes the music can make me cry
I know down deep within my soul
I still believe in Rock N’ Roll 
I was only twelve and walking down town
When I heard that the trio’s plane went down
I saw the music rearranged
The tune was different and the lyrics changed.
This song was like a nursery rhyme
Bringing memories of a different time
So I listen to it every once in a while
And remember how it made me smile
February still brings me pain
But thanks for the memories Don McLean.

Poetic tribute to Don McLean
Author of “American Pie”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Kelly Avatar
January 17, 2010 at 4:05 AM
Hi Vince , yeaaahhh , different times and much better and so was the music . It was REAL , not like much of the " plastic/vulgar/noise " that masquarades as music , now . Hope you are keeping well . Write onnnnnnn .. Seán ..
Poddar Avatar
June 15, 2009 at 9:47 AM
A fitting tribute but here the precious feelings at the moment listening are well captured.
Peranteau Avatar
June 15, 2009 at 8:50 AM
Vince,..wonderful tribute,..and great spirited write ! TY for your welcomed comment today ! james
Goff Avatar
June 13, 2009 at 6:52 PM
I just love the heart in this fine write of yours Vince! and I agree!!! thanks too for comments ( I don't know why, but I looked again at my poem 'flowers' after you commented to see what you saw! (you didn't mention the typo)and found a double word "the" typo! I swear was not always in there!!) must be GHOSTS on the soup!!!
Harrington Avatar
June 13, 2009 at 7:17 AM
vince i thank you. seems whatever you are always in my corner and i know that sounds silly that it could mean so much but it does. i love this poem. i know what you mean by it. man why does life have to be so hard now sometimes.
Guzzi Avatar
June 12, 2009 at 12:49 PM
apple with a dollop of vanilla ice cream & chocolate & caramel sauce! America Light & Love
Bird Avatar
June 11, 2009 at 8:20 PM
Excellent tribute to a great American oldie. It is nice to have good and warm memories. Love your old home charm Vince that comes out in your poetry. To your comment on my poem, It is great that you have been married 45 years, that is amazing! Thank you again for taking the time to comment.
Derequito Avatar
June 9, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Nice tribute to my favorite guitar plucker Don McLean, Vince. Switch on your stereo system and put on his Greatest Hits CD containing Empty Chair, Crossroads, Babylon, And I Love You So, Winterwood, If We Try ("When I see you on the street I lose my concentration"), his reading of Buddy Holly's Fools Paradise and other of his hits...and I could get high just like that. Regards, Fred
Devonshire Avatar
June 9, 2009 at 4:29 PM
Vince, Don McLean has long been one of my favorite lyricists. American Pie confused many people, much to McLean's surprise. He thought the events he described (the ones you relate well here) were very obvious. I went to review one of his concerts in Central Park and had a backstage pass. It's the only person I ever met who left me dumbfounded. Presidents are far less intimidating than geniuses. Brilliant work, Vince! Love, Carolyn
Torres Avatar
June 9, 2009 at 11:39 AM
I remember winning the album I believe sometime in the late 60's.It was a tremendous hit. It was the kind of song that stood in your mind repeatedly. A song that would endure the test of time. A refection of a painful tribute of great musicians etched in our hearts for a lifetime. Thanks for sharing Vince. You bring back the never forgotten beauty and touching events of the past. GBU Michael
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