Taking of Photographs is Allowed

I don't know if it was just for Don McLean's show at Town Hall last night or a Town Hall policy now, but the announcement that photos were allowed, but not the recording of the concert, was, well, music to my ears. Of course, he's the "American Pie" guy, the song that he says, when asked what it means, he answers that it means he never has to work again. But he does, of course, because, as he also says, he loves singing for an audience, even if he hates to travel and would prefer to stay in his room. Something about music, I guess, means he at least, needs to share it, and for that, we're all the richer.

I love "American Pie." Other songs have been full of cultural references. Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire," for example, is a history lesson unto itself. But "American Pie" takes us on a metaphorical as well as literal trip through the pop culture and political events of the '60s, as some references could be more than one thing or person. Which Marx? Karl or one of the comedic family that included Groucho and Harpo? And who are the holy music trinity referred to as the father, son, and holy ghost who "caught the last train for the coast"? The debates over that song are part of my cultural memory now.

And yet, the songs that resonate with me are Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) about one of my favorite painters, Vincent van Gogh, and the song I've excerpted below. Lyrics (and melodies) don't get much more beautiful.

And I Love You So

And I Love You So
Words & Music by Don McLean
(Album - Tapestry)

And I love you so
The people ask me how
How I've lived till now
I tell them I don't know

I guess they understand
How lonely life has been
But life began again
The day you took my hand

And yes, I know how lonely life can be
The shadows follow me
And the night won't set me free
But I don't let the evening get me down
Now that you're around me


© Copyright 1969, 1972 by MUSIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA, INC. and THE BENNY BIRD CO, INC.
All Rights Controlled and Administered by MUSIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA, INC.
International Copyright Secured. All Rights reserved
MCA Music Publishing

There was an opening act, too, an entertaining singer/songwriter David Berkeley. He has a very nice website. I wish someone had proofread it. Spaces, people, between words. And apostrophes can be your friend. ;)

Feeling:

~~~o0o~~~
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