Don McLean: "American Pie" Predicted "Woke Nonsense" and a Nation Divided

Don McLean, the legendary songwriter behind the eight-minute epic "American Pie," has spoken out about his feelings on contemporary America, suggesting that his iconic 1971 hit foreshadowed the current climate. In a recent interview with Metro, the 78-year-old singer-songwriter expressed his concerns about the state of the nation and the cultural landscape.

"The song really does open up a whole historical question about what happened in the ’60s and assassinations and the history that forms the backbone of the song as it moves forward," McLean stated, referencing the song's exploration of the tumultuous era. "This song talks about the fact that things are going somewhat in the wrong direction, and I think that they’re still going in the wrong direction. I think most people looking at America now kind of think that too."

McLean went on to express his disapproval of what he perceives as a growing "woke" culture, stating, "We certainly have a wonderful country, and we do wonderful things, but we also are in the middle of all this woke nonsense. All this other stuff that there is absolutely no point to, as far as I can see, other than to undermine people’s beliefs in the country. That’s very bad."

He attributed a sense of anger and frustration among younger generations, attributing it to a perceived lack of direction and a feeling of entitlement. "There’s so much anger out there. So many of these college students have been given everything, and they’re just angry. They don’t know why they’re angry. They don’t even know what to be angry about. It’s really a symptom of the fact that they’re frustrated. They don’t have a path that they can tread in life that leads to a better life."

Despite his criticism of the current state of affairs, McLean has remained a fan of contemporary music, notably praising Taylor Swift's talent and work ethic. In 2021, Swift's "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)" surpassed "American Pie" as the longest song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. McLean reportedly expressed his admiration for Swift, acknowledging her as a "great singer/songwriter" and even receiving a bouquet of flowers and a handwritten note from her.

In a separate interview this week, McLean continued his praise for Swift, describing her as a "monster star, the size of the galaxy" and a "person who is an example of what talent and really hard work can accomplish." He lauded her dedication and versatility, stating, "She’s working all of the time, and she does everything that she does better than everybody else, whether it’s a video or a performance or songwriting or records or whatever. The only thing is that she stays happy."

McLean's comments offer a glimpse into the songwriter's perspective on the changing landscape of America and his reflections on the enduring power of his own work. His critique of "woke nonsense" and his observations on generational differences provide a window into his personal views, while his admiration for Taylor Swift's talent underscores his appreciation for contemporary music.