In this lesson, students will be challenged to look at a song through a historical lens, rather than for its entertainment value. Students will explore events in the years leading up to the release of American Pie by Don McLean to determine the historical relevance of the lyrics in the song. By comparing the progression of the lyrics in the song, students will gain access to the preservation of history through the view of Don McLean and then use that information to apply it to their view of current events.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
How do songs preserve historic events?
Standards
D2.His.2.9-12. Analyze change and continuity in historical eras.
D2.His.5.9-12. Analyze how historical contexts shaped and continue to shape people’s perspectives.
Instructional Snapshot
Begin the lesson by displaying the album cover of American Pie and asking students if they’ve heard the song. Invite them to share any thoughts, memories, or opinions they have about it. Then, hand out copies of Don McLean’s “American Pie” lyrics. Play the song using the video in Source A and ask students to underline any lines that stand out to them. (Since the song is eight minutes long, the teacher can decide whether to play it in full or select key sections.) After listening, divide students into groups to discuss the historical context of the song. Using the song analysis organizer, have them determine whether the lyrics reflect a positive or negative view of the time period. Once groups have discussed, bring the class back together to share their interpretations and allow time for students to question or challenge each other’s ideas. Next, direct students to read the provided essay, which explains the song’s historical background, including how the death of Buddy Holly and other key events shaped McLean’s more negative view of the era. After reading, have groups reflect on whether their original interpretation aligns with the essay’s perspective.
Formative Tasks
COLLABORATE: Annotate the song lyrics and work in groups to determine if the song carries a positive or negative view of the time period in which it was written.
DELIBERATE: Deliberate the view of historical events of the time period and use the essay excerpt to confirm or invalidate the original claim.
PRODUCE: After learning that the turbulent events of the 1960s inspired McLean, use a historical timeline to discuss the events that influenced the song American Pie. Then, based on the song’s tone, generate a list of current events to which the song could apply.
Sources
Source A: Image of American Pie Album (display only)
Source B: American Pie Lyrics
Source C: American Pie by Don McLean Lyric Video
Source D: Excerpt of American Pie essay from the National Recording Registry, Library of Congress
Source E: Timeline - Major Historical Events
Summative Performance Task
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Taking Informed Action
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