'American Pie' Lyrics Sell At Auction For $1.2 Million
An anonymous buyer gets the manuscript which is 16 pages of a mix of handwritten and typed drafts — including notes. The papers may give new insight into what Don McLean wanted the song to mean.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "AMERICAN PIE")
DON MCLEAN: (Singing) Bye, bye, Miss American Pie.
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
Good morning. I'm Renee Montagne. Even Don McLean doesn't know the meaning of the lyrics to his song "American Pie." It opens with the death of Buddy Holly, but the other lyrics have been endlessly debated. I mean, who is the Jester? The original manuscript might offer some clues. It's 16 pages, a mix of handwritten and typed drafts including notes. That manuscript sold at auction yesterday for $1.2 million to an anonymous mysterious collector. It's MORNING EDITION.
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