I think longevity is more important than trying to make people realize you're around every second.

Do you believe in rock 'n roll? Can music save your mortal soul?

I think longevity is more important than trying to make people realize you're around every second.

As you sell your soul and sow your seeds, and you wound yourself and your loved ones bleed. And your habits grow and your conscience feeds, on all that you thought you should be.

This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.

Because of an off-hand funny comment I made backstage at a concert years ago, a story circulated that the song has been a burden and even that I didn’t sing it for a while. That’s completely false. I am very proud of ‘American Pie’ and the many satellites that grow from it and revolve around it. For many years I carried my songs around and now they carry me around. I have always sung ‘American Pie’ for my audience and would never think of disappointing them since it is they who have given me a wonderful life and untold affection for almost 30 years.

Helter skelter in a summer swelter.