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

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.

When people ask me what 'American Pie' means, I tell them it means I don't ever have to work again if I don't want to.

My face on every coin engraved, the anarchists are all enslaved. My flag is forever waved, by the grateful people I have saved.

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

Hills of forest green where the mountains touch the sky, a dream come true, I'll live there til I die.

American Pie speaks to the loss that we feel. That's why that song has found the niche that it has.