The Grave by Don McLean

Album: American Pie (1971)

License This Song

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

Written while the Vietnam War was raging, McLean wrote this song describing the burial of a soldier. In the liner notes to the 2003 album reissue, he told the story: "This song came to me in a dream. I saw these pearls on a leaf in my dream. I began to think about that fact that a soldier in a trench is actually in his own grave. Then I began to write the song from the perspective of the soldier. I tried to point out the frightening position these young people are placed in by circumstances."
George Michael began performing this song in 2003 during the buildup to the war in Iraq. Michael was outspoken in his opposition to the war.

Comments: 1

Bamaboy from AlHow many of our men probably still lay in those jungles?

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Scooby SnacksFun Lovin' Criminals

The Scooby Snacks in the Fun Lovin' Criminals song aren't dog treats, they're Valium pills.

Stop Your SobbingPretenders

"Stop Your Sobbing" was first recorded by The Kinks in 1964. It became the Pretenders first single 15 years later, leading to a relationship between Ray Davies and Chrissie Hynde.

Year Of The CatAl Stewart

The title of Al Stewart's "Year Of The Cat" comes from Vietnamese astrology. The Year of the Cat comes every 12 Years: 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023...

My WayFrank Sinatra

According to Frank Sinatra's daughter, he hated "My Way," but had to sing it at every show when it became his signature song.

25 Or 6 To 4Chicago

The title "25 Or 6 To 4" by Chicago refers to the time it was written: either 25 minutes to 4 (3:35) or 26 (3:34).

I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)The Four Tops

The Four Tops' "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" was written by the Motown team of Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland and Eddie Holland. The phrase "Sugar pie, honey bunch" was something Dozier's grandfather used to say when he was a kid.