Was listening to "American Pie" the other day. Now, some folks have spent a goodly portion of their lives interpreting what this song means (see The Annotated American Pie). It is generally assumed (Don McLean never really having gone on record about it) that it's a history of rock and roll after February 3, 1959. The problem is that there's been a lot more history to rock and roll after 1970, which seems to be the latest date for anything referenced in the song. Your challenge is to write more to "American Pie" to take us past 1970, using as obscure language as you like--remember, it's got to fit the rest of the song, where Bob Dylan (if the common interpretation is correct) is "The Jester" and Mick Jagger is "Jack Flash," so the more symbolic, the better. There's plenty to write about. You can take a decade--the 70s, 80s, 90s--you can take events--the rise of punk rock, Elvis' death, Live Aid--whatever you like. Just make it coded and just make it follow Don McLean's rhyme scheme. Here's a sample verse in case you're not too familiar with the song:
Did you write the book of love
And do you have faith in God above,
If the bible tells you so?
And do you believe in rock 'n' roll?
Can music save your mortal soul?
And can you teach me how to dance real slow?
Well I know that you're in love with him
Cuz I saw you dancin' in the gym.
You both kicked off your shoes
And I dig those rhythm and blues.
I was a lonely teenage bronkin' buck
With a pink carnation and a pick up truck
But I knew I was out of luck,
The day, the music, died.
Note to John--turning this into a Star Wars parody doesn't count.
My personal expectation: Lucilla and Anca and Jane will be particularly good at this. I'm especially intrigued with the idea of an international slant on things.