“American Pie” by Don McLean was first released in 1971 and was an instant hit. One of the most successful and debated songs of all time, it is now the subject of an intriguing new documentary The Day the Music Died which delves into the origins of the song, why it remains so popular and what exactly do some of those cryptic lyrics mean. HFPA – reporter Scott Orlin sat down with McLean who revealed that it was a long journey to success.