In this lesson, students will be challenged to look at a song through a historical lens, rather than for its entertainment value. Students will explore events in the years leading up to the release of American Pie by Don McLean to determine the historical relevance of the lyrics in the song. By comparing the progression of the lyrics in the song, students will gain access to the preservation of history through the view of Don McLean and then use that information to apply it to their view of current events.