Why American Citizens Should Not Be Required to Know American Pie Lyrics

Many may argue that it would be beneficial for American citizens to know the lyrics to the song 'American Pie.' However, requiring everyone to memorize and recite the lyrics is both unnecessary and impractical. Here's why:

The Nature of American Pie

Firstly, 'American Pie' is not an officially designated song of any political entity or national anthem. It is a specific work by Don McLean that captures the changing landscape of American pop culture through the lens of several iconic 1950s and 1960s rock stars. There is no requirement or cultural mandate for Americans to memorize the lyrics of this song. Imposing such a requirement would be more akin to communism than democratic values, as it would involve a widespread coercion of cultural uniformity.

The National Anthem and Cultural Norms

Moreover, when it comes to the national anthem, there is no requirement for citizens to recite its lyrics. If we are not requiring citizens to memorize the lyrics of the national anthem, which is a much more integral part of American culture, then it makes little sense to demand this for any other song. The national anthem represents our country and its values, while 'American Pie' is more of a nostalgic and personal reflection of a specific era.

The Feasibility and Practicality

Considering the sheer volume of lyrics involved in 'American Pie,' it would be a tedious and impractical task for entire crowds to sing it before every anthem-related occasion. For instance, including 'American Pie' alongside the national anthem could be problematic, as the lyrics vary widely and could lead to confusion or discomfort. The song includes lines like:

"An American Tune American Girl American Woman American Idiot Young Americans We're an American Band and/or American Patrol"

Should we really create a situation where every occasion becomes a ritualistic singing of a long and complex song? The answer is a resounding no.

Historical and Cultural Context

Furthermore, while 'American Pie' is an important cultural artifact, it is not as universally understood or relevant as the national anthem. The lyrics reflect a specific generational experience and the cultural shifts of the 1950s and 1960s, which not every American has lived through. For those who are younger or less familiar with this era, the lyrics might be challenging to fully appreciate or remember. For example:

"Only one generation actually understands and remembers it all. Mine. If you had to ‘look up’ who the names were then you did not live through it."

Similarly, it would be equally absurd to require English citizens to know the lyrics to 'Back in the USSR.' The song, while still significant, is not a national anthem and requires a specific historical context that not all citizens might possess. The song's popularity and cultural significance are tied to the era in which it was released, which not every citizen lived through.

Conclusion

In conclusion, requiring American citizens to know the lyrics to 'American Pie' would be a misguided and impractical measure. It is a reflection of a specific cultural moment and not a necessary part of our national identity. Cultural appreciation and knowledge are best fostered through personal interest and experience, not through mandatory memorization. This approach allows for a more diverse and inclusive understanding of American culture.