The two classic American songs that are famous for their wide and varied interpretations are "American Pie" and "Hotel California". These two happened to be among my favorites even before I took to listening to English / Western Pop / American music / visiting America or even listening to music seriously. There is something in these songs that attracts one to their musical interpretation. Also their chords and instrumental arrangements are off beat and that could be something that makes them more attractive.
In my years in US, Las Vegas was one of my favorite places (more so for the Casinos). The Fremont Street experience of "American Pie", in downtown Las Vegas, was one of the most memorable American experiences for me.
The lyrics of the song American Pie (and Hotel California) are open to wide interpretations. Many books, blogs and talk shows / radio shows are dedicated to the diverse interpretations. There is a philosophy that flows through both these songs and that makes these songs among the American classics. The one thing that I would definitely say is that everyone visiting and staying in US for extended period, will experience the part of this flowing philosophy in these two songs.
Here is my playlist of the songs on YouTube with videos of interpretations etc. :
1) American Pie
Web Sites for Song Interpretations :
American Pie made me a fan of Don Mclean and Hotel California made me a fan of Eagles. Also, these two songs made me interested in American Country and folk music, Blue Grass and the whole American West. Having lived in the Bible Belt of Southern US (Texas, Arkansas, North Carolina, New Mexico, Colorado ), I have experienced the friendliness of West ( Tejas, pronounced Tehaas) and the rugged, religious and philosophical life, full of innocence in this region.
American Pie and Hotel California are among my favorites but this Covid pandemic and extended multiple lockdowns made me realize the philosophies in these songs in a different perspective ..
"Long long time ago, I still remember how that music used to make me smile"
And she said "We are all just prisoners here, of our own device"
