Castles in the Air

Jim Croce, Don McLean

About Castles in the Air

"Castles in the Air" is a song by Don McLean. Originally recorded in 1970, it was his first American single release, preceding "American Pie". The original version of "Castles in the Air" was included on the Tapestry album. In February 1971, it was released as the first single from the album and reached No. 40 on the Billboard Easy Listening/Adult Contemporary chart. After the success of the "American Pie" single, "Castles in the Air" was included as the B-side to its follow-up, "Vincent", and received enough radio airplay to reach the Hot 100 chart as a "flip". In 1981, McLean re-recorded and re-released "Castles in the Air". The new version of the song, a slower ballad version compared with the more mid to uptempo version of the original, first appeared on his album Believers, and later replaced the original version on some copies of Tapestry. The new rendition was more successful, becoming a Top 40 hit in the US (No. 36 Billboard and No. 31 Cash Box), and reaching No. 11 in Australia. It was also a top 10 hit on the Adult Contemporary charts of both the US (No. 7) and Canada (No. 2). "Castles in the Air" became McLean's final pop hit before his genre shift to country music in the mid-1980s. The song describes a man who is unsatisfied with and weary of an urban lifestyle. Although native to the city, he decides to forsake not only his urban 'castle in the air' but also his love interest there. Because of his desire for and love of a country life, he decides to seek romance with a like-minded woman. 


Year:
1995
3:42
241 
#2

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

And if she asks you why you can tell her that I told you
That I'm tired of Castles in the Air
I've got a dream I want the world to share in castle walls
Just leave me to despair

Hills of forest green where the mountains touch the sky
A dream come true, I'll live there 'til I die
I'm asking you, to say my last goodbye
The love we knew, ain't worth another try

Save me from all the trouble and the pain
I know I'm weak but I can't face that girl again
Tell her the reasons why I can't remain
Perhaps she'll understand if you tell it to her plain

Oh, but how can words express the feel of sunlight
In the morning in the hills away from city strife
I need a country woman for my wife
I'm city born but I love the country life

For I can not be part of her "Cocktail-Generation Partner's Waltz,"
Devoid of all romance
The music plays and everyone must dance
I'm bowing out, I need a second chance

Save me from all the trouble and the pain
I know I'm weak but I can't face that girl again
Tell her the reasons why I can't remain
Perhaps she'll understand if you tell it to her plain

And if she asks you why you can tell her that I told you
That I'm tired of Castles in the Air
I've got a dream I want the world to share in castle walls
Just leave me to despair

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Don McLean

Donald "Don" McLean (born October 2, 1945) is an American singer-songwriter. He is most famous for the 1971 album American Pie, containing the renowned songs "American Pie" and "Vincent". more »

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Written by: DON MCLEAN

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Release
"Castles in the Air" was originally released by Don McLean in 1970, on his debut album "Tapestry," before he became famous for "American Pie."
Commercial Success
The song did not initially achieve commercial success until it was re-recorded and re-released as a single in 1981. This revised version reached number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The song explores themes of disillusionment and the desire for freedom. "Castles in the Air" is a metaphor representing lofty dreams that are too unrealistic or impractical to achieve.
Genre and Style
The song falls into the folk rock genre of music. It’s known for its melody and profound lyrics.
Pop Culture
An excerpt from the song is featured in the 2020 video game "Cyberpunk 2077."
Reception
"Castles in the Air" continues to be celebrated as one of McLean's greatest works. Despite its lack of commercial success upon initial release, its re-release and subsequent popularity have solidified its place in music history.
Chart Performance
It charted at no. 12 on the U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary tracks in 1981.
Album Feature
"Castles in the Air" is also included in Don McLean’s 1981 album, “Believers”.
Global Reach
Aside from its decent performance on the Billboard charts, it also reached number 11 in Australia.
Cover Version
There have been several cover versions of the song since its release, reflecting its enduring popularity. Notably, it was covered by Anni-Frid Lyngstad of ABBA for her 1975 solo album “Frida ensam".
Live Performances
Though it never reached the immense popularity of "American Pie", "Castles in the Air" is a staple in Don McLean's live performances.

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1982

    Billboard #36


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