While a lot of song critics and even pop culture analysts liked to rip apart the song over the decades after its release, it wasn't until 2015 when McLean's original notes for the lyrics were auctioned off that fans were able to get more insight. The song, however, is very much about the loss of innocence in changing times and the decline of the American dream. Without knowing the many meanings attributed to 'American Pie,' the team behind Black Widow could have just picked a song that's considered quintessentially American for Yelena to cling to.

It's a moment to tell Yelena that their family might have been created as part of a spy operation, but they're still family. When that backfires, he starts to sing her song to her instead. Alexei tries to tell her a story about his own father. After being angry that none of the family she knew ever told her they weren't her real family, Yelena stalks away and intends to drink alone.

Instead, it's when the four members of the family unite 21 years later in Melina's home. The second use of the song isn't a recorded version on the soundtrack. Once they reach the airfield, however, the track stops. Yelena is the one who sings along as Natasha and Melina Vostokoff watch the world they've been living in for three years pass them by. As they drive away from the house, Yelena demands 'her song' be played, and Alexei obligingly puts a tape into the deck. Yelena isn't even permitted to grab a pair of shoes. Alexei Shostakov promises Yelena that they're all going on a 'big adventure' as the foursome scramble to get out of their house, leaving all of their belongings behind. The first use of 'American Pie' occurs when the family has to leave Ohio. RELATED: Black Widow's Post Credits Scene Has Massive Implications For One Character When Black Widow Uses 'American Pie'īlack Widow uses McLean's song at two different points in the movie.

Yelena Belova proclaims that it's 'her song.' It might seem like a strange choice for a six-year-old in 1995, but the song fits the theme of the scenes in which it's featured. In Black Widow, it's introduced while Natasha Romanoff and her 'family' are undercover in Ohio, on a mission for the Soviet government. That song is Don McLean's 'American Pie.' The American classic hit the radio in 1971, but it's remained a popular song in both its original and cover forms. With Black Widow, there's plenty of talk about Malia J's cover of Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' playing over the opening credits, but another song also plays an important role in the movie. When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Guardians of the Galaxy might get the most attention for its use of music, but that doesn't mean other MCU ventures don't have some great song choices. The following contains spoilers for Marvel's Black Widow.

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