Based on my recollection from my days >25 years ago as a college radio d.j., the album version ran 8:27. BTW, Don McLean lives in Dutchess County, New York, where he too infrequently entertains people at local civic events.
OTOH, considering where you are, if you had rented a Chevy, you could have taken it to the levee.
[This message has been edited by RichG (edited 09-16-1999).]