Singer-songwriter Don McLean's original working manuscript for "American Pie" [Photo: agencies]

Singer-songwriter Don McLean's original working manuscript for "American Pie," - one of the most iconic songs of the 20th century - has sold for 1.2 million US dollars at an auction.

It is the third highest price fetched by a few sheets of song lyrics.

The record for a most popular music manuscript is held by Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone," which sold for 2 million US dollars last year.

"American Pie" made former folk singer a cult sensation overnight. The song hit the top of the charts in early 1972.

"American Pie" was also ranked as one of the top Songs of the century by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Its six verses reflect the social upheavals that were occurring in America in the 1960s and early 70s.