Vincent van Gogh's paintings are so beautiful. Thanks to his sister-in-law for preserving and promoting them, and thanks to Don McLean for this lovely memorial. One artist paying homage to another.
Not only is Don McLean a brilliant, poetic lyricist and performer, the lyrics beautifully and accurately describe VanGogh's actual paintings. Starry Starry Night being one of them. Josh Groban also recorded this, and did it justice, but Don's version will always be the gold standard for me. Thank you for reacting to this classic!
You can tell in Don's eyes and voice that he gets Vincent. Van Gogh's life exemplifies how mental illness has been misunderstood in the past and is misunderstood still. We just don't know how to deal with mental illness and perhaps we never will. Rock on Brother Harri. Peace ✌
You are so right. I suffer from anxiety and depression, and have for many years. It is hard for people,and friends and family to understand,just as it is with the suffer of the disease.
@@susanhuber7969 yeah right there with you. too often we're left to our own devices to try to fix ourselves. and a lot of the time that ends in tragedy. the human condition is real and it's ever-present and it's cure is love. so if you know someone who is in this state or suspect it reach out and let them know they're not alone.
Well said…or should I say…well played my man!!! There have been 2 suicides that were close to home & we NEVER saw it coming 😔🥹 and I can say…they must of been hurting so, knowing who they left behind 🥹 on a Father’s Day, my good friend Nancy, who LOVED her grandkids & I know she would have never left them but her pain was more than her love for those babies 🥹😭 and my son-in-laws BEST, childhood friend, Chad, who was the LIFE of every party, the comic, the goofball…just bought a brand new truck, but felt on a thanksgiving day that this world was too much for him 🥹 Sad that after the fact we can talk amongst one another & finally realize what they were saying & doing were cries for help 🥹😔 May they rest in paradise!! ❤️❤️💔💔
Agree 1000%. Boy does he capture the sadness and mental anguish of that gifted painter. What a voice...now listen to Castles in the Air and his version of Crying.
Pure work if art. About an artist. Haunting last words in this song....."They're not listening still. Perhaps they never will." Sadly, Vincent and Don, the human race, we're not listening...STILL.😢
This song is such a beautiful tribute to Van Gogh and his sad life. How ironic that he was ignored and cast aside during his life and never knew how much his body of work was enjoyed by the world. He was never famous until after his death. How sad. I love your reaction. 🥰🌺✌️
I know a little about Vincent's life, and it seems that Don McLean has captured the essence of his tortured existence. As you say, Harri, sad, yet so beautiful. Just heartbreaking -- and a heartbreakingly beautiful melody and lyric. This has to be one of McLean's masterpieces -- even more, to me, than "American Pie"
Each line of the song describes one of Van Gogh's paintings. There is a video that shows each of the paintings as he sings the song. If you see it it makes the song so much more meaningful. the painting STARRY NIGHT is one of his most iconic.
th-cam.com/video/oxHnRfhDmrk/w-d-xo.html. This version has several of Vincent’s works. I recommend to brush up on the Vincent Van Gogh history, how he is one of the most prolific artists who only sold one piece of work during his lifetime, how he had a strong bond with his brother, how it was his brother’s wife who brought his works to the World many years after his death, etc…then you will be able to understand more how Don’s lyrics are truly biographical and how thy tie into the Artist’s actual artwork. Very impactful
Vincent Van Gogh On 27 July 1890, in a field near Auvers, Vincent shot himself in the chest with a revolver. He died two days later, with his brother Theo at his bedside.
Starry Starry Night is the name of perhaps the most famous Van Gogh painting. The other one that everyone recognizes is his painting of a field of sunflowers. Van Gogh was so extraordinary but lived the most tragic life. This song is a perfect tribute.
In 1999, 72 Van Gogh paintings were sent from their home in the Netherlands to the National Gallery in Washington DC while their permanent home underwent renovation. I was fortunate enough to see this exhibit. His paintings are so filled with emotion that people were crying as they walked through the gallery. It was astonishing. No wonder Van Gogh killed himself. He felt so deeply that his body and mind just couldn't take it. Harri, if you ever get the chance to go see his work, take it! No words can describe how powerful his paintings are.
McLean is lauded (& rightfully so) for this beautiful poetry & his haunting vocals, BUT... let's also acknowledge his stellar technical guitar-playing- it's REMARKABLY good!
The painting "Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh was painted from his bedroom window in the mental asylum he was in France. The doctors who were taking care of him suggested that he have access to paint supplies and a canvas. Just incredible.
This is a lovely version of this song because you get to see and hear Don McLean live, but my favorite video for this song is one that very well matches Vincent Van Gogh's paintings to the lyrics. The song is Starry Night after what is probably Van Gogh's most famous painting. It's absolutely beautiful and it is shown in the video along with many others. I've attached the video here. th-cam.com/video/oxHnRfhDmrk/w-d-xo.html
starry starry nite is a very important piece of his work when the dr saw this pic , the way van gogh painted it showed that he was very insane. I always felt bad for van gosh his mother would take him to the grave yard of his dead older brother with the same name. I always thought that was a good reason he had so many mental issues.
Another iconic song of my generation. McLean obviously knew and admired Van Gogh's work. The tormented man - Van Gogh - died unrecognised and in poverty, He shot himself and died a few days later. "American Pie" is another iconic Don McLean song.
His brother, Theo, rushed to be by his bedside. Thankfully he got there in time. Vincent was able to sit up and talk to him when Theo got there but unfortunately infection set in and Vincent died soon afterward. So sad, but I am comforted that Theo was there by his side at the end.
After seeing Don McLean sing at the Troubadour nightclub in L.A., singer-songwriter Lori Lieberman helped co-write the song "Killing Me Softly With His Song" with her producers and released the song in 1972. But it was R&B/cabaret singer Roberta Flack's cover version of "Killing Me Softly With His Song" that became a No. 1 hit in the U.S. and won the Grammy for Record of the Year. And it was all inspired by Don McLean.
This is a MASTERPIECE. I love it. Don McLean is a brilliant songwriter. This is from the amazing American Pie Album. Another gem from Don McLean l think you'd love is....Empty Chairs. Also A Beautiful song. ♥️♥️🎼🎵🎶🇨🇦🇨🇦
This song got me digging deeper into Vincent's Life, a sad story about a beautiful human being. Still not able to listen to this song without tears in my eyes. Love your reactions Harri, keep 'em coming!
I remember this song as a kid. It didn't ring as a favorite. In 2018 I saw the movie, "At Eternity's Gate" with William Dafoe. Now, I'm a fan of van Gogh! Winter of 2023 in Paris at the Musse d'Orsay I was face-to-face to his self portrait and the Starry night over the Rhone. I wish I could have listened to this song instead of renting the audio guide for 6 euros. 😒
Can you imagine some of the people that we call singers and songwriters being capable of writing something like Vincent? Not a chance. The song stands the test of time not just because of its beauty but also because of what it says about people that are suffering from mental health issues, and our inability to help and understand them. Beautiful reaction Harri. ❤️👍
Totally agree, my favourite track by Don even if he did some other great material. Been through a tough time recently since my mother died a few months ago and isolating at home on my own due to the pandemic has not helped. Just been fortunate to carry on working to keep my mind occupied.
Ok I got my Kleenex box ready. Happens every time. I heard he never sold a painting during his lifetime. His brother and sister-in-law was his support during his struggle with mental illness. Yes he cut off his ear and later killed himself. There is a video somewhere on TH-cam with his paintings changing through the song. Brilliant.
This by far one of the greatest songs he ever wrote, the sadness the beauty of Van Gogh's life and sad death become crystal clear. Don himself has said the song actually came easy to him as he sat looking through a book about Van Gogh's numerous paintings. It will remain one of those forever songs that is now emblazoned on history.
Don Mclean knows me : "For They Could Not Love You , But Still Your Love Was True" - THIS is Me 💔 "They're Not Listening , They're Not Listening Still ; Perhaps They Never Will" - THIS is Me 💔😥
I feel like the seventies provided countless songs written by musical geniuses. But for reasons unknown to me they ended up in the one hit wonder bin. I'm only 44 so I didn't experience the 70's but many of my favorite artists and songs were written before I was born. And those songs and artists don't get the respect they deserve.
Don McLean was not a one-hit-wonder. You may have heard the song, "American Pie" once or twice, I'm sure. Though I don't like it as much as I like "Vincent", it was actually a bigger hit.
McLean had a substantial career beyond this song: "American Pie", "And I Love You So", "Jerusalem", et cetera. A cappella country group Home Free recently recorded an epic cover of "American Pie" with McLean guesting in...
I always cry when I hear this song. My youngest son is an artist, a very good artist, and he’s bi-polar. He’s alone and isolated, lost his wife and doesn’t see his daughter as often as he’d like because of it. Most of his brothers and sisters steer clear. I love him so much! Every day he fights for his sanity. I’m afraid this is his future, to struggle alone.
One of the saddest, yet most beautiful songs ever written. A masterpiece of poetry and artistry, inspired by the tortured life of one of the greatest artists of modern times. The fact that Don McClean did not include percussion on this compositions, allowed it to be that much more intimate, personal in its delivery and timing.
To me, this song is like a Van Gogh painting in music. I give Don McLean a lot of credit for penning this masterpiece. He’s written many great songs. It’s unfortunate that he’s not really the best of people.
“Perhaps They’ll Listen Now” love that line. this is one of my favorite songs 🙏🦋🌈🌞🌻🦋 Van Gogh was the artist who cut his ear off from Madness. “Starry Night” is one of Van Gogh”s most famous paintings
Starry Night is his most well known painting. What Don did was create a painting of his own with his words : "Fields of amber grain" and "Reflect in Vincent's eyes of China blue" . This is a masterpiece of writing/painting .
Van Gogh spent time in a mental asylum after cutting off his ear and trying to give it to a woman he was infatuated with. It was later after his release from the asylum that he shot himself and lingered a few days before dying. His art, for the most part, didn't sell until after his death. He led a very sad life.
This is THAT song...never forgot it from the first time I heard so many years ago...every word imprinted in my mind, to this day, the most beautiful song I ever heard...thanks so so much for this❤❤❤
One of those songs you wonder which is more stunning, the melody or the lyrics. Captures the brilliance and power of what great lyrics can do. "They would not listen, they're not listening still. Perhaps they never will." No. Don, it sppears we're not listening still. Way to go human race, you're doing yourself proud. You're not listening, and you NEVER WILL.
Vincent was a very troubled man who took his own life, but, he left us some absolutely beautiful memories with his paintings. I think that Don had Vincent on his shoulder when he wrote that song.
IT IS BEAUTIFUL TO0.FLAMING FLOWERS THAT BRIGHTLY BLAZE...VAN GOGH SAW THE BEAUTY AND THE HARSHNESS....A CALENDER OF HIS PICTURES HANGS IN MY KITCHEN...BUT IN THE END HE COULD FIND ANYMORE BEAUTY....SEE YOU SOON MARIE
Van Gogh was a magnificent and tragic painter. The only painting he sold during his lifetime was bought by his brother. Now they sell for millions. He fought mental illness for years until he took his own life. There is another video backed by his great art. Wish you had watched that version.
Vincent is one of my favorite songs and this live performance is great. I was lucky to see Don Mclean live in 1971. A song about a tortured artist whose paintings are still inspiring to this day. Thanks Harri.
Don McLean was reading an autobiography on Vincent Van Gogh when he wrote this. It's called Dear Theo by Irving Stone. A must read and yes you will understand Vincent's struggles. So beautiful and exuberant to see how Vincent saw the world. And beautifully put to song.
Don McLean got his writing inspiration for this song from Vincent Van Gogh's paintings. His poetic lines matched perfectly to the paintings and goes to show he is a genius at song writing.
You nailed it man. The reason this is the most beautiful song ever are the words - this isn't song writing, this is poetry. And the answer to "how" did he put these words together lies in Van Goch's paintings and his life story which are both the inspiration to these words. Thank you.
Although I’ve heard this a hundred times, I had to watch it again because of your mention of the lyrics. They are amazing sentiments and never gets old. Sometimes I think the world has seen it best come and gone. Vincent, Don, and a rare thousand more who could have had such impression on us. Whether they’re in our past or in their twilight, we can remember and pass them on. Hoping it will inspire a better generation. Hoping they will listen. 🎨
What a sad but beautiful song. Don McLean is a great artist. I saw the movie about Vincent van Gogh, starring Kirk Douglass, and It was very sad. Kirk Douglass did a great job. The movie was called "Lust for Life"
When no hope was left in sight. On that starry, starry night. You took your life as lovers often do. But I could have told you Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you. A reminder to love ppl whilst you can.
It is so important to have a reaction by viewing the singer. Don Mclean's face tells you everything about his version. One of the most underrated singers of that era, Don Mclean!
It's sooooo beautiful, isn't it? It's honest. It's pure. It's a love letter to Vincent. I experienced this song before experiencing Van Gog's art. When I finally experienced his art, I understood the song. Vincent was very troubled. He was pschizophrenic (spelling?). His brother, Theo, alone believed in him. He was a beautiful, fragile soul who was ultimately committed to an insane asylum. Today, there is medication that he could have taken that would have helped manage his illness. His critics speculate that the medication would have destroyed his creativity. What a heart-wrenching dilemma. 😢
My generation learned about Van Gogh from this song, another learned about him from Doctor Who. This was a standard for singing around the fire with the one guy that could play guitar and way too many beers.
That episode is still one of the most beautiful episodes ever. The end, when the Doctor takes Vincent to the museum so that he’ll know what he becomes one day….and the fact that the episode didn’t take the easy way out, that the knowledge didn’t save him, didn’t make him better, but was still worth doing anyway….yeah. Helluva an episode. Something about Vincent brings out this incredible, lovely thing in people who tell his story
I have just made ir 400 "likes" out of 400 :).....though you have missed out on the fantastic video depicting The "Starry, Starry Night" and many of his paintings. Iy's BEAUTIFUL, My Friend...
He got a lot of inspiration from Vincent's paintings.there is a self portrait with a bandage on the side of his head. That's because he cut his ear off. It's sad when creative people pass you wonder what they would have created in the future
The song, in spite of its simplicity, or perhaps because of it, is amazingly profound. His opening line... Wow!!! Starry night no less. Starry night is one of Vincent Van Gogh's most famous paintings, he painted the nightscape from his window. Vincent was a complicated person torn by his talent and perception of life, his unshakable poverty and the love to and from his brother Theo (Who was the only person who believed in Vincent), and last but not least the astounding love, tenderness and passion he had for his sweetheart Sien Hoornik for whom in an epissode of cronic depression he cut off his ear and sent it to her as a present. His feelings were so deep. I'll transcribe part of a letter about her to his brother: “I don’t want her to feel abandoned and alone for a moment longer… I feel a tender love for her and hold her children dear,” the artist wrote in a letter to his brother, Theo. Van Gogh recognized Hoornik’s fragile state, adding that he feared that if they didn’t marry, “hardship will make her take the same road that ends in the abyss.” Latter on he would commit suicide, and 24 years after... so wold she. Back to the subject in matter, Don McLean also paints, his words are his paintbrush , his guitar is his palette and his guitar. He paints a moving story, full of love, admiration and empathy. It was this song which made me finaly apreciate Van Gogh, for I knew his life and paintings but didn't care much for them. Thanks for your video Harri, thank you for the song Don Mclean.
poetry is imagination in words, painting is imagination by sight, sometimes it takes years to get there, McLean did it in his lifetime, Vincent did it in all who came after him and in to the future
I like this live version. I watch the one with the Van Gogh paintings. I have several prints around my house. I had a gorgeous cat that passed very young, and I always think of him when I hear this song. This earth was never meant for one as beautiful as you.
Vincent van Gogh's paintings are so beautiful. Thanks to his sister-in-law for preserving and promoting them, and thanks to Don McLean for this lovely memorial. One artist paying homage to another.
How proud and honored Vincent would be.
❤
Not only is Don McLean a brilliant, poetic lyricist and performer, the lyrics beautifully and accurately describe VanGogh's actual paintings. Starry Starry Night being one of them. Josh Groban also recorded this, and did it justice, but Don's version will always be the gold standard for me. Thank you for reacting to this classic!
You can tell in Don's eyes and voice that he gets Vincent. Van Gogh's life exemplifies how mental illness has been misunderstood in the past and is misunderstood still. We just don't know how to deal with mental illness and perhaps we never will. Rock on Brother Harri. Peace ✌
You are so right. I suffer from anxiety and depression, and have for many years. It is hard for people,and friends and family to understand,just as it is with the suffer of the disease.
@@susanhuber7969 yeah right there with you. too often we're left to our own devices to try to fix ourselves. and a lot of the time that ends in tragedy. the human condition is real and it's ever-present and it's cure is love. so if you know someone who is in this state or suspect it reach out and let them know they're not alone.
❤❤
Well said…or should I say…well played my man!!!
There have been 2 suicides that were close to home & we NEVER saw it coming 😔🥹 and I can say…they must of been hurting so, knowing who they left behind 🥹 on a Father’s Day, my good friend Nancy, who LOVED her grandkids & I know she would have never left them but her pain was more than her love for those babies 🥹😭 and my son-in-laws BEST, childhood friend, Chad, who was the LIFE of every party, the comic, the goofball…just bought a brand new truck, but felt on a thanksgiving day that this world was too much for him 🥹 Sad that after the fact we can talk amongst one another & finally realize what they were saying & doing were cries for help 🥹😔 May they rest in paradise!! ❤️❤️💔💔
❤❤❤
Arguably the greatest song ever written that's never included in these lists....just moving and heartbreaking
Just one man, his guitar, his lyrics and his singing. ...(No autotune, no synthesizer, no "production":)
@@finallythere100 Back when the World was (barely) still REAL and TALENT mattered. Alas and Alack.
Agree 1000%. Boy does he capture the sadness and mental anguish of that gifted painter. What a voice...now listen to Castles in the Air and his version of Crying.
Pure work if art. About an artist. Haunting last words in this song....."They're not listening still. Perhaps they never will." Sadly, Vincent and Don, the human race, we're not listening...STILL.😢
Absolutely
I could have told you, Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you...
This song is such a beautiful tribute to Van Gogh and his sad life. How ironic that he was ignored and cast aside during his life and never knew how much his body of work was enjoyed by the world. He was never famous until after his death. How sad. I love your reaction. 🥰🌺✌️
He painted pictures with his words. Poetry at its finest.
I am so lucky to have seen 13 of Van Gough's original paintings. It's like his brainwaves still radiate from them.
I was so fortunate to go to the Van Gogh museum two years ago in Amsterdam. Just striking. If you ever have the chance to go, by all means do.
I always tear up in the van gogh room at the Met.
That is one of the items on my bucket list
Don't worry. The paintings will be safe after the country is an Islamic state.
the kroller museum near arnhem has the second most collection of vincent's paintings in the world
This song always gets me...Dangit! Who's cuttin' onions?!
Crying in a 'cool way' . Beautifully written and sung. Thank you
I know a little about Vincent's life, and it seems that Don McLean has captured the essence of his tortured existence. As you say, Harri, sad, yet so beautiful. Just heartbreaking -- and a heartbreakingly beautiful melody and lyric. This has to be one of McLean's masterpieces -- even more, to me, than "American Pie"
The lyrics are gorgeous and the music is gorgeous. Don Mclean's voice is just as beautiful as everything else.
Don is a poet, and, with his words, painted us a picture of the artist that he loves.
Have a great day.
Vincent Van Gough died NEVER selling one painting. Strange, RIP Vincent, Thank You for your vision, Starry Strarry Night
I think maybe he did sell one to his brother, which I supose doesn't really count. This song ALWAYS makes me cry.
Each line of the song describes one of Van Gogh's paintings. There is a video that shows each of the paintings as he sings the song. If you see it it makes the song so much more meaningful. the painting STARRY NIGHT is one of his most iconic.
That's a well done video and actually ADDS to the song and helps people understand it better.
I'd love this comment if I could/ Thank you I was thinking the same thing.
Makes sense..Cos i wondered where all those words came.from
th-cam.com/video/oxHnRfhDmrk/w-d-xo.html. This version has several of Vincent’s works. I recommend to brush up on the Vincent Van Gogh history, how he is one of the most prolific artists who only sold one piece of work during his lifetime, how he had a strong bond with his brother, how it was his brother’s wife who brought his works to the World many years after his death, etc…then you will be able to understand more how Don’s lyrics are truly biographical and how thy tie into the Artist’s actual artwork. Very impactful
Yes ! I love that Video . Beautiful & sad all at the same time. 😞🌹
Vincent Van Gogh
On 27 July 1890, in a field near Auvers, Vincent shot himself in the chest with a revolver. He died two days later, with his brother Theo at his bedside.
"Flaming flowers that brightly blaze" is one of the most beautiful lines in any song ever, in my opinion.
For me the one that gets me is 'weathered faces lined in pain are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand'.
"But I could have told you Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you". My soul hurts for this beautiful artist.
Starry Starry Night is the name of perhaps the most famous Van Gogh painting. The other one that everyone recognizes is his painting of a field of sunflowers. Van Gogh was so extraordinary but lived the most tragic life. This song is a perfect tribute.
In 1999, 72 Van Gogh paintings were sent from their home in the Netherlands to the National Gallery in Washington DC while their permanent home underwent renovation. I was fortunate enough to see this exhibit. His paintings are so filled with emotion that people were crying as they walked through the gallery. It was astonishing. No wonder Van Gogh killed himself. He felt so deeply that his body and mind just couldn't take it. Harri, if you ever get the chance to go see his work, take it! No words can describe how powerful his paintings are.
McLean is lauded (& rightfully so) for this beautiful poetry & his haunting vocals, BUT... let's also acknowledge his stellar technical guitar-playing- it's REMARKABLY good!
Standing ovation...necessary.
Van Gogh's last words were "The Sadness will last Forever."
McClean is definitely a poet. His imagery is as exquisite artistically as Van Gogh's. Love this understanding and compassionate reaction.
One of the best written songs of all time.
This is pure poetry! Another Don's song: Castles in the air.
The painting "Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh was painted from his bedroom window in the mental asylum he was in France. The doctors who were taking care of him suggested that he have access to paint supplies and a canvas. Just incredible.
This is a lovely version of this song because you get to see and hear Don McLean live, but my favorite video for this song is one that very well matches Vincent Van Gogh's paintings to the lyrics. The song is Starry Night after what is probably Van Gogh's most famous painting. It's absolutely beautiful and it is shown in the video along with many others. I've attached the video here. th-cam.com/video/oxHnRfhDmrk/w-d-xo.html
For a visual, take a look at Dr. Who & Vincent...th-cam.com/video/_jjWtUpqV9w/w-d-xo.html
Thank you! I have seen this, too - and it is a perfect accompaniment to Don McLean's song...
starry starry nite is a very important piece of his work when the dr saw this pic , the way van gogh painted it showed that he was very insane. I always felt bad for van gosh his mother would take him to the grave yard of his dead older brother with the same name. I always thought that was a good reason he had so many mental issues.
LUST FOR LIFE. Movie about Van Gogh
Another iconic song of my generation. McLean obviously knew and admired Van Gogh's work. The tormented man - Van Gogh - died unrecognised and in poverty, He shot himself and died a few days later. "American Pie" is another iconic Don McLean song.
He also cut off his ear because he was rejected by a young woman.
His brother, Theo, rushed to be by his bedside. Thankfully he got there in time. Vincent was able to sit up and talk to him when Theo got there but unfortunately infection set in and Vincent died soon afterward. So sad, but I am comforted that Theo was there by his side at the end.
After seeing Don McLean sing at the Troubadour nightclub in L.A., singer-songwriter Lori Lieberman helped co-write the song "Killing Me Softly With His Song" with her producers and released the song in 1972. But it was R&B/cabaret singer Roberta Flack's cover version of "Killing Me Softly With His Song" that became a No. 1 hit in the U.S. and won the Grammy for Record of the Year. And it was all inspired by Don McLean.
Never been to London I heard it's a beautiful place beautiful song you played❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
This is a MASTERPIECE. I love it. Don McLean is a brilliant songwriter. This is from the amazing American Pie Album. Another gem from Don McLean l think you'd love is....Empty Chairs. Also A Beautiful song. ♥️♥️🎼🎵🎶🇨🇦🇨🇦
This song got me digging deeper into Vincent's Life, a sad story about a beautiful human being. Still not able to listen to this song without tears in my eyes. Love your reactions Harri, keep 'em coming!
This is a a deep, sad, beautiful song!!!
One of the most beautiful lyrically perfect songs of all time😢
I remember this song as a kid. It didn't ring as a favorite. In 2018 I saw the movie, "At Eternity's Gate" with William Dafoe. Now, I'm a fan of van Gogh! Winter of 2023 in Paris at the Musse d'Orsay I was face-to-face to his self portrait and the Starry night over the Rhone. I wish I could have listened to this song instead of renting the audio guide for 6 euros. 😒
Michaelango said he failed the artists and his trainees. I say you are a genius Michaelanglo. The world loves you.!
Can you imagine some of the people that we call singers and songwriters being capable of writing something like Vincent? Not a chance. The song stands the test of time not just because of its beauty but also because of what it says about people that are suffering from mental health issues, and our inability to help and understand them. Beautiful reaction Harri. ❤️👍
Totally agree, my favourite track by Don even if he did some other great material. Been through a tough time recently since my mother died a few months ago and isolating at home on my own due to the pandemic has not helped. Just been fortunate to carry on working to keep my mind occupied.
People suffer whether they have mental health issues or not. don't hi-jack Vincent for your modern day activism.
Don McLean is a brilliant songwriter. This song is beautiful sad and amazing ❤
Starry night was one of his paintings, Google "painting - starry night".
This is a brilliant masterpiece. Don was magical in how he wrote.
McLean is a brilliant artist and cultured mind as we see clearly in his incredible songs and the lyrics .
This was flip side to American Pie on the 45 record.
Ok I got my Kleenex box ready. Happens every time. I heard he never sold a painting during his lifetime. His brother and sister-in-law was his support during his struggle with mental illness. Yes he cut off his ear and later killed himself. There is a video somewhere on TH-cam with his paintings changing through the song. Brilliant.
This by far one of the greatest songs he ever wrote, the sadness the beauty of Van Gogh's life and sad death become crystal clear. Don himself has said the song actually came easy to him as he sat looking through a book about Van Gogh's numerous paintings. It will remain one of those forever songs that is now emblazoned on history.
One of the best lyricists ever!!
Other songs by Don that never get enough play, "Crying" and "Since I Don't have you." Great voice, great artist.
I really liked Empty Chairs
Don McLean was asked once "what these 2 songs meant to him" & he answered "never having to work again" lucky guy.
Don Mclean knows me : "For They Could Not Love You , But Still Your Love Was True" - THIS is Me 💔 "They're Not Listening , They're Not Listening Still ; Perhaps They Never Will" - THIS is Me 💔😥
One of the greatest painter in the world . Thank you for playing his song .
One of my favorite singers singing about my favorite Artist
I feel like the seventies provided countless songs written by musical geniuses. But for reasons unknown to me they ended up in the one hit wonder bin. I'm only 44 so I didn't experience the 70's but many of my favorite artists and songs were written before I was born. And those songs and artists don't get the respect they deserve.
Don McLean was not a one-hit-wonder. You may have heard the song, "American Pie" once or twice, I'm sure. Though I don't like it as much as I like "Vincent", it was actually a bigger hit.
McLean had a substantial career beyond this song: "American Pie", "And I Love You So", "Jerusalem", et cetera. A cappella country group Home Free recently recorded an epic cover of "American Pie" with McLean guesting in...
@@StudeSteve62 Agreed. I just listed "American Pie" because I think it's his biggest hit and probably the only one bigger than "Vincent "
This has been described by many as a lyrically perfect song, and it’s difficult to disagree.
I always cry when I hear this song. My youngest son is an artist, a very good artist, and he’s bi-polar. He’s alone and isolated, lost his wife and doesn’t see his daughter as often as he’d like because of it. Most of his brothers and sisters steer clear. I love him so much! Every day he fights for his sanity. I’m afraid this is his future, to struggle alone.
One of the saddest, yet most beautiful songs ever written. A masterpiece of poetry and artistry, inspired by the tortured life of one of the greatest artists of modern times. The fact that Don McClean did not include percussion on this compositions, allowed it to be that much more intimate, personal in its delivery and timing.
He reaches into your heart to help you understand the pain and anguish that he suffered
Don McLean is a wordsmith without a doubt; he writes beautifully. Checkout "Crossroads" and "Empty Chairs".
Winterwood too.
@@mrjoepad1 haha, I just put those very three in my list before reading the comments. Perhaps I'm not alone after all.
To me, this song is like a Van Gogh painting in music. I give Don McLean a lot of credit for penning this masterpiece. He’s written many great songs. It’s unfortunate that he’s not really the best of people.
“Perhaps They’ll Listen Now” love that line. this is one of my favorite songs 🙏🦋🌈🌞🌻🦋 Van Gogh was the artist who cut his ear off from Madness. “Starry Night” is one of Van Gogh”s most famous paintings
Starry Night is his most well known painting. What Don did was create a painting of his own with his words : "Fields of amber grain" and "Reflect in Vincent's eyes of China blue" . This is a masterpiece of writing/painting .
Thank U for playing this Harry .Have not heard this for 30 yrs.beautifully Done Don Mclean..
Van Gogh spent time in a mental asylum after cutting off his ear and trying to give it to a woman he was infatuated with. It was later after his release from the asylum that he shot himself and lingered a few days before dying. His art, for the most part, didn't sell until after his death. He led a very sad life.
Beautiful reaction to a beautiful song. Thank you. Love your red room!
It brings me to tears every time I hear it! Thank you for the reaction
Don McClean is an artist in every sense of the word!
A poets poet.. A true genius of language & teller of stories.. Song after song by Don leaves you wondering how he comes up with such amazing lyrics..
The most beautiful and yet saddest song ever written.
A song written by David Gates about his late father, Everything I Own (Bread) falls right in that same mix.
Poetry, pure poetry. I always say it's Poetry in melody. One of my all time favorites.
This is THAT song...never forgot it from the first time I heard so many years ago...every word imprinted in my mind, to this day, the most beautiful song I ever heard...thanks so so much for this❤❤❤
"Starry Night" is one of Van Goghs most famous works.
The movie with Kirk Douglas playing Vincent "Lust For Life" is worth watching. Amazing likeness the actor had as Vincent Van Gogh! Unique story.
One of those songs you wonder which is more stunning, the melody or the lyrics. Captures the brilliance and power of what great lyrics can do. "They would not listen, they're not listening still. Perhaps they never will." No. Don, it sppears we're not listening still. Way to go human race, you're doing yourself proud. You're not listening, and you NEVER WILL.
Vincent was a very troubled man who took his own life, but, he left us some absolutely beautiful memories with his paintings. I think that Don had Vincent on his shoulder when he wrote that song.
IT IS BEAUTIFUL TO0.FLAMING FLOWERS THAT BRIGHTLY BLAZE...VAN GOGH SAW THE BEAUTY AND THE HARSHNESS....A CALENDER OF HIS PICTURES HANGS IN MY KITCHEN...BUT IN THE END HE COULD FIND ANYMORE BEAUTY....SEE YOU SOON MARIE
Van Gogh was a magnificent and tragic painter. The only painting he sold during his lifetime was bought by his brother. Now they sell for millions. He fought mental illness for years until he took his own life. There is another video backed by his great art. Wish you had watched that version.
You should look at the original recording which shows a lot of his paintings
Vincent is one of my favorite songs and this live performance is great. I was lucky to see Don Mclean live in 1971. A song about a tortured artist whose paintings are still inspiring to this day. Thanks Harri.
Don McLean was reading an autobiography on Vincent Van Gogh when he wrote this. It's called Dear Theo by Irving Stone. A must read and yes you will understand Vincent's struggles. So beautiful and exuberant to see how Vincent saw the world. And beautifully put to song.
Don McLean got his writing inspiration for this song from Vincent Van Gogh's paintings. His poetic lines matched perfectly to the paintings and goes to show he is a genius at song writing.
I have never been able to listen to this without tearing up.......
You nailed it man. The reason this is the most beautiful song ever are the words - this isn't song writing, this is poetry. And the answer to "how" did he put these words together lies in Van Goch's paintings and his life story which are both the inspiration to these words. Thank you.
Thanx..makes total sense now
you must see the version with the paintings en lyrics
Although I’ve heard this a hundred times, I had to watch it again because of your mention of the lyrics. They are amazing sentiments and never gets old. Sometimes I think the world has seen it best come and gone. Vincent, Don, and a rare thousand more who could have had such impression on us. Whether they’re in our past or in their twilight, we can remember and pass them on. Hoping it will inspire a better generation. Hoping they will listen. 🎨
YOU SHOULD REACT TO HIS ALLLLLL TIME BIG HIT: AMERICAN PIE :) I WANNA HEAR YOUR TAKE ON THAT MASTER GEM :)
He did about a month ago.
The words are references to his paintings. I love Vincent’s paintings. He had such a interesting and sad life too!
Universal Soldier
Homeless Brother
The Grave.....
Are other great songs from Don McLean
What a sad but beautiful song. Don McLean is a great artist. I saw the movie about Vincent van Gogh, starring Kirk Douglass, and It was very sad. Kirk Douglass did a great job. The movie was called "Lust for Life"
When no hope was left in sight. On that starry, starry night. You took your life as lovers often do. But I could have told you Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.
A reminder to love ppl whilst you can.
This is one of my favorite songs of all time. It is so beautiful.
It is so important to have a reaction by viewing the singer. Don Mclean's face tells you everything about his version. One of the most underrated singers of that era, Don Mclean!
It's sooooo beautiful, isn't it? It's honest. It's pure. It's a love letter to Vincent. I experienced this song before experiencing Van Gog's art. When I finally experienced his art, I understood the song. Vincent was very troubled. He was pschizophrenic (spelling?). His brother, Theo, alone believed in him. He was a beautiful, fragile soul who was ultimately committed to an insane asylum. Today, there is medication that he could have taken that would have helped manage his illness. His critics speculate that the medication would have destroyed his creativity. What a heart-wrenching dilemma. 😢
The words come from descriptions of Van Gogh's paintings. So beautiful and so sad.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written. And sang. ❤️
My generation learned about Van Gogh from this song, another learned about him from Doctor Who. This was a standard for singing around the fire with the one guy that could play guitar and way too many beers.
That episode is still one of the most beautiful episodes ever. The end, when the Doctor takes Vincent to the museum so that he’ll know what he becomes one day….and the fact that the episode didn’t take the easy way out, that the knowledge didn’t save him, didn’t make him better, but was still worth doing anyway….yeah. Helluva an episode.
Something about Vincent brings out this incredible, lovely thing in people who tell his story
Vincent is a Masterpiece.
I have just made ir 400 "likes" out of 400 :).....though you have missed out on the fantastic video depicting The "Starry, Starry Night" and many of his paintings. Iy's BEAUTIFUL, My Friend...
He got a lot of inspiration from Vincent's paintings.there is a self portrait with a bandage on the side of his head. That's because he cut his ear off. It's sad when creative people pass you wonder what they would have created in the future
Killing Me Softly With His Song was written about this guy.
The song, in spite of its simplicity, or perhaps because of it, is amazingly profound. His opening line... Wow!!! Starry night no less. Starry night is one of Vincent Van Gogh's most famous paintings, he painted the nightscape from his window. Vincent was a complicated person torn by his talent and perception of life, his unshakable poverty and the love to and from his brother Theo (Who was the only person who believed in Vincent), and last but not least the astounding love, tenderness and passion he had for his sweetheart Sien Hoornik for whom in an epissode of cronic depression he cut off his ear and sent it to her as a present. His feelings were so deep. I'll transcribe part of a letter about her to his brother: “I don’t want her to feel abandoned and alone for a moment longer… I feel a tender love for her and hold her children dear,” the artist wrote in a letter to his brother, Theo. Van Gogh recognized Hoornik’s fragile state, adding that he feared that if they didn’t marry, “hardship will make her take the same road that ends in the abyss.” Latter on he would commit suicide, and 24 years after... so wold she.
Back to the subject in matter, Don McLean also paints, his words are his paintbrush , his guitar is his palette and his guitar. He paints a moving story, full of love, admiration and empathy. It was this song which made me finaly apreciate Van Gogh, for I knew his life and paintings but didn't care much for them.
Thanks for your video Harri, thank you for the song Don Mclean.
poetry is imagination in words, painting is imagination by sight, sometimes it takes years to get there, McLean did it in his lifetime, Vincent did it in all who came after him and in to the future
one of the top ten greatest songs ever writtedn. Absoliutely beautiful and performed so well.
I like this live version. I watch the one with the Van Gogh paintings. I have several prints around my house. I had a gorgeous cat that passed very young, and I always think of him when I hear this song. This earth was never meant for one as beautiful as you.