@wpl8275 Agree wholeheartedly. Music got sorry from the late 90s on. Even after disco thankfully died out, I had hope...and for a while, things were pretty good.
I have to go outside the Anglosphere to find decent music from today. France and Belgium are good, and I have found Wagakki Band in Japan (live performances are awesome) and The Hu from Mongolia (try Wolf Totem).
I recently returned from Amsterdam, which I visited mainly to see van Gogh paintings. I came across a quotation from Van Gogh, I believe from a letter to his brother, that indicated that he believed that in time, his paintings would come to be appreciated. I was glad to know that, for all his struggles, he had that confidence. As someone pointed out below, van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime. He was beginning to be appreciated by other artists when he died. However, had it not been for his sister-in-law Jo van Gogh, he never would have become known. She inherited his collection of paintings after her husband Theo died, and in spite of being a new widow with an infant son, she carried out a campaign to introduce him to the public, mounting exhibitions, gradually selling his paintings, and publishing the letters between Theo and Vincent. Her campaign was successful, and so the world knows Van Gogh today.
He was not unknown completly , he took part in Paris artistic scene and sold a few paintings. He was friends with Gauguin! His only issue was his mental health which is what we call now bipolar disorder - and they had no meds for this. That's it !
This song came out when I was just a school girl. I studied art & art history in school for a year or so and grew fond of Van Gogh's work and the era in general. I still can't hear this beautiful song without crying. I saw the Starry Night painting at MoMA in NYC about 30 years ago... came around a wall and there it was. I had to stop and catch my breath. There was a bench before it on which I had to just sit down and get lost in it and thinking about the artist for a bit. For more good Don McClean (who has allegedly done some not-very-nice things in his life but made some beautiful music), go straight to the "Best of..." album release. It distills down his best stuff which has storytelling throughout.
"Sympathy for the Devil": "every cop is a criminal, every sinner is a saint". We all have two sides. Our moral compass guides us to do good (hopefully) but we all slip up. I imagine, from McLean's songs, that he must have been an intense guy.
@@teej-h7w Yeah, there have been some great artists who have been very screwed up (speaking of Don & Vincent), but there's the "I drink/drug/gamble/philander too much" kind (like Stevie Ray Vaughn before he got sober) of screw up and there's the "physically/mentally/emotionally abusive to women" (per Don Mc's ex-wife, daughter, and a guilty plea from him via bargain) kind. Some of them figure out how to straighten up like Stevie did, but his music may have suffered for it... most would say that's better than a woman suffering for great art. Humans and animals have always suffered for the extreme sensitivity of humans often caused by trauma or a congenital condition. So interesting what can be manifested from such pain... sometimes it's great beauty, sometimes it's more pain.
My father used to listen to this all the time before he took his life, my tears aren’t for myself, they are for how much pain anyone must be in to get to that stage, not even him specifically as I don’t feel any emotional link to him. He traumatised us enough that my little child mind blocked out most of the early part of my childhood for me. Another one that breaks me is McLean’s The Grave, the thought of what all the young lads sent off to pointless wars go through😢
Brilliant perfect respectful reaction. I'm not surprised at all at your emotional reaction. His paintings were stunning, unbelievably not attracting much attention until after he died
Today's "artists " have a desire to be famous. Back in our time they wanted to reach us with their music and lyrics. Subsequently they after many hears of hard work, became famous.
You sir are a real man. Theres nothing wrong with crying at something so beautifully tragic. Thank you. Hi from Texas. Your newest subscriber. BTW. I'm 59 years old. I get it.
To the reactor: You started the same time to shade a tear, where I do for over 30 years whenever I hear that song. And as an Austrian I'm not even a close native speaker. Mood is more than a language.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written. Even if you didn’t know the paintings, the lyrics are so stunningly crafted that you can almost visualise the scenes he describes.
Such a haunting song! The song came out two years before I was born. I bought the CD from Columbia House in 1999 for American Pie, but Vincent instantly became my favorite! I didn't even know what it was about at the time. I do recall hearing it before when I was much younger, I just wasn't paying attention to the lyrics then.
Last year, I went to a special video 3D simulated presentation about the work of Van Gogh and related impressionist painters, which included a variety of music, including this song. When I first heard this song in the 70s, I never knew it was about Vincent Van Gogh. It makes so much sense once I found out during that show. It played a lot on the radio back in the day.
@BosLady-w3k At 74, it still makes me cry a little. I'm really glad "younger" people are finding the song, and also being hit in the "feels" by the music and poetry.
I highly recommend the animated film, "Loving Vincent." It's the only film animated entirely in oils, painted based on Vincent's paintings. It's a true masterpiece.
Good on ya, man. There are several video versions of this song out there, you chose the right one. Having his paintings match the lyrics give them even greater impact. One of the most heart-penetrating songs ever written.
Thank you for reacting to this song and video. I don't know what else you have reacted too, but based on this one alone I have Liked and Subscribed. I look forward to checking out more of your videos. Every few years I come across this song and what ever I was thinking of vanishes and I am captured by the voice, the lyrics and the melody once more. For me it immediately opens a link from our busy modern world and allows me to reflect on our humanity in a way very few things have ever been able to do. This became even more so when I first saw this video a few years ago.
I believe that Van Gogh suffered from something that caused degeneration in his hearing clarity & increased ear ringing to the point he had auditory hallucinations, so it was something that damaged nerves. It added to his emotional troubles, because hardly anyone appreciated his art & he barely earned any money to live on. He at one point tried to cut off his ear to stop the pain. Of course he discovered cutting the outer part of the ear won't affect the internal workings. There's even a self portrait of him with a bandaged ear. In my high school art class our teacher played this song. These days they probably wouldn't allow it because it mentions him taking his own life.
Hi from Australia 🇦🇺 Lovely reaction to one my favourite songs. The way you understood is why I decided to follow you. With tears in my eyes, thank you
Thanks, Geo - this is my very favorite by DM - this video is great b/c it matches some of Van Gogh's works with the lyrics, but Don also sang this live.. (the video with images was created later by someone else) I really appreciate your reaction!
This was my Dad's favourite English language song (Dad was Czech), & holds a special place in my heart. I'm finally able to sing it, hear it, without crying. Your emotional response is beautiful.
Oh & if you haven't reacted to John Farnham yet maybe it's time. Always watch his live videos. You're The Voice, & Help, live with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, is a great place to start. He's known as the Voice in Australia. Also Kasey Chambers doing Eminen's Lose Yourself... it's like nothing you've seen before. Actually if u go down the Aussie music rabbit hole you'll end up with loads of subs.
I think, that this song is a perfect tribute to Vincent van Gogh. He was so torn. Probably compareable to Edgar Alan Poe. Thanks to Scotland from Germany for the reaction!
I know a version by Greek singer Nana Mouskouri funny enough, and a nice rendition of it too. (She is 90 this year!) So it will be nice to hear the original artist reviewed by a Scot! 🏴 And WOW! It's amazing!!
Love this song! New subscriber, I subscribed the minute I heard your Scottish accent. My ancestors are the Ramsay clan and had Dalhousie castle. It has been sold but a visit is on my list. I like this song better than “American Pie”.
There are few songs on any subject that would match the artistry of the painter Van Gogh, but McLean managed to create the musical equivalent of a Van Gogh self portrait. The lyrics alone could be taught in a literature course, and the melody could be taught in a music course.
Even now, 53 years after I first heard this song it still makes me cry.
This is what stood for pop music in 1971. Now compare to today's music. That's what was lost.
@wpl8275 Agree wholeheartedly. Music got sorry from the late 90s on. Even after disco thankfully died out, I had hope...and for a while, things were pretty good.
I have to go outside the Anglosphere to find decent music from today.
France and Belgium are good, and I have found Wagakki Band in Japan (live performances are awesome) and The Hu from Mongolia (try Wolf Totem).
I agree, Don McLean managed to capture the beauty of the paintings and the sadness of the life of Vincent van Gogh in a beautiful song.
One hundred years on, one artist paying tribute to another.
This isn't a song. It's poetry set to music.
Umm, that's what songs are. Poetry set to music. It's just not that often that the poetry and music are this good.
True artistic genius is rarely recognized until the source is gone.
This song is a masterpiece of poetry set to a beautiful melody
I cry throughout this song every single time I hear it, and at 62 I have been listening to it for a long time. Pure poetry and soul touching.
Me too. I'll soon be 77..❤
@@reggiefokes6677
I’m 72 and couldn’t agree more 😊
Same here... 63 and always cry when I hear this song.
"This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you " Thankyou Don ❤ 🔥
One of the most beautiful songs ever written and sung.
I recently returned from Amsterdam, which I visited mainly to see van Gogh paintings. I came across a quotation from Van Gogh, I believe from a letter to his brother, that indicated that he believed that in time, his paintings would come to be appreciated. I was glad to know that, for all his struggles, he had that confidence.
As someone pointed out below, van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime. He was beginning to be appreciated by other artists when he died. However, had it not been for his sister-in-law Jo van Gogh, he never would have become known. She inherited his collection of paintings after her husband Theo died, and in spite of being a new widow with an infant son, she carried out a campaign to introduce him to the public, mounting exhibitions, gradually selling his paintings, and publishing the letters between Theo and Vincent. Her campaign was successful, and so the world knows Van Gogh today.
He was not unknown completly , he took part in Paris artistic scene and sold a few paintings. He was friends with Gauguin! His only issue was his mental health which is what we call now bipolar disorder - and they had no meds for this. That's it !
The melody alone makes it beautiful; the lyrics just blast it into the stratosphere
This song came out when I was just a school girl. I studied art & art history in school for a year or so and grew fond of Van Gogh's work and the era in general. I still can't hear this beautiful song without crying. I saw the Starry Night painting at MoMA in NYC about 30 years ago... came around a wall and there it was. I had to stop and catch my breath. There was a bench before it on which I had to just sit down and get lost in it and thinking about the artist for a bit.
For more good Don McClean (who has allegedly done some not-very-nice things in his life but made some beautiful music), go straight to the "Best of..." album release. It distills down his best stuff which has storytelling throughout.
"Sympathy for the Devil": "every cop is a criminal, every sinner is a saint". We all have two sides. Our moral compass guides us to do good (hopefully) but we all slip up. I imagine, from McLean's songs, that he must have been an intense guy.
@@teej-h7w Yeah, there have been some great artists who have been very screwed up (speaking of Don & Vincent), but there's the "I drink/drug/gamble/philander too much" kind (like Stevie Ray Vaughn before he got sober) of screw up and there's the "physically/mentally/emotionally abusive to women" (per Don Mc's ex-wife, daughter, and a guilty plea from him via bargain) kind. Some of them figure out how to straighten up like Stevie did, but his music may have suffered for it... most would say that's better than a woman suffering for great art.
Humans and animals have always suffered for the extreme sensitivity of humans often caused by trauma or a congenital condition. So interesting what can be manifested from such pain... sometimes it's great beauty, sometimes it's more pain.
My favouirite song of Don McLean. His most beautiful song. The lyrics are touching and beautifully reflect the life and struggles of Vincent.
Don McLean is one of the most amazing song writers ever. His lyrics are pure poetry. The song "Killing me Softly" was written about him!
I will always be amazed at the beauty of this song ever since it hit the airwaves.
My father used to listen to this all the time before he took his life, my tears aren’t for myself, they are for how much pain anyone must be in to get to that stage, not even him specifically as I don’t feel any emotional link to him. He traumatised us enough that my little child mind blocked out most of the early part of my childhood for me. Another one that breaks me is McLean’s The Grave, the thought of what all the young lads sent off to pointless wars go through😢
I'm 75. I've heard this a thousand times. I cry every time. Thank you.
One of the greatest songs ever made.
Perfectly said, "Sad and joyous at the same time".
One of the best songs written. This was actually Tupacs favorite song 🎵 ❤️
Brilliant perfect respectful reaction. I'm not surprised at all at your emotional reaction. His paintings were stunning, unbelievably not attracting much attention until after he died
This is poetry set to beautiful, simple, musical accompaniment.
Today's "artists " have a desire to be famous. Back in our time they wanted to reach us with their music and lyrics. Subsequently they after many hears of hard work, became famous.
His lyrics sound like a master's painting.
He painted all these paintings to keep away the demons starry night was painted while in a Asylum
This is the work of a true bard.
You sir are a real man. Theres nothing wrong with crying at something so beautifully tragic. Thank you. Hi from Texas. Your newest subscriber. BTW. I'm 59 years old. I get it.
To the reactor: You started the same time to shade a tear, where I do for over 30 years whenever I hear that song. And as an Austrian I'm not even a close native speaker. Mood is more than a language.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written. Even if you didn’t know the paintings, the lyrics are so stunningly crafted that you can almost visualise the scenes he describes.
I found this when I was 10 yrs old, and have loved it for 50 yrs
YOU GOTTA WATCH EPISODE OF "DR. WHO" WHERE VAN GOGH COMES INTO THE PRESENT AND SEE HIS WORK LOVED BY PEOPLE IN MUSEUM OF ART...❤❤❤❤❤❤❤👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I’ve always loved this one. Often leaves me with leaky eyes
Poetry in its purest form
This is the type of art that brings tears for the sheer drama and beauty. ❤😢 But through this I understand what life celebrations are.
Masterpiece.
One of the all time great singer/songwriters. Have a listen to the rest of the American Pie album. Superb.
Such a haunting song! The song came out two years before I was born. I bought the CD from Columbia House in 1999 for American Pie, but Vincent instantly became my favorite! I didn't even know what it was about at the time. I do recall hearing it before when I was much younger, I just wasn't paying attention to the lyrics then.
Last year, I went to a special video 3D simulated presentation about the work of Van Gogh and related impressionist painters, which included a variety of music, including this song. When I first heard this song in the 70s, I never knew it was about Vincent Van Gogh. It makes so much sense once I found out during that show. It played a lot on the radio back in the day.
If you haven't already seen it, check out the movie Loving Vincent, as well as the documentary, Loving Vincent: The Impossible Dream!
A classic! I subscribed to your channel, first time watching. I'm glad you appreciated the song.
I have never listened to this without shedding a tear..
true here
E too 🥹
@BosLady-w3k At 74, it still makes me cry a little. I'm really glad "younger" people are finding the song, and also being hit in the "feels" by the music and poetry.
Good music touches your emotions. This is beautiful music.
I highly recommend the animated film, "Loving Vincent." It's the only film animated entirely in oils, painted based on Vincent's paintings. It's a true masterpiece.
Can't think of a song of my lifetime that I love more.
Still makes me cry this long after.
on youtube there is a video where he talks about how he wrote this song. Well worth a listen
He sold ONE painting while alive
Beautiful. The song, the paintings, the words and the reaction. Well done 😢
Your reaction is similar to my own
I cry just about every time I listen to this wonderful song...its heartbreakingly beautiful.
That one gets me a lot…
A+ reaction. Good on you, mate
Such a beautiful song.
I love how his paintings were put into the video! He was a head of his time. Beautiful paintings and a lovely song.
Good on ya, man. There are several video versions of this song out there, you chose the right one. Having his paintings match the lyrics give them even greater impact. One of the most heart-penetrating songs ever written.
Thanks for covering this song.
This song always brings a tear to my eyes
What a wonderfully touching reaction! Thank you. ❤
This is the best video to go with this song. The matching of the paintings with the words just makes the impact that much greater. Beautiful.
Great reaction! Not only is the song brilliant, I think this could be the best fan-made lyric video on TH-cam.
Magnificent song, beautiful, haunting and heartbreaking.
Thank you for reacting to this song and video. I don't know what else you have reacted too, but based on this one alone I have Liked and Subscribed. I look forward to checking out more of your videos. Every few years I come across this song and what ever I was thinking of vanishes and I am captured by the voice, the lyrics and the melody once more. For me it immediately opens a link from our busy modern world and allows me to reflect on our humanity in a way very few things have ever been able to do. This became even more so when I first saw this video a few years ago.
One of my favorite songs and you gave us a beautiful reaction. Thanks for that.
❤..this is my favorite of Don's
thanks for the great reaction
🇬🇾 Great reaction... keep it up
WE WENT TO A VAN GOGH IMMERSIVE EXHIBIT THAT WAS AWESOME, BEAUTIFUL, SAD.😎😎
I've always liked this reaction, by the way.
This is a perfect song, in my opinion. It always brings me to tears.🥲 But oh, so very beautiful.
I believe that Van Gogh suffered from something that caused degeneration in his hearing clarity & increased ear ringing to the point he had auditory hallucinations, so it was something that damaged nerves. It added to his emotional troubles, because hardly anyone appreciated his art & he barely earned any money to live on. He at one point tried to cut off his ear to stop the pain. Of course he discovered cutting the outer part of the ear won't affect the internal workings. There's even a self portrait of him with a bandaged ear.
In my high school art class our teacher played this song. These days they probably wouldn't allow it because it mentions him taking his own life.
This is one of my favorite ballads of all times. Goosebumps every single time.
I’m watching you again as we listen to the same song I listened with you yesterday. What you are saying is true and I have to agree with you again❤
That's art brother, pure art.
Beautiful song.
Hi from Australia 🇦🇺 Lovely reaction to one my favourite songs. The way you understood is why I decided to follow you. With tears in my eyes, thank you
No wonder kids today cant recognize good musical talent. Its not there anymore.
Best reaction to this masterpiece. Thank you.
Thanks, Geo - this is my very favorite by DM - this video is great b/c it matches some of Van Gogh's works with the lyrics, but Don also sang this live.. (the video with images was created later by someone else) I really appreciate your reaction!
Great reaction bro!
I agree❤
This was my Dad's favourite English language song (Dad was Czech), & holds a special place in my heart. I'm finally able to sing it, hear it, without crying. Your emotional response is beautiful.
Oh & if you haven't reacted to John Farnham yet maybe it's time. Always watch his live videos. You're The Voice, & Help, live with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, is a great place to start. He's known as the Voice in Australia. Also Kasey Chambers doing Eminen's Lose Yourself... it's like nothing you've seen before. Actually if u go down the Aussie music rabbit hole you'll end up with loads of subs.
I have listened to this song over 50 yrs. Still as heartrendingly beautiful as ever.
Amazing
:) Thanks for this.
Vincent's work is so beautiful and expressive. I don't think he knew what a paint brush is for though. He seems to use a palette trowel instead.
Vincent died believing he was a failure.
You should react to the new version that Don recorded with the group "Home Free" this year. It is amazing!
I needed to hear this,thanks so much. ❤
Pure poetry. A great and memorable tune.
I think, that this song is a perfect tribute to Vincent van Gogh. He was so torn. Probably compareable to Edgar Alan Poe. Thanks to Scotland from Germany for the reaction!
pure poetry
❤
I know a version by Greek singer Nana Mouskouri funny enough, and a nice rendition of it too. (She is 90 this year!) So it will be nice to hear the original artist reviewed by a Scot! 🏴
And WOW! It's amazing!!
Beautiful song …beautiful reaction …thank you
Thanks you just spoilt it
My mom always said a phropet is never appreciated in their own land- it doesn't just mean about religion.
Luv your reaction brother man
Thank you brother
Love this song! New subscriber, I subscribed the minute I heard your Scottish accent. My ancestors are the Ramsay clan and had Dalhousie castle. It has been sold but a visit is on my list. I like this song better than “American Pie”.
I love this song!
A beautiful reaction to one of the best tributes to an artist.
It got my sub. Looking forward to more.
Thank you
You should listen to Meav Ni Mhaolchatha sing this, she was one of the original Celtic Woman.
Good choice with this album version .....better than the live one , in this case. JMHO
There are few songs on any subject that would match the artistry of the painter Van Gogh, but McLean managed to create the musical equivalent of a Van Gogh self portrait. The lyrics alone could be taught in a literature course, and the melody could be taught in a music course.