In the Spring of 1984, I was in college when he came to give a concert at our school. None of my friends wanted to go because they felt he was a bit passé by then. So, I went alone and sat about 20 feet away from him. This song was so powerful, so clear and so perfect, I felt sorry for my friends for having been so closed minded. These lyrics are about as poetic as anything put on paper. Thank you for providing me with a memory from my youth which has lasted over 33 years and still touches me deeply.
What a beautiful tribute to a "failed" Dutch painter. It's interesting, perhaps amazing, that the songs work whether or not you know it's about van Gogh. Watch Don as her performs it. He's amazed that people want to hear him sing the song. Perhaps a bit scared too. There's always something frightening for an artist in sending your work into the wild.
My brother and I were raised in a children's prison in Ireland. He was a damaged child and it all could no make no sense to him or to me then. That was until this song came through a radio that we were not allowed to own in case we would know about a world of understanding. I was a child then and the memory and meaning of the song has never left and uplifts me still. Thank you Don for something I could not understand then but have always understood since.
My heart goes out to you I'm glad to hear you're okay and knows that in the end Night = darkness And Don McLean highlighted the night thanks to the stars that give the light May you always walk with sunshine in your pockets, Amen
This song takes me back a few years back. I was told to leave my parents house due to my excessive drug and alcohol use. I was so lost, lonely and broken, and I didn't even know it. I still had my job, but had lost the trust from my family and friends. And also pushed most people away. I found a shared accommodation in a city near to where I lived. I had a room, and not a lot of possessions. The house had a lounge which had a TV and RUclips on it. I spent most evenings sat on my own listening to music, drinking and using drugs sometimes. Until I heard this song. I'd heard it before, but never listened to the lyrics, I felt such a connection with it, and found myself playing it over and over again. I did this for weeks on end after work, on my days off, studying. I met some good people during this, and found myself slowly coming away from the madness of drug life. I also met a girl, who is now my girlfriend, and has been for over a year, i focused myself on this song and it helped me in magical ways. This story has no actual end or anything just thought I'd share my thoughts.
Keep on keeping on young Liam! We don't know each other...just fellow human beings journeying through life. We all have our speedbumps. I think you're a courageous soul to openly share the broad brush strokes of your life. Just remember...it's your life SO FAR! Keep writin new chapters my friend. Keep writin new chapters. And don't you ever give in to the demons of those drugs ever again! Keep pressin forward! You have interesting new chapters of happiness, peace, and wisdom. And you shall share them meaningfully with others! Carry on!
"Morning fields of amber grain, weathered faces lined in pain, are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand." One of the most beautiful lines of poetry I've ever heard.
yup ! if you already didn't know, he dedicated his song to Vincent Van Gogh because he couldn't accept that many people thought he became crazy, but it's mental illness that was getting over him, and people wouldn't understand his art
"Shadows on the hills Sketch the trees and the daffodils Catch the breeze and the winter chills In colors on the snowy linen land", I always loved that verse
Lost my Daughter in April 2023.. I used to love this song before it happened.. it means so much more to me now . I Love you Charlotte Ann now and forever ..Until we meet again .. ❤
Hi there🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years. It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my RUclips channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕💕💕❤️❤️❤️❤️
It's an easy song... in theory. Nothing particularly fancy going on with the guitar, no "big notes" challenging the vocal range. It's "easy" to sing and play along to it when you figure out how to do both things at the same time. It's just a very well constructed song. The hard part is getting over the tears when trying to sing the whole thing. Or listen to it. This fucking song gets me even if I just think about it.
I can't think of one specifically, but Mark Knopfler makes some incredible music. If you haven't listened, maybe give it a try. I listen to his music every day.
This song has special meaning to my son and I. When he was an infant he had horrible colic every night around dinner time. He would wail and scream until he couldn't anymore. One night during his screaming Vincent came on the radio and he immediately quieted and listened. He had a very serene look on his face almost like he could understand. The next day I went out and bought the cassette and played it every night when the wailing started. Then I just played it on repeat and the wailing never started. When he was in high school he painted me a beautiful painting of Starry Night and learned to play Vincent on the guitar. That was my birthday present from him that year and it is the one I have cherished more than anything I have received since.
One voice, one guitar. No effects, no pitch correcting, no flashing lights and he beats the crap out of so many big names. Talent needs no embellishment. I used to sing this when delivering papers as I was just 13 when it came out. At Christmas, one of my customers gave me a pound (a fortune back then) to say thank you for singing that lovely song every morning. Imagine if Don Mclean had met his hero Buddy Holly, what music they would have made!
trevgkify.....That's actually not true, though I can't blame you for thinking it might be. There is a LOT of talent out there; every generation produces genius after all. I actually feel for the youth today. it seems that, in order to make it big, you either have to get very, very, VERY lucky (though I'd argue we make our own luck, it is tougher now), or sign your soul away for cheap fame and, often, a ruined life. Just to perform. Just to get your voice heard. It's sad and I cannot wait for the change that's in the air......shoot me, I'm an optimist!
Feel exactly same ! Just finished reading lust for life : the novel of Vincent Van Gogh . I can’t stop weeping everytime when I listen to this song . This song is not only for Vincent . This is for each one of us .
My Dad...he was soooo moved by this ineffable genius track... when it was released, I was 11 years old and he sat me down and played it for me and shared the little that he knew of the life of Vincent van Gogh. My dad was just a working class guy, but he knew a musical masterpiece when he heard it! He told me that what I didn’t understand of the lyrics I would come to grasp in time. he could not have been more spot on.
Simple music can make you sing, a simple hug can make you feel, better, simple things can make you happy, I hope my simple hello will put a smile on your face.. Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan ? Have a great day.. Stay Safe
With only his voice, guitar and words he was able to produce one of the most powerful, passionate, emotional song ever published. The lyrics are so interwoven and captivating, and filled with such beautiful sadness....
This was played at my best friends funeral 5 years ago. Rapid onset MS at 27. Didn't tell a soul. Posted us all letters 'cause he didn't wanna go through it and have us upset and grieving.. and walked into the lake. God I miss you James, you never bothered a single one of us ❤️
I'm 75 and still get tears in my eyes when I hear this song. What quality! Sad to see/hear the decline in quality of music during the last couple of decades....
Hi there Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years. It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my RUclips channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕
I don't believe many songs in history come to close to the beauty of this one, but I would still suggest giving today's music a try! I'm much younger and I can say with confidence that, though it may be slightly harder to find, there's still soulful talent in some of today's music! :)
Hi there Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years. It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my RUclips channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💖
@@tomelder2358 can’t you read it’s a classic,plus I don’t think it’s really the real Don McLean!And in a lot of ways I personally prefer Vincent to American Pie but that’s my choice!.
If you have the chance to see an exhibition of Van Gogh's art this song will make even more sense. His paintings literally move and jump out and demand your attention. They are living tributes to an artist who struggled with mental health issues, intense pain, addiction and poverty yet tapped into something tender, vibrant and alive when he painted.
Yes, I just LOVE Van Gogh and have visited both exhibitions of his art and the places where he actually did the painting, like the therapeutic ‘ asylum ‘ in St Remy de Provence where he was encouraged to paint ! Sunflowers are so called, not because they look like the sun, but because they literally turn to the sun during the day and hence are called ‘ girasole’ in Italian and ‘ tournesol ‘ in French !
@Chris Cunningham Art is influenced by one's personal experience. And, I personally think Van Gogh has been over-hyped by repeatedly highlighting his tragic life which make his paintings seem more special than they really are. I mean whenever his art is mentioned, the discussion has to veer into his tragic life instead of a technical discussion about his paintings. Technically, his style was not new and influenced by the French Impressionists. Among the impressionists, there is Camille Pissarro who is admired but has never got the credit he deserved. He started it all, even mentoring the likes of Monet, Manet, Renoir, Cezanne among others as they were much younger to him and he was a father figure to them. Apart from losing his son at an early age, his life was very ordinary and boring one might say as he died of old age. But, being an artist myself his paintings, the subject matter and the user of colors move me to tears of ecstasy without having to rely on the story of his personal life like ordinary people often do with Van Gogh paintings.
Xiao Hei. we are all equal Hi, we’ve spoken already today about the Russia/ Ukraine situation - what a coincidence ! I’m genuinely interested that you are a real artist . Art fascinates me and at University I had some friends who did History of Art as part of their degrees and sometimes on a Saturday we’d all go down to London by train and they’d take me round the art galleries . My dad painted all his life as an amateur but to my mind was really quite good ! I did an ‘ O ‘ level in Art and passed amazingly as about the only things I could paint were trees ! When we did still life’s involving a chair the art teacher used to hold my picture up turn it round and everyone would laugh that the chair could never possibly have stood up !! Sorry to admit that I LOVE Van Gogh and have visited most of the places in France associated with his paintings and the therapeutic community in St Remy de Provence where he was treated and encouraged to paint , but the same goes for Cezanne and I’ve been to the Toulouse Lautrec museum too . Never been to Monet’s garden though! In Britain ( where I live ) I LOVE the Pre Raphaelites and know many places associated with William Morris and Burne Jones ! I’m not too keen on industrial landscapes though or the ‘ pictures of matchstick men ‘ by LS Lowry ! Who do you like as an artist and what is your own particular style ? Do you exhibit and sell your paintings ? Do let me know and best wishes to you. PS , I hate to admit that I actually have a science degree, though I CAN knit well, have done pottery and glass painting , am a keen gardener but only in the sense that the colours and textures can look like a canvas , and do a lot of ‘ shabby chic ing ‘ and stencilling of old furniture using chalk paints and wax ! Christine
@@christinescarff4920 Good to speak to you again :) You obviously have knowledge and experience with art and from your comment it looks like you lead a charming and fulfilling life. I do sell my paintings but it is not my main source of income and unfortunately I like to keep my identity hidden on RUclips :) I have done paintings in several styles and at present "Impressionism" and "Mixed Media" is what inspires me most. Apart from Pissaro, I greatly admire Sargent, A. Wyeth, Gustav Dore and the French impressionists. I am glad that you appreciate your dad's paintings. I think that would have made him very happy indeed. On the other hand, my family is a little worried about my paintings :)) I certainly have no issue with you liking Van Gogh as everyone can have their own preferences. I myself have painted replicas of his paintings as a study. But, my biggest gripe is that Van Gogh's art is a product of mass marketing. Van Gogh as a human is certainly a very admirable fellow an almost Christ-like figure. But, to me, a great artist he is not. "Van Gogh" is a multi-million dollar brand, so I can understand why art critics and museums just play along romanticizing him and his work.
My music teacher taught me to play this song on the guitar. I just found out she is no longer with us, and so I'm playing this song on repeat to help cope with grief. I miss you Dear Libby: This world was not meant for one as beautiful as you.
Words are too empty to express it fully but I’m sorry for your loss. This is a lovely song and she sounds like a lovely person. Good luck with your music.
I have been thru difficult times in life. From family and friends passing to health concerns that put me in pain every day, for the last 19 years and I have never cried out. When I hear this one song, every stroke of each guitar string, every note sung in that soft and compassionate voice, breaks down every barrier that I, in vain, built to keep the world from seeing me cry. By the end of this song, I am sobbing in tears, even at 50, for all that has been lost. This one song. Thank you.
Isn't it wonderful how healing music can be. It is the vibration of the Universe made manifest and that you are touched by it shows the Universe moves through you and you still feel, even after building your wall. I too have suffered intense loss in my life. Tears heal.
Dear Joel...I very much relate to your sentiments and how it effects you. I feel much the same and gone through and still am many hardships. I don't know why but I find solace in this song that is sad. Don McLean has been a favorite singer/songwriter of mine for 45+ years....God bless you and keep you always.
That's so beautiful,, to think the man died, not knowing, that his paintings and his life, would become, So loved, by almost everyone, you are loved Vincent today and forever
Oh, how this song reminds me of my brother who took his life at 23 almost 50 years ago. He was an artist and had the most beautiful heart. The women he loved left him and it was all he could take. Its so easy for me to substitute his name instead of Vincent I put in Richard. Rest in peace my dear brother. All these years later the tears come down thinking of you.
This song is to the Vincents of the world. I always think of My english teacher my sophomore year of High School who showed the class this song for poetry month. When I heard it I broke down and was moved by the lyrics. This song figuratively saved me in a time where I battled several demons and almost ended my life. It made me see the beauty within myself. I think we all know Vincent's some of us are Vincent's ourselves. Beautiful people fighting hideous battles in a world where they are too good for them.
i was 15 in the Spring of1973 and was just diagnosed with schizophrenia/ auditory hallucinations. it was surreal, to say the least, how closely I did identify with the lyrics in every aspect of McLean"s song. Of course, I tear up whenever I hear it played on the radio or wherever.
😊😊Hi there Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years. It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my RUclips channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏
It’s not the audience that dictates that complete silence. A truly great artist, regardless of the audience, can hold a crowd in the palm of their hand and keep their attention and silence. The problem isn’t with the modern audience. The problem is with the artist and their music if they can’t capture the audience and silence a room regardless of how large the room or how many in the audience.
Yes AND ...Don volunteers here in Saratoga Springs NY AND I'm friends with the bartender who gave American Pie back to Don after he displayed himself unruly and ...AND was barred from that bar for life Yes Saratoga Springs will forever love LOve LOVE American Pie. Thank you for all your songs and maybe You & I can play together at SPAC Someday sooner than later 🎶💜
You are so right. I remember sitting and listening to it on the radio in my car. I had to go somewhere and opened the door to leave but couldn't go. I was compelled to sit there until the song finished. By the end of it I was hanging out the door of the car absolutely in awe of what a brilliant and beautiful song it is. And his voice! Divine! A genius artist's salute to another genius artist.
"Morning fields of amber grain, weathered faces lined in pain, are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand." Those are some of the most poetic lines to me.
@@Manays I've always felt it was a love song to Vincent. MacLean's insight is as amazing as the rest of it. After one listen, I feel wrung out, like I've just walked through an exhibition of his works, AND had some direct link to the artist's emotions. Vincent must have been quite amazing.
I heard this song when I was in my senior year of high school in 1972, and always loved it. In 1975 I went backpacking through Europe with a buddy of mine. In Amsterdam, we went to see the Van Gogh Museum, with my willingness to do that coming from having heard this song. Before that museum, I generally found museums tedious, mostly because I didn't know much about what I was looking at. The Van Gogh Museum has 200 Van Gogh paintings in it. It was a complete revelation. I went into the museum a football fan and came out a lover of art history. To this day, I would pick a day in the Van Gogh Museum over the Super Bowl.
I took a French class in high school as a freshman and my lovely teacher decided to show us this song as we were discussing Van Gogh and I’m thankful she did. Such a powerful, poetic, and sad song that touches the soul. I remember just being encapsulated by the beauty of this song and how perfect his voice is for this song. I hadn’t heard this in years and I just now remembered it laying in bed at 6 in the morning because I can’t sleep. It’s the small things. Hope you all have a happy day and an even better life. Love to you all.
But how are your French skills, lol? I took two years of French classes, all A's. I can decipher French when I'm reading it. But, I still, to this day, can't speak it that well. Whenever I've been in France, most people want me to speak English so, I rarely have had a chance to practice much. I feel so failed at languages. I know enough people that can speak three languages. I speak the one language that tends to be the lingua franca around the world. I feel so lazy. Speaking of laziness, here is a poem, I can share here. It's the one poem that one of my favorite English professors mentioned at one time. For some reason, I have it etched in my memory. I tend to randomly share this. Hope anyone passing through here enjoys it. Lying in a Hammock at William Duffy’s Farm in Pine Island, Minnesota BY JAMES WRIGHT Over my head, I see the bronze butterfly, Asleep on the black trunk, Blowing like a leaf in green shadow. Down the ravine behind the empty house, The cowbells follow one another Into the distances of the afternoon. To my right, In a field of sunlight between two pines, The droppings of last year’s horses Blaze up into golden stones. I lean back, as the evening darkens and comes on. A chicken hawk floats over, looking for home. I have wasted my life.
Whenever I had panic attacks or suicidal thoughts, this song calms my mind and soul more than any other can do. Thank you Don McLean. Instead of contemplating suicide, I focused on how you poetically described Van Goghs great works, and his suffering even though not all people can understand.
I think this song and others like The Rose and At Seventeen really resonate with people touched by grief,by loss, by suffering... My father took his own life 55 years ago when I was 4 months old.It blighted our lives but I do believe my family will be reunited some day and everything will be okay, we will be at peace and long years of struggle will be at an end. I think Vincent is at peace now after suffering for his sanity.
@@dnhy7951 God, "At Seventeen" is such a sad song. Love it. You had a beautiful comment. I can definitely relate to yours and the OP's sorrow. Life is tough.
Me to, I was a young lad working on a farm in England, I used to have to cycle 5 miles to work and back in all weather's for a pittance.I never knew the meaning of this song back then but I still loved it but have learned to appreciate the genius of Don McLean as I have aged. Fortunately I am semi retired no more cycling to work but unfortunately no great songs and singers like Don, I've learned one thing in my life if nothing else,,,,, the bloke that said hard work never hurt anyone ? never did any .
I was a huge Don McLean fan when I was young, and I recall his explanation once about this song. He said that Vincent was told that he couldn't sell impressionistic paintings and he should concentrate on the popular style of realism. Van Gogh's response was "I can't paint what I see. I have to paint what I feel!" As a result he never had much success in his lifetime but today his paintings are considered masterpieces. Don McLean viewed his music the same way. The record industry tried to tell him what kind of music to produce, but as an artist he felt compelled to compose and sing what was in his heart and not what was marketable.
It should have said "This world was ALWAYS meant ..." This is the only defect in an otherwise perfect song. Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Beethoven, Cezanne ... all artists belong in the world. The point is that he was meant to shed his light on humanity and the tragedy is that he was NOT recognised (in his lifetime). He should have been, no one can dispute that now. He was meant to be beautiful in this world. And the simple fact of the matter is that his beauty is now recognised in this world.
Steve C's point is still valid. True or not, the IDEA that such a tortured, talented soul like Van Gogh was "never" meant to be is incredibly sad and moving.
I think he meant we didn't deserve someone like Vincent or the artists you mentioned. We failed to recognize their genius and talent and, for the rest of time, must look back and see our failure with our helpless eyes and ears.
as a published recorded songwriter, this is perhaps the most moving set of lyrics ever penned on paper, much like Vincent himself, McLean has produced a masterpiece of perfection--listen to this song while looking at Van Gogh's paintings and you will understand they are well connected and haunting much as Vincents paintings are as well!
Don McLean,one of my favourite artists all times,Vincent and American pie will be remembered forever,what a legend,love you very much,proud to be one of your fans
This song has lived with me for fifty years now... It was beautiful then... and it is even more beautiful now when I listen to it with some life experience. What a masterpiece.
One of my all-time favorite, and most beautiful songs. It reminds me of my uncle who was an excellent artist, and also felt unloved in his shortened life. He even studied in Paris like Vincent. He tried to kill himself twice, and survived. He was staying with my family after his second attempt. My father didn't want him with us anymore and sent him to an art school in Michigan. It was there that he made his third and successful attempt at suicide. He was my favorite uncle. This song reminds me so much of his life. I dedicate it to him in my mind. I am also an artist struggling emotionally. Thank you for this amazing song.
Dear Jane, Thank you for your heartfelt post. I am so sorry that you lost your favorite uncle. It is very hard to struggle as an artist. You give of your soul entirely and sometimes feel the coldness of the world around is crushing. I hope you find continuing peace and comfort in this song. I wish you encouragement and strength as you face your emotional struggles.
nobody ever knows our deepest thoughts. my brother was a poet and took his life at 49, because-his words on paper- nobody gets me. well, i did-- but i forgot to tell him that. i blame myself still, since 2002. i love you jeff and miss you every day.
I'm a little more than a hack guitar player and singer. My mom was an artist. She loved this song. I sang it for her at her funeral. Like Vincent, mom suffered with mental illness. I've come to learn there is a thin line between brilliance and insanity. I've always believed this song was a worldly treasure while his American Pie was a national one. Such a profound piece of art.
My uncle died in November of 2023 and American Pie was his favourite song. Following his death, I listened through Don’s discography and found this song. Everytime I listen it brings me back to that winter and the sad loss. It holds a very special place in my heart now and I listen to Vincent anytime I feel the grief ❤
WOW!!! The album version of this song is a masterpiece all by itself, but to see and hear him perform it just as flawlessly and beautifully live is incredible. What an artist, and what a creation.
I just love this song and it ALWAYS makes me cry. What a poor tormented soul Vincent was and what a brilliant lyricist McLean is to musically paint a picture which allows us to feel such empathy and emotion.
If you read this dearest please stop in bsfl. You will know where to find me. I will show you vincents stary stary night. I have his sunflower painting, repo dun by local to perfection.
I liked Van Gogh all right. When I first visited the Louvre and walked into the Orangeries, I climbed the stairs and the first picture was one of Vincent's... a forlorn looking house in the night, with a pale light touching a few flowers in the garden.... and well... I just burst into tears. The beauty, the pain, the loneliness. It was all there. I then thought back to this song, and wondered how such a young man could capture that essence. It is still some of the most amazing lyrics i've heard.... sorry for the over-bubbly sentiment,
+Jeff Irvine Hi Jeff, i saw a lot of Vincent`s pictures some years ago in Bale-CH. And it is great to feel the spirit of them. Can`t be enough of sentiment. Thanks for your nice story.
Hey Jeff, your words are no 'over-bubbly sentiment', but a beautiful, touching and brave confession straight from the heart. I have a similar story. 25 years ago my dad committed suicide after a life that had many of the dynamics of Van Gogh's. Since then this wonderful piece of musical art by Don McLean has made me cry every single time I heard it, and just last week here in Amsterdam the new Van Gogh exposition was opened and when I went I stood there in the packed museum and wept, 46 years young and in a great place in life, but just touched by the same elements that touched you. Brother, please never again excuse yourself for sincere heartfelt emotions. We need them and we need people like you, because our hearts hold all the wisdom and authenticity mankind needs and needs so desperately. Heartfelt greetings
Perfection: the tragic story, the poetic songwriting, the vocal quality, the haunting melody, and the instrumentation. How can you not love it - how can it ever be “passé?”
My Uncle was Vincent Pona. What a man he was. I loved him very much. This song reminds me of him. He was in the USCG. After he retired he volunteered as a driver for the Disabled American Veterans. He logged over 10,000 hours. A man's man. A loving husband to my Aunt Melrose. And I am reminded of all the good he done in his life.
If you can find reproductions of Van Goch's paintings you'll see that the lyrics of the song reproduce in your mind images of the paintings. What a wedding of two kinds of art. That's the genius of Don Maclean. And Vincent Van Goch.
can you imagine a song like this topping the charts now ? Different class, different times, now sadly existing only in the memories of those of us who experienced them.
Adele's "Someone Like You" topped the charts. Just piano and voice and heartfelt lyrics. Idk just saying it is still possible these days. I'm not sure if Bruno Mars "When I Was Your Man" topped the charts but similar concept there. Also Ed Sheeran "Thinking Out Loud".
Vincent LYRICS Starry, starry night Paint your palette blue and grey Look out on a summer's day With eyes that know the darkness in my soul Shadows on the hills Sketch the trees and the daffodils Catch the breeze and the winter chills In colors on the snowy linen land Now I understand What you tried to say to me And how you suffered for your sanity And how you tried to set them free They would not listen, they did not know how Perhaps they'll listen now Starry, starry night Flaming flowers that brightly blaze Swirling clouds in violet haze Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue Colors changing hue Morning fields of amber grain Weathered faces lined in pain Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand Now I understand What you tried to say to me And how you suffered for your sanity And how you tried to set them free They would not listen, they did not know how Perhaps they'll listen now For they could not love you But still your love was true And 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 Starry, starry night Portraits hung in empty halls Frameless heads on nameless walls With eyes that watch the world and can't forget Like the strangers that you've met The ragged men in the ragged clothes The silver thorn, a bloody rose Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow Now I think I know What you tried to say to me And how you suffered for your sanity And how you tried to set them free They would not listen, they're not listening still Perhaps they never will
Whenever I hear the most minute reference to this song it gladdens my heart to know one more person is touched by it. I read about a reporter who attended a Nick's game. 🎮 He was described as wearing a grey hat with the words "Starry starry night" printed on it. I smiled at the idea of one more person who was touched by the song.
Wow what a tune to be named after Vincent , You must be really proud of that. Don Mclean such a fantastic song writer musician. I'm learning it on my flute, going to make sure i do it justice.
As a kid, this song would be playing in my head as I ice skated in the afternoons when I got home from school. Gliding on the ice, I felt free and enveloped by the words and melody. It was magical.
45 years ago when I was 20, I stayed at a friends flat in Tel Aviv. A beautiful girl from Belgium, Jenny Mink asked if I could help her write the words to Vincent which she had on a cassette. Must have played it in parts a hundred times and I learned to really appreciate the words this way, not by just hearing the song as sort of background music. Thank you Jenny for introducing me to this wonderful work. Whenever I hear it, I think of you. Neville Stock.
I used to work as a DJ at a commercial radio network. The Callsign was "Greatest memories, latest hits". Music reminds us of good, and sometimes bad times in our lives. But it always reminds us, and that is wonderful.
Sofia, it is beautiful that this wonderful song does bring tears to your eyes. It shows how special you are, that at your age so many years later; you breathe and live the beauty of the poetry and the music, of a master musician of my time. Love and best wishes to you.
Vincent Van Gogh is my favourite artist of all time. I have always loved Don Maclean's beautiful song. He understands as I do, a fellow sensitive kindred spirit.
No smoke, no mirrors, no dancers nor backup singers. Just a great talent with an acoustical guitar and a hauntingly beautiful song.
Yes
Can't ask for any more 🥰
even with an out of tune guitar, it is true beauty
amen
Its called talent!
In the Spring of 1984, I was in college when he came to give a concert at our school. None of my friends wanted to go because they felt he was a bit passé by then. So, I went alone and sat about 20 feet away from him. This song was so powerful, so clear and so perfect, I felt sorry for my friends for having been so closed minded. These lyrics are about as poetic as anything put on paper. Thank you for providing me with a memory from my youth which has lasted over 33 years and still touches me deeply.
As a disabled combat vet, this song means more now than when I was innocent.
I know a man named after this song , as his parents loved it so much . And as an adult he loves it too and music .
"...are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand"...truelly poetic.
Lucky and smart person you are.
you were so lucky at this time !!!!
One of the most beautiful songs on this planet.
Absolutely! Really hard to beat that!
Truly, it is
Absolutely One of the Most Beautiful Songs ever......
What a beautiful tribute to a "failed" Dutch painter. It's interesting, perhaps amazing, that the songs work whether or not you know it's about van Gogh. Watch Don as her performs it. He's amazed that people want to hear him sing the song. Perhaps a bit scared too. There's always something frightening for an artist in sending your work into the wild.
Made my tough WWII Marine father almost cry when I played the 45 RPM. "Play it again."
My brother and I were raised in a children's prison in Ireland. He was a damaged child and it all could no make no sense to him or to me then. That was until this song came through a radio that we were not allowed to own in case we would know about a world of understanding. I was a child then and the memory and meaning of the song has never left and uplifts me still. Thank you Don for something I could not understand then but have always understood since.
Thank you.
😢❤
Thank you for sharing, very brave and I’m sorry for how you both were treated. Peace.
My heart goes out to you
I'm glad to hear you're okay
and knows that in the end
Night = darkness
And Don McLean highlighted the night thanks to the stars that give the light
May you always walk with sunshine in your pockets, Amen
I sincerely wish you and your brother happiness,,,,
This song takes me back a few years back. I was told to leave my parents house due to my excessive drug and alcohol use. I was so lost, lonely and broken, and I didn't even know it. I still had my job, but had lost the trust from my family and friends. And also pushed most people away. I found a shared accommodation in a city near to where I lived. I had a room, and not a lot of possessions. The house had a lounge which had a TV and RUclips on it. I spent most evenings sat on my own listening to music, drinking and using drugs sometimes. Until I heard this song. I'd heard it before, but never listened to the lyrics, I felt such a connection with it, and found myself playing it over and over again. I did this for weeks on end after work, on my days off, studying. I met some good people during this, and found myself slowly coming away from the madness of drug life. I also met a girl, who is now my girlfriend, and has been for over a year, i focused myself on this song and it helped me in magical ways. This story has no actual end or anything just thought I'd share my thoughts.
It's a beautiful story nevertheless
Liam Wicks 💎💙🌈🦋
Keep on keeping on young Liam! We don't know each other...just fellow human beings journeying through life.
We all have our speedbumps.
I think you're a courageous soul to openly share the broad brush strokes of your life.
Just remember...it's your life SO FAR!
Keep writin new chapters my friend. Keep writin new chapters.
And don't you ever give in to the demons of those drugs ever again!
Keep pressin forward! You have interesting new chapters of happiness, peace, and wisdom. And you shall share them meaningfully with others!
Carry on!
Keep on. Get clean and live a wonderful life.
Music can be healing. I wish you the best!
"Morning fields of amber grain, weathered faces lined in pain, are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand." One of the most beautiful lines of poetry I've ever heard.
Absolutely!
yup ! if you already didn't know, he dedicated his song to Vincent Van Gogh because he couldn't accept that many people thought he became crazy, but it's mental illness that was getting over him, and people wouldn't understand his art
Really … you need to read more poetry then
"Shadows on the hills
Sketch the trees and the daffodils
Catch the breeze and the winter chills
In colors on the snowy linen land",
I always loved that verse
That is a great line.
Definitely one of the most incredible songs ever written.
Well said! Very insightful and poetic imho
nice song
I think the artistry in this song plays a fitting tribute to Van Gogh's own beautiful art.
And Vincent definitely deserve it
I UNDERSTAND Ionelines Agnes ROI
Lost my Daughter in April 2023.. I used to love this song before it happened.. it means so much more to me now . I Love you Charlotte Ann now and forever ..Until we meet again .. ❤
❤
💧💧💧
God bless, stay strong😢
im so sorry. you will be together again for sure.. stay strong. i love you ill pray for you ♥️☝️
I'm with u man ❤
This is not merely one of the greatest tributes to art, it may be simply one of the greatest performances.
Agreed ❤
Ear ear
This has to be one of the most remarkable songs set to poetry that has ever been written. Such Emotion, Such longing.
Hi there🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years.
It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my RUclips channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕💕💕❤️❤️❤️❤️
This and streets of London...heart wrenching
@@Roger_Ramjet My absolutely favourite (both of them), very appealing to me, very touching, since I first heart them over 30 years ago.
An absolutely perfect work of art. Amazing.
Such a life lesson for everybody on this earth, when they do not know how to love you, walk away with your soul intact.
It’s heartbreaking how well Don McLean understands the power and meaning of the artist. I am in tears every time.
You are not alone Sir!
❤️
as I am also. after listening to this I have to dry my eyes
I only discovered this recently and each time I listen, the tears stream down my cheeks. Powerful!!
It's an easy song... in theory. Nothing particularly fancy going on with the guitar, no "big notes" challenging the vocal range. It's "easy" to sing and play along to it when you figure out how to do both things at the same time. It's just a very well constructed song.
The hard part is getting over the tears when trying to sing the whole thing. Or listen to it. This fucking song gets me even if I just think about it.
Singer songwriters of the 70's were on a completely different level. Who the hell is writing stuff THIS powerful in 2023? .........
I can't think of one specifically, but Mark Knopfler makes some incredible music. If you haven't listened, maybe give it a try. I listen to his music every day.
Nobody writes like this anymore. Everything to day is T and A crap.
The Fray
Sam Fender
@@thomkane4344 像叫賣聲，ruclips.net/video/WAifgn2Cvo8/видео.htmlsi=TUCEab5DmMFfALTb
A brilliant song, composed with brilliant lyrics, performed by a brilliant musician. Vincent is as timeless as Van Gogh's masterpiece itself.
no
Absolutely what a beautiful voice, soul, song and artistry.
Surely God Given Beauty. Another reason I know God Exists !!!
❤
why?@@davidd854
Nathaniel Roberto' has a cover of this beautiful song please watch him and subscribe please❤@@geraldlynn1827
Wonderful tribute to Van Gogh.
"this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you"
From one genius to another.
Cristos Yfantis brilliant evergreen song😣
indeed, so exquisitely and angelicly written, so so beautiful
@Nelson's Rudolph ok
Van Goghs brother had a heart of gold too. Did everything he could to pull him back..
Rusty Nailz I’ve read a book about Van Gough’s brother. Love it!
Even in 2022 this song still makes me she'd a tear.. Such a beautiful masterpiece.
Me too
She’d
I still get goosebumps when I hear it. Or should I say, I feel it.
Same here.
I cry every time I hear it. What a beautiful tribute.
This song has special meaning to my son and I. When he was an infant he had horrible colic every night around dinner time. He would wail and scream
until he couldn't anymore. One night during his screaming Vincent came on the radio and he immediately quieted and listened. He had a very serene
look on his face almost like he could understand. The next day I went out and bought the cassette and played it every night when the wailing started. Then
I just played it on repeat and the wailing never started. When he was in high school he painted me a beautiful painting of Starry Night and learned to play
Vincent on the guitar.
That was my birthday present from him that year and it is the one I have cherished more than anything I have received since.
That’s so beautiful and for your son to drawing you the picture,made me cry. I love this song also , wonderful memories.❤️❤️❤️🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪☘️
Wonderful heartfelt life story! Thank you for sharing! 🧑🏻🦰🇨🇦
A beautiful memory forever. From Brisbane, Australia.
So touching, that touches my heart.
That is remarkable.
One voice, one guitar. Simply perfect.
One voice, one guitar. No effects, no pitch correcting, no flashing lights and he beats the crap out of so many big names. Talent needs no embellishment.
I used to sing this when delivering papers as I was just 13 when it came out. At Christmas, one of my customers gave me a pound (a fortune back then) to say thank you for singing that lovely song every morning.
Imagine if Don Mclean had met his hero Buddy Holly, what music they would have made!
very well written
very well written
+Aldeadelmonte I was 13, too. An intense year for me, but songs like this helped me and made it more mystical and bearable.
Strong by JASMINE LAMPORT....listen to the lyrics....she is superb.
trevgkify.....That's actually not true, though I can't blame you for thinking it might be. There is a LOT of talent out there; every generation produces genius after all. I actually feel for the youth today. it seems that, in order to make it big, you either have to get very, very, VERY lucky (though I'd argue we make our own luck, it is tougher now), or sign your soul away for cheap fame and, often, a ruined life. Just to perform. Just to get your voice heard. It's sad and I cannot wait for the change that's in the air......shoot me, I'm an optimist!
I cannot listen to this song without shedding a tear, what a masterpiece.
same here. In fact, ive avoided it for years
Feel exactly same ! Just finished reading lust for life : the novel of Vincent Van Gogh . I can’t stop weeping everytime when I listen to this song . This song is not only for Vincent . This is for each one of us .
Same here
It always used to choke me up too.
@@MrQlypse1 why avoid it? Obviously your soul is calling out..crying is a gift of emotion and humanity. Please listen often..
My Dad...he was soooo moved by this ineffable genius track... when it was released, I was 11 years old and he sat me down and played it for me and shared the little that he knew of the life of Vincent van Gogh. My dad was just a working class guy, but he knew a musical masterpiece when he heard it! He told me that what I didn’t understand of the lyrics I would come to grasp in time. he could not have been more spot on.
Simple music can make you sing, a simple hug can make you feel, better, simple things can make you happy, I hope my simple hello will put a smile on your face..
Hello!!! How are you doing today, please
pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I
just wanted to know if you're a fan ? Have a
great day.. Stay Safe
When Don released this song I was in a very dark place, heard him sing it and I burst into tears, he saved me
You're beautiful. ❤
Madam...."working class guys" will always feel music more than the numbed elites. 🙏
❤
With only his voice, guitar and words he was able to produce one of the most powerful, passionate, emotional song ever published. The lyrics are so interwoven and captivating, and filled with such beautiful sadness....
Well said!!
If only Vincent knew this
Quite like his version played with Epiphone : ruclips.net/video/w7zw-wY0nSU/видео.html
I bought the album American pie 1972 aged 14 in coleraine after hearing this song I just got it
Incredible
This was played at my best friends funeral 5 years ago. Rapid onset MS at 27. Didn't tell a soul. Posted us all letters 'cause he didn't wanna go through it and have us upset and grieving.. and walked into the lake.
God I miss you James, you never bothered a single one of us ❤️
Went on his own terms
DEATH IS NOT THE END ITS JUST A NEW BEGINNING. ;0)
Such love
He cared more about your feelings than his own and refused to be pitied. A true testament of love and self respect.
That is very sad. 😢
But, your friend had class. He chose not to hurt the ones he loved. May he RIP.
this song doesn't age . its as good today as it ever was
Alara Golf and ever will be
Like a Van Gogh, no?
Clive Pinnock Yes. Van Gogh was not appreciated until he died. How sad.
You're dern tootin'. That's just what I had in mind.
and it will ever be !!!
1972, I was 14 and my now wife to be was 13 still together 52 years later still listening to great songs xx
Congrats !! wish you both many more together , i too was 14 then .
I'm 75 and still get tears in my eyes when I hear this song. What quality! Sad to see/hear the decline in quality of music during the last couple of decades....
Hi there
Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years.
It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my RUclips channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕
Thank you Hans Boot, I agreed with you even Im younger 30 years than you
True that
I don't believe many songs in history come to close to the beauty of this one, but I would still suggest giving today's music a try! I'm much younger and I can say with confidence that, though it may be slightly harder to find, there's still soulful talent in some of today's music! :)
Che bella canzone!una voce così emozionante...😊😍😘🎶🎸🎶💘💓💕💋💯🌅
McLean's "American Pie" was brilliant, of course. But, his "Vincent" was an incomparable masterpiece. Simple, touching, inspired.
Hi there
Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years.
It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my RUclips channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💖
@@donmclean8257 Thank you for sharing your gift of poetry and music 🎶
This song has deeply touched me and many of your fans! It's a virtuoso ❤
Get off the bandwagon,we all love it for what it is,brilliant!
@@granty6125 What?!
@@tomelder2358 can’t you read it’s a classic,plus I don’t think it’s really the real Don McLean!And in a lot of ways I personally prefer Vincent to American Pie but that’s my choice!.
This song is as much a masterpiece as the painting itself.
Amen. Agreed.
Beautiful! I agree, this is as beautiful as the painting!
Have a look at some of his other works sometime. Even an old pair of boots...
AMEN to that.
Its amazing
I'm here. My daughter took her life 2016.
The song says it all.
RIP little girl.
Don McLean was a genius. I grew up with his generation and his songs were magical
Magic is a great word for his music! I didn't get to grow up with it, but I'm glad I discovered it
Is..is a genius ❤️
Don McClean IS still a genius. He hasnt left the building yet....
If you have the chance to see an exhibition of Van Gogh's art this song will make even more sense. His paintings literally move and jump out and demand your attention. They are living tributes to an artist who struggled with mental health issues, intense pain, addiction and poverty yet tapped into something tender, vibrant and alive when he painted.
Well said.
Yes, I just LOVE Van Gogh and have visited both exhibitions of his art and the places where he actually did the painting, like the therapeutic ‘ asylum ‘ in St Remy de Provence where he was encouraged to paint !
Sunflowers are so called, not because they look like the sun, but because they literally turn to the sun during the day and hence are called ‘ girasole’ in Italian and ‘ tournesol ‘ in French !
@Chris Cunningham Art is influenced by one's personal experience. And, I personally think Van Gogh has been over-hyped by repeatedly highlighting his tragic life which make his paintings seem more special than they really are. I mean whenever his art is mentioned, the discussion has to veer into his tragic life instead of a technical discussion about his paintings.
Technically, his style was not new and influenced by the French Impressionists. Among the impressionists, there is Camille Pissarro who is admired but has never got the credit he deserved. He started it all, even mentoring the likes of Monet, Manet, Renoir, Cezanne among others as they were much younger to him and he was a father figure to them. Apart from losing his son at an early age, his life was very ordinary and boring one might say as he died of old age. But, being an artist myself his paintings, the subject matter and the user of colors move me to tears of ecstasy without having to rely on the story of his personal life like ordinary people often do with Van Gogh paintings.
Xiao Hei. we are all equal Hi, we’ve spoken already today about the Russia/ Ukraine situation - what a coincidence !
I’m genuinely interested that you are a real artist . Art fascinates me and at University I had some friends who did History of Art as part of their degrees and sometimes on a Saturday we’d all go down to London by train and they’d take me round the art galleries . My dad painted all his life as an amateur but to my mind was really quite good ! I did an ‘ O ‘ level in Art and passed amazingly as about the only things I could paint were trees ! When we did still life’s involving a chair the art teacher used to hold my picture up
turn it round and everyone would laugh that the chair could never possibly have stood up !!
Sorry to admit that I LOVE Van Gogh and have visited most of the places in France associated with his paintings and the therapeutic community in St Remy de Provence where he was treated and encouraged to paint , but the same goes for Cezanne and I’ve been to the Toulouse Lautrec museum too . Never been to Monet’s garden though!
In Britain ( where I live ) I LOVE the Pre Raphaelites and know many places associated with William Morris and Burne Jones !
I’m not too keen on industrial landscapes though or the ‘ pictures of matchstick men ‘ by LS Lowry !
Who do you like as an artist and what is your own particular style ?
Do you exhibit and sell your paintings ? Do let me know and best wishes to you.
PS , I hate to admit that I actually have a science degree, though I CAN knit well, have done pottery and glass painting , am a keen gardener but only in the sense that the colours and textures can look like a canvas , and do a lot of ‘ shabby chic ing ‘ and stencilling of old furniture using chalk paints and wax !
Christine
@@christinescarff4920 Good to speak to you again :)
You obviously have knowledge and experience with art and from your comment it looks like you lead a charming and fulfilling life. I do sell my paintings but it is not my main source of income and unfortunately I like to keep my identity hidden on RUclips :) I have done paintings in several styles and at present "Impressionism" and "Mixed Media" is what inspires me most. Apart from Pissaro, I greatly admire Sargent, A. Wyeth, Gustav Dore and the French impressionists. I am glad that you appreciate your dad's paintings. I think that would have made him very happy indeed. On the other hand, my family is a little worried about my paintings :))
I certainly have no issue with you liking Van Gogh as everyone can have their own preferences. I myself have painted replicas of his paintings as a study. But, my biggest gripe is that Van Gogh's art is a product of mass marketing. Van Gogh as a human is certainly a very admirable fellow an almost Christ-like figure. But, to me, a great artist he is not.
"Van Gogh" is a multi-million dollar brand, so I can understand why art critics and museums just play along romanticizing him and his work.
My music teacher taught me to play this song on the guitar. I just found out she is no longer with us, and so I'm playing this song on repeat to help cope with grief. I miss you Dear Libby: This world was not meant for one as beautiful as you.
Words are too empty to express it fully but I’m sorry for your loss. This is a lovely song and she sounds like a lovely person. Good luck with your music.
❤️
How you suffered for your sanity... it's brilliant, and describes us all.
"Vincent" to me, is still one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
I agree. Such beauty
Thanks pik
Agree it’s magical
lyrically not many songs to match it
My sons name is Vincent! I would not want to live without him in this world !
Nobody else could sing this song like Don. It is a masterpiece, perhaps the most beautiful song ever written.
It is.
An artist at work, painting a masterpiece, with his words.
Just like Van Gogh did...
Beautifullly said...@
One of the greatest songs ever written and sung beautifully By Don McLean.
1 guitar
1 voice
100% talent
and 1 atmosphere of the time
Agreed
dA
100% heart and soul.
I have been thru difficult times in life. From family and friends passing to health concerns that put me in pain every day, for the last 19 years and I have never cried out. When I hear this one song, every stroke of each guitar string, every note sung in that soft and compassionate voice, breaks down every barrier that I, in vain, built to keep the world from seeing me cry. By the end of this song, I am sobbing in tears, even at 50, for all that has been lost. This one song. Thank you.
joel trevino This song has a way of breaking down the highest walls..
As butifully written as the song itself. My best wishes to you Joel.
Magnificent comment. Mind yourself Joe.
Isn't it wonderful how healing music can be. It is the vibration of the Universe made manifest and that you are touched by it shows the Universe moves through you and you still feel, even after building your wall. I too have suffered intense loss in my life. Tears heal.
Dear Joel...I very much relate to your sentiments and how it effects you. I feel much the same and gone through and still am many hardships. I don't know why but I find solace in this song that is sad. Don McLean has been a favorite singer/songwriter of mine for 45+ years....God bless you and keep you always.
Maybe God made me a painter for people who aren't born yet
-Vincent Van Gogh
That's heart breaking
Van Gogh gave us such beautiful art of life.
That's so beautiful,, to think the man died, not knowing, that his paintings and his life, would become, So loved, by almost everyone, you are loved Vincent today and forever
He was right
So True. Love you Vincent.
Oh, how this song reminds me of my brother who took his life at 23 almost 50 years ago. He was an artist and had the most beautiful heart. The women he loved left him and it was all he could take. Its so easy for me to substitute his name instead of Vincent I put in Richard. Rest in peace my dear brother. All these years later the tears come down thinking of you.
This song is to the Vincents of the world. I always think of My english teacher my sophomore year of High School who showed the class this song for poetry month. When I heard it I broke down and was moved by the lyrics. This song figuratively saved me in a time where I battled several demons and almost ended my life. It made me see the beauty within myself. I think we all know Vincent's some of us are Vincent's ourselves. Beautiful people fighting hideous battles in a world where they are too good for them.
i know several vincents and one is lying in a coffin right now. huhuhu
Beautifully put....
Thank you for understanding those, who're too good for this world.
i was 15 in the Spring of1973 and was just diagnosed with schizophrenia/ auditory hallucinations. it was surreal, to say the least, how closely I did identify with the lyrics in every aspect of McLean"s song. Of course, I tear up whenever I hear it played on the radio or wherever.
❤️live love life.
Despite the sadness attached to this song, it is beautiful beyond explanation. It is very touching and a tribute to Don Mclean's talent.
One burst of applause at the beginning, and it was done, so he can perform.
Something any modern audience needs to learn...
😊😊Hi there
Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years.
It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my RUclips channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏
It’s not the audience that dictates that complete silence. A truly great artist, regardless of the audience, can hold a crowd in the palm of their hand and keep their attention and silence. The problem isn’t with the modern audience. The problem is with the artist and their music if they can’t capture the audience and silence a room regardless of how large the room or how many in the audience.
I was born in 1972, my mother, died at 46, used to sing me as a lullaby. This song make me think about her.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written. You can almost feel Vincent's pain.
I was 16 in 1972, and this song still brings a tear to my eye..
My mother was that age too. She says this was the first record she bought. She is 67 now ❤
DON MCLEAN STILL AROUND AT 72 YEARS OLD GOD BLESS YOU FOR ALL THE GREAT MUSIC I GREW UP WITH YOU!!!!!
so looking forward to catching him in concert in the UK
He will be singing the song with Ed Sheeran..😊😊😊
His girlfriend is 24.......seriously
Ronnie that’s a 48 year difference Hey Whatever
Yes AND ...Don volunteers here in Saratoga Springs NY AND I'm friends with the bartender who gave American Pie back to Don after he displayed himself unruly and ...AND was barred from that bar for life
Yes Saratoga Springs will forever love LOve LOVE
American Pie.
Thank you for all your songs and maybe
You & I can play together at SPAC
Someday sooner than later
🎶💜
This song is an absolute masterpiece, beautiful.
You are so right. I remember sitting and listening to it on the radio in my car. I had to go somewhere and opened the door to leave but couldn't go. I was compelled to sit there until the song finished. By the end of it I was hanging out the door of the car absolutely in awe of what a brilliant and beautiful song it is. And his voice! Divine! A genius artist's salute to another genius artist.
belíssima!
"Morning fields of amber grain, weathered faces lined in pain, are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand."
Those are some of the most poetic lines to me.
And for me almost every line is touching.
He is so talented. And was way ahead of anyone else, writing about mental health when most other artists of his generation were writing love songs.
Exactly BMac. ))
This is a love song...
@@nobody20005 this is a song about Vincent van Gogh…
@@Manays I've always felt it was a love song to Vincent. MacLean's insight is as amazing as the rest of it. After one listen, I feel wrung out, like I've just walked through an exhibition of his works, AND had some direct link to the artist's emotions. Vincent must have been quite amazing.
Very relevant at this time in 2022 with the death of Naomi Judd caused by her mental health struggle. 😪
I heard this song when I was in my senior year of high school in 1972, and always loved it. In 1975 I went backpacking through Europe with a buddy of mine. In Amsterdam, we went to see the Van Gogh Museum, with my willingness to do that coming from having heard this song. Before that museum, I generally found museums tedious, mostly because I didn't know much about what I was looking at. The Van Gogh Museum has 200 Van Gogh paintings in it. It was a complete revelation. I went into the museum a football fan and came out a lover of art history. To this day, I would pick a day in the Van Gogh Museum over the Super Bowl.
Wow!
I hope you get a chance to visit it again one day.
I took a French class in high school as a freshman and my lovely teacher decided to show us this song as we were discussing Van Gogh and I’m thankful she did. Such a powerful, poetic, and sad song that touches the soul. I remember just being encapsulated by the beauty of this song and how perfect his voice is for this song. I hadn’t heard this in years and I just now remembered it laying in bed at 6 in the morning because I can’t sleep. It’s the small things. Hope you all have a happy day and an even better life. Love to you all.
Nicely said jo
Well said thx
this is what social commentary is supposed to be......nice experiential notation
Best to you Joe. Just trying to be a little better person than yesterday.
But how are your French skills, lol? I took two years of French classes, all A's. I can decipher French when I'm reading it. But, I still, to this day, can't speak it that well. Whenever I've been in France, most people want me to speak English so, I rarely have had a chance to practice much. I feel so failed at languages. I know enough people that can speak three languages. I speak the one language that tends to be the lingua franca around the world. I feel so lazy. Speaking of laziness, here is a poem, I can share here. It's the one poem that one of my favorite English professors mentioned at one time. For some reason, I have it etched in my memory. I tend to randomly share this. Hope anyone passing through here enjoys it.
Lying in a Hammock at William Duffy’s Farm in Pine Island, Minnesota
BY JAMES WRIGHT
Over my head, I see the bronze butterfly,
Asleep on the black trunk,
Blowing like a leaf in green shadow.
Down the ravine behind the empty house,
The cowbells follow one another
Into the distances of the afternoon.
To my right,
In a field of sunlight between two pines,
The droppings of last year’s horses
Blaze up into golden stones.
I lean back, as the evening darkens and comes on.
A chicken hawk floats over, looking for home.
I have wasted my life.
Whenever I had panic attacks or suicidal thoughts, this song calms my mind and soul more than any other can do. Thank you Don McLean. Instead of contemplating suicide, I focused on how you poetically described Van Goghs great works, and his suffering even though not all people can understand.
Well spoken/written..sorry you go through such agony. Believe me, many people can relate.....
Kepp on keeping on my sweet dear far away friend
I think this song and others like The Rose and At Seventeen really resonate with people touched by grief,by loss, by suffering...
My father took his own life 55 years ago when I was 4 months old.It blighted our lives but I do believe my family will be reunited some day and everything will be okay, we will be at peace and long years of struggle will be at an end.
I think Vincent is at peace now after suffering for his sanity.
@@dnhy7951 God, "At Seventeen" is such a sad song. Love it. You had a beautiful comment. I can definitely relate to yours and the OP's sorrow. Life is tough.
so true. xo
The 70's has the most awesome musical artist of all generation.
Agree...I'm so lucky to be part of that time!
Me to, I was a young lad working on a farm in England, I used to have to cycle 5 miles to work and back in all weather's for a pittance.I never knew the meaning of this song back then but I still loved it but have learned to appreciate the genius of Don McLean as I have aged. Fortunately I am semi retired no more cycling to work but unfortunately no great songs and singers like Don, I've learned one thing in my life if nothing else,,,,, the bloke that said hard work never hurt anyone ? never did any .
It's just so true.
@@peterbalac1915 me too, I was 7...loved it new
Agree, I was 16
One of the most beautiful songs ever written.
One God given talent singing about another. This song brings tears.
I know I.
Such an incredible distillation of everything about Vincent Van Gogh into a single song - masterful storytelling.
I was a huge Don McLean fan when I was young, and I recall his explanation once about this song. He said that Vincent was told that he couldn't sell impressionistic paintings and he should concentrate on the popular style of realism. Van Gogh's response was "I can't paint what I see. I have to paint what I feel!" As a result he never had much success in his lifetime but today his paintings are considered masterpieces. Don McLean viewed his music the same way. The record industry tried to tell him what kind of music to produce, but as an artist he felt compelled to compose and sing what was in his heart and not what was marketable.
This song I hear when my cellphone rings.... One of the most beautiful songs ever made, perfect words, touching my soul!
Feel kindred that others admit to crying to this song. "This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you..." . pierces me.
It should have said "This world was ALWAYS meant ..." This is the only defect in an otherwise perfect song. Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Beethoven, Cezanne ... all artists belong in the world. The point is that he was meant to shed his light on humanity and the tragedy is that he was NOT recognised (in his lifetime). He should have been, no one can dispute that now. He was meant to be beautiful in this world. And the simple fact of the matter is that his beauty is now recognised in this world.
Steve C's point is still valid. True or not, the IDEA that such a tortured, talented soul like Van Gogh was "never" meant to be is incredibly sad and moving.
I think he meant we didn't deserve someone like Vincent or the artists you mentioned. We failed to recognize their genius and talent and, for the rest of time, must look back and see our failure with our helpless eyes and ears.
madness
That line gets me every time too.
as a published recorded songwriter, this is perhaps the most moving set of lyrics ever penned on paper, much like Vincent himself, McLean has produced a masterpiece of perfection--listen to this song while looking at Van Gogh's paintings and you will understand they are well connected and haunting much as Vincents paintings are as well!
Don McLean,one of my favourite artists all times,Vincent and American pie will be remembered forever,what a legend,love you very much,proud to be one of your fans
This song has lived with me for fifty years now... It was beautiful then... and it is even more beautiful now when I listen to it with some life experience.
What a masterpiece.
One of my all-time favorite, and most beautiful songs. It reminds me of my uncle who was an excellent artist, and also felt unloved in his shortened life. He even studied in Paris like Vincent. He tried to kill himself twice, and survived. He was staying with my family after his second attempt. My father didn't want him with us anymore and sent him to an art school in Michigan. It was there that he made his third and successful attempt at suicide. He was my favorite uncle. This song reminds me so much of his life. I dedicate it to him in my mind.
I am also an artist struggling emotionally.
Thank you for this amazing song.
Dear Jane,
Thank you for your heartfelt post. I am so sorry that you lost your favorite uncle. It is very hard to struggle as an artist. You give of your soul entirely and sometimes feel the coldness of the world around is crushing. I hope you find continuing peace and comfort in this song. I wish you encouragement and strength as you face your emotional struggles.
Dante Aligheri wrote: "If you pursue your star, you cannot fail to reach a splendid harbor." Remember that.
nobody ever knows our deepest thoughts. my brother was a poet and took his life at 49, because-his words on paper- nobody gets me. well, i did-- but i forgot to tell him that. i blame myself still, since 2002. i love you jeff and miss you every day.
Never lose hope
Take care
@@jeffduflo8204 Hope is the light at the other end of the tunnel.
I'm a little more than a hack guitar player and singer. My mom was an artist. She loved this song. I sang it for her at her funeral. Like Vincent, mom suffered with mental illness. I've come to learn there is a thin line between brilliance and insanity. I've always believed this song was a worldly treasure while his American Pie was a national one. Such a profound piece of art.
Gorgeous. "Painting is very easy when you don't know how, but very difficult when you do." -Edgar Degas
Thank you very much for that quote.
My uncle died in November of 2023 and American Pie was his favourite song. Following his death, I listened through Don’s discography and found this song. Everytime I listen it brings me back to that winter and the sad loss. It holds a very special place in my heart now and I listen to Vincent anytime I feel the grief ❤
WOW!!! The album version of this song is a masterpiece all by itself, but to see and hear him perform it just as flawlessly and beautifully live is incredible. What an artist, and what a creation.
This, in sound, is a Van Gogh in color. Masterpiece.
How elocuent sir, so much to express in so little and well elaborated words
@@eduardoalcala8310 Eduardo, you are a brother. And I thank you.
Well said.
U put it so beautifully n poetic lyrics.
Van Gogh is more like psychedelic rock
This song cuts deep, utterly beautiful poetry. RIP Vincent Van Gogh🙏🎨
I just love this song and it ALWAYS makes me cry. What a poor tormented soul Vincent was and what a brilliant lyricist McLean is to musically paint a picture which allows us to feel such empathy and emotion.
Pure vocal and guitar. Music. No makeup, no pyrotechs, just real music;i feel the words.
If you read this dearest please stop in bsfl. You will know where to find me. I will show you vincents stary stary night. I have his sunflower painting, repo dun by local to perfection.
I liked Van Gogh all right. When I first visited the Louvre and walked into the Orangeries, I climbed the stairs and the first picture was one of Vincent's... a forlorn looking house in the night, with a pale light touching a few flowers in the garden.... and well... I just burst into tears. The beauty, the pain, the loneliness. It was all there. I then thought back to this song, and wondered how such a young man could capture that essence. It is still some of the most amazing lyrics i've heard.... sorry for the over-bubbly sentiment,
Beautiful words Jeff, i might nver be able to see a real Van Gogh. But i think i would also be in tears. Nice words
+Jeff Irvine
Hi Jeff, i saw a lot of Vincent`s pictures some years ago in Bale-CH. And it is great to feel the spirit of them. Can`t be enough of sentiment. Thanks for your nice story.
no buddy you hit the nail on the head......so young to understand old soul
Hey Jeff, your words are no 'over-bubbly sentiment', but a beautiful, touching and brave confession straight from the heart. I have a similar story. 25 years ago my dad committed suicide after a life that had many of the dynamics of Van Gogh's. Since then this wonderful piece of musical art by Don McLean has made me cry every single time I heard it, and just last week here in Amsterdam the new Van Gogh exposition was opened and when I went I stood there in the packed museum and wept, 46 years young and in a great place in life, but just touched by the same elements that touched you. Brother, please never again excuse yourself for sincere heartfelt emotions. We need them and we need people like you, because our hearts hold all the wisdom and authenticity mankind needs and needs so desperately. Heartfelt greetings
+Jeff Irvine YOU burst into tears by looking at a house. can someone say Flake. If a house makes you cry over this song your insane.
This song will be played forever - Pure genius
Probably one of the most amazing and beautiful songs ever written
+Holly Buckley Amen!
Absolutely.
Their are many nore
not like this one.
Holly Buckley
Definitely one of the greats....
This song is one of the most beautifully sublime pieces of art ever
He performs it so masterfully. The chord progression and his voice are so beautiful and touching
Perfection: the tragic story, the poetic songwriting, the vocal quality, the haunting melody, and the instrumentation. How can you not love it - how can it ever be “passé?”
Hi Jackie
@@andybetz.9978ciao Andy!🙋😍😘💘🌅
❤
And, thank goodness, Don is still with us. He was 75 on October 2nd.
So I guess he's about 88 this year ( your comment was 3 yrs ago).
My Uncle was Vincent Pona. What a man he was. I loved him very much. This song reminds me of him. He was in the USCG. After he retired he volunteered as a driver for the Disabled American Veterans. He logged over 10,000 hours. A man's man. A loving husband to my Aunt Melrose. And I am reminded of all the good he done in his life.
A man. A guitar. A stage. A voice. Thank you Don, what a wonderful story you told. This song is as relevant in 2020 as it was in the 1970's.
Forever...
If you can find reproductions of Van Goch's paintings you'll see that the lyrics of the song reproduce in your mind images of the paintings. What a wedding of two kinds of art. That's the genius of Don Maclean. And Vincent Van Goch.
A beautiful song to picture a great painter like Vincent Van goth. Love it and Vincent is one of my favourite genius
"this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you"
Unusual great song. Very a Good.
Deep
Thanks :-)
That has to be one of the most beautiful things a person can say to another. The absurdity is that is comes his the highest of heartbreak.
can you imagine a song like this topping the charts now ?
Different class, different times, now sadly existing only in the memories of those of us who experienced them.
@butters 1159 Up yours.
Remember this comment
ysgol3 f
I agree. Reminds me of my first love. Amser da.
Adele's "Someone Like You" topped the charts. Just piano and voice and heartfelt lyrics. Idk just saying it is still possible these days. I'm not sure if Bruno Mars "When I Was Your Man" topped the charts but similar concept there. Also Ed Sheeran "Thinking Out Loud".
Vincent LYRICS
Starry, starry night
Paint your palette blue and grey
Look out on a summer's day
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul
Shadows on the hills
Sketch the trees and the daffodils
Catch the breeze and the winter chills
In colors on the snowy linen land
Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen, they did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now
Starry, starry night
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze
Swirling clouds in violet haze
Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue
Colors changing hue
Morning fields of amber grain
Weathered faces lined in pain
Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand
Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen, they did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now
For they could not love you
But still your love was true
And 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
Starry, starry night
Portraits hung in empty halls
Frameless heads on nameless walls
With eyes that watch the world and can't forget
Like the strangers that you've met
The ragged men in the ragged clothes
The silver thorn, a bloody rose
Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow
Now I think I know
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen, they're not listening still
Perhaps they never will
Thank you for the lyrics. Have a great day!
A masterpiece
Whenever I hear the most minute reference to this song it gladdens my heart to know one more person is touched by it. I read about a reporter who attended a Nick's game. 🎮 He was described as wearing a grey hat with the words "Starry starry night" printed on it. I smiled at the idea of one more person who was touched by the song.
💖😭😱🎤😔😔😢✨😿💔✍️🌌🌌✝️🛐
Thank for sharing this beautiful lyrics/poem
I love DM's voice. It's so strong yet it's gentle. One of the saddest songs ever written, played and sang. Beautiful but so so sad.
My name is Vincent. Yes I was born March of 72. My mom and dad named me after this song
I am also born in March 1972. I love this song. One of my favorites
A beautiful song that is sung with great sensitivity...
You were named for compassion and beauty
Wow what a tune to be named after Vincent ,
You must be really proud of that.
Don Mclean such a fantastic song writer musician.
I'm learning it on my flute, going to make sure i do it justice.
I was born in March too, 2nd day
This is the best version of "Vincent". It is so sensitive and emotional. When I heard this for the first time, I had tears in my eyes.
If there has ever been a more beautiful song written and performed, I'm afraid
that I have never heard it .
indeed, the musicality here is breathtaking
there's only one I've ever been able to think of. Danny boy
Joni Mitchell "Clouds" is close
neither have I.......Norway.....
Right you are.
As a kid, this song would be playing in my head as I ice skated in the afternoons when I got home from school. Gliding on the ice, I felt free and enveloped by the words and melody. It was magical.
45 years ago when I was 20, I stayed at a friends flat in Tel Aviv. A beautiful girl from Belgium, Jenny Mink asked if I could help her write the words to Vincent which she had on a cassette. Must have played it in parts a hundred times and I learned to really appreciate the words this way, not by just hearing the song as sort of background music. Thank you Jenny for introducing me to this wonderful work. Whenever I hear it, I think of you. Neville Stock.
There's a love song in your story....
@@ritaconroy9403 Thanks for your comment. I'll write it and you sing it.
Neville
I used to work as a DJ at a commercial radio network. The Callsign was "Greatest memories, latest hits". Music reminds us of good, and sometimes bad times in our lives. But it always reminds us, and that is wonderful.
Neville Stocky
i'm 13 and i've grown up listening to this in the background but now i listen to it properly, it brings tears to my eyes. words have such power.
I loved the song.reminds me of my happy moments of my love
❤️
Sofia, it is beautiful that this wonderful song does bring tears to your eyes. It shows how special you are, that at your age so many years later; you breathe and live the beauty of the poetry and the music, of a master musician of my time. Love and best wishes to you.
Vincent Van Gogh is my favourite artist of all time. I have always loved Don Maclean's beautiful song. He understands as I do, a fellow sensitive kindred spirit.
Don McClean is a highly underrated musical genius.
He sure could write (and sing)
a ballad.
The whole album is a masterpiece. What a time. This song survives everyone's cover of it.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written. A masterpiece. Perfection on every level.
Yes, its definitely masterpiece. A song with a deep message
I was 13 yesterday old...heard this and bought a guitar..wow life is good
One of the first albums I ever owned. Liked this song even more the American Pie
Happy belated birthday, young man! And yes, life is good!
These are possibly the most hauntingly beautiful lyrics I've ever heard.
Check out ..
JASMINE LAMPORT'S BREATHE....it kinda really works.
His voice was so beautiful, just like Van Gogh's masterpieces. His notes swirl and his tone is colorful and rich. ❤
It's almost like he had a special insight into the tragedy of Van Gogh, and transferred it to the beautiful imagery of this song.
Why do you love expression and hide behind a ridiculous fake name? - be YOU, unashamed.