The sheer beauty of this song, a tribute to one of the world's greatest painters, is that Don McLean is literally painting his own picture with his words.
I was 11 years old the first time I heard this song, and It tore me apart! I'm gonna be 60 this year, and I still cry every time I hear this SOUL-STIRRING SONG! They don't make songs like this anymore! THANK YOU DON McLEAN FOR THIS GEM!🎼🎵🎶🎹🙏
The most important factor is that this song is ART. It is about an artist. But it's art. It prompts an emotional reaction. It changes you for seeing/hearing it. ALL great art changes the person viewing it. In this case hearing it.
In 1971, Singer/Songwriter Lori Lieberman saw Don Mclean at the LA Troubadour and she was so moved by his song 'Empty Chairs', that she took her feelings back to her songwriters Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox and conveyed her emotions to them and 'Killing me Softly With His Song' was born Roberta Flack won the Grammy for this song in 1974
I can barely breathe when I hear this song... has had the same effect since I was 10 years old. Flowering garden path and cafe terrace at night have always been favorite and the thought the man who created something that brings me such joy could have suffered such agony is so painful
Yes, its about Vincent Van Gogh, how a wonderful artist was misunderstood in his time, and how he struggled to find acceptance which never came in his lifetime. After creating amazing paintings, and years of struggling, he took his own life. And yes, this song has always struck a chord deep within my psyche... it rips my heart out every time I hear it... I understand... and it makes me want to scream because...they not listening still. This song... along with a silly scene from Dr Who where they take Vincent to the present to let him see how his art is appreciated breaks my heart every time.
👊❤️🗣WolfsbaneHollow.. what an insightful name... maybe only the artistically inclined will get it... or maybe one day someone will finally expose such truth the world will have no choice but to listen... Van Gogh is my favorite artist... even I can’t put into words the way his art touches my heart so deeply ❤️🙂
This guy (Don McLean) is an absolute American treasure as an artist. His songs are thoughtful (American Pie) and well written. A history lesson in a song...what a novel idea. Thanks Kristen
My Father suffered from mental illness, he was an iron worker most of his life, but as he got older, he started writing. He was brilliant. He wrote poems, and books never published that would make Frost blush. He died from years of alcoholism, and depression. At the age of only 53, we lost him to this horrible mental disease. This song touches home. He wrote a book called "When the Fire Went Out" about the brotherhood of firefighters. His Father, an Irish Immigrant, was a fire Chief, who died at the age of 49 because of years of smoke damage. I am almost 48 now, and this song brings back a lot of emotions.
Oh wow! I’m so sorry to hear about your father dying so young. Being a firefighter and dealing w alcoholism was more than likely his way of coping (been there). Shad I know you treasure his memory & his writings. Thank-you for sharing something so precious with me and I feel you have more to say but are reserved? I’m not sure why I just wrote that now 😅 Anyway, I do feel somewhat alone which is dumb when I’m surrounded by my kids, extended family, pets, nature.. lol 😂 It truly is a mind game to create our own happiness. Thank-you for spreading a rosy outlook on life. God Bless you Shad 🙏
I was drunk in a bar one night and this beautiful song was playing and everyone stopped to listen to it as it just draws you in. As it finished I was so moved I stood up and said to the entire room "I absolutely love that song about Picasso". It was one of those "I'll just get my coat' moments.
I think this is the most perfectly poetic song I've ever heard! Don McClean brilliantly used words describing Vincent's paintings, to paint a picture of Vincent's suffering and meaning, creating his own art in music to equal Vincent's paintings! Touches me every time, but I was especially touched by watching the song touch YOU!!! This is why I watch reaction videos...to share the appreciation and feelings that come from great songs! Thank you, and Happy New Year!!! 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 ❤️✌🏻✌🏻❤️
@@radar0412 why would I lie? It's an urban legend that I too believed for a long long time that "Killing me Softly" was Roberta Flack's reaction to hearing Don McLean sing American Pie. But the song lyrics were written by Norman Gimbal.
Kristin, this is one of all time favorite songs period. As for the the pauses, more and more folks are dealing with this. No need to apologize for them. If the stops are what it takes for me to remember these classics and enjoy your channel, I'm good with that. Keep up the great channel!
I'm always stunned that people haven't heard this song before. Of course - I was born in the 70's - so.....this song was my favorite growing up - i'm nearly 50 now and love it even more than I did the first time I heard it decades ago. It's a damned near perfect song. I can listen to it for hours straight & I have. Today is Vincent's b-day.
👊❤️🥰🗣This song is perfection... I was not exposed .. to a lot of different music.. (I’m a creature of habit) if it wasn’t for all the lovely people here I would never be exposed to half of all of this Amazing music 🙏💕
I went to CMU for art, I knew about Van Gogh, but not much. My freshman year, we each had to pick an artist to do a 30 minute presentation (with slides). I picked Van Gogh. I read a gigantic 700 page book, and spent weeks going through the slides before I could pick my selection. Knowing what I know, I cannot keep from weeping when I hear this song. I'm 51, and also a guitarist since I was 6. I sing this at karaoke, and cry as I sing.
My Father used to sing this song in the car. Every time I hear it I think of that dear old man. I was always proud of the effect he had on small children who loved to be around him. While he cleaned his car, a small crowd of three to six year old's would gather like an audience around him because he talked to them like they mattered. I as an older child would watch this and even at that tender age would marvel at the kindness,humanity and humour he displayed. It broke my heart later in life to have to tell him that he could no longer go up to small children and start chatting to them like they were his friends. I know there are bad people in the world, but it's a shame we had to lose something so beautiful because of a few monsters.
You are so right... that makes me sad as well... you know that i tell Aegis the same thing? i tell my son that he can't just go up to strangers or little babies and start talking away? ohhh!! i know it seems trivial.. but this is the world we live in :(
@@KristinKali The current paradigm of our Human Condition is wasted among greed and thieves. We can only reach into our presence, holding despite the false fears, so that we all can feel the love that saves us. It takes a free mind to grasps this. In the extreme shaking, there is solace, a recognition, a sublimely healing passage.
True. One of the most beautiful sounds in the world is the sound children playing in the school playground. It's priceless and so sad that a person can't stand and listen to that beautiful sound anymore without being viewed as a pervert of some sort. So sad. I totally understand why but it's still so sad.
Man, that is so true. And you can't convince people that 'stranger danger' should be so low on their list of things to worry about. 99% of all child kidnappings are done by another family member, usually the spouse. Strangers abducting children is so damn rare, yet when it happens, it gets churned around on the 24 news cable channels and the internet so much that it gives the impression that it has become more common. it's actually far less common than it used to be. Doubters can look it up. Anyway, your father sounds like my Dad and I know just what you mean.
This is my favorite song by Don and not far off being my favorite of all. It's a magical song and the guitar flows dreamily around the words and providing emphasis when needed. There was a great episode of Dr. Who in 2010 called "Vincent and the Doctor". It is one of my favorite episodes. The Doctor goes back to Vincent's day and the ending is so good I cried there because in my mind this song was playing. Thank you for reacting to it.
So glad you reacted to this song. Many think of the song, 'American Pie' when Don McLean's name is mentioned. I always thought THIS was his best song. I thought this in 1973 when I first heard it, and I haven't changed my mind in 46 years. But I could have told you, Vincent This world was never meant for one As beautiful as you Fabulous
Same here, when someone mentions Don, i dont think "American Pie" i think of "Vincent" first, this song cuts so deep, tells such a painful yet beautiful story, and it honors one of the greatest painters of all time. Yes i'm with you on that, this is the song i think of, when i hear Don being mentioned. :)
Both are great songs. If we're looking for pure emotion, I think Empty Chairs may top even this one. That was the subject of "Killing Me Softly with His Song." Don McLean has written tons of great songs, he and Al Stewart are the two most underrated singer-songwriters in history.
I love this reaction...I really, really do! *S* Watched right through, every second, all the way this time, and I have never been so touched by such a true reaction to a beautiful song. Thank you Kristin. May your G/god or guardian angle bless You! 🙂 Looks down the comments and blushes. I shall return...perhaps at times when Vincent's lessons need to be relearned.
He’s a singer songwriter from a lost time. Too many songs, movies, and meals being mass produced, formulated to touch the shallow in us. You should spend some checking out his entire catalog. There’s nothing in it that isn’t good. Thanks for playing this!
If you look up the definition of Singer/ Songwriter/ Genius, Don McLean's name is among the list that has Volumes of names from the 60's &70's. The Genius in their talent makes you forget your life for a few minutes and journey into a World they've created. The expression on the faces in the audience is proof. Their Music is everlastingly fresh and pure.
A lot of people don't know this, but Don McLean was the nameless musician mentioned in "Killing Me Softly" (the Roberta Flack classic later covered by the Fugees). According to the songwriter, McLean's the one who was "strumming my pain with his fingers , singing my life with his words." So yeah. He's pretty amazing.
Music does heal us peaple with panic attack bless you .so much I've been .. remember it teaches to have empathy you've taken the road less traveled your a gift
It's wonderful to know you live this song. It is still my favorite from when it first came out. He sings like I write poetry. I just love it. Thank you for your soft spirit. We would have gotten along great in another time. Keep listening. I would suggest....Elusive Butterfly by Bob Kind and....Jill's Theme by Ennui Morricone from the movie....Once Upon A Time In the West. Thank you. Oh and please listen to...If by Bread.....Aubrey....Diary...all the same artist. - Bread
Thank-you Timothy 🙏 .. why would you say “we would have gotten along in another time” I think we get a long great now 🙂💜 BTW I can’t wait to listen to your recommended choices!
"I could have told you Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you." Since this song first came out, I have not been able to hear that line without crying. The first painting by Van Gogh I ever saw in person, I stumbled upon in a gallery that I didn't know had one of his works. It was not a painting I had ever seen in print, but the moment I came around the corner and saw it, I knew it was Vincent. I stood in front of the painting for the longest time with tears running down my face. Thank you, Vincent.
My dad's stereo back in the day, unintentionally put me to sleep with The Carpenters, Dan Fogelberg and Don Mclean, specially this song. That was in the 90s and I never understood the lyrics until when I was a teenager. It has since been special to me, coz I'm an artist by heart and sometimes got lost in my own little world. This song is not just for Vincent, it's for every artists and people suffering from mental illness.
This song is about Vincent Van Gogh - one of his most famous paintings was "starry night" - and he also "suffered for (his) sanity" - at one point, he actually cut off his own ear.... and eventually "took his life.. as lovers often do..." - guess this world was never meant for one as beautiful... but Don McLean's song... just as beautiful as could be..
Out of all the videos here on RUclips of those who are reacting to these iconic songs, this video in particular was the first to show such depth and genuine emotional connection. You related to the song and felt it within your heart. This is something I know would be so appreciated by the writer of this song and the legendary painter the song is about. Being myself a composer of music and a writer of songs, you enter into the worlds that we present in our works and take in everything that is their to find. This is clearly presented in your experience as you listen to these tunes. Where most hear the music and respond to the lyrics from the shallows, you venture further down and feel what was meant to be felt. I am thankful that their are those who take in music the way you do, because when we make our music, we are hoping listeners like you will come upon them.
Thank-you for these kind words. It is hard for me to show pain being a victim of child abuse (i don't have pity parties) its just a fact of life. I tend to just go for superficial fun music to mask my daily feelings. Well, I don't listen to songs before hand and it clearly touched me so profoundly... but I still tried to stop myself from falling apart. Again, the talent that you composers & songwriters have leaves people like me in SHEER AWE & UNDYIND admiration. I don't fake it... so please never fake your passion either. My best to you in all of your endeavors. K
To me, this is one of the nicest, most beautiful songs ever written, very melancholic and full of meaning, and it is about the most melancholic painter i know of, Vincent van Gogh. I love this song dearly, and i love Vincent van Gogh, so the subject matter of the song, really works for me. He describes very well, how Vincent was misunderstood by the people around him, and maybe, we still dont really understand the depth at which Vincent operated in his work, and in his mind. Don gave Vincent an honoring with this song, its about his suffering, but mostly, its about the beauty in his heart, mind and work, and that it took till today, for us to start to understand what Vincent was all about, and how it all sadly ended in tragedy. (and we still dont really know, do we..) ty Kristin, for the upload of one of my all-time favorite songs :)
He was living in the right time for his talent. It was a era of storytelling singer/songwriters, a genre sorely lacking today. They're many more for you to explore and enjoy from that period. This one and Run for the Roses (along with all Simon & Garfunkel's) are my favorites.
Wow! Talk about a pure and honest reaction. I watch these reaction videos because I enjoy finding common ground with other human beings and so many of the reactors out there are OBVIOUSLY playing it up for the camera. There is indeed something about the tenderness of McLean’s voice that carries the melody right to my heart. That having been said, you also have a beautiful voice and coupled with how stunningly gorgeous you are, your reaction brings out the poetry in the song. This was therapy. Thank you Kali
I love and appreciate this song more each time I hear it. If they still have the clips on RUclips, there are several scenes from a British series called Dr. Who, where they go back in time to see Vincent. He was so deeply troubled in his day, and they really portray that realistically. But my fave scene is when they take him to a modern museum to a Van Gogh exhibit, and he finally gets to see and hear how modern people responded to and think about his work. He wasn't 'in style' in his time, so he never knew how legendary he would become. The clips of Dr. Who that I saw really gave insight into his many trials and suffering. By the time you get to the modern museum you are weeping. Hope, even though this is a 3 year old video, that people who come here and hear this will take the time to go search those pieces out.
Van gogh is reported to have had bipolar disorder, Meniere’s disease (condition of the inner ear resulting in acute, violent attacks of vertigo and hallucinations of rotary motion), thujone poisoning (interfering with the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, causing mood elevating effects) from his consumption of absinthe to counteract his attacks of epilepsy, anxiety, and depression. A sick man, and a damn shame! They recently found complex musical compositions, some complete, some not, written by Nazi concentration camps prisoners while in these death camps. Through hunger, torture, and the constant threat of death they wrote their music about and through their suffering. The human mind and spirit is paradoxically both delicate, and yet overwhelmingly phenomenal!
You did a fine reaction wth this song....and just as important, the subject of the tribute...both are great artists. This also shows your culture, intellect n empathy. Again, well done
Such a beautiful, touching song. Van Gogh was an interesting fellow indeed. In his life he sold two paintings, both of which were to his brother, who was an art dealer. His art was at best ignored during his life and often ridiculed. His painting technique laid on paint so thickly it sometimes took years to dry, which made it difficult to exhibit his work. Vincent watched as many of his friends and fellow artists such as Gauguin achieved some success during their lifetime while he was tragically unrecognized. Which of course led to an increasing despondency. His brother died soon after Vincent, and if not for his brothers wife who held onto Vincent's work for years, most of which was still wet at the time of his death, the world would never have known of this masters greatness. Another great and tragic figure who was a contemporary of Van Gogh was Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky was fairly popular during his life, which was not to his benefit. He was panned for being too popular, for being too European in his music, and for his melodies being too catchy, hence he wasn't taken as seriously as he should have been. What was worse was he was a homosexual during a time where that could get you jailed, killed, or both. Most of his music conveys a continuing theme of melancholy and an often aching beauty and helplessness. Two truly miserable contemporaneous geniuses. There are theories that both of these men committed suicide, Vincent willfully, Pyotyr because of threat of prosecution.
Hel Gar!! WHAT AN ABSOLUTE BRILLIANT COMMENT!!! MY GOODNESS!! THIS just gave me a pang in my heart i thought was my imagination! How horrible for this poor Van Gogh... I knew some of him but what you commented is a books worth in a synopsis with a contemporary being Tchaikovsky! The life at with they both sadly had lived is astounding in despair to say the least
@@jessieball6195 34 years ago the myth was challenged by art historian Marc Edo Tralbaut, a leading van Gogh scholar who wrote more than 100 books and articles on the artist. In 1964 Tralbaut published a letter, later referred to in his 1969 biography: "On October 3, 1888, Theo wrote to the London art dealers, Sulley & Lori. In this letter he said: 'We have the honour to inform you that we have sent you the two pictures you have bought and duly paid for: a landscape by Camille Corot ... a self-portrait by V. van Gogh.'
I love that you get into the comments to see other perspectives or thoughts on the song. Even if you didn't have to stop the video for copyright, you should stop the video just because you, and therefore us, too, are enriched by what the song evokes in us-like Vincent’s paintings.
Vincent was not able to sell enough of his works to support himself. His brother Theo didn't buy his painting but rather supported his brother financially. Vincent sent his brother most of his works because it was the only way to pay him back. Because of that, most of his works are still held in the family and they shared them with the world sending them to museums everywhere until the 70's when they finished a museum specifically for his works in Amsterdam. I think they still arrange for several works to be lent out but now I believe it is a handful of works. I was lucky enough to see the whole collection at the De Young Museum in San Francisco in 71 or 72. Hundreds of his drawings and paintings...wow!
@@KristinKali thank you for picking this song. It's a great work on its own but I like it so much more because it makes people think about Vincent. His life and struggles with life. How extraordinary he was. "perhaps they'll listen now"...many more are listening to Vincent because of this song and Vincent deserves that. He painted because he had too, it was in his soul. Most would move on to whatever would feed them. But Vincent was driven to paint, it calmed him and deeply interested him. You can see him influenced by the Dutch masters in his early works like "The Potato Eaters" and French impressionists later when he moved to Paris. Sorry to make this so long... I love Vincent too.
👊💙🗣Thank-you for saying so, I mostly like to watch funny things... and just comment.. I’m very outspoken... but I care about people. I’m a mom and nurse so this is something I do to see how “the outside world” is doing.
One of the most remarkable and beautiful/sad songs ! Watery eyes everytime. Thanks for sharing. My father loves this song, and so do i. Amazing songs from the past , i love it ! Lerv from down under \m/ \m/
wish you had heard it sooner,,,,just be thankful you heard it now,,now you can have it for the rest of your life,,thats the beauty of quality music, once its in your head, no one can take it from you
This version was a little different from other versions I've heard: he put some notes in the second verse I've never heard him do before, and it was such a lovely surprise. You cannot go wrong with this man doing this song. Really, it is one of the most poetic songs set to music, even including some of the great songs written in the golden age of people like Irving Berlin.
@@KristinKali Your reaction was really beautiful, btw. Now take your art book, sit down on the couch with Gerry, and nip over to the Van Gogh section--listen as McLean (rhymes with Spain, btw) describes the paintings you are seeing. A whole new dimension. Really this man must have come from outer space---all this poetic and musical talent in one man--it defies description. Keep up the great work.
Oh Kristin, there are so many beautiful songs you have yet to discover ... This is one of them, go and explore my lovely friend with the beautiful heart.
Vincent is an incredible song! A thing of beauty! ♥️♥️ lt moves me! The entire American Pie album is brilliant! Check out the song 'Empty Chairs' off American Pie album. Another beauty.♥️ Moving! Thanks Kristin! Keep being you! 😎🎼🎶🇨🇦
This song is for you and all the people who just want some one to accept them as they are. Never be ashamed of it. The people who do love you for it will more than make up for it because they are true like you. Keep up the good work.
I've also seen a reaction to this in the last few days. I can say, as someone who has painted and been involved creatively, how I relate to the plight of Van Gogh told through McClean's words. The ending, in particular, is devastating when you consider the man's life and how he is only now recognized.
The sheer beauty of this song, a tribute to one of the world's greatest painters, is that Don McLean is literally painting his own picture with his words.
I was 11 years old the first time I heard this song, and It tore me apart! I'm gonna be 60 this year, and I still cry every time I hear this SOUL-STIRRING SONG! They don't make songs like this anymore! THANK YOU DON McLEAN FOR THIS GEM!🎼🎵🎶🎹🙏
One of the greatest songs ever written (although this may not be his finest performance). Don McClean is a National Treasure.
I love this performance.
No taste it's a wonderful performance
Yes, he is. I was 13 when this song was released!
The most important factor is that this song is ART. It is about an artist. But it's art. It prompts an emotional reaction. It changes you for seeing/hearing it. ALL great art changes the person viewing it. In this case hearing it.
This was beautifully said Bruce... 🙏💕
In 1971, Singer/Songwriter Lori Lieberman saw Don Mclean at the LA Troubadour and she was so moved by his song 'Empty Chairs', that she took her feelings back to her songwriters Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox and conveyed her emotions to them and 'Killing me Softly With His Song' was born Roberta Flack won the Grammy for this song in 1974
Oh wow 😯 that is incredible story.. music 🎶 can be so very inspirational to so many 🙏💕
I'm yet to hear this song without bawling my eyes out. And I've heard it a hundred times.
I can barely breathe when I hear this song... has had the same effect since I was 10 years old. Flowering garden path and cafe terrace at night have always been favorite and the thought the man who created something that brings me such joy could have suffered such agony is so painful
The Most Beautiful & Painful song I've ever heard!
Agreed :)
Yes, its about Vincent Van Gogh, how a wonderful artist was misunderstood in his time, and how he struggled to find acceptance which never came in his lifetime. After creating amazing paintings, and years of struggling, he took his own life. And yes, this song has always struck a chord deep within my psyche... it rips my heart out every time I hear it... I understand... and it makes me want to scream because...they not listening still. This song... along with a silly scene from Dr Who where they take Vincent to the present to let him see how his art is appreciated breaks my heart every time.
👊❤️🗣WolfsbaneHollow.. what an insightful name... maybe only the artistically inclined will get it... or maybe one day someone will finally expose such truth the world will have no choice but to listen... Van Gogh is my favorite artist... even I can’t put into words the way his art touches my heart so deeply ❤️🙂
This guy (Don McLean) is an absolute American treasure as an artist.
His songs are thoughtful (American Pie) and well written.
A history lesson in a song...what a novel idea.
Thanks Kristen
My Father suffered from mental illness, he was an iron worker most of his life, but as he got older, he started writing. He was brilliant. He wrote poems, and books never published that would make Frost blush. He died from years of alcoholism, and depression. At the age of only 53, we lost him to this horrible mental disease. This song touches home. He wrote a book called "When the Fire Went Out" about the brotherhood of firefighters. His Father, an Irish Immigrant, was a fire Chief, who died at the age of 49 because of years of smoke damage. I am almost 48 now, and this song brings back a lot of emotions.
Oh wow! I’m so sorry to hear about your father dying so young. Being a firefighter and dealing w alcoholism was more than likely his way of coping (been there). Shad I know you treasure his memory & his writings. Thank-you for sharing something so precious with me and I feel you have more to say but are reserved? I’m not sure why I just wrote that now 😅 Anyway, I do feel somewhat alone which is dumb when I’m surrounded by my kids, extended family, pets, nature.. lol 😂 It truly is a mind game to create our own happiness. Thank-you for spreading a rosy outlook on life. God Bless you Shad 🙏
@@KristinKaliWhat's really sad is that you apparently had no clue who "Vincent" was.
I was drunk in a bar one night and this beautiful song was playing and everyone stopped to listen to it as it just draws you in. As it finished I was so moved I stood up and said to the entire room "I absolutely love that song about Picasso". It was one of those "I'll just get my coat' moments.
lmao!! about Picasso... that is hilarious..
I think this is the most perfectly poetic song I've ever heard! Don McClean brilliantly used words describing Vincent's paintings, to paint a picture of Vincent's suffering and meaning, creating his own art in music to equal Vincent's paintings! Touches me every time, but I was especially touched by watching the song touch YOU!!! This is why I watch reaction videos...to share the appreciation and feelings that come from great songs! Thank you, and Happy New Year!!! 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 ❤️✌🏻✌🏻❤️
I agree completely! thankyou and Happy New Year!
The song "Killing Me Softly" is about a Don McLean concert!
I don’t think I am familiar with that one Scott Roberts
@@DarianHarder It's true. Roberta Flack thought McLean's words were intended for her.
It would be great if that were true. But it's not. Roberta Flack recorded "killing me softly" but she did not write it.
@@nikolatesla5553 LIES!
@@radar0412 why would I lie? It's an urban legend that I too believed for a long long time that "Killing me Softly" was Roberta Flack's reaction to hearing Don McLean sing American Pie. But the song lyrics were written by Norman Gimbal.
What an AMAZING live performance! Magnificent!
The 2 songs that I listen every day "Vincent" and "You got a friend in me". Thx for playing it again.
Kristin, this is one of all time favorite songs period. As for the the pauses, more and more folks are dealing with this. No need to apologize for them. If the stops are what it takes for me to remember these classics and enjoy your channel, I'm good with that. Keep up the great channel!
I'm always stunned that people haven't heard this song before. Of course - I was born in the 70's - so.....this song was my favorite growing up - i'm nearly 50 now and love it even more than I did the first time I heard it decades ago. It's a damned near perfect song. I can listen to it for hours straight & I have. Today is Vincent's b-day.
👊❤️🥰🗣This song is perfection... I was not exposed .. to a lot of different music.. (I’m a creature of habit) if it wasn’t for all the lovely people here I would never be exposed to half of all of this Amazing music 🙏💕
I went to CMU for art, I knew about Van Gogh, but not much. My freshman year, we each had to pick an artist to do a 30 minute presentation (with slides). I picked Van Gogh. I read a gigantic 700 page book, and spent weeks going through the slides before I could pick my selection. Knowing what I know, I cannot keep from weeping when I hear this song. I'm 51, and also a guitarist since I was 6. I sing this at karaoke, and cry as I sing.
Thanks Kristina Kali!
My Father used to sing this song in the car. Every time I hear it I think of that dear old man. I was always proud of the effect he had on small children who loved to be around him. While he cleaned his car, a small crowd of three to six year old's would gather like an audience around him because he talked to them like they mattered. I as an older child would watch this and even at that tender age would marvel at the kindness,humanity and humour he displayed. It broke my heart later in life to have to tell him that he could no longer go up to small children and start chatting to them like they were his friends. I know there are bad people in the world, but it's a shame we had to lose something so beautiful because of a few monsters.
You are so right... that makes me sad as well... you know that i tell Aegis the same thing? i tell my son that he can't just go up to strangers or little babies and start talking away? ohhh!! i know it seems trivial.. but this is the world we live in :(
@@KristinKali The current paradigm of our Human Condition is wasted among greed and thieves. We can only reach into our presence, holding despite the false fears, so that we all can feel the love that saves us. It takes a free mind to grasps this. In the extreme shaking, there is solace, a recognition, a sublimely healing passage.
True. One of the most beautiful sounds in the world is the sound children playing in the school playground. It's priceless and so sad that a person can't stand and listen to that beautiful sound anymore without being viewed as a pervert of some sort. So sad. I totally understand why but it's still so sad.
Man, that is so true. And you can't convince people that 'stranger danger' should be so low on their list of things to worry about. 99% of all child kidnappings are done by another family member, usually the spouse. Strangers abducting children is so damn rare, yet when it happens, it gets churned around on the 24 news cable channels and the internet so much that it gives the impression that it has become more common. it's actually far less common than it used to be. Doubters can look it up. Anyway, your father sounds like my Dad and I know just what you mean.
The most astounding reaction I have ever heard.Thank you! Thank you! Thank You!
This is my favorite song by Don and not far off being my favorite of all. It's a magical song and the guitar flows dreamily around the words and providing emphasis when needed. There was a great episode of Dr. Who in 2010 called "Vincent and the Doctor". It is one of my favorite episodes. The Doctor goes back to Vincent's day and the ending is so good I cried there because in my mind this song was playing. Thank you for reacting to it.
A poet who writes music and sings, perfection.
You killed it girl. You offered thoughtful commentary without babbling all the way through it and only stopped where appropriate. Thank you.
Thankyou for your kind comment! 👏🙂
So glad you reacted to this song. Many think of the song, 'American Pie' when Don McLean's name is mentioned. I always thought THIS was his best song. I thought this in 1973 when I first heard it, and I haven't changed my mind in 46 years.
But I could have told you, Vincent
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you
Fabulous
Same here, when someone mentions Don, i dont think "American Pie" i think of "Vincent" first, this song cuts so deep, tells such a painful yet beautiful story, and it honors one of the greatest painters of all time. Yes i'm with you on that, this is the song i think of, when i hear Don being mentioned. :)
@@j0hnn13K "On the snowy linjen land..." Exactly, j0hnn13k … exactly.
Both are great songs. If we're looking for pure emotion, I think Empty Chairs may top even this one. That was the subject of "Killing Me Softly with His Song." Don McLean has written tons of great songs, he and Al Stewart are the two most underrated singer-songwriters in history.
@@razorback9926 absolutely! he wrote incredible lyrics and made the most beautiful songs for those.
Check out Castles in the Air.
Great reaction sweetie this has always been a fav moves me to tears all the time.
When poetry weaves music, me all meet there.
Alphatest Omega ❤️❤️❤️🥰🙏💯
Masterpiece...absolutely beautifully written, played and sung.
This is one truly beautiful written song and beautiful sung loved it the first time I heard it 🦋
It is beautiful 😊🙏💕
I love this reaction...I really, really do! *S* Watched right through, every second, all the way this time, and I have never been so touched by such a true reaction to a beautiful song. Thank you Kristin. May your G/god or guardian angle bless You! 🙂 Looks down the comments and blushes. I shall return...perhaps at times when Vincent's lessons need to be relearned.
i grew up in the 60's with some of the great poet musicians, McLean's "Vincent" is one of the best of that poetry.
It was like he wrote and performed the song, for Vincent personally.
The love in the lyrics and delivery was just so pure.
He’s a singer songwriter from a lost time. Too many songs, movies, and meals being mass produced, formulated to touch the shallow in us. You should spend some checking out his entire catalog. There’s nothing in it that isn’t good. Thanks for playing this!
👊❤️🗣Thankyou Larry 🙏💕
If you look up the definition of Singer/ Songwriter/ Genius, Don McLean's name is among the list that has Volumes of names from the 60's &70's. The Genius in their talent makes you forget your life for a few minutes and journey into a World they've created. The expression on the faces in the audience is proof. Their Music is everlastingly fresh and pure.
This song speaks to me as well Peace💝His voice is so pure and clean
🙂🙏💕
Loving Vincent is a fantastic movie all done in art.
Can't help coming back...and I watch you rather than Don more and more...Thank you for letting us see so deep inside your heart. *SSS*
One of the most beautiful songs of all time.
so beautiful ... brings tears to my eyes
I learned to play the guitar because of this song. I still cry when I hear it.
A lot of people don't know this, but Don McLean was the nameless musician mentioned in "Killing Me Softly" (the Roberta Flack classic later covered by the Fugees). According to the songwriter, McLean's the one who was "strumming my pain with his fingers
, singing my life with his words."
So yeah. He's pretty amazing.
I think of that when I hear this song
Music does heal us peaple with panic attack bless you .so much I've been .. remember it teaches to have empathy you've taken the road less traveled your a gift
And you are a gift 🙌💕☺️ Thankyou Pamela
It's wonderful to know you live this song. It is still my favorite from when it first came out. He sings like I write poetry. I just love it. Thank you for your soft spirit. We would have gotten along great in another time. Keep listening. I would suggest....Elusive Butterfly by Bob Kind and....Jill's Theme by Ennui Morricone from the movie....Once Upon A Time In the West. Thank you. Oh and please listen to...If by Bread.....Aubrey....Diary...all the same artist. - Bread
Thank-you Timothy 🙏 .. why would you say “we would have gotten along in another time” I think we get a long great now 🙂💜 BTW I can’t wait to listen to your recommended choices!
I always tear up when I hear this song, it’s truly beautiful.
Don McClean is truly unspprichiated writing one of the most beutifull songs ever written..thanks Don.
Brings a tear to my eye every time... BEAUTIFUL
"I could have told you Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you." Since this song first came out, I have not been able to hear that line without crying. The first painting by Van Gogh I ever saw in person, I stumbled upon in a gallery that I didn't know had one of his works. It was not a painting I had ever seen in print, but the moment I came around the corner and saw it, I knew it was Vincent. I stood in front of the painting for the longest time with tears running down my face. Thank you, Vincent.
A beautiful piece of poetry set to music.
My dad's stereo back in the day, unintentionally put me to sleep with The Carpenters, Dan Fogelberg and Don Mclean, specially this song. That was in the 90s and I never understood the lyrics until when I was a teenager. It has since been special to me, coz I'm an artist by heart and sometimes got lost in my own little world. This song is not just for Vincent, it's for every artists and people suffering from mental illness.
This song is about Vincent Van Gogh - one of his most famous paintings was "starry night" - and he also "suffered for (his) sanity" - at one point, he actually cut off his own ear.... and eventually "took his life.. as lovers often do..." - guess this world was never meant for one as beautiful... but Don McLean's song... just as beautiful as could be..
👊❤️🗣Yes.. I have a starry night above my bed ... VanGogh copy... it’s beautiful 🙂💕
@@KristinKali I always cry when I listen to this... :) This is pretty cool: ruclips.net/video/G7Dt9ziemYA/видео.html
@@KristinKali I also have Starry Night in my bedroom.
pretty bullet 👊❤️🗣You know.. there is a lot of Van Gogh lovers on this channel! So amazing!
Out of all the videos here on RUclips of those who are reacting to these iconic songs, this video in particular was the first to show such depth and genuine emotional connection. You related to the song and felt it within your heart. This is something I know would be so appreciated by the writer of this song and the legendary painter the song is about. Being myself a composer of music and a writer of songs, you enter into the worlds that we present in our works and take in everything that is their to find. This is clearly presented in your experience as you listen to these tunes. Where most hear the music and respond to the lyrics from the shallows, you venture further down and feel what was meant to be felt. I am thankful that their are those who take in music the way you do, because when we make our music, we are hoping listeners like you will come upon them.
Thank-you for these kind words. It is hard for me to show pain being a victim of child abuse (i don't have pity parties) its just a fact of life. I tend to just go for superficial fun music to mask my daily feelings. Well, I don't listen to songs before hand and it clearly touched me so profoundly... but I still tried to stop myself from falling apart. Again, the talent that you composers & songwriters have leaves people like me in SHEER AWE & UNDYIND admiration. I don't fake it... so please never fake your passion either. My best to you in all of your endeavors. K
The comments are as poetic as the lyrics of this song. Absolutely!
What a beautiful song. Always loved this tune.
Just beautiful.
Whenever you stop you do so with a sense of the music and with such appreciation - I never mind it.
Your a deep person , not enough of that kind in the world. You get it , few do.
Janey Oneal 👊❤️🗣Thankyou Janey... it takes deep to know deep 🙏💕🙂
To me, this is one of the nicest, most beautiful songs ever written, very melancholic and full of meaning, and it is about the most melancholic painter i know of, Vincent van Gogh.
I love this song dearly, and i love Vincent van Gogh, so the subject matter of the song, really works for me.
He describes very well, how Vincent was misunderstood by the people around him, and maybe, we still dont really understand the depth at which Vincent operated in his work, and in his mind.
Don gave Vincent an honoring with this song, its about his suffering, but mostly, its about the beauty in his heart, mind and work, and that it took till today, for us to start to understand what Vincent was all about, and how it all sadly ended in tragedy. (and we still dont really know, do we..)
ty Kristin, for the upload of one of my all-time favorite songs :)
Theme . . . song. Is Our love!
Gorgeous song written and performed by Don McLean about the life of what many consider the the greatest painter.
I agree completely
beautiful song
👊❤️🗣You are so right...
I must have heard this song half dozen times and then it hit me what it was about...
He was living in the right time for his talent. It was a era of storytelling singer/songwriters, a genre sorely lacking today. They're many more for you to explore and enjoy from that period. This one and Run for the Roses (along with all Simon & Garfunkel's) are my favorites.
Run for the Roses - Dan Fogelberg. YES, YES. The Innocent Age - Leader of the Band, Same Old Lang Syne
Ok, after many reactions to this song, now I get it! Thanks for the reaction!
Wow! Talk about a pure and honest reaction. I watch these reaction videos because I enjoy finding common ground with other human beings and so many of the reactors out there are OBVIOUSLY playing it up for the camera. There is indeed something about the tenderness of McLean’s voice that carries the melody right to my heart. That having been said, you also have a beautiful voice and coupled with how stunningly gorgeous you are, your reaction brings out the poetry in the song. This was therapy. Thank you Kali
I love that you just hear a couple of notes and I can tell in your face that you are just IN LOVE with the song
jose antonio lopez 👊❤️🗣Muncho gusto Jose! ☺️💕 I appreciate that you are the first one to know that about me! ❤️💯😀
I love and appreciate this song more each time I hear it. If they still have the clips on RUclips, there are several scenes from a British series called Dr. Who, where they go back in time to see Vincent. He was so deeply troubled in his day, and they really portray that realistically. But my fave scene is when they take him to a modern museum to a Van Gogh exhibit, and he finally gets to see and hear how modern people responded to and think about his work. He wasn't 'in style' in his time, so he never knew how legendary he would become. The clips of Dr. Who that I saw really gave insight into his many trials and suffering. By the time you get to the modern museum you are weeping. Hope, even though this is a 3 year old video, that people who come here and hear this will take the time to go search those pieces out.
Just a perfect song.
No doubt one of the best pop songs ever written.
. I remember when it came out, I cried then and I cry now.
Van gogh is reported to have had bipolar disorder, Meniere’s disease (condition of the inner ear resulting in acute, violent attacks of vertigo and hallucinations of rotary motion), thujone poisoning (interfering with the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, causing mood elevating effects) from his consumption of absinthe to counteract his attacks of epilepsy, anxiety, and depression. A sick man, and a damn shame! They recently found complex musical compositions, some complete, some not, written by Nazi concentration camps prisoners while in these death camps. Through hunger, torture, and the constant threat of death they wrote their music about and through their suffering. The human mind and spirit is paradoxically both delicate, and yet overwhelmingly phenomenal!
👊❤️🥺🗣oh my! Thankyou for this 🙏 so sad...
Lovely reaction. I'm so glad you finally got to hear this classic song and that it touched you so.
Thankyou Tony 😁
A guy and a guitar, much love from the far north of New Zealand!
You did a fine reaction wth this song....and just as important, the subject of the tribute...both are great artists. This also shows your culture, intellect n empathy. Again, well done
Yes, I am lucky to have seen him perform this song live. A wonderful song from an incredible performer.
I love it as well.
🥰
Such a beautiful, touching song. Van Gogh was an interesting fellow indeed. In his life he sold two paintings, both of which were to his brother, who was an art dealer. His art was at best ignored during his life and often ridiculed. His painting technique laid on paint so thickly it sometimes took years to dry, which made it difficult to exhibit his work. Vincent watched as many of his friends and fellow artists such as Gauguin achieved some success during their lifetime while he was tragically unrecognized. Which of course led to an increasing despondency. His brother died soon after Vincent, and if not for his brothers wife who held onto Vincent's work for years, most of which was still wet at the time of his death, the world would never have known of this masters greatness. Another great and tragic figure who was a contemporary of Van Gogh was Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky was fairly popular during his life, which was not to his benefit. He was panned for being too popular, for being too European in his music, and for his melodies being too catchy, hence he wasn't taken as seriously as he should have been. What was worse was he was a homosexual during a time where that could get you jailed, killed, or both. Most of his music conveys a continuing theme of melancholy and an often aching beauty and helplessness. Two truly miserable contemporaneous geniuses. There are theories that both of these men committed suicide, Vincent willfully, Pyotyr because of threat of prosecution.
Hel Gar!! WHAT AN ABSOLUTE BRILLIANT COMMENT!!! MY GOODNESS!! THIS just gave me a pang in my heart i thought was my imagination! How horrible for this poor Van Gogh... I knew some of him but what you commented is a books worth in a synopsis with a contemporary being Tchaikovsky! The life at with they both sadly had lived is astounding in despair to say the least
Actually Van Gogh only sold ONE painting (his brother sold it) during his lifetime, "Red Vineyard at Arles".
@@jessieball6195 34 years ago the myth was challenged by art historian Marc Edo Tralbaut, a leading van Gogh scholar who wrote more than 100 books and articles on the artist. In 1964 Tralbaut published a letter, later referred to in his 1969 biography:
"On October 3, 1888, Theo wrote to the London art dealers, Sulley & Lori. In this letter he said: 'We have the honour to inform you that we have sent you the two pictures you have bought and duly paid for: a landscape by Camille Corot ... a self-portrait by V. van Gogh.'
I love that you get into the comments to see other perspectives or thoughts on the song. Even if you didn't have to stop the video for copyright, you should stop the video just because you, and therefore us, too, are enriched by what the song evokes in us-like Vincent’s paintings.
Beautiful reaction.
This is art.. a masterpiece
This song is a work of art!
Vincent was not able to sell enough of his works to support himself. His brother Theo didn't buy his painting but rather supported his brother financially. Vincent sent his brother most of his works because it was the only way to pay him back. Because of that, most of his works are still held in the family and they shared them with the world sending them to museums everywhere until the 70's when they finished a museum specifically for his works in Amsterdam. I think they still arrange for several works to be lent out but now I believe it is a handful of works. I was lucky enough to see the whole collection at the De Young Museum in San Francisco in 71 or 72. Hundreds of his drawings and paintings...wow!
👊❤️😳🗣You are so lucky!! Van Gogh is my favorite Artist ☺️💕 Thankyou for sharing this extraordinary comment with us all! 🥰
@@KristinKali thank you for picking this song. It's a great work on its own but I like it so much more because it makes people think about Vincent. His life and struggles with life. How extraordinary he was. "perhaps they'll listen now"...many more are listening to Vincent because of this song and Vincent deserves that. He painted because he had too, it was in his soul. Most would move on to whatever would feed them. But Vincent was driven to paint, it calmed him and deeply interested him. You can see him influenced by the Dutch masters in his early works like "The Potato Eaters" and French impressionists later when he moved to Paris. Sorry to make this so long... I love Vincent too.
🙏🔥💕🗣You have passionate words .. never be sorry for that! 😊
My first time checking out your channel. Thank you for your honest reaction. I think above all, I love the fact you know who Vincent Van Gogh is!
👊💙🗣Thank-you for saying so, I mostly like to watch funny things... and just comment.. I’m very outspoken... but I care about people. I’m a mom and nurse so this is something I do to see how “the outside world” is doing.
Probably the most poetic musical tribute ever written ❤
Please do not be sad Kristin, and please do not think that you are alone. For every lost ship, there is a lighthouse. May God bless!
Love this song too
Soul touching hard to really explain but I think you get it.
Nobody stops their songs this much
Killing Me Softly was written about this guy.
back in the late 60's mid 70"s folk music caught a little wind in its sails for a short while.
One of the most remarkable and beautiful/sad songs ! Watery eyes everytime.
Thanks for sharing. My father loves this song, and so do i.
Amazing songs from the past , i love it !
Lerv from down under \m/ \m/
Thankyou Wayne... this is a beautiful song That i visit time and again
Thx , 💖💖❤ never should been forgotten
Beautiful song from my teen years. Thank you Barbara S. :)
lmao... Steve...
Thanks for this.
“Castles in the air” is pure gold, check it out.
wish you had heard it sooner,,,,just be thankful you heard it now,,now you can have it for the rest of your life,,thats the beauty of quality music, once its in your head, no one can take it from you
This version was a little different from other versions I've heard: he put some notes in the second verse I've never heard him do before, and it was such a lovely surprise. You cannot go wrong with this man doing this song. Really, it is one of the most poetic songs set to music, even including some of the great songs written in the golden age of people like Irving Berlin.
I did not know this? 😳 thank-you for telling me 🙏💕
@@KristinKali Your reaction was really beautiful, btw. Now take your art book, sit down on the couch with Gerry, and nip over to the Van Gogh section--listen as McLean (rhymes with Spain, btw) describes the paintings you are seeing. A whole new dimension. Really this man must have come from outer space---all this poetic and musical talent in one man--it defies description. Keep up the great work.
@@drewby613 thankyou! I definitely am going to do that! I appreciate you telling me the correct pronunciation
Don was one of the few who could touch your soul ....
👊❤️🗣I believe you ☺️
One of my favorite songs of all time.
To truly appreciate this beautiful piece, you have to find who Vincent was and his life struggles
Oh Kristin, there are so many beautiful songs you have yet to discover ... This is one of them, go and explore my lovely friend with the beautiful heart.
Vincent is an incredible song! A thing of beauty! ♥️♥️ lt moves me! The entire American Pie album is brilliant! Check out the song 'Empty Chairs' off American Pie album. Another beauty.♥️ Moving! Thanks Kristin! Keep being you! 😎🎼🎶🇨🇦
This song is for you and all the people who just want some one to accept them as they are. Never be ashamed of it. The people who do love you for it will more than make up for it because they are true like you. Keep up the good work.
Thankyou for this kind comment Alan.. I feel you are absolutely right...
I've also seen a reaction to this in the last few days. I can say, as someone who has painted and been involved creatively, how I relate to the plight of Van Gogh told through McClean's words. The ending, in particular, is devastating when you consider the man's life and how he is only now recognized.
I believe that emphatically