Story of an Artist by Daniel Johnston

from the "Don't Be Scared" cassette.
video clips from the 2005 documentary "The Devil and Daniel Johnston".

[@everyvillainislemons7583]

They were wrong Daniel. We love what you did. Thank you for all the music, thank you for being here on this earth. We love you, and you will be truly missed.

[@traumainducing3529]

Wait did he die I need a backstory plz

[@everyvillainislemons7583]

KittyMitten007 Nya he died this past Tuesday from a heart attack

[@keirametzger8671]

KittyMitten007 Nya he died of a heart attack and he want mentally ill

[@bnowb]

He on my heart and mind tonight, like a ghost.

[@kevinsprague5988]

I'd draw dicks up the Statue of Liberty to Troll Mr Gurlie Jacklynn Dorsey...Goose Fraü Braü

[@larrieking]

"We don't really like what you do...we don;t think anyone ever will..." This line makes me cry nearly every time I hear it. I am an art student, and have been an artist all my life. It hits home because my family has no idea what I'm doing with my life, and they don't seem to care.

[@gilespeterson6832]

Larrie King Same here.

[@k3d644]

Yeah how has 10 years treated u buddy

[@Pajbz]

11 years ago uffff

[@user-tk4gr9zo7t]

Same :/

[@thomasdap8659]

dang where are you now?

[@boredumbsleepyhead]

really hits home for any weirdo artist who's family doesn't get their passion.

[@imperatorfuriosa2505]

you are an artist.

[@fweebrotwosday]

u could have stopped at "weirdo artist"

[@michaelghostsnider7323]

lol well, some parents actually encourage their kids to be artist, luckily. Most seem to be like Daniels "why do you do that only.. go out and get a job.."

[@lin_4735]

DEERghostHOOF art comforts the disturbed and disturbs the comforted

[@philomath67]

Fits for anyone who doesn't quite fit in with the norm.

[@PeterChoyce]

He made it 58 years and unlike a lot of people, really got to live

[@YoungDeathWish]

He really didnt get to live.

[@somedude9528]

"Unless you're in the ghetto." --Some rapper

[@krishcoolie3064]

Maybe we aren’t alive...

[@BinkyDoinkus]

@@YoungDeathWish he still did his own thing. And survived as long as he could. He was a good man

[@mauricedavis8261]

Beautiful, just one of the most real pieces I've ever listened to!!!🙏💖 Thank you Daniel

[@pigamous3]

Daniel Johnston is truly an astonishing artist. Here's a guy who never really had any means to be rich or famous, he just made music out of the pure, untainted love for music. Your heart literally aches when you listen to this song because so much soul, love & passion goes into what he does. Despite his many, many hardships, he's still going. That's what music should be about.

[@Derek_Wyld]

I hope you’re alive and okay after 14 years. Today is the last day of 2022. In less than 6 hours it will be 2023. I hope you’re alive and happy. And if not, seek Jesus Christ while it is still called “today” ❤

[@gm9984]

❤

[@alienmasterfrich]

This is on God's I-Pod

[@lTheOfficialJesusChristChannel]

maybe even mine

[@zackpumpkinhead8882]

​@@lTheOfficialJesusChristChannelomg GG Allin so good to meet U

[@livandlitlive155]

literally as soon as i hear the first two notes i well up

[@dullroar2673]

Hearing it in the trailer for the documentary about Daniel Johnston gets me choked up

[@Thejoeordinary1]

Liv Ansdell Yes...me too. This touches me deeply for some reason.

[@ffabiang]

I was laying in bed just channel zapping when I stumbled upon the documentary, this was over 10 years ago. I am so thankful luck led me to that movie and Daniel's weird unique amazing heartfelt music. Your art will live on forever, Daniel.

[@joshuaWEC]

From reading the comments here, i don't think people understand the impact that Daniel Johnstons songs have had on the music industry. His music has influenced some of the greatest and most successful bands of the last couple decades including: Beck, Wilco, Mathew Good, Death Cab For Cutie, and Bright eyes just to name a few. Even Tom Waits who has been extremely successful with his music since the mid 1960's thinks Daniel Johnston is a genius.

[@nickek8623]

joshua church Who are literally any of those music artists / bands? Im guessing youre a lot older and that's why people dont know them

[@Halfbloodprincesss8]

Nicke K seriously? You’ve never heard of Beck? Death Cab for Cutie is a very new band, too. Get educated...

[@mrbabam7032]

@@nickek8623 You must be young and not much into music...all the band/artist he named are Great...You should check them out, It will broaden you mind and emotions...it dosen't hurt to be Eclectic !!

[@mrbabam7032]

Awsome insight...you must have Vast Knowledge and Love for Music !!! Thanks for That Golden Nugget !!

[@nickek8623]

@@mrbabam7032 I didn't grow up with rock music and never was interested in it. Music taste is a matter of personal preference, and I just don't enjoy the sound of a guitar. I have my own eclectic tastes, but they do not pertain to rock & roll. Rock is a genre that many love, but in my life it's held no meaning. If I rattled off names of my favorites artists you'd likely not know them either. But that's ok, because it's really not that important in the grand scheme if I know about rock and you know about my music tastes. We grew up in different times, places and cultures. Celebrate what you love and I will with mine.

[@49135]

One of the rare man who considered himself as an artist and who truly was one

[@keithninesling6057]

He's an oddly talented person, very disturbed and obviously not understood or well taken care by those supposedly close to him. I met him twice about ten years ago, and, he struck me as an alarmingly sad and lost soul. I sincerely hope he's doing better these days, but, who knows? Some of his music, however, is quite compelling.

[@ryendean4626]

"Not well taken care by those supposedly close to him." This happens a lot with mentally ill, people are mostly shit-hearted and superficial. Its pretty sad how neglectful people are who dont understand mental illness

[@DougerArt]

Watch the documentary on him and you'll understand that the situation wasn't that simple. But I also really hope he's doing well.

[@dshep369]

doing Better? oddly, he WAS being persecuted. i pray to God that the world that persecuted him, for being interesting and different, somehow, someday, learns to do better. Much Better ................ a 'Beautiful Mind', TempleOS. People who were ACTUALLY being pursued by active 'hive mind' cowardly powers [living in cowardly caves, by the way] , who ceased to believe in Democracy the minute they found Favor or Privilege in rejecting 'said' Western Values .................

[@anokimann1488]

He has schizophrenia, it’s life long and will affect him till the day he dies, beautiful music and he most likely will not be understood for a very long time and others just like him.

[@wetham4461]

I wish i could be his friend

[@postshanna]

RIP DANIEL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ART.

[@jay_marcellin]

This song is so haunting. The sincerity and amount of genuine expression is unbearably beautiful. It manages to reach some unfathomable depths into the subconscious mind unearthing an array of bewildering and confused sadness. Daniel Johnston is truly a genius.

[@GraditudevsRevenge]

This song is just so innocent that it's beautiful. Despite having his mental instability he knows how to use his music and art to cope with it. His music proves that there are amazing people in this world, his lyrics prove that you dont have to know everything before your audience does. His music/art is unique and it teaches me about the simplicity and wonderful things the world throws at us that we can forget over time in our lives, how to not take life for granted. Kudos to you Daniel Johnston

[@ambersikorski5684]

This song breaks my heart and makes me so damn happy. I heart Daniel Johnston, it would be an honor to see him live.

[@MacGuffinExMachina]

It's that hurt that hurts so bad it feels good.

[@ddriveddrive4986]

Move to Houston

[@meadowmuffin12345]

Amber Sikorski I actually live on the property where he lived and grew up his house burnt down in 2010 and the ppl built a new home which we bought in 2013 that part in the video where him and his dad are digging a ditch is right out my window pretty cool I thought for a very small town in west Virginia

[@proudamerican8656]

Oof

[@krisdav98]

I heard this for the first time, never heard of Daniel and I did a deep dive into him and Outsider Music in general. I just want to say that this song hits hard, and honestly, "It's a problem that you have And this problem's made you ill" fucking hit me like a rock-slide. I'm so glad I stumbled upon this rare gem of a person, even if it was posthumously. Enjoy your day, hope you're all doing well.

[@MrNikkoz]

The sun don't shine in your TV but Danny's soul shines on me.

[@thefelixfive]

Nicolai Alatzas how are u verified?!

[@ohdonpiano3936]

Shannan Felix He’s a hack. He deserves to get his channel deleted.

[@ohdonpiano3936]

Teh Meme INSERTER he hacked and made himself verified.

[@Youknowwhoiam2025]

Rip daniel,thanks for your art❤

[@spencerjames9417]

"And everyone in friends and family Sayin' "hey go get a job Why do you only do that only Why are you so odd? "And we don't really like what you do We don't think anyone ever will We think you have a problem And this problem's made you ill" Funny how apple left that part out

[@spencerjames9417]

Piringo LaHardee yeah they're a fucking corporation and this song is the opposite of everything they represent. And "negroe"? I'm probably whiter than you

[@JoseJose-rz1tp]

Jack James hey man you have a point but this ain't a white contest but it ain't right to call some one negroe... So idk

[@faithyizek2803]

Well what do you want them to do ? it’s a commercial they can’t put the whole song in.

[@jesusluvincognito3630]

Piringo LaHardee youre a racist and therefore worthless sack of shit

[@justinpatton3407]

Thank-you for commenting on this and being so true and u apologize for the hate you got for commenting

[@cheeryohs]

i just discovered his music today... love this one

[@CaifanesLover]

Wow 13 years ago

[@DixyRae]

I don't know of any sincere artists that make art simply for the sake of doing it. If they actually are making art that's never intended to be seen by others, you don't hear about them till their dead. Striving for success is a natural feeling for anyone who makes art or music or anything and wants to be very good at it.

[@hardhatrayify]

My brother showed me Daniel Johnston when he was 24 I'm 25 now. I just cry when I listen to Daniel I just relate and I feel everyone feels the same way. I love you daniel. Have no idea what his music meant to be perfect and imperfect like any person

[@runningforamsterdam]

One of the greatest things I have yet to see in the years I have been alive. Beautiful, heartbreaking, sublime. I am falling in love with Daniel Johnston unbelievably quickly. I cannot wait to see the rest of this gilm.

[@JT-bq5sn]

“Others just like to watch the world.”

[@catgumart]

people's ears are used to hearing a ridgid 4/4 mechanical 1 and two and three and four rhythm..but there is infinite rhythmic meter it might be odd or uneven but in music this can be challenging for some but for me odd tempos and meters are refreshing

[@Jeqwell]

I've never tried to make non-sequential music but it does have quite the appeal.

[@mrbabam7032]

I agree This is the Music My Emotions and Spirit Look like...It Only IS To Those of Us that AREN'T !!! GODSPEED DANIEL YOU ARE TRULY A BABY IN YOUR OWN UNIVERSE LIVING FOREVER !!!

[@moritzschaferalthaus3461]

The mood which is caused from the background melody and the singing is so catchy and intense,every time I hear I literally gotta cry.I‘ve never felt such deepness in music

[@Dipsxi]

One of the few songs that makes me cry

[@oblivion222]

just discovered him, im gonna start to listen to his music, i read a little about his life and saw some pieces of art… i can instantly tell he was full of good, had a lot to express since he was young and forever. we’re not going to let your art die

[@slugdaze]

Those beginning chords hit the heart just right.

[@nodarkthings]

RIP Daniel. Thanks for your music.

[@HEEDRECORDS]

a truely remarkable song that most artists can relate to instantly - I'd probably put it in my top 10

[@hugorular]

daniel johnston the greatest instrument who ever lived.

[@parkerc9816]

Whenever the stresses of modern life come back to me I come back to this song. I don't know how and I don't know why but this beautiful piece of art by a truly inspiring human being keeps me sane in this insane world and sadly I feel I could never fully express how this has and how it will affect my life, but for now all I can say is thank you.

[@lucast25]

"...some would try for fame and glory...others arent'so bold...." shivers....through my spine...

[@Scootypuff17]

i want to cry every time i hear this. daniel johnston will always be a favorite. his music overwhelms me but in the good way. what would life be without him?

[@micklevick9081]

RIP to the sanest man to ever walk the earth ❤️

[@MatthewKennethGray]

What's so important about him is the fact that it's perfectly him. This could not be emulated by anyone. It's his trip, man- leave him alone.

[@dahsarepop6700]

In 11 years from now, I might be gone and this will be the last song I listen to. I tried, I will try and keep trying to achieve my dreams, but it's getting harder and more overwhelming. But I will not give up on myself, not yet, maybe later, but not now.

[@lovebugkittie]

Love you

[@joshlunt7827]

Love the way the piano goes beautifully into the chord at 1:38

[@ThirteenCalilillies]

I've never heard anything more beautiful in my life!!! (I dont even comment on videos - never have prob never will again. I just wanted to say "Thank You." I needed this today. Some days are easy, but not today... today this song will make it easier not to feel alone. The artists make the world go round. Thank God for those who see the beauty and are not afraid to share it!

[@nopantssteve6784]

jesus thank you to the mac marketing team for finding this gem of a song. it really is more than a song, there’s a whole story behind it and its just wonderful.

[@WhoaAngg]

I just heard daniel johnston and i wish i've heard him earlier when i was going through all my rough times and just times when i just didn't stop and look around.

[@splinter360]

This man. Is simply one of the greatest lyricist i've had the pleasure to hear.

[@aarchiewaldron]

I stumbled onto Daniel Johnston through his "duet" with Yo La Tengo and fell in love. What an incredibly authentic voice and talent.

[@guitar_md]

I have been breaking down lately a lot of times spending hours and hours and years and years on all my art and having it go nowhere, it's like your heart and soul are rejected and you're just left to be a rag doll dragged around in the mud - stitches ripped out - this song makes me happy, I think this is the best song ever written, thank you God for making this so beautiful - we should run around outside now - it's true, we aren't alone - thank you so much

[@clockworkengine]

10 years later- have you had much more luck?

[@johnnychaos91185]

I can't stop looking up this daniel Johnston stuff. It's really great stuff.

[@ghoste_girll]

The feeling of just being misunderstood by your family and friends and also dealing with mental issues as well, letting it out on playing instruments or making art but you get told to do something more productive and that it will never get you anywhere in life.. But just the fact that you loved it is what counted all along

[@sharonbarry8878]

this song breaks my heart

[@mrgakozak]

What a beautiful piece. Almost sounds like a Brian Eno/Harold Budd piece, with Daniel Johnston's lyrics overlaid onto it. Incredible.

[@catgumart]

the song the rhythms, textures, tambours, lyrics, mood, voice, all paint their own unique picture drawn from the spontanaity of the moment just because a rhythm isnt mechanically even doesnt make it non rhythmical you have to listen and feel for those more subtle rhythmic nuances

[@BinkyDoinkus]

RIP Daniel Johnston. You were truly an artist that has effected my life, thank you for you stories, music, and thank you for being you.

[@anokimann1488]

Magnificent interpretation of the unappreciated artists out there due to not following the status quo and many people just don’t understand that and will can’t handle when someone is “odd.”

[@AshleyKitty22]

I want to thank Daniel for making this song it's so true. It made me cry.

[@anthonymarascalchi9436]

thanks for lighting the world a little much, daniel.

[@philstutt]

I think that Daniel is wonderful. He has problems and issues but his songs (and attitude to life) are honest and have the great gift of being childlike in an increasingly cynical world.

[@gr8sword97]

Johnston’s story and especially this song really get me. The guy, due to circumstances completely outside of his control and from the moment of his conception, was forced into the world with a mental sickness that kept him from being able to truly interact with other people. His only outlet was through music and art like this. I can only hope that he has lots of people in his life now that truly love him.

[@trainunderwater07]

This is a great song.

[@lamanjello]

this video really shows off his video talents, so many great ideas

[@Rotocristo]

my favorite song of all-time, in tears right now

[@jamespolly9663]

i cried harder than i ever have. rip daniel we will miss you down here on earth

[@661EASTON89]

I relate(ed) to Daniel so much. This song means a lot to me, especially as an artist myself in my 30’s now I feel like I was just a kid last year and here I am still waking up every morning trying to figure out how to make it with my art. And yup, all my friends and family question me all of the time about me. RIP Daniel. You’re missed.

[@dairyking887]

My gosh, so beautiful, hypnotic, and sad. Daniel, you are wonderful!

[@johnjohnsonjohn]

having just discovered DJ, his music makes me feel the same way nick drake's and elliott smith's music the first time i heard them

[@tashajones7152]

John.....love Nick Drake!

[@dailyflash]

I agree.

[@Efexpe]

"I was alone in my life. With little to I've for. Trying my hand at art. Hoping that maybe I could save myself. And in my desperation, all of my hopes would fly away. Until there was nothing left of me. Nothing left to say. And in this nightmare there was a dream of a girl. So beautiful beyond compare. The girl of my dreams. So wonderful, so beautiful. And I had her boots... This was so long ago in my adolescent dream. So many songs...Laurie... she inspired a thousand songs. And then I knew, I was an Artist." - Daniel Johnston We really did love your music.

[@maxwolfeee]

The Devil and Daniel Johnston is one of the most amazing documentaries I have ever seen. This world would be so boring without people like Daniel .

[@SolvingOurKreation]

Ow, my chest.. Too beautiful.

[@analoguerock]

i always cry when i hear this. so beautiful.

[@drummermylo]

my favorite daniel johnston song

[@sian2711]

this is beautiful, it brought me to tears. what a sad but lovely song.

[@graysonm.6798]

we love you we miss you and we thank you

[@aedward.c6119]

This song hit me close to home

[@moonpirate]

Most of the songs of Daniel make me cry because he touches my heart. And if you listen closely he may touches yours as well.

[@TheSoCalRJ]

This is the most heartbreakingly beautiful thing I’ve ever heard

[@tatymwalley3029]

This song is like one of those songs that make you think and cry because they put there whole life in one thing and it just makes you cry. I never met Danny but hes a good man

[@OsvaldoPaese]

This is my favorite song of his that i've heard. I've only heard 7 or 8. It's stunning. This is one of the first songs i'd make anyone here to turn them onto his music.

[@ivangrozni]

amazing song, got so lost in it!!! love when music does that!

[@dregen8662]

The best resume about this artist is that Kurt Kobain admired him.

[@lizardkingvoodookid]

i feel ur pain daniel, u trully are an artist, please dont ever stop expressin ur self thru music drawin ect...

[@jolynecujoh2882]

this song has a special place in my heart

[@HannaDawnAwesome]

I’ll love you forever, Daniel 💕💕💕💕💕

[@jeannesmith6895]

Me too, me too!

[@miguelherrera5907]

Una de las mas hermosas melodías! Daniel johnston "the unknown artist".

[@merryxster]

Sad, beautiful and amazing. One of a kind.

[@johnsmith-so5do]

This one song sums up a lot of his life. Rest In Peace Daniel , you will be surely missed !!!!!

[@christiepoe]

wow, amazing, there are no words for this

[@draypowers]

"The sun don't shine in your TV." Holy say a million things in seven words and with three chords. If that isn't a supreme expression of musical genius, I don't know what is. He's the Van Gogh of modern music. I'm not kidding.

[@aorinz]

im crying and its so nice to relate. now im gonna write a song.

[@ahhcrap101]

if he dieds he will be remember as a music legend to me

[@Sirbanza]

I remember listening to this in quarantine and thinking about the world ending… I really thought it was the end

[@Treaure]

Heartbreaking. I love you Daniel

[@pincheneo]

he has so many great songs

[@CarldeReims]

So nostalgically sublime!! The lyrics are amazing.

[@joshjuanfifarek7382]

He fought for every inch of his creativity. In an environment where artistic creativity wasn’t encouraged at all. His stubbornness to not be like all the rest was a gift to us all.

[@zacksmith5326]

RIP Daniel... thank you for everything. You have helped shape so many artists I love to this day... your music was a true gift - you were ahead of your time. You will be missed

[@JoshuaRoch]

This is more than a story of an artist. this is a story of a man in todays society that is socially outcast because he mentally is incapable of conforming... i only wish i could be inside of that beautiful mind that makes such eye opening and aweinspiring words come together to express the depth of the lonliness anyone in this state of mind has. fuck social outcasting. everyone deserves the life they're given, and everyone deserves to be happy.

[@TOW3L1E]

I don't think his music and art would be so good and inventive if he wasn't the way he was/is though, he's is such a brilliant and passionate artist, and his story is just amazing!!!

[@sodahead13fan]

God bless Daniel, his music means the world to me

[@lalalielala]

Wonderful in all it's sadness and simplicity

[@Tarsus790]

My life was nothing until this moment

[@blackbird5634]

he is such a pure light, a pure source.

[@lekstars]

RIP Daniel... your pure words, music, and voice will ring forever.