DON MCLEAN - VINCENT (STARRY STARRY NIGHT) - Scotsman Reaction - First Time Listening

[@rhodasimmons1644]

I cannot hear this song without crying. It is a beautiful, eloquent tribute to Vincent Van Gogh. Nothing will ever be more appropriate or as bittersweet or as beautiful as Mr. Mclean's song. It is a perfect masterpiece.

[@russellgtyler8288]

If a person doesn't get a little misty hearing this for the first time, they have no heart.

[@apm77]

I heard it in a taxi shortly after having a massive argument with my mother. I was feeling misunderstood, I was feeling that I wasn't being seen for who I really was, and I was longing to be told "now I understand".

[@TristanandIsolt]

This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.

[@Peter-bf2ou]

I can imagine Vincent sitting alone with his finished painting knowing that no one is interested in his work. This coupled with probably a good deal of confusion in his mind due to his mental illness is almost more than I can handle. McLean has brought this sadness to us in the most beautiful way. This tribute to Vincent is nothing short of a masterpiece.

[@pamelariker5525]

Thank you for your reaction to this. I'm in floods of tears. It's just such a beautiful song about a beautiful painter.

[@Peter-bf2ou]

Well, thank you for your acknowledge ment!

[@teresaburritt5390]

Your comment is a masterpiece.

[@sharronbrown9182]

So well put. Thank you. ❤

[@mariodriessen9740]

It is a misconception that nobody was interested in Vincent’s work. He was well known and well respected amongst his fellow artists and he was already getting some recognition from collectors and such. But he was a troubled man. His world became too dark. He couldn’t continue.

[@janetwebb2701]

You get it. Sadly, it seems his parents pretty much gave up and wrote him off. He had one brother and his wife that tried to support him through all of his pain. If only Vincent could have had a tiny bit of the love that people have for his talent now

[@outbackgearforu]

The person he needed to love was himself ,as most people need to

[@Canucklehead557]

Bringing beauty to the world is not easy. Vincent van Gogh and Don McLean did it impeccably. Thank you for seeing it.

[@bitfenix90]

The collage of Van Gogh's paintings is The Only Way to listen to this song.

[@jakesmith5278]

One master describing another, truly masterful.

[@Joshualuv13]

Im familiar with this song since the 80s, at least still want to ball my eyes everytime.

[@wmomente]

Tears for me

[@JohnDuffy-bq8wg]

I think he was painting for himself, he was absorbed by colour and light, that's why he walked to the south of France to paint as the light was better, he also painted a lot whilst in a mental institution, some people find a love of being an artist as he did

[@mortsnerd6053]

His brother bought his paintings to support him. 120 million minimum today.

[@rigelmoon9030]

That's all right, Geo...we all cried the first time we heard this absolute masterpiece. We're still crying.

[@JosephMuir-ic2nw]

Aye

[@ingehohenegger994]

❤​@@JosephMuir-ic2nw

[@ingehohenegger994]

I cry every time❤

[@davidkyle5017]

@@ingehohenegger994 so do I ever since I first heard this song in 1972

[@EightOfCoins]

Vincent's sister-in-law, Theo's wife, inherited Vincent's paintings and was the sole force for creating the legacy of the artist.

[@j.deaton332]

I went to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam in the 70s about the same time this was written. The paintings and drawings were arranged in such a way that I sensed the gradual progression of his mental illness. I came out in tears and very grateful to have had the privilege to experience his wonderful creation in this way.

[@johngiresi3703]

I listened to about 12 reactions and your only one that totally gets this song. Thank you brother, your reaction brought back emotional memories of me hearing this song for the first time back in the 70's.

[@ge.0]

Thank you my man. I appreciate that so much

[@dianabaker5726]

I agree. This reaction was the only one that I felt really GOT it. Understood and appreciated, not only Van Gogh, but Don McClean's tribute to him and his life. Well done, sirs.

[@lifeisshort3606]

Turned off lifd support to my 25 year old artist son who accidentaly fell in snow hoit his head anx lay there dying . He had over 500 canvases and I will make sure his life was nof in vain. He was the most beautiful looking man inside and out.

[@thomasmayk]

My heart goes out to you. There's nothing sadder than losing a child no matter how old. Thank you for sharing his story with us.

[@Itsakindamagic]

McLean paints pictures as vivid as Van Gogh's with words. A magical combination

[@janeschuyler4788]

Perfect sentiment.

[@JosephMuir-ic2nw]

Yes

[@kd8199]

Both gave masterpieces to the world.

[@shellymalone7637]

How wonderfully put

[@kierstenridgway4634]

I make quilts. With every quilt that I create for a loved one, my hope is that they will love it forever. You give a piece of yourself when you create with love. ❤❤❤ Sorry for going on. ❤️✌️

[@fiddlerwrik2771]

Love , wish to die for my art now

[@jwichman9]

His brother bought most of Vincent’s paintings while he was alive to help support him.

[@MichaelKnight-y8m]

Don McLean IS Van Goh - with a Guitar as his Brush - Guitar Sound as Canvass, - Voice and Words as Colors.

[@1361JACK]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written

[@mikehocking4836]

Beautiful but sad song

[@SaxonsGlory]

There are so many reactions to this song and in almost every single one, the reactor is impressed by the beauty of what he or she hears, but they never seem to grasp what's behind this classic, the story of a soul in turmoil, Vincent Van Gogh. Thank you for a great reaction and especially as you are one of the few to have seen the truth and the story behind it. High praise for a Scotsman from a Sassenach.

[@jonsher7682]

Thanks for a heartfelt reaction. I grew up just blocks away from Don McLean, who would entertain the neighbourhood kids by singing and playing guitar. Don's always been a private person but he opened up last year in a documentary he helped produce about his making of American Pie, and from his story, it's clear why he could write and sing a song about Van Gogh's anguish -- because Don too often felt isolated, misunderstood and unappreciated. He did not connect with his peers. His sister suffered from mental illness at a time when that was taboo. His interest in music clashed with his father's ambitions, and when Don hid a high school report card, then showed at his father's demand, his father suffered a heart attack and died that night in hospital -- Don was only 15. He wrote this song midway through a 6-year marriage with a woman he felt didn't understand him. So when he read about Van Gogh, he felt connected by shared misery. Don sings with such emotion because he's not only singing about Van Gogh; he's singing about himself. Speaking of connections, Don' father was a Scotsman too!

[@christinetarquin3773]

Your response was very appreciated .I hope to watch Don's documentary. His voice is so articulate and soothing to listen to.

[@gaillouise8310]

I could listen to you speak all day long.

[@steve4562]

What a wonderful story. Thank you!

[@jamesgibson5876]

For b they didn't love you ...still your love was true ..

[@donna1473]

Very beautifully said...

[@tracymcardle1236]

I always cry at this song❤❤

[@corinneashworth6704]

When you see ‘Starry Starry Night,the original,Vincent’s emotions and passions jump out of the canvas.The vitality blows you away.🙏❤️

[@RaindanceMaggieDance]

Van Gogh sold one painting in his life. He struggled deeply. I recommend watching the episode of Doctor Who called Vincent. Even if you just watch the final scene. It will bring tears to your eyes.

[@MariaBlumberg-b5w]

Vincent is my favorite Doctor Who episode. I cry every time I see it.

[@rwilson7197]

Thanks for the tip.

[@shellymalone7637]

That episode somehow soothed my soul in the “what if/if only” department. To repair Vincent’s anguish, to show him love and the forever of how he was really appreciated

[@kierstenridgway4634]

Your first words after hearing a bit of this song! ❤️❤️❤️✌️

[@badkitty1889]

Exactly. It's poetry. Thank you. Australia ❤

[@edruidviking]

60 year old paddy here and I still tear up every time I hear this

[@WNYretiree]

I had forgotten how heartbreakingly beautiful this song was. Thank you for reminding me.

[@ge.0]

Its absolutely beautiful

[@bao187]

This is my favorite song ever. It’s so beautiful. There is a scene in Dr Who when they bring Van Gogh to the future and he sees his paintings, I wish this song was playing during that scene.

[@billheuber5884]

Vincent created so much beauty and none of us noticed while he was alive!! I actually should say, none of them noticed!!

[@MrDaiseymay]

He certainly left his mark on history, and Don ensured he never will be forgotten. I bought the record all those years ago, and here i am , tears a streaming.

[@garrymoore2161]

Vincent van Gogh was an artist devoted to his craft but little recognized during his life time. He is said to have fallen deeply in love but left his liver for long peripds of time to devote himself to painting. His paintings at first were filled with vibrant colors. His lover left him for another, and he was crushed. Already given to depression, He tried to win her back. She rejected.him.and is said to have told him he would never make amy sacrifice of his art for her. He cut off his own ear to show her the depth of his love but he just convinced her he was a little nuts. He went into pretty severe depression. His bright colors became predominately blues, blacks, and dark colors They called this his "blue period". Today we stiilsaya sad person is blue and sad songs are the blues. He struggled as he got more and more depressed. He lost friends and had family turn gheirbacks on him. Eventually, he gave up on life and committed suicide. This lyrucal poetry put to music pays credit to van Gogh's artistry and skill at showing imagery through his artistic vision

[@Cashcrop54]

Great song. I can't hear it now without thinking of an episode of Dr Who called "Vincent and the Doctor". Dr Who, is a Time Lord and can travel in time. He goes to the time of Vincent Van Gogh. At the end the Doctor takes Vincent to the present time and he takes him to an art museum. Vincent sees his art on the wall and the Doctor asks an expert at the museum about Van Gogh. The expert explains how Vincent is probably the greatest of all time. I actually teared up watching knowing Vincent would kill himself after returning to his own time. Loved hearing this again today.

[@Itsakindamagic]

I too come to that. Dr. Who episode. In the end they give Vincent what we all wish we could. Affirmation of how deeply his art touched our hearts. Giving Vincent the love he so needed and how the world has come to appreciate him and what he produced.

[@mizpahshearer1659]

There's an episode of Dr. Who where the doctor brings vincent to the modern day gallery that houses his paintings.Its probably the best episode of the doctor ever made. It made me sob at the end. It was so beautiful.❤

[@niteowl1156]

My father of 45yrs took his life 10yrs ago...& This is the Song I played @ his funeral....We were both lovers of Don Mclean (American Pie) & Van Gough's art....It was so appropriate!!!....He even look like Vincent Van Gough 'self portrait' with eyes of China blue ....xox

[@ge.0]

Im so sorry

[@rexterry4722]

Most of people who have done on- line stuff about this song, never watched this video with his paintings, drawings etc. I cry every time I watch this video with his works displayed. I love Vincent and I love Don for what he did for Vincent!

[@livenhfree]

I read recently that Vincent was not fond of photographs, saying they fade and die quickly. But oil and canvas lasts for generations. Such a beautiful tribute by MacLean. Vincent would be so proud. And validated. RIP, Vincent.

[@ingehohenegger994]

You are so right, Painting and music is language..it needs to be shared.

[@roseblondie692]

Everyone wants Love, and not feeling anyone loves you is painful or appreciate’s you, what makes life worth living…

[@rockshot100]

Wonderful review Joe, you understand it. The critics hated his paintings because they based their critiques on academic brain washing of good or bad. If they had just let down their guard and looked at them as they were, with no bias, they would have seen them for what them for what they were: beautiful and showing more than just a pretty scene. They could not, so they never saw the artist painting exactly what he saw with his own eyes. Academia stunts free thinking even back then. BTW, the visuals distract from the song, they are just not needed.

[@pamelaolnick4179]

Each word, each sentence in this song has a special meaning, when he says you tried to set them free, he's talking about the voices Vincent heard, The song tells if Van Goths tortured life.

[@claudiavalentijn1457]

what a beautiful reaction to this beautiful and sad song

[@katearmiger8535]

Love your reaction. Has been one of my favourite songs since it was released. I saw him once in concert when he came to Adelaide in the 80s.

[@fatdad64able]

Don gives everyone access to Van Gogh‘s art. An absolute masterpiece. Much love from Germany 🇩🇪 ❤ …😢oh my,…. Why are my eyes sweating?

[@grimreaper-qh2zn]

If that doesn't get you, your dead. If you ever wrote a song like that you could die happy.

[@gwynedd-1]

I was 10 when this came out and there was a boy called Vincent in my school class who I had a crush on at the time so I always remember him when I hear this. However as I got older I realised the true meaning of the song and it is beautiful. One of the most beautiful and emotional songs I have ever heard.

[@thomasflynn5366]

Great video. In my mind this is one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded. I think you captured why very well.

[@monikabeki6838]

Although I could hardly understand your accent-I clearly understood your face full of emotions! Thanks for your beautiful reaction on this song that still makes me cry after hearing it for the 1000time

[@wildsarsaparilla]

Vincent van Gogh painted with canvas and oils. Don McLean paints with music and lyrics. Saw Don in concert a while back. I left between numbers to run to the restroom and collect as many tissues as I could. Brilliant. ❤

[@walther007]

Dr. Who made a whole episode about him and it was beautifully done. This song gets me crying every time.

[@deebringle5772]

Loved your sensitive and lovely comments...thank you.

[@stephanietip]

This has been my favorite song by him as long as I can remember. Van Gogh being my favorite artist I have Starry Night hanging on my wall

[@debbiethomasson2709]

What a wonderful reaction.

[@Randsurfer]

The poetry stands alone. Then add the music composition, and then the performance. It's almost beyond human.

[@juliadesl]

This song is poetry

[@cheripack1776]

I could see in your face that you had the same reaction as I did ❤ thank you for sharing your reaction . You're the first one that seems to understand the song with the paintings ❤

[@melissaward6311]

I hope that somehow he knows now that hes so famous and that folks try to help the mentally despaired wirh some meds out there now. Ty for your reaction

[@beammichael]

Vincent’s mother had to put some of her son’s paintings on the holes in her house to stop the weather coming through the walls. Lost forever!

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

It is an awesome song... Vincent Van Gogh, only sold one painting in his life, "The Red Vineyard", in 1890. It sold for 400 francs ($US400). In 1890, 400 francs = $US77. It was purchased by his brother.

[@markgreen4745]

Songwriting at it's best, loved the reaction

[@lpeterman]

As a US Army Veteran, pushing 60 and world-weary, it's a challenge to hear this song. This song always makes me tear up and if I try to sign along, I can never get through it without my voice breaking.

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Great song. Brilliant lyrics. While reading, "The Evolution of Physics", by Albert Einstein, I decided I wanted to become a physicist. Did not. Ended up an artificial intelligence programmer. We are affected by that which we read.

[@RickOLDCALGENT]

I very much enjoyed your reaction commentary about this piece by Don Mclean. I am 83 years old and still get teary when listening to this........just like when I first heard it when it came out in 1971.

[@robsanz9746]

How could someone of this age Not have heard this song yet. 🤦🏽😉 C'mon Scotland, I love you, so many Beautiful songs out there. 💚

[@ge.0]

Mate, am 21 😃🤟

[@eileenbaran7040]

One of the most beautiful songs ever. Don McLean made you feel the pain that Vincent was going through, beautiful pictures but no escape or happiness, just to end his life in the end 😭

[@mneoud]

Best reaction off all i have seen of this song about Vincent van Gogh.

[@rickwhite5206]

The song is as gentle and fragile as the thinnest of floating, almost invisible glass sculptures of the very stars and flowers that Vincent painted. So precariously suspended in air, that the slightest breeze would cause them all to plummet to the ground and shatter.

[@Maria-ef5gq]

My mum and dad had the American pie cassette tape . We grew up knowing EVERY song on the cassette . There is not a bad one . There is another tear jerker . It has been a while . It is either empty chairs or winter wood . If you listen to Everbody loves me baby everyone thinks it is about a person . It is about America and corruption ie in politics . "My gold lies in a foreign land buried deep beneath the sand " it is amazing for the time . As we all know the corruption has only got worse with power and politics . Where in Scotland are you from I am central Scotland . Right in the middle between Glasgow and Edinburgh . 👍👍👍✌✌✌

[@ge.0]

Im near Aberdeen. I need to do more Don stuff but I think after Vincent it cant get any better.

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

American Pie was kind of a history lesson--very American. This is another, but a love song. It's lovely.

[@jessieball6195]

This is absolutely not a love song. This is a dedication to the life and struggles of the great artist, Vincent Van Gogh.

[@jonmoore873]

I think it’s the compassion he has for the man that cuts to the bone. The terrible reality of the harshness of life is why we like to keep crazy people away from us as the reminder is that thin line between sane and insane for a lot of people. As an aside, this was Tupacs favorite song and he listened to it on his own deathbed. And for the folks that can’t understand your accent, I’m Scottish and this guy is crystal clear! If you go to Glasgow, take a guide!

[@ericcarlson8576]

Fantastic reaction, thank you!

[@jackspring7709]

I remember when this song first came out it was being played on the radio everywhere and its one of those rare classics that you never tire of hearing. I visited the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam in Autumn some years ago with my then girlfriend and I kept thinking of this tune. I remember the hue in the air, the canals, the leaves falling from the trees and the rich, early Autumn sunsets - and I wondered how he would have painted them today.

[@scrapbagstudios]

A song worthy of its subject and always brings on the tears and the goosebumps. I have long been an admirer of van Gogh's work and once had a chance to see some of it in person. That was a mind blowing experience. You see the paintings in books and they are flat but in life they are 3 dimensonal. One of them was huge (3 m x 2 m - ish) and it felt like I could walk into that grove of trees. This is a great version of this song with the paintings and the words as well. Thank you for sharing and I loved your response to it. xoxo

[@miccfischer4795]

One of the most poetic songs ever written!

[@ge.0]

Definitely

[@robertlangland3351]

Thank you for reminding us of how blessed we were to experience musicians like Don McLean in our youth. You have to have a heart of ice not to be emotionally affected by the song. Thank you/

[@daveloboda1769]

A wonderful song, so beautifully sung. The whole album is excellent try "Crossroads" and "Till Tomorrow".

[@geraldpribula4911]

You are exactly right Scotsman. I know the paintings and the sketches. I know the mental health issues Vincent Van Gogh was obviously dealing with. My only wish is that Vincent hears this ode to his obvious talent, and can rest happily and peacefully🙏.

[@oldladylovesBruno]

It's a beautiful, sad, emotional song. I could see in your face how much this song touched you. VanGogh's life was tragic. He died penniless. I saw his Irises painting at the Getty Museum, and you can just imagine him painting it. The brush strokes are so thick that you can see each one. It was amazing. I'm glad you got to hear this song. I wish everyone could hear it.

[@jeffreywillis4258]

Some scholars question whether or not Van Gogh actually committed suicide. 1) Paupers or impoverished individuals in Vincent van Gogh's time did not have easy access to firearms or weapons. 2) Suicide by gunshot to the chest is less common than other methods, such as shooting oneself in the head. 3) Lack of a suicide note. 4) Theories suggests that van Gogh did not intentionally take his own life but was the victim of a shooting incident and rather than seeing the young man hang for the accident van Gogh protected him by asking witnesses not reveal the true nature of the incident.

[@gh9111]

Just a true masterpiece of a song.

[@rayrodriguez8417]

Mr Scotsman , this song brings tears to my eyes every time and im grown man , but the cords the lyrics the voice its just pure emotions. Great reaction

[@reggiefokes6677]

I cry every time I hear this song.

[@lynettesmith1893]

I would like a dollar for every time I have heard that master piece & cried every time I would be a very rich woman. Mr. McLean was asked once what the song meant to him & he replied, " Never having to work again" brilliant.

[@vernemil]

The best DonMclean reaction video ever, bar none. This man really understands, much better than myself. His empathy and appreciation of both artists make me wish i knew him as a friend as he seems he'd add dimension to my own life experience. However, he only lists himself as Scotsman.

[@jamesault7832]

Thanks for your reaction to Don McLean's song. Vincent Van Gogh was born one year to the day that his older brother died. His mother named him after his brother. As a child he would walk past the tombstone of his brother that read; Vincent Van Gogh.

[@TheNighthhawk]

Please note. Don Mclean just released. a couple weeks ago, another copy of this, with the group Home Free. It is very good.

[@CarolineLambert-si6dd]

Timeless is all I can say. Beautiful. Was brought up in Don McLeans era.

[@TheGriffin57]

This is truly one of my very favorite songs. Top 10.

[@nia4me1]

Don McLean is amazing...so many amazing songs.

[@eldonstrackeii7892]

I've been around since before this song was released, and have listened to it hundreds of times over the decades... and every single time has me tear up (makes these times when I feel like watching multiple reaction videos rather blurry). Mr. McLean and Mr. Van Gogh both knew the true meaning and purpose of art-- to make one *feel*. I think I punish myself with watching multiple reactions in one sitting just to find those kindred spirits such as yourself that appreciate the poetry and emotion this track provokes.

[@sandyburke3222]

If this song moved you, you have to watch Vincent and the doctor.

[@melodyszadkowski5256]

Not sure what I loved more in that episode: the reveal at the end or when the Doctor and Amy and Vincent were laying on the grass at night and Vincent was describing how he saw the world. Heartbreaking.

[@Pixie_Barrow2024]

Oh! This song! I have been hearing this song since I was a little girl in the 70s and every single time I have to stop what I'm doing, become still, and listen. And weep. I can't recall a single instance of hearing this piece of art that I didn't cry. Thank you for this reaction, and for including the word "joyous" in your description, because it is that, as well. So glad I found your channel.

[@user-ii3vn8tn3q]

This song makes me cry.

[@gmunden1]

Vincent's brother took his own life a short time after Vincent died.

[@DakotaDogProductionsAk83]

Really enjoyed experiencing this with you. Thank you 🙏🥹