Rapper FIRST time REACTION to Don Mclean - Vincent! Oh MY...

[@shanegooding4839]

The irony of BP talking about Don painting a picture with this song without him realising it was about one of the greatest artists of all time makes this so worth watching.😊

[@guyray1504]

Was thinking the same thing when he said it.

[@DangerousDave1982]

Caught that too 😂.

[@martyb5807]

Yeah, I was totally like well, that's ironic.Wait till he finds out

[@Cchan53]

About Vincent VAN GOGH...Brilliant artist!! Just saw an exhibition of his works a few years back. Speaking of story telling ballads ,check out The ballad of The Edmund Firzgerald ....another great story telling "tune" !

[@tammybiddle7115]

My thoughts exactly

[@stephenstrudwick8095]

Don is singing about the tortured life of Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh who died in 1890. Van Gogh has been recognized as among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. Yet this recognition only really came after his death. He died penniless.... Van Gogh sufferered from psychotic episodes and delusions. He often neglected his physical health, did not eat properly and drank heavily. His persistant depression eventually caused him to shoot himself in the chest with a revolver, dying from his injuries two days later. "Starry Starry Night" refers to one of his most famous works "Starry Night Over the Rhône", painted in 1888.

[@stephenstrudwick8095]

He also painted "The Starry Night" in 1889.

[@fayesouthall6604]

It’s worth watching the closing scenes of Dr who - The Doctor and Vincent, showing Vincent brought to 2005 Exhibition of his work, seeing how popular his work actually is. 😢

[@bkm2797]

fayesouthall6604, Wow, I will have to try and find that episode. I always wondered how Vincent would feel seeing how his paintings are loved like no other. ❤️👍😇

[@Jayscollo]

This is a perfect description of this song. The writing is brilliant so many of the beautiful descriptions in the song references Vincent’s paintings the references to flowers & portraits in addition to the starry starry night references. Such a beautiful tribute to an amazing artist

[@rubyslippers8215]

Excellent synopsis of Van Gough's life...Many only know him as "the artist guy that cut his ear off". They don't know the backstory...

[@edwardhubschman3610]

One of the most beautiful and haunting songs ever written.

[@threekidzmom04]

oh yes!

[@d.s.6268]

What do you mean "one of" ?

[@cynthiamitchell2880]

I agree. Such a tribute to one of the greatest painters ever. Van Gogh is my favorite of all the other artists

[@MsAppassionata]

@@cynthiamitchell2880 Mine too. Don’t know if you have or not, but he’s one artist whose works you have to see in person. The paint is so thick that it stands out on the canvas. Been to see his paintings in Paris and Amsterdam.

[@hippiemama52]

​@@d.s.6268not to take anything away from this song, but "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas rates right uo there too.

[@stephaniewarthen]

There is a Doctor Who episode where the Doctor takes VanGogh thru time to an art museum, where all of his art is displayed. It will break your heart.

[@shannonotoole3526]

love that episode. cry every time

[@TheSILENTBOB180]

Totally classic episode

[@fayesouthall6604]

@@TheSILENTBOB180I know 😢

[@MissMeKate]

Wonderful episode, Tony Curran was incredible as Vincent.

[@bkm2797]

shannonotoole3526, Me too, every time!💦

[@cmoplay1]

Vincents' paintings will stir your soul like the song

[@tinagilbert8902]

😊YES!!🥰🥰🥰

[@MsAppassionata]

Yes, but the only way you can really do justice to them is to see them in person. Looking at his paintings in a book is just not the same. He often used paints so thick that they would stand out on the canvas. What may look flat in a book comes alive when viewed firsthand.

[@lazylady8591]

Vincent Van Gogh is considered one of the greatest painters in history, but he only sold one painting in his lifetime. He often traded his paintings for basic necessities such as food. He was supported financially by his younger brother Theo who was an art dealer. Vincent was a socially awkward person of deep emotions who tried to reach others with his love of humanity and God. In fact, he was fired as a young man at one of his early positions for proselytizing. He suffered mentally and was even a patient at a mental hospital at one time. All through his tortured life, Vincent continued painting his vibrant masterpieces. He ended his life at a fairly young age. His brother Theo died soon afterward. Theo's young widow was responsible for fulfilling Theo's vision of promoting Vincent's work to the world.

[@matildafishes9931]

Thank you for this history! ❤

[@richdiddens4059]

And the only picture he sold in his lifetime was one bought by Theo.

[@SueProv]

Theo's widow, Johanna had his body exhumed and sent to France that Theo could lie in rest with his beloved brother Vincent in 1914.

[@MsAppassionata]

@@SueProv I did not know that. Your comment brought tears to my eyes.

[@tinastar1972]

I believe it's been said that he painted his "Starry Starry Night" from the view from his room in the mental health hospital.

[@laurahyland5020]

I know that you didn't know who Vincent was but still your comments were totally relevant for those with mental issues today. So touching, and what makes me sad is that collectors will spend millions on his works but there was no one there at the time to tell him how wonderful an artist he was.

[@glennburch1081]

The masses can be grossly ignorant!

[@kat-den]

So true😢

[@GavinMaGrath]

​@@glennburch1081Can be? Are

[@rebeldarlin7]

Art snobs rarely recognize true art!

[@mspfinney]

Absolutely true.

[@unclechristosfrontporch2225]

Tupac peeking over your desk throughout this reaction was both beautiful and haunting

[@1973HenkY]

About 5 years ago, the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam invited Don Mclean to perform this song inside the museum.

[@susanengland3919]

He recently recorded this again with Home Free. They show clips of some of his paintings, it's amazing. Starry night was the name of one of his most famous paintings.

[@rubyslippers8215]

Home Free's version is simply wonderful. I loved how they incorporated the paintings into the video and of course, the vocals are amazing.

[@marshajanulis6092]

thank you, i didnt know about this.

[@HannahSBax]

Yes, came here to say the same. It's a wonderful version

[@brendasorenson6186]

Ditto. Beautiful version. It was interesting to hear how Don's has matured in over 50 years. He still has it.

[@lazylady8591]

Don also recorded American Pie with Home Free. It was in celebration of American Pie's fiftieth anniversary. The profits from the recording was used to help independent venues that were financially harmed or closed due to the pandemic.

[@philipem1000]

*"But I could have told you, Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you."* The song describes many of Vincent's paintings; the beautiful painful world he saw. His work was not appreciated until after his death. You were very on target; when this came out I listened to it dozens of times because it spoke to me, still does, even though I didn't know it was about Van Gogh until much later. This is truly one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard and that's saying a lot. A great singer, an even greater poet. Please do more of Don McLean. I am particularly fond of Empty Chairs; Winterwood; Castles in the Air. I am of a different race, era, religion, and musical background than you but I am enjoying seeing you discover the many musical treasures of my time. Your good soul shines through in your reactions. Thank you.

[@yelljal2764]

The song is about Vincent Van Gogh. He was a very famous painter from the mid 19th century (painter of "Starry Night"). Despite his great success in the present day, he was often seen as a failure of an artist in his time. He only ever sold one painting in his life, and it was to his brother (he bought it anonymously). On July 29th, 1890, he commited suicude at the young age of 37. There is a version of this song that features Van Gogh's paintings behind the lyrics. Each line is perfectly written to match Van Gogh's art style. Don McLean wrote this song on a brown paper bag while looking at a copy of Starry Night after hearing his story. This was Tupac's favorite song, the last song they played for him before he died in the hospital after being shot. A truly beautiful piece that transends generations. Shows the pure beauty in McLean's writing.

[@chelseahaley8350]

He just did this with Home Free...It dropped 6 days ago! He still sounds amazing at almost 80 years old! U should definitely check it out!

[@cog4life]

I heard it!!!!! It’s ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! I mean I like this original but it just has a different dimension with Home Free’s harmony added.

[@jeannewolfe4489]

I love this live performance. It always makes me cry. The version with Van Gogh’s paintings is also amazing and really showcases the artist’s work and the beautiful way Don put words to the art.

[@threekidzmom04]

oh yes! amazing!

[@mdowns36]

Age 65 here and have been listening to this song forever. Great version; and hope BP will look at some of Van Gogh’s paintings in person when he gets a chance. Seeing them in person is amazing. But back to the song. Sitting here sobbing when I need to be packing for a trip.

[@catherinedorney6092]

I totally agree. My mother has been a painter at heart😢 my whole life I was born in 72. We heard this song in the car and I teared up. I said to her you know this song is about Van gough? She had no idea and then everything clicked. It's a stunning song

[@RockPowerUSA]

McLean says he was reading a biography of Vincent van Gogh when he stumbled upon the idea of composing a song. And so that's how this emotional and impactful song happened. I was just a 12-year-old hearing this for the first time and cried. I don't even know why. Everything was perfect in my life, but it's the first song I cried to.

[@xoxxobob61]

I read that after McLean read this about Van Gogh he wrote this Song in less than a half hour.

[@kareng4658]

This song gives me goosebumps every time. A masterpiece.

[@heartwork8318]

This is such a beautiful song! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! The Starry Night is one of my favorite paintings and Vincent Van Gogh one of my favorite artists! There is speculation that VG’s “yellow period” which included that painting was that he was being treated for his seizures with digitalis (from the foxglove plant) and developed digitalis toxicity which leads to changes in vision including seeing yellow halos when looking at lights in the dark and a yellow haze in general. Very interesting to me as a nurse probably not so much for others😂😂 Love your musical journey of discovery ❤️‍🔥✌🏻🫶🏻

[@bkm2797]

Yeah, and sucking on his paintbrush full of leaded paint didn't help either! Love his art and love this song.❤️

[@grammybeatrice7081]

Vincent Van Gogh only sold one painting throughout his entire lifetime. People didn't understand his artistic style at the time. His passion for attempting to create what he saw and felt on canvas was almost like a music artist struggling to capture the perfect lyrics. This is a magnificent homage from one brilliant artist to another brilliant artist. If you have the opportunity check out the video with the beautiful lyrics with Van Goghs' incredible paintings behind them. His paintings are now priceless. In 2022 a painting sold for 170 million! Vincent died in 1890 penniless.

[@redtick79]

The song "Killing Me Softly" was written about Don McClean during this part of his Career. Lori Lieberman saw him in concert and was enthralled with this young singer/songwriter. She collaborated with Norman Gimble on the lyrics, but the song is also credited to Charles Fox for the arrangement. The song was made famous by Roberta Flack.

[@philross2007]

This is about Vincent Van Gogh. You should watch the Doctor Who episode where the Doctor takes VVG to future to try and help his soul. Beautiful. I know it’s only Doctor Who but the acting is superb in the scene.

[@traceyvavrecan6714]

Vincent Van Gogh is my favorite artist. He suffered his entire life with mental health issues. One of his most famous paintings, Starry Night, was painted while he was in an asylum. He was allowed out on the grounds during the day but had to be locked in his room at night. This is what he imagined the night sky looked like during this time. Great reaction

[@conniewagner4234]

This song and ‘At Seventeen’ by Janis Ian always made me cry. They’re both so beautiful and deep.

[@1361JACK]

Totally agree

[@jojones1082]

You should check out some of Van Gough's paintings, and then all of the lyrics will make sense - Starry Starring Night refers to Van Gough's painting called Starry Night, and lyrics "the swirling clouds in violet haze" describe it to a tee. Likewise "the morning fields of amber grain" refers to his painting called Wheatfield with Crows; and "the weathered faces lined in pain" could refer to his own self-portraits that he did, or the painting called The Potato Eaters.

[@stephaniewarthen]

This song always brings the tears.

[@Natasha-ty7oo]

Should check out the new version Don just put out with Homefree!! Great version

[@thebyrd433]

I still can't listen to this song without tearing up, and I first heard it back in the 70s when it came out. Such a powerful song celebrating the works of Vincent Van Gogh. Beautiful.

[@gregcable3250]

"You took your life as lovers often do.." Vincent Van Gogh was in love with the world, what he saw, and his need to paint what he saw/how he saw it. But the world did not love him back--until decades later.

[@Caambrinus]

BP, your reaction, as it is sincere, is wonderful.

[@TeamEMPYT]

Such a deep song, thank you for reacting. No matter if the song was written about Vincent Van Gogh or not, it's relatable to anyone dealing with mental illness themselves or someone they love. I do agree, watch the lyric version with Vincent's painting as well, hits even deeper.

[@lunachickfringe5319]

This song will always bring me to tears. Doubly so if I'm watching a video that showcases Vincent's paintings while listening.

[@gibby6904]

Starry Starry Night........a very famous Vincent Van Gogh painting.....

[@sgholt]

I think I still have the vinyl...got search the house...thanks BP ...sometimes I feel the same way as Vincent, people don't see the what's around them, the beauty...my Uncle gave us this record in early 70s ....we were headed to Alaska :p Its another tear jerker :'( Gracias a Dio who gave us everything, use it people

[@OldiesAl]

I've just returned to the UK after a trip to MoMa in NY to see Starry Starry Night, this is one of my all time favourite songs and to stand in front of that painting and see the palette knife and brush strokes of a genius was so emotional. ❤

[@audreyross5580]

How Don describes all of His paintings in totally beautiful!

[@jeanniewright2554]

The story of Vincent Van Gogh. A painter from the far past. Don McClean uses words like Vincent used paint!

[@davidwcooney]

I was seven when this performance was recorded. Being that young, I had no idea what the song is about. I just remember that it was beautiful, sad, and I loved listening to it. Of course, when I learned what it is about, and learned more about Van Gough, it just became that much more beautiful, sad, and I loved it even more. Watching your reaction brings me back to the first time I heard it. I have to admit that I've been eagerly waiting for you to do this song. Your reaction is what I thought it would be.

[@joyceneal6169]

The subject of the song was the artist Vincent van Gogh. Among other things, Vincent was in love with a woman who continually rejected him. In the end, to show his Devotion to her, he cut off his left ear and sent it to her. In the end, van Gogh took his own life. Van Gogh was more famous posthumously, then in his time. Perhaps his most known painting is The Starry Night. It's a favorite of mine. I first heard the song when I was in Middle School and I have loved it ever since.❤

[@debbywoodbeck1105]

The first time I heard this song, we were studying van Gogh in my art classs. My Art Teacher played this song over and over again until it was plasteered in my head. I love this song as much as I love van Gogh's painting "Starry, Starry, Night" I love the painting so much I did a cross Stitch portrait of it, framed and hanging on my wall.

[@Jude_196]

EPIC!! Still can't make it thru this song without tearing up! SO EMOTIVE!! ...and, it truly almost puts you in Van Gogh's life and time and makes you FEEL his sorrow....Don McLean: PRICELESS!!! Glad you "got it", BP! Some people listen to it and don't REALLY listen to it....UGH - YOU....ME...and, LYRICS!!! :D HUGS!

[@sydneydupreez]

Your response to this song brought a tear to my eye, yes it's a beautiful song and a beautiful story into Vincent van Gogh life, from Sydney ( S Africa

[@elizabethfranco1284]

Vincent died from suicide 1890 one of the greatest artists of all time

[@BillieGuillen-h6i]

oh my, I saw Vincent up for review, and I am wearing my "The Starry Night (1889)" Shirt of his painting, gave me chills listening, watching and glancing down at his painting on my shirt.

[@donigoodwin3580]

Vincent's last words.. the sadness will last forever

[@sylv772]

It is a most beautiful song, as are Van Gogh's paintings

[@grudgebringer]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written. Heartbreaking and beautiful.

[@shereerockdaschel9301]

He’s singing about The famous painter Vincent van Gogh. And the tormented life that he lived.

[@sean_b_drummer]

Van Gogh is BY FAR my favorite painter, and this song NEVER FAILS to make me cry!! All of the descriptive scenes he's referring to are of Van Gogh's artworks.

[@davidjennings1771]

Vincent van Gogh is who he's singing about Pegasus.

[@xFD2x]

You are one of the few who can spell his name. Cudo's !

[@davidjennings1771]

@@xFD2x I'm old, that how we were taught!

[@stevehamilton8824]

Classic! Such a storyteller Don was. Describing Vincent Van Gogh's life and how Vincent was able to capture the beauty of life in his paintings while he dealt with an insanity & depression in his own mind. Most thought he was just a lunatic and could not understand him. But his genius was eventually discovered through his art.

[@danrieke9988]

The irony is that in the late 90's I had the great privilege of seeing seventy (70) original Van Gogh paintings at the LA County Museum of Art, while they were on exclusive one-time tour as the museum in Amsterdam was being renovated. Saw "The Potato Eaters', "Starry Night", "Apple Blossoms" and his last painting "Crows in Wheatfield with Storm" from mere feet away, among many dozens of others. Let me tell you... no words. No words. Once in a lifetime.

[@davidtromsness6494]

I love your reaction to Don's amazing writing/artistry. It is mind blowing...right? Great stuff as always. Blessings.

[@maryseman7019]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written.

[@spiritwalkerperformer1689]

Thank you for your reaction videos. I remember when this song first came out and how it touched me. Watching you discover what I discovered then is like re-living that feeling of wonder and discovery. Since that is not something I can ever experience again, the closest I can come is to live it vicariously through you. It brings me joy to see it bring you joy and amazement. Thank you for your time and interest.

[@debmorris1210]

I love this song. It came out when I was a senior in high school. I loved Don McLean

[@Kayekae]

growing up in the 70s We all knew who he was singing about. I've heard this song 100s of times & not til BP commented did I get chills. What a perspective coming from one who listened for the first time.

[@carol-mariefleming8689]

This song is just beautiful. I'm so glad you appreciated it. ❤

[@amycecil9689]

Spiritual crisis. This is my favorite by him, he is amazing beyond words

[@theadviser123]

Not long ago, one of Vincent's paintings sold for over $117 million. A movie about his life is Lust For Life. Great reaction!

[@maryhanrahan]

If you look up Vincent Van Gogh's paintings you will see the descriptions of his work described throughout the song. I love Van Gogh's works but also love this song so much. I have a book of Vincent's letters to his brother - Vincent wrote as beautifully as he painted - and these are only a portion of the many letters he wrote. I think you should (for your own benefit) react to this again by yourself after you take a look at some of Vincent's works - They are beautiful as is this song

[@pjthomas17]

I love you Black Pegasus, and at first I was yelling at my screen, "It's Van Gogh! It's Van Gogh!" Then I just relaxed and trusted you and enjoyed seeing your honest, emotional reaction. Even not knowing that it was about one specific man, one artist, one life, you nailed it. Thank you. I feel like I was hearing it for the first time all over again.

[@sandirobinson6966]

It's about and written for Vincent Van Gogh. Read his story and look up his artwork. Don McLean's Vincent is top ten, one of the most beautiful songs ever written.

[@markbarnwell942]

one of the greatest artist in history. i hate our educational system is failing the younger generations. you fng got the meaning of the song though so well. very cool. i have to believe you have seen copies of his paintings.

[@lorawalton7033]

This hits home differently now. My brother in law took his own life 6 weeks ago and we are all crushed. Always loved this song though 💗

[@marthalewko8541]

We had wonderful songs in the 70's. Research them for their meanings. ❤🙏❤

[@fpsMalcolm]

As the episode of doctor who describes vincent Van Gogh is the finest painter of them all. Certainly the most popular great painter of all time. The most beloved. His command of color, the most magnificent. He transformed the pain of his tormented life into ecstatic beauty. Pain is easy to portray but to use your passion and pain to portray the ecstasy and joy and magnificence of our world. No one had ever done it before. Perhaps no one ever will again. To my mind, that strange wild man who roamed the fields of Provence, was not only the world’s greatest artist but also one of the greatest men who ever lived.

[@ravinloon58]

Good art makes you stop and look/listen but truly great art touches your soul, it connects and makes you want to reach out and talk about it. Vincent Van Gogh was an unparalleled artist who created a whole new way of seeing and representing the world. He suffered for his sanity! His heartache was simply too much to bear. I love that this touching tribute in song has such impact and thank you for being willing to share your heartfelt and honest reaction.

[@ginasantiano7175]

This song makes me cry every single time I hear it 💕

[@b1jou123]

Such a beautiful, poignant, and thought provoking song. About Vincent Van Gogh, another one of the most famous artists in human history, who wasn't even recognized until after his death. I hope you can take some time to check out some examples of his work. His paintings were truly groundbreaking for his time, and continue to inspire to this day❤

[@suepall5425]

Love your sensitive heart. I hope you get a chance to appreciate Vincent Van Gogh's art. The beautiful poetry found in Don McClean's song are all descriptions of Van Gogh's famous art work in which he poured out his soul and tried to help people "understand" what he was feeling. I myself did not understand the beauty in Van Gogh's art until I heard this song. It was as though Don McClean's poetry was a key that unlocked a door to previously unseen beauty for me.

[@EmmaBadOne]

This was a rare re-watched reaction for me. I hadn't heard this song before but I rewatched it because of your reaction P. And it's not the first time I've cried with you. Thanks.

[@markcarter822]

This song is so deep and speaks to so many generations. Another song that really paints a pucture to a story is Terry Jacks "Season In The Sun" . This song is from the early 70s and I always lIked it. A few years ago I dug into what it was really about and WOW 😮

[@rubyslippers8215]

I never discovered the true story behind the song until just now! My elementary school music teacher had us singing "Seasons in the Sun". She was a real "hipster" but us kids had no clue what we were singing about. I remember we also learned "Eleanor Rigby" and "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" Boy, she was into some depressing stuff!😲

[@jakesmith5278]

One great artist singing about another great artist. Now that is artistry.

[@BB-yh5rd]

Love this channel. Start my day with it because the music choice is so random. Figured out BP is about lyrics first and if the beat and instrumentality is simultaneously great even better, totally get it, language is a magical thing. Can't remember what song it was on the channel but it kicked me into a John Mellencamp mood. I'm revisiting that rabbit hole for the first time in at least 15 years. If you haven't explored Mellencamp it's even better than you remember it.

[@loripettigrew9906]

Vencent VG. The artist. He mentions the paintings. Stary stary night is one of his paintings.

[@dionysiacosmos]

There's a lovely video that features Vincent's paintings with Don singing over them. The to works compliment each other perfectly.🧓🎭

[@cccs800]

This has always been a song I've loved deeply. As an artist and a lover of art...I understand. ❤️

[@nitahaas390]

Vincent Van Gogh.

[@rosemary702001]

The movie, Lust for Life with Kirk Douglas, is a biography of Van Gogh. It’s a good biopic and Kirk looks just like the painter. It captures the torment Vincent suffered and at the end, it shows a montage of his paintings that were created out of his pain. I suppose there’s a price for everything.

[@irvintib]

You mentioned how good of a writer he is. A fun fact, the song "Killing me softly" by Roberta Flack and later covered by the Fugees was written about Don McLean by a young lady who went to one of his shows. Don is a phenomenal writer.

[@looneygardener]

A beautifully written song, emptional performance. Poor Vincent. Sobbing. His art is incredible. I hope you check it out!

[@lisafayepranger8561]

He describes Van Gogh's life from a very understanding, general view. We would say now that Vincent was bi-polar, or something like that. He was super close to his brother Theo, and Theo died very soon following Vincent's suicide....Theo did everything he ever possibly could to help his brother sell his paintings, but it was Theo's brilliant wife who truly believed in Vincent, and through her absolute conviction his work finally made it out into the world. You reacted just as I did when I first heard this song. There is so much beauty captured here, besides the sadness of Vincent's actual choice to end his life. There was a really wonderful Doctor Who episode about him that was marvelous, and how Vincent did actually find out that he touched people's hearts with what he created.

[@henriksylvestolsen4885]

Beautiful reaction to a beauriful song!

[@kathieovercash8414]

One of my favorite songs.

[@joearp]

Stary night is my absolute favorite !

[@waynebuckland7879]

The most amazing part of this whole clip is not the song writing, nor the music or his voice but the entire audience who seem to be between 18 and 30 yrs of age, sitting perfectly still and listening with great respect and absorbing everything on offer. Vincent van Gogh loved humanity.

[@jareds2273]

so who's gonna tell him?

[@julies.1330]

Lol... everyone who took art class in highschool.

[@RobRager]

I don’t know if it’s been mentioned, but there’s a video of the studio version, with Van Gogh paintings, for the visuals.

[@Johnretusaf]

This is truly a beautiful song and story. Check out his collaboration with Home Free...absolutely amazing.

[@amagab2346]

Im a huge fan of his. Empty Chairs is an amazing song.

[@karidrgn]

There's a version of this where someone matched vincents paintings to the music that would be interesting to see your reaction

[@susanoakeshauf]

Don McClean is so deep. This song is achingly beautiful.

[@tomsmith7429]

An old woman who knew Vincent when she was a little girl, was asked her impression. She replied: "He was a smelly old man".

[@buffieklumpenhower8659]

Have you seen the newest version with Home Free. It really brings home the words and feelings of the song with Van Gogh's paintings.

[@dkmiller222]

This is just one of many songs that Don McLean wrote and sang. If you have never listened to Harry Chapin's Cat's in the Cradle. A great song for Father's to listen to. You probably have heard it in remakes by other artists? Also, Harry had a bunch of other songs. I think you would enjoy Taxi and then the sequel of Taxi.

[@CherylBucci]

I was an art major in college. Love Van Gough and this song

[@grahamarthur]

As a major you should know how to spell his name 😎

[@StaceyMaeCattitudeCrafters]

Amazingly written song, actually a tribute to all artist for we all have a level of mental health issues (though most have mild issues). Its what i believe makes us artist able to see the world the way we do in all it's complexity and simplicity.

[@ptrlxc]

Every poetic descriptions he's sing about like Starry, Starry, Night is the name of Vincent Van Gogh's painting. If you research who Van Gogh you'll see some of his paintings named in the song. But Don was a master wordsmith. The song is all about the tortured like of Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890); so much so he never sold a single revered painting during his life time, except a small one to his brother (I think). Vincent had trouble with people, and for the most part he isolated himself; there was no help for the mentally challenged. Vincent only got revered for his painting long after he had passed, nothing during his life time. Look at his paintings you'll begin to understand why and how Don McLean crafted a wonderful song: a pure wordsmith.

[@susanjohnston8267]

You cannot not recognise the GOAT impressionist painters art and not stand in awe when you see his art. This song makes me so sad that back then he was disregarded and put down for his now millions upon million pound art works. I love his use of colours and his viewpoint from his loving and sometimes raw perspective. Just like this song, which speaks of honest love and admiration for such a passionate artist. Some say Van Gogh is the prime example of mental health in art. He by some, was Bi-Polar, happy and joyful one time and low and dark the next with grim serious colours. His only true good friend was Paul Gauguin who was also an artist. Paul loved to travel a lot because he had the will and money to do so. Vincent I feel, felt more isolated and only went out wandering streets and into the countryside of Paris. Some of the countryside he depicted is no longer there as urbanisation took over. The art area where he stayed was near where the moulin rouge is. And largely beyond that was farm land with windmills. The art area sprung from it inhabiting not only artists, but poets, writers, musicians and performers. Absinthe was the drink of choice with creative people as it got you to open and expand the mind. That was supposed to have been part of the catalyst that convinced Vincent to cut his ear off.

[@mlhesler68]

Song was loved by Tu Pac and Stevie Wonder. Van Gough was an incredible artist who only sold one painting in his life. Now they're worth millions.

[@loramacrae-lopes6293]

Absolutely stunning performance. Incredible lyrics and the beautiful simplicity of his lovely voice and just his guitar.