SO SAD| First Time Hearing Don Mclean - Vincent REACTION

SO SAD| First Time Hearing Don Mclean - Vincent REACTION
Welcome to Rob Squad Reactions This is a music reaction channel. My passion is being a content creator, and providing my audience with unique, funny, and never before seen reaction videos. I have come to grow a love for all types of music from my beloved rap to heavy metal and I want to share that love with all of you. Being a content creator is my passion and it brings me so much joy and being able to share my passion and joy with all of you and grow as a community is an amazing feeling. In addition to reacting to all different types of music, I am also a a husband to my amazing wife Amber and a dad to 3 amazing kids Bria, Kiya and Luca. I am here to try and make a change in this world starting with something that brings us all together MUSIC!!
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*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS*.

[@mar10rod38]

This is a tribute to the artist Vincent Van Gogh, who suffered with mental illness. He was commercially unsuccessful during his lifetime, and he was considered a madman and a failure. He became famous after his suicide and exists in the public imagination as a misunderstood genius. Now his paintings are very valuable.

[@ENDTIMEsVideoLibrary]

Perfect explanation for them!!

[@BedwetterCDN]

@@ENDTIMEsVideoLibrary thought he was murdered by some townfolk kids.

[@gloriamartinez8960]

Yes, sad history there... Such a genius...

[@Ray013]

Add that Starry Night is a painting by Vincent Van Gough.

[@elizabeths50]

@@BedwetterCDN no, but stories go around now that it might have been a rival artist. But he was misunderstood by many around him, calling him mad, crazy and was a social outcast. His brother spent money on Doctors to help him

[@crabbitwife5463]

This must be one of the most beautiful songs ever written.

[@luiscarulla4607]

Completely agree this is a monument of a song, love it to death

[@larryconnon4898]

I myself feel it is!

[@michaelswami]

Agreed.

[@ekjohn57]

The most beautiful version of this is the slow one (around 5 mins) Absolutely beautiful recorded in studio w/o crowd noise.kzbin.info/www/bejne/qn_Hin99dt2WjaM

[@anniegirlbatten]

❤

[@dickbaum9137]

“This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you” I can’t think of a more powerful line to say to someone who struggles with life in their head.

[@TristanandIsolt]

Possibly the greatest line ever in a song. Up there with the very best Jim Steinman lyrics.

[@fatdad64able]

That’s where my eyes were starting to pee…😢

[@TheCommonGardenTater1]

Yes....

[@tracyt8325]

😩🥺😢😭😭😭😭😭

[@Lynne.E.Davies]

My mom cried every time she heard this song. She died when she was only 59. I can’t hear this song without thinking of her. Thank you both for doing this song.

[@TheInvisibleMan229]

She's not the only one. Even the cover of this song by George Clements made me cry.

[@sodem2810]

Arguably the most beautiful song ever written. The older I get, the more songs like this resonate.

[@frankwaters3229]

No argument from me

[@jamesevans3492]

@@frankwaters3229 Same . . .

[@AnneMizrahi]

Totally agree.

[@thedbcooperforum]

Yes, there are others that canmatch and exceed but most of you are probably to young to know...

[@jimmythetout109]

The Roberta Flack tune " Killing me Softly " was penned in homage of Don Mclean after seeing him in concert ..

[@cheryleluchini2818]

Fugees w/ Lauryn Hill also did a version of Killing Me Softly that was good also. Of course Roberta is queen but Lauryn’s version is a bit different vibe.

[@naudianeels1328]

I never knew that. Thankyou. Love Roberta Flack. ♥️♥️♥️

[@pfcampos7041]

Please, please, do Roberta Flack Killing me Softly for female Friday! Its an amazing song. Amber will definately love it.

[@naudianeels1328]

@@pfcampos7041 Great childhood playlist!! Alot of my favorites. ❤🤗❤

[@colinglen4505]

Wow! I never knew that.

[@shadsullivan7817]

This tribute to Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh is so beautiful. He struggled with mental illness for most of his life, and his pain showed itself in the eyes of the people he painted including self portraits. I became enthralled with his paintings as a child. My Father would buy me old books from garage sales about him, and his works. I look at his paintings, and wonder if that is how he saw the world. Dark, off kilter, yet painfully beautiful. I am not one to go to art shows, and I have zero artistic talent myself however, I can recognize something beautiful when I see it.

[@user-el9jf9ty4p]

And he was color blind, which makes his work even more amazing. The reason he painted so brightly because he could make out the hues better. He had actually planned to be a minister and his passion for art took over his soul. His work is beyond beautiful.

[@shadsullivan7817]

@@user-el9jf9ty4p That makes me appreciate his work even more.

[@oskarobit]

@@user-el9jf9ty4p color blinded? are you kidding? He was a true master of color. He 'only' suffer of depression, nothing wrong in his eyes.

[@keithhopkins219]

9​@@user-el9jf9ty4p

[@Mostlymid]

​@@user-el9jf9ty4pno. No he was not. Don't believe everything you read on Quora. 😅

[@PoetGorman]

"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.

[@RadCenter]

After 50 years, this still makes me cry every time. I got to hear McLean do this live in the '80s. He was just as brilliant!

[@chickadeetle]

me too

[@evillemike2009]

Same - every time

[@measl]

*Me too, Nancy. I remember the first time it got airplay: we were literally transfixed. And at least two of my friends (art majors, of course!), were openly crying. It still affects me to this day.*

[@kevcall]

Every every time.. 😢

[@bender21man]

I cry everytime!!

[@mrjules1982]

What makes this song so powerful is how McLean makes you really feel like he lost a dear friend, while Vincent had been dead long before Don was even born. A genuine tribute from one great artist to another and it shows how art can be timeless.

[@liztexera2230]

So true, I cry every single time I hear it !

[@Placeseveryone]

@@liztexera2230 Me too. And I play and perform this one - I have to check myself so I don't dissolve into sobs in front of an audience!

[@wayneg9040]

I saw Don McLean perform over 40 years ago. As in the clip, he was alone on stage, just guitar and mike. What a tremendous talent. At one point in the middle of a song, a string broke on his guitar. He started talking to us about something or other as he pulled a new string from his guitar case, installed it, tuned it by ear - talking all the time - and then picked up the song exactly where he had stopped when the string broke. We gave him a tremendous round of applause. Nice memory.

[@orinkinser4396]

That's really awesome. Cheers dude

[@adamedgerly4124]

I heard this song for the first time in a high school literature class, with a picture of Starry Night by Van Gogh in front of us. The song hit me so hard, I had to walk out of class or break down in front of everyone. It's a beautiful tribute to an amazing, tortured artist. It's also a great reminder to show love and compassion to one another. Thanks for this reaction video and for your channel!!!

[@barbaraantonelli7782]

Thank you. I'm coming really late to these comments and yours is the first to mention Starry Night. The one line from this song that I will remember is: I could have told you Vincent. The world was never meant for one as beautiful as you. Tears. I suffer from depression & I just can't dwell on Van Gogh too much, tho I love his work, especially the many versions off Starry Night.

[@TheTruthinAstronomy]

Starry, Starry Night = the Painting Starry Night Flaming Flowers that brightly blaze = Sunflowers Morning fields of amber grain = Wheat field with crows Swirling Clouds in purple haze = Another version of Starry Night Van Gogh was Undoubtedly one of the greatest impressionists of all time. A true Master. The Joy of these old songs is that tell a story and they make you feel.

[@ellefitzpatrick6339]

Agree with everything you said but you got the genre wrong. He is regarded post impressionist.

[@lucaswallo8127]

There are still songs like that. Though there was definitely a golden age for them.

[@sisleymichael]

Thank you for pointing this out. Most people are not aware. Teach, every time you can, teach. Knowing the background of the artist and in this case, Don refencing Van Goghs particular paintings. Maybe some will go and learn and appreciate real art? Teach.

[@sisleymichael]

@@ellefitzpatrick6339 True. My ancestor, Alfred Sisley, was an impressionist.

[@annemorse2566]

Beautifully said ❤

[@itsmedino]

One of the greatest songs of all time.

[@annpulbrook9033]

The sensitivity of Vincent Van Gogh, the fragility of his artistic temperament & evocative work, is in this song. It’s a gifted tribute to a man who felt rejection, & yet lets so many of us feel his stirring visions now, although his work is exploited by art sellers, wheelers & dealers, who still crush his soul through the elevation of his work, which he got no commission from. Don McLean’s poetic rendition is so worthy, it’s pure, uncommercial response, trying to communicate through resonance to the passed artist.

[@liztexera2230]

Imagine that he got no commission for that painting

[@danielthompson6880]

Van Gogh had many paintings in his house that were unsold at his death. He had sent dozens to his brother Theo who was a Dutch art dealer. Theo had sold a few of his paintings while Vincent was still alive and sent the money to Vincent. Theo was very protective of Vincent knowing he had mental problems and took care of Vincent all his life. All of his paintings went to his brother Theo who tragically died 6 months after Vincent. Theo's wife Jo realized the genius of his paintings and held onto the paintings. She had them framed and displayed them in her home. She promoted the paintings of Vincent for years and slowly sold them.

[@annpulbrook9033]

@@danielthompson6880 I thought officially, only 1 of Vincent’s paintings sold during his lifetime? Thank goodness for Theo, & the foresight of Theo’s wife. 🌟

[@legant66]

This song makes me think of My 28 yr old son who we lost to Suicide. I've grown up listening to this Great Track but of late it's just so poignant. If you're a Dad tell your Sons no MATTER WHAT it is tell them they can Always tell you. Stay safe & keep each other safe.

[@heatherbaker1430]

Omg, my deepest condolences. The pain of my dad's suicide was nearly unbearable, but I have no experience with the loss of a child. My heart aches for you, and my hope for you is that peace will finally come to you and yours. So, so sorry. 😞😢

[@legant66]

@@heatherbaker1430 Thanks Heather much appreciated.

[@syearty5621]

So very saddened by your loss

[@MrRukiddin]

@@heatherbaker1430 Hope, in time, you have peace.

[@roberttyran3813]

Really! My Dad wasn't around until I was a teenager, but I know he loved me and I did. Thank You! Bob.

[@rockinmom8919]

This is a beautiful and poetic tribute to Vincent Van Gogh, one of the greatest artists of all time! The way Don McClean “paints” Van Gogh’s art into this song is truly magical! The music itself is also so beautiful! Amazing song!!!

[@itsmedino]

Vincent Van Gogh one of the greatest artist the world has ever known. Unloved, mocked and ridiculed he died broke and alone, now his paintings are worth millions.

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

Never made any sense to me with work as stunning as his was, that he wasn't appreciated in his own time. Because teenage me in high school took one look at "Gypsy Caravan" and fell in love

[@tazjammer]

TY!

[@BartholomewSmutz]

@@angelika_munkastrap4634 His art was so different people didn't know what to make of it. I still don't, I'm more of a Vermeer guy.

[@redangel169]

His paintings took and take my breath away. Every single time.

[@MrBlurryFace1]

@@angelika_munkastrap4634 He was doing impressionism before it was really a concept. Realism(mostly Still Life) was all the hype during his time, people we're often confused or upset of his work because they didn't understand what he was conveying, at a time when nearly all other artists were painting simply what they saw in great detail, Vincent was painting what he saw but mixing his feelings/emotions into his work. maybe you already know all this by now but just clarifying a bit. also the 2019 movie At Eternities Gate with Willem Dafoe as Vincent would be a good one to watch.

[@Maria-ef5gq]

100% to Don McLean for song writing . POOR VINCENT .Once you have saw his paintings Starry starry night is so beautiful . Amazing colours . Don mentions it in the song . Please listen AGAIN . Once you have educated yourself on Vincent Van Goch . It will bring tears to your eyes or a lump in your throat . It doesn't mean the same until uou know Vincents story . ❤

[@jeffparcels2410]

Definitely one of the most beautifully-written songs I've ever heard. I think it is so cool and incredibly fitting that Don McLean painted a picture with his song, and gives us insight into the mind of what is termed as mental illness but may well reflect the inverse of a beautiful soul in a mad world.

[@faithnelson6069]

thank you for seeing and saying this.

[@garyneilson3075]

You just said a lot!

[@davidschmidbauer3930]

It’s almost criminal to listen to this masterpiece without knowing who it is about. No fault of Jay or Amber, but it’s critical to the song. There is a video floating around KZbin with this song and showing many of his paintings. I hope they check that out.

[@markhamilton5369]

Starry starry night

[@glynthomas6025]

They deliberately listen to every recording without background knowledge.

[@deborahstrickland9845]

I thought of that video. Maybe they'll revisit the song with the paintings video. It was nice to see McClean perform though.

[@lindalou6105]

One could also watch the movie with Kirk Douglas

[@dannydonnelly8345]

For years this song went right over my head I had no idea who it was about. I think I was about 13 when it came out it was probably 8 or 10 years after that that I realized he was referring to Vincent Van Gogh's Starry night painting.

[@armynurseboy]

"Vincent" is the famous painter Vincent Van Gogh. "Starry, Starry Night" is one of his most famous paintings. Much of the lyrics are describing some of his paintings. The heartbreak of the song is that most ground breaking artists are never understood or appreciated until after they are gone.

[@Starriddin]

Van Gogh wrote his brother “I put all my soul in my work, and I lost my mind.”

[@ellefitzpatrick6339]

Don Maclean… the man is a brilliant poet. Starry Night is my favourite Van Gough painting.

[@stephenw7443]

I think it is the world's favorite painting

[@ellefitzpatrick6339]

@@stephenw7443 I cannot speak for the world :)

[@phillipbarker4757]

It took science a century to catch up but Starry Starry Night captured the aerodynamics of wind perfectly. He was a genius in more ways than one. That must have been a very difficult life. No one understands what you’re trying to tell them.

[@silentcalling]

Hearing this feels like the lyrical equivalent of the scene in Dr Who, where Vincent is taken by the doctor to a museum displaying his art, and overhears what the curator thinks of him. I cry every time.

[@matthewkendall5235]

I thought of that very scene the first time I walked through Musee D'Orsay - very powerful and incredible song!

[@AnneMizrahi]

That is a beautiful scene indeed.

[@debraleesparks]

I’m a mentally, and physically disabled artist. This is my favorite song. True artists don’t paint what they see, we paint what we WANT to see.

[@dimmers76]

Hi Debra, have you seen "My Left foot" (1989) about Irish writer/painter Christy Brown who had cerebral palsy? It was also Daniel Day-Lewis' first Oscar, plus as a bonus if you search youtube for "my left foot" the whole movie is up.

[@mrfester42]

Well, in truth, we all see what we want to see anyway.

[@OriginalMergatroid]

I didn't know there was only one type of "true" artist.

[@debraleesparks]

@@OriginalMergatroid that’s because your not an artist. We also paint “normal” things, for people like you , because it’s sells so well. I know, I live just outside of Yosemite National Park, easy money ! If your want to see the artist’s soul, ask to see their private, personal paintings.

[@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344]

Garbage. A great artist suffers and must always suffer. There are few great artists. You seem too comfortable.

[@honestabe1940]

This song is only half as good if you don't know Van Gogh's story, and seen his art. Did a paper on him in college. He was a tortured and beautiful man! This song so captures him.

[@leaderstribunebyglowy7368]

You nailed it! They should have learned about Van Gogh's greatness before listening to this.

[@Burtifly]

Still a brilliant song regardless. The sentiment and message is true and heartfelt. Full of empathy and understanding for he knew the suffering through his own life.

[@liviofazi4017]

In a way it is good that people don't know. As you notice, the listeners were moved and touched. They also made a point of being more humble and human and passing that on to their children. Kindqa like Elton Johns song Daniel.....I really don't need to know the story behind it....I get to make it my own, and it moves me.

[@rostand5264]

3 ways to be touched by this. Listening to the song, sit with Van Gogh's work in Amsterdam silently, and watch Dr. Who episode about him. Either way, you will shed tears. There's a debate if he shot himself or if a town kid did and he protected him (or accepted the fate of what Van Gogh couldn't bring himself to do).

[@honestabe1940]

@@rostand5264 Amen: loved that Dr Who episode. Your right about the tears!

[@brianhancock4865]

Don McClean’s songwriting skills are the nothing shy of genius. He’s a true poet. And then when he gets up there and sings and plays his guitar - you wonder what planet he’s from! 😄 How can he be THAT good!

[@emanonfox1709]

Please google "Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh, so you see the painting that inspired the title of this song. But of course it was about Van Gogh's life and mental illness as well. Check out his Sunflowers and other paintings too.

[@danityvanityinsanity]

There’s a video on KZbin where you actually walk through a 3D rendering of his Starry Night painting.😱✨😃✨💖✨

[@theodoreritola9758]

The best story song PLEEEEEEASE React to the song WRECK OF THE EDMOUND FITZGEARLD By Gordon Light Foot ,, From 1975 , IT WILL make you cry so hard , BUUUUUT at the same time ,, YOU WILL Thank me , I PROMISE , Love your reactions , Have a great week

[@cherylann9781]

I have seen the painting in person at MOMA in New York City and was almost willing to go to jail to touch it. It was so beautiful it just drew me in. I managed to be a grown up though and just stared at it forever. The entire time Don McClean's song was running through my head.

[@dinodasbunce6224]

@@cherylann9781 I absolutely understand what you what you mean. For years I had seen many prints and photographs Van Gogh paintings and was not that impressed. While I was living in the Netherlands, my family and I, while visiting Amsterdam for the afternoon, decided to visit the Van Gogh museum. Wow, wow, wow, seeing the actual paintings took my breath away. For me, the difference between photos of his paintings and his actual paintings was like the difference between an ice cream cup and a glorious banana split. Or like the difference between night and day, but how tired and overused is that colloquialism. Experiencing those painting that day changed my life in a small but significant way.

[@emanonfox1709]

@@cherylann9781 I was lucky enough to visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam a few times, and I just recently found out that there is a 7 part virtual tour of the museum here on YT. Just search for Van Gogh Museum Virtual Tour.

[@chrisphillips6249]

Vincent Van Gogh took his life in 1890 at 37 years old after years of depression and poverty. He expressed himself through his paintings. One of his most famous is titled "Starry Night"

[@pattygault3848]

Along with Vincent Van Gogh, Don McLean is an artist! You can feel the Van Gogh paintings with every pluck of the guitar strings and every note that comes from Don’s mouth! A true poet!

[@jameybartram]

This song is hauntingly beautiful and sad. During Van Gogh's life he was unknown but now he is probably the most famous artist of all time.

[@talltulip]

I saw a Van Gogh painting in person once. Prior to that, I'd only seen his painting in art books. The painting was called "Sunflowers, Fourth Version." It was mesmerizing! It looked SO different from the photos I'd seen in books. In person, I could see that he used thick gobs of paint, and then pushed his paintbrush hard into the canvas, forming peaks and valleys in the blobs of paint, thereby creating three-dimensional petals and leaves. It was beautiful in a way, but also startling. Through the brushstrokes that live on that canvas I could feel Van Gogh's passion, anguish, and even violence. It was an unforgettable experience. If you'd like to watch a movie about his life, watch Lust For Life, made in 1956, starring Kirk Douglas as Vincent. I don't know how accurate it is in terms of the actual facts of Van Gogh's life, but the film gives you a vivid sense of Vincent's tormented life. Kirk Douglas' portrayal was magnificent, earning him many awards, and practically giving him a nervous breakdown. Plus his resemblance to the real Van Gogh was astonishing.

[@KyleCowden]

Nothing is as awesome in image as it is in real life.

[@burrichgrrl57]

Benedict Cumberbatch did a heartbreaking performance of him although I can't remember the title. I know what you mean about seeing art in real life. When I actually saw Washington crossing the Delaware, not exactly the experience of seeing Van Gogh still, it was an image I'd seen a hundred times in books but I was gobsmacked. It's HUGE! Like a whole wall huge, lol!

[@talltulip]

@@burrichgrrl57 I looked it up. It's called Painted With Words. I have never heard of it before. So now I've added it to my watchlist. Thanks for the rec. Thanks for sharing your experience with "Washington Crossing..." Here's another art story from that same trip I took to London. We toured Buckingham Palace, and I learned that the Queen's art collection is vast. In one of the halls called the picture gallery, there was a Rembrandt painting called "The Shipbuilder and his Wife." It was so gorgeous (especially the flesh tones) that I couldn't tear myself away. I lagged behind all the others in the tour as the tourguide led the group down to the other end of the hall talking about the dozens of other paintings in the gallery. But I just kept standing there gazing at that amazing Rembrandt. The tourguide had to ask me several times to rejoin the group.

[@faeryedark]

I'm gonna look that up, thanks

[@genevievegelatto8447]

Yes. Also, Vincent and Theo, with Tim Roth.

[@bobmcnelis3648]

As a 68 year old man who has had a loved one take her own life, this song has always, and still brings tears to my eyes. Suicide doesn’t take away the pain, it just transfers it to others! Reach Out!

[@Cheryltwin2012]

Touching song about tortured artist Vincent Van Gogh, who actually did paint a picture called "The Starry Night". He was poor most of his life, but Mclean, like a true troubador, gets to the heart of the matter with the line "weathered faces lined in pain are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand." Mclean's vocals are soothing here, different from the more raucus "American Pie". Great that you mentioned that a guy with a guitar can take a place over. He just had one of those voices!

[@dorothyparkerglasses]

I get that for some of us who know the song and it’s references it might be disappointing that Jay and Amber didn’t. But the absolute purity of their beautiful reactions to McLean’s voice, guitar, lyrics and melody make me realize that a perfect song stands on its own. And on every level it reaches us. Whether we know why or not.

[@winstonsmith11]

It's just that the level of appreciation attainable for this work hinges on your knowledge of Van Gogh. His work, and his life. Without that, it's just pretty noise. Albeit, very pretty noise. But still, it lacks the depth that makes this song what it is.

[@Cottoncandyunderworld]

So very, very well said. This song inspired me to study Van Gogh. Yes it can stand on it's own but how poignant when you actually know the backstory. Great comment, I like it when a reply tells me this person truly gets it.

[@donjenkins3861]

He wrote about Vincent Van Gough. An artist who was in love with a lady, who didn't love him back. He actually cut off a piece of his ear to prove to her how much he loved her. But eventually he committed suicide. He never sold a piece of his art until he died. Now his art is worth Millions! 🤔🤗😎

[@xXTheoLinuxXx]

Van Gogh ;) He was Dutch.

[@thomasflynn5366]

There is speculation that perhaps Paul Gouguin cut off Van Gogh's ear during an argument.

[@daningram9797]

@@thomasflynn5366 Letters between Vincent and his brother Theo show he cut his ear off himself but it was because of an argument he had with the artist Gaugin who Vincent’s brother Theo had arranged to live with Vincent do some time.

[@xXTheoLinuxXx]

@@thomasflynn5366 the story goes that he wasn't exactly on good terms with Paul and that he cut off his ear had something to do with that situation and the influence of Absynth. Absynth was a huge troublemaker and not long after that it was forbidden for more than 100 years in The Netherlands.

[@thomasflynn5366]

@@daningram9797 a documentary that i watched recently said it is believed that he may have made up the story of cutting it off himself.

[@elysehfm8797]

Don McLean, "American Pie" is standard.

[@april6058]

Watch the same concert when he sings American Pie- great song!!

[@you2449]

whoa - - never realized that was the same singer/writer. But hearing it now in my head - - it's the exact same voice! Wow.

[@davidschmidbauer3930]

Actually, this is the standard. American Pie is his best selling song.

[@BrendaBodwin]

I hope they dont do American Pie. Its tooooooo looooooooong. 🤯

[@elysehfm8797]

@@BrendaBodwin OMG! Are you in a Clockwork Orange type situation? I'll send help!

[@Truthagainsttheworld8430]

One of my favorite songs of all time......

[@walterthomas6162]

I heard this song for the first time, sitting in Psych101 as a 19 year-old in 1985. While it played on the auditorium's speakers (there were over 1000 students in the course and it tool place in the largest auditorium on campus), the professor played a slideshow of Van Gogh's works, timed to match some of the lyrics ("reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue" and there was one of his self-portraits on the big screen). A life-changing moment for me. I had never studied art and didn't really know Van Gogh's art. Ever since then (nearly 40 years ago), he is still my favorite artist. This song by Don McLean is a beautiful match to Vincent's beautiful work, and the lyrics truly capture the pain and sadness he must have been going through.

[@honestabe1940]

AMEN BROTHER!

[@Rainydazed100]

I saw an amazing Van Gogh exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art years ago. His paintings were displayed in a way that tracked the progression of his psychosis. There was a large, recessed and dimly lit section one had to pass to leave the exhibit. Thinking the show was over, I headed straight for the exit, glanced to my left, and froze. On the far wall was one more Van Gogh self portrait, possibly his last. The only piece hanging in this large space, the perfectly lit portrait showed intense color and wild movement - insanity in motion! I was struck at once by grief and terror, believing I had glimpsed and briefly felt how this poor man, this genius, had suffered. I want to believe Vincent was able to momentarily transfer his pain to canvas, and into the eyes and souls of those daring to look at his image. After having him to myself for a full minute or more, I slowly stepped back, turned and headed for the exit again, hearing the gasps of visitors who had entered behind me.

[@nicolafroomes9838]

What beautiful words, I wish I had been able to have this experience, so descriptive. 🌹

[@user-zc8uq3hl6q]

Are you a writer bro? that was beautiful!!

[@elegantgypsyrose5328]

You painted an evocative picture of your experience. Thank you.

[@ruthlef]

My son would listen to this and sing along when he was about 5 years old and ever since he basically collected Van Gogh prints which he still has up in his room 12 years later. This song makes me cry every time I hear it.

[@shariwelch8760]

I've been listening to this song since the 70's and it still makes me cry. It's a part of why I went on to be an art historian.

[@waynedalton9979]

Me too.

[@honeybrown1997]

I always get still and quiet listening to this song. I don't want to miss anything.

[@billmarshall5040]

Beautiful Song! Deep! Don’s voice was always hauntingly beautiful! No gimmicks, just a voice and guitar hitting you right in the soul! ❤️❤️❤️

[@joankisloski6972]

The song is about a Dutch post-impressionist painter with deep depression. "Starry Night" was one of his paintings. At one point he cut off his left ear. He was born in 1853 & Died 1890

[@1SECRETBILLY]

He cut his ear off or a significant piece and was said to have handed it to a prostitute or perhaps girlfriend.

[@joankisloski6972]

@@1SECRETBILLY I had to read up on that. It's said Van Gogh cut off his left ear when tempers flared with Paul Gauguin, the artist with whom he had been working for a while in Arles. Van Gogh's illness revealed itself: he began to hallucinate and suffered attacks in which he lost consciousness. During one of these attacks, he used the knife.

[@aceldamia9114]

@@1SECRETBILLY Small clarification. The long-held belief that he sent it to a prostitute isn't true. He sent it to a maid named Gaby who worked at a brothel. Bernadette Murphy wrote a great book called Van Gogh's Ear that really goes into some great detail.

[@richh650]

Don Mclean was a genius in his music. His lyrics were so incredibly deep in his music.

[@EShelby2127]

"Killing Me Softly With His Song" was based on a poem about hearing Don Mclean.

[@joimeeker3174]

This song has much more impact since I went to a Van Gogh exhibit and learned about his tragic life. He lived many years in an institution for the mentally ill, while painting some of his most beautiful works. RIP Vincent. "THIS WORLD was never meant for one as beautiful as you".

[@jimboM32]

I'm shocked that nobody has mentioned that this was Tupac's favourite song and was playing in his hospital room when he died.

[@sometimeslyrical]

Tupac appreciated not just the music but the poetry of the song. Very sensitive, creative man.

[@googlefashists4986]

The sublime and the ridiculous

[@googlefashists4986]

Tupac is the ridiculous.

[@wyocowboynblue9011]

I did not know that, thank you for sharing.

[@juttapopp1869]

Who cares?

[@j0hnn13K]

Don wrote this song (as far as i know) after visiting an art museum or exposition and he saw Vincent van Gogh's painting "Sterren Nacht" (Starry Night). Maybe this is where he also heard the sad life story of Vincent and it became his inspiration to write one of his most beautiful songs ever. (Don was known to write beautiful songs only) So yes, this is Don's homage to Vincent van Gogh and its as beautiful and timeless as the painting "Starry Night" itself.

[@buddystewart2020]

Don McLean told The Daily Telegraph February 24, 2010 the story of this song: "In the autumn of 1970 I had a job singing in the school system, playing my guitar in classrooms. I was sitting on the veranda one morning, reading a biography of Van Gogh, and suddenly I knew I had to write a song arguing that he wasn't crazy. He had an illness and so did his brother Theo. This makes it different, in my mind, to the garden variety of 'crazy' - because he was rejected by a woman [as was commonly thought]. So I sat down with a print of Starry Night and wrote the lyrics out on a paper bag.

[@j0hnn13K]

@@buddystewart2020 Nice :D i did not know those details, all i knew is what i heard and that is what i wrote down. eventho not the same background, its a similar reasoning i'd say. Either way, Don created a masterpiece with this beautiful song :)

[@gmachineq]

“Faces lined in pain, a soothed benefit the artist’s loving hand” That line and knowing what I’ve learned about who he painted and how incredibly lonely he was, gives me a lump in my throat every single time.

[@kathieovercash8414]

Always makes me cry.

[@allisonB123]

Don McLean is a poet, a lyrical genius…his songs are so perfectly crafted, so intricate and full of imagery… Yes, this is about a Vincent Van Gogh 🙏🥰

[@roykliffen9674]

A Troubadour (^_^)

[@jimangela4589]

I never really thought much of Vincent Van Gogh. Then I went to Philly when his work was on display at the Museum Of Art. The original paintings are breathtaking. Pictures just cannot capture the dimension and depth and the color. What a tortured soul.

[@dawnrobbins5877]

The lyrics are a perfect example of a true poet vs some who rhymes words. I only know a handful of artists who have this gift. Vincent is a masterpiece.

[@JennyJohn50]

Vincent Van Gogh was a painter, very famous who's art was amazing. He suffered with mental illness and before taking his life, he cut off his ear and sent it to his lover. Tragically sad, and the beauty he still found in the world & shared in his paintings is amazing. Thanks for all your love, light & positivity. We have mental illness that runs in our family also, and we've had a suicide every generation since my great grandfather. Peace and love friends. Namaste

[@garyneilson3075]

"hold fast"! (1Thess.5 :21)

[@vonbass1300]

I'm going to nerd out but, I can't hear this song without thinking of the Dr Who episode where he takes Vincent Van Gogh to the future to the museum and how important his paintings are now.

[@pleasantvalleypickerca7681]

The most beautiful tribute to one of the world's greatest visual artists! Vincent created masterpieces and so did Don with this song!

[@emelle9705]

The world as the two artist see it is perfectly United in this song. I’m always reminded of the often crippling terror of opening up that vulnerable place inside of you juxtaposed the beauty of a childlike hope that maybe just one person will understand what you’re trying to whisper. So you share who you are in spite of the madness and the chaos inside you and you’re unsuccessful in finding a place in the world. Vincent VanGogh was deeply affected by his mind in both incredible and frightening ways as so many artists are but he lived in a time when illness within the mind was barely understood. The story of Vincent VanGogh is such a tragically beautiful story of unconditional familial love and support even in the face of devastating and often crippling madness. Everyone knows the name of Vincent VanGogh, most people would even recognize his art but what is difficult to put into words is what it’s like to stand before the paintings in chronological order and see, in the very brush strokes, the use of color, just the sheer volume of paint he used, watch his mind and his decent into a place where he no longer could return. His brother and sister-in-law were his greatest champions and even after losing both brothers, she carefully curated Vincent’s paintings and chronicled his mental journey as it was interpreted in his art. Don McClean’s lyrical ode is no less beautiful and tragic than the friend he is talking to. The intimacy of the words are like a eulogy from a friend but they are also taking a journey through VanGogh’s artistic catalogue. It’s not just a song and but just a bunch of random paintings. Both are the story of every single one of us; the desire to be deeply loved and understood by another soul. The only thing unusual is these two men are separated by decades, never met, but somehow managed to understood one another’s search for connection and acceptance.

[@painetdldy]

one of the most beautiful and saddest songs ever

[@ericbogerd5306]

One of the best descriptions of Vincent Van Gogh i've ever heard was this: "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." I recently had a chance to see some of his original works in Detroit, and pictures in books and prints don't really do them justice. The way he painted was almost three dimensional, with a mixture of thick, heavy brushstrokes and much smoother applications that gives a dynamic feeling, like you can imagine not only what he saw but what he FELT as he painted. It has inspired me to track down other galleries with authentic works so I can make sure to schedule time to see them if I travel nearby.

[@vanessalore9942]

I’m always excited to see how many people mention Doctor Who on these videos. Truly an impactful episode.

[@ericbogerd5306]

@@vanessalore9942 Honestly, while I've been a fan since Tom Baker, my two favorite episodes are Vincent and the Doctor with Matt Smith and Blink with David Tennant. Blink was just amazing all around, but Vincent made me cry (in a good way).

[@dsfddsgh]

Amazing how he can write a song about someone he never knew and make it as intimate as this was. One of the best written songs of all time for sure.

[@jakesmith5278]

One of the greatest songs ever written.

[@inchristalone4539]

This is the one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard! God bless you Vincent! so so sad

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

Don has such a pure, clean gorgeous voice. Just stellar.

[@shawnsnow2655]

This is my favorite of Don McLean's. But definitely "American Pie" is his best known...and i almost guarantee you heard it before somewhere lol.

[@looneygardener]

My favourite too

[@tinaneirouz1464]

Mine also. Makes me cry every time.

[@denised.9500]

Every time -- EVERY TIME -- I hear "The world was never meant for one as beautiful as you," I cry. I'm crying now. I've probably listened to this song hundreds of times. It captures what it feels like to be hopeless and feel like you don'[t fit in.

[@user-lq3dj3eo8k]

I cry when I hear this song, such a soulful tribute to one of the world's most beloved artist. Thanks for posting.

[@emiliarodriguez1364]

This was Tupac's favorite song and was played in his hospital room as he lay dying. Vincent Van Gogh in his time was brilliant but misunderstood. His paintings are regarded as masterpieces. Starry Night is his most famous. You should really react to "Starry Starry Night" with lyrics. It is an experience like no other and it always leaves me in tears. It's so hauntingly breathtakingly beautiful and visually stunning. Thank you. Remain Blessed. Namaste.

[@SCVIndy]

Thankfully these great artists like Don are being discovered by younger people ..

[@clarestewart877]

I love this song and Don’s voice. Sheer poetry set to music 👏🏻👏🏻

[@Edward-Ballroom]

This whole album is amazing! it's like listening to Bob Ross painting

[@doloresbellini6452]

There's a movie called "Loving Vincent" about Van Gogh. It is the only movie animated by oil paintings. 120 artists were commissioned to paint in the style of Van Gogh to make it. It's amazing.

[@kimhesketh2016]

I was just going to suggest the same thing. That movie is amazing and incredibly unique.

[@CharCanuck14]

I thought of the very same thing too. That film blew me away!

[@elizabethyow2232]

Love this movie

[@AlabasterJazz]

If it's too soft for you, NOFX did a cover of it

[@georgemccormick4786]

One more academy award fails. Cried from 3 minutes in.

[@KetsuekiRose]

Oh bless you. *hug* I could see Amber just crumple when that line hit. Yes, great, powerful, but deeply emotional song! I lost my little brother to suicide 2 years ago. Knowing there is hope in connection, beauty, healing and humanity is so important! Love to your family, thank you for today!

[@kevinwalters6907]

He has an enduring rock staple and he has this ..............................that is a beautiful work of art.

[@lyndastanek7240]

This is the first time I have ever heard this song as well. Absolutely beautiful!

[@rachelharrison7961]

This song is an art appreciation lecture set to music.

[@simonweedy4683]

It's beautiful and tragic in equal measure. I grew up in the UK listening to this, as my parents had the vinyl single. And now, decades later, I live in Breda, The Netherlands, and Vincent van Gogh grew up in a village called Zundert, just a few miles away. There are little reminders about him all over the countryside here, for instance a cycle route named after him, and various houses and buildings where members of his family lived or visited. Few songs can bring a tear to the eye like Vincent.

[@beesnestna9544]

Ahhh yes, Don's tribute song to the artist Vincent van Gogh (1853 to 1890 RIP). Truly a profound song viewed from a perspective that not many are capable of, or are afraid to invoke. Definitely a masterpiece of art in itself. Peace & Love🥺🕊❤

[@casperwallace9685]

Stunning then and now......CLASSIC.

[@carolgarten-long7878]

This song is about the artist Vincent Van Go ( sp ). Read up on him. Sad life whose art was never recognized until after his death…..

[@GrumpyOldGuyPlaysGames]

Van Gogh.

[@tyroneloki5131]

didnt know vincent was Chinese lol

[@shanenolan8252]

Apparently his art is now the most valuable in the world one of his paintings broke the record sale at auction

[@JKTritt]

@@tyroneloki5131 Dutch

[@CharCanuck14]

Dutch pronunciation....at least in and around Rotterdam....sounds like Fan Gauwk. Seems like most other non-Dutch say Van Go.

[@jmjschoharielg2563]

You folks ROCK...! Not knowing this is about Vincent Van Gogh,his life story or his paintings, you still were affected in the right ways for all the right reasons. I love your unfamiliarity and honest, heart felt thoughts & reactions,! I love your hearts... James 💖 Afterthought... Check out the Doctor Who TV episode where they bring Vincent to the future to see he was eventually appreciated beyond his belief. That episode tears me up, every time! 💖

[@TheMaraki2]

Even thinking about that episode tears me up.

[@wtimmins]

God. That episode. yeah

[@gl2996]

Which doctor was that? Frankly, it makes no sense. Vincent killed himself. If the doctor had taken him to the future and shown him his future success, and then returned him to the past, he would likely not have killed himself. You can't mess with history by introducing an element that makes no contextual sense.

[@wtimmins]

Check it on KZbin. And I don't think you understand clinical depression.

[@selina9091]

I can't even deal with the Dr. Who clip ! I cry every time. Poor Vincent.

[@timpike4515]

This song is about my favorite painter and mentions my favorite painting. It is a good reminder to always be kind and "love thy neighbor." Y'all always make me smile! God bless!

[@daveharris2568]

My wife and I watched this video and loved your comments. What would be great is to see how you feel after you find out what songs like this mean to the songwriter. Don McLean is a true poet and he writes about what hits home to him in his heart and it shows through in his voice and lyrics. You two are such a blessing to my wife and I. Your hearts are special!

[@emteemac]

Definately a storyteller. And his songs often are deep and cryptic. American Pie, you could spend some time figuring that one out. And a song ABOUT him was later performed by Roberta Flack "Killing Me Softly" The song was written by someone else but was about his song "Empty Chairs." And I didn't know that until recently!

[@catofthecastle1681]

Stop lying please! Killing me softly was not written about Don! She thought about him while singing but someone else wrote this without even giving home a thought!

[@razorback9926]

@@catofthecastle1681 Lori Lieberman, who wrote it, says it was about “Empty Chairs” which moved her at his concert. It is not in dispute. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_Me_Softly_with_His_Song

[@SuperVonKiller]

Thank you, now I know...

[@DavidBrianPaley]

@@catofthecastle1681 No one is lying. Lieberman has confirmed many times that she was inspired my Don McLean's performance when she penned the original notes that became Killing Me Softly. Those notes were written on a cocktail napkin.

[@RicardoJoseReza]

The only other singer as criptic (To me) with lyrics as intelligent as McLean's is Silvio Rodriguez.

[@meredithchandler73]

"American Pie" is Don McLean's more famous song (and also a classic), but this song is my favorite. So beautiful.

[@bernadettebento1419]

An absolute masterpiece. I'm disappointed you don't know whom this was about, but my favorite line of that song is weathered faces lined in pain, are soothed beneath the artists' loving hand.

[@marylhere]

Have you seen the montage of his paintings with this song in the background. On you tube. There is a traveling light show that I could have spent all day. This song was played along with others.

[@MrMakhitta]

What is your interpretation of: The silver thorn of bloody rose Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow Think of resemblence between a rose bottom and the shape of an ear, and the silver thorn and knife.. From there it should be fairly straight forward..

[@scottdonohue3379]

A fitting tribute from one TRUE ARTIST to another. As good a painter as Vincent Van Gogh was Don McClean is definitely his equal painting a picture with music and his words.

[@juliehanns802]

Don McLean- a singing poet- absolutely beautiful.

[@rickcain4736]

American Pie is his more famous song...an epic

[@lauriesandt5371]

If it's on the car radio I must stay in the car until it's over before I get out☺️🔥

[@steveandme63]

This is my preference of the 2

[@michelleortega1514]

Yes its great

[@martyslazenger935]

It's a little obscure if you don't know the references--which they don't.

[@mikeharris3733]

@@martyslazenger935 that's what we're here for.

[@secondchance6603]

A guy with a guitar, such a beautiful song.

[@donnagonatas3155]

If you appreciate this then you must watch James Taylor either You've got a friend or fire and rain. This song is about Vincent Van Gogh and his painting starry night ✌❤

[@jamesgodwin868]

That painting's value is estimated at over $100 million...

[@catofthecastle1681]

Starry night is the name we’ve given to the painting, many of his works are mentioned!

[@jeanettesmith765]

and his other paintings.

[@2869may]

Lots of James Taylor...!

[@wordswritteninred7171]

Fire and rain reminds me of my grandma. My top fav of my life. Beautiful song

[@endorphinzz]

I fucking love this song....however, I always feel it's much, much better to first listen to the studio version of songs before listening to the live versions. For this song in particular, there is a subtle-yet-powerful string instrumentation that comes in during the last verse and chorus that adds a beautiful melancholy to the song that is missing from the live version.

[@elframo]

My mother made a recording of my brother and I singing this to her in the early 70s… 40 years later we played it at her funeral ,

[@suebeawho6537]

That is a beautiful tribute to your mother ☺️❤️

[@jessicakellerart4268]

Vincent Van Gogh is my favorite artist. I adore him. I cry every time I hear this song.

[@markthegunplumber8376]

Ok. Now you have to listen to Roberta Flack sing "Killing Me Softly" writen by Lori Lieberman after she saw Don McLean in concert. You've listened to Don now you have to listen to the other song written about him.

[@nightthornkvala94132]

One of the loveliest songs I've ever heard. Another one that brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.

[@leslie3765]

His love and understanding of one of his favorite artists, Vincent Van Gogh. He is one of my favorite artist. ♥️

[@oriolesandravens]

I love how you are reaching out to those who are suffering mentally/emotionally/spiritually.

[@anitaireland2731]

It's about Vincent Van Gogh a tortured soul as some often are . He sadly took his own life .

[@RobSquadReactions]

Wow thank you so much for the info

[@craigdoriety9798]

This song came out when I was only 10 and I remember listening to it at night on the radio. I didn't know at the time that it was about Van Gogh but it painted such a vivid picture in my mind and became one of my favorite songs. I even have a large copy of his painting The Starry Night hanging in my house.