I was a limo driver in the 90's and drove Don M. and his daughter from hotel bel-aire to the L.A. zoo and back. He and his daughter were singing and harmonizing along the way. He stopped and said" I hope we're not bothering you". I said " it sounds like the radio". A very nice gentleman,and he tipped me 50 bucks!
He captures the tortured life of Vincent Van Goth with such passion, his crippling depression and mental illness, Vincent heard voices, I believe that's what Don meant when he said "you tried to set them free" He was speaking of The Voices, he mentions his paintings, sadly Vincent took his own life at age 32, he shot himself, and it took him 3 days to die, it breaks my heart to think of the pain he went through, I love Vincent...💔
Vincent sold only one painting in his entire life, but he was so ahead of his time as an artist. His paintings contained so much passion in the way he attacked the canvas with broad strokes. I had the pleasure of seeing an exhibition in Melbourne, Australia a few years ago and it was magic. This song is lyrically perfect. I've always loved it.
and the one painting was sold the year he killed himself. Also, his brother helped support him financially and encouraged him to keep painting....think about that, supporting a brother for 9+ years as a painter who has not sold a single painting. That says something about his brother's faith in him.
@@drdr76 I really know nothing about Vincent or his brother, but it's possible his brother recognized Vincent was too mentally disturbed to hold down a normal job, but encouraged him in painting to give him an outlet to express himself and feel productive. He might have hoped Vincent's passion for painting would give him a reason to live. Whatever the reason, what a great brother! ❤
Vincent selling only one painting is a myth. One of his uncles, Cent (Vincent van Gogh, who Vincent was named after and who employed Vincent and his brother Theo in the art dealership, Goupil and Cie, that he was apartner in) bought some of his early paintings, long before his Post-Impressionist works, to improve his financial situation. The art dealer Julien Tanguy bought more than one painting from an exhibition in Paris in 1887. Too many people only know of the colourful works of his last few years, which are not his entire career. He painted darker, sombre works for more years than the colourful examples that his fame rests upon.
IKR and are you some kind of major art fan, like you spend your weekends observing paintings on a wall? I bet not. But Van Gogh is so OBVIOUS and it’s almost flabbergasting no one got it while he was alive.
Beautiful reaction, Britt. Probably the most perceptive one I have seen from a reactor. It makes such a difference when the reactor knows what she is hearing. Keep up the fabulous work. Here's to your next one. 🙏😊💜
Agreed. I’ve become a sucker for reaction videos but watching an intelligent response far outweighs those who just bop their heads and say “That was crazy…!”.
I bought the album many years ago for American Pie and as a result discovered Buddy Holly. But the song I kept coming back to was Vincent. I have never heard pain so eloquently described.
Don McClean has such a pure heart. The record industry tried to force him to go in the direction they wanted. But he stood strong. Thank God he did. His song American pie had it's 50th anniversary. He asked Home Free to do the song with him. It turned out beautifully. Don's voice is still beautiful
Don is a legend in music. His most famous song is American Pie, no not anything to do with the movies of the same name. HIs songs are very poetic. For the 50th anniversary of American Pie he asked Home Free to do a collaboration on it, which is one of their best, Don still has a great voice all these years later, he sang a verse, each of the Home Free guys sang a verse, and poor Adam Rupp nearly passed out from the vocal percussion because the song is something like 8 minutes long, and still was an iconic radio song. American Pie is about the deaths of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens in the plane crash. This song is about Vincent Van Gogh.
It starts with the deaths of Buddy, Richie, and the Big Bopper. But it makes its way up through Altamont. (My opinion. I know people who were sad when they thought it was just a "fun" song)
I'm still convinced that the song American Pie, was a political polemic against US imperialism and the political assasination culture of the time, lightly concealed as a lament for some musicians. In an interview, he refused to comment either way, apparently still concerned with backlash. When asked what the song means, his reply was "it means ill never go hungry again".
He raised the roof in a small Dorset town, when he sang this as his encore, even more so than American Pie. This was a couple of years pre-Covid, and the last big name we saw. Voice was still perfect in every way.
After seeing Don, Lori Leiberman penned the lyrics (along with Norman Gilman) to "Killing Me Softly" Lori had a minor hit with it but was made famous by Roberta Flack.
THIS is what I want when I watch reaction videos! Your deep understanding and connection to this majestic and beautiful masterpiece left me so fulfilled! That moment when Vincent takes his life left you shook. Thank you.
There was a documentary on Pac that basically started my journey down the folk music rabbit hole. It included 'Vincent', but also 'All That You Have Is Your Soul', which RAPIDLY became my favorite Tracy Chapman song. Pac was a fucking master student of poetic songwriting.
People forget that Tupac went to a prestigious preforming arts high school. He was not the hardcore gangsta everyone thinks he was. He was a poet, and loved art of any kind. He was a intellectual. He loved any legitimate artistry!!!
Maybe so. But consider that the artist endures that which he must for mastery of soul. We all go through these struggles, often in silent desperation. It has been called grist for the mill. We live, and die, and live again, until it is finished, grinding out our eternal perfection. Kriya gets to the heart of it and smoothes the process.
Don was on Mike Douglas's show back in the day. He told how he read the bio on Van Gogh, he finished while on a plane to Europe. He was so touched he wrote this song while he finished his trip.
Absolute poetry!! I was 14 when this song was released in 1972. I loved it on first hearing and the now 64 year old loves it just as much. So beautiful! Great reaction Britt!! Thank you!! Sending warmest wishes from the UK.
i can't hear this without crying. i'm 67 and an artist. as a teenager, i felt such a strong connection with Van Gogh, because i suffered abuse and had so much pain. i ended up in mental hospital, where my doctor told me that he didn't believe that there was anything wrong with me and that i was just an emotional blackmailer. much mental illness, in men, was just seen as bad behaviour. even a serious breakdown, was seen as just a tantrum. so , back in the 70s, things hadn't really advanced much, since Van Gogh's time. i knew that if i was to get better, i had to be my own doctor, my own therapist. so, hearing this song, is still very hard, for me. i'm still very glad you reacted it, though. i regard it a great privilege to hear it. it's as great a work of art as one of Van Gogh's painting, IMO.
I loved this song before I knew who Vincent Van Gogh was, then I looked up Van Gogh in my world book encyclopedias and I fell in love with his art work, his art work is so full of passionate colors for a world that didn't have much beauty in it and he just wanted to bring joy into people's lives with his paintings, and he a passion for painting, he had to do it and do it the way he felt most passionate about, true artist in any field that are ahead of their time or that are needed for their times are always overlooked and pushed to the side especially if they have a message that goes against the times in which they live, I too cry everytime I hear this song, Don is a legend, with words painting a picture, and it seems like his music deals with death and things coming to an end, not totally sure about that because I have not listened to all his songs 🙏
He cared about people. Van Gogh went to the UK and documented the conditions of the industrial working classes in his art. Beauty and suffering: why I love his art so much.
One of Van Gogh most recognized painting is "Starry Night". I was fortunate to see Don Mclean at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA back in 1971 singing this song and American Pie. The Troubadour was a hot spot for performers and just about everyone performed there: The Byrds, Joni Mitchell, Gordan Lightfoot, James Taylor, The Eagles, Neil Diamond, Carly Simon and so many more. It truly was a golden age of music.
You have a beautiful understanding of great lyrics and melodies...its great to see a younger generation appreciate good music the way u do....i wish you continued success in the future
The episode of "Vincent and the Doctor" that was part of the Doctor Who sci-fi series should be watched by everyone who loves art or who has listened to and appreciated this beautiful song by Don McLean! Incredible, subtle in its drama, and so poignant. Stellar acting through the whole thing!
I saw a version of this that showed Van Gogh's paintings one after the other. Each painting describes a different verse of the song. Beautiful and eye opening.
Don is 77 years old and still touring. I saw him in concert last year. Other underrated songs of his that you should check out are Empty Chairs and And I Love You So.
I can hear someone else singing And I Love You So in my head - definitely not the understated style of Don McLean. But, I'm not surprised to find out that it's his: it has his characteristic mix of beauty and sadness. McLean turned poignancy into a fine art.
Beautiful, beautiful song. You can never look at Vincent's art the same way after listening to it. It is said that it was Tupac's favorite song. One of the greatest portrayals of Van Gough was actually in an episode of Dr. Who. Kirk Douglas also played him in a great movie.
Vincent and the Doctor was one of the best episodes and, I agree, a wonderful portrayal of Van Gogh. It was written by Richard Curtis (of Blackadder fame, oh and the odd rom-com box office hit).
His "American Pie" is an American musical history lesson. After listening, you will have to research all the references in the song. It has to be on everyone's list of Greatest Songs of All Time.
This has got to be the most beautiful reaction video you've made so far. I love "Vincent" by Don McLean. One of the loveliest and most pain ful songs ever made.
Your reactions are so insightful, heartfelt and compassionate. You are a beautiful lady, inside and out and I enjoy your reactions to all these songs of different genres and time periods. Many blessings to you. Keep up your amazing reactions. ❤
I saw Van Gogh's, Starry Night Over the Rhône at the Musée d'Orsay, in Paris France March 2023. 🤗 Now in can die... Well, I wanna see the one in New York City too. 😕.
Don McLean was a great song writer, bordering on poetic genius. "American Pie" and "Vincent" are classics and are still marveled all these years later.
Vincent is a lyrical masterpiece and Don Mclean is a brilliant song writer. His recent A cappella remake and collab with Home Free on his iconic #1 hit, America Pie is as good as his original 50 years later. His voice at 75 is as good as when he was 25. It is a complete joy to watch the video, and the harmonies are just unmatchable.
This is quite simply one of the prettiest songs ever. I was fortunate to see him perform it live on Michigan State Univ’s campus sometime in spring 1979. You did a beautiful job describing the song, song writing, and his performance. Thank you, Britt.
I love Vincent. He was one hell of an artist and he was such a gentle soul and misunderstood by everyone. He was a beautiful soul and the world wasn't ready for him. RIP, Vincent. I wish I could tell him how much he means to so many people, including me. Vincent, wherever you are, you struck a cord deep in my soul and other people's soul. You inspired me to paint.
People theorize Vincent had a medical condition called Trigeminal Neuralgia. It’s a very painful condition affecting the facial nerves referred to as the “***cide Disease”. I have it too. This song means a lot to me. Your response was lovely. 💜
I've loved this song since I was a kid. My other 2 favorites are Castles in the Air and American Pie from him. Even 2pac was influenced from Don McLean. I heard it in a documentary once that I own on VHS.
I've heard this song a million times in my life , Not once have I not cried ! Don has another beautiful song called "Castles in the air " ... Almost all his songs are somewhat emotional ! He wrote American pie for Buddy Holly, Richie V. and the big Bopper !
I was nervous going into this reaction as I was worried that the full impact wouldn’t be felt as hard without knowing who it was about. I’m so happy you got it straight away. My favourite part was you describing Don’s voice as “a gondola ride”. That was as eloquent as Don himself. Wonderful song - extremely satisfying reaction. Great stuff 😊
I love watching you discover songs that meant so much to me growing up. I remember first hearing this song, and feeling it's sadness, but at the time, I was too young to know who Vincent was. As I got older, the song faded into background music to me. I still loved it, but I still didn't know what it meant. And then one day, I was listening, and it dawned on me who Vincent was. Suddenly it had whole new and deeper meaning to me.
This song always makes me cry, such a great song! Love your reaction to it Britt, the best reaction to this song I've seen since you actually get it and see how beautiful it is.
Great reaction! I really love how you are always so positive about the songs and you react too. I'm also impressed by your wide range of knowledge on so many things, like Vincent van Gogh.
I saw this amazing performer here in Aus in the early 90s. OMG...... On stage, alone with his guitar. He humbly sat stage right, not in the middle. 2000 people in the Melbourne concert hall sat quiet and still as he cast his magical spell over us. One man with a guitar. that is talent. that is Don.
There was a few years back a film made about Van Gogh, illustrated entirely in oil paints. Not cell animation, not computer generated animation. Literally every. single. frame. of the film was an oil painting, done in Vincent's style. Took an army of artists a helluva long time to make, but it's a thing of beauty. "Loving Vincent" 2017. The Doctor Who episode featuring Vincent Van Gogh is truly beautiful, very emotional. Don McLean is awesome. The "American Pie" album is wonderful. "Vincent" was released in 1971; I can't say for sure when this video was recorded, but it can't have been long after the song's release
The tears are flowing....I am 65 years old and discovering Vincent when I was a child, set me on a path of artistic pursuit for my entire life, the existence of the humble painter is indeed difficult pleasure. God bless you Vincent...this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.
OMG!!!! U GET IT!!!! This song brings tears to my eyes Everytime Iisten to it, and now your reaction is just moving me to a river of tears on top of it.
In my experience, any way that you can engage with Van Gogh will enrich your life and break your heart. Biopic films, his letters with his brother or Gaugin, obviously his paintings, really any way to get to know him. This song always makes me cry, but so do Vincent's paintings. I love this song. Thank you for sharing your reaction with us.
This is one of my favorite Don Mclean songs. I always loved Van Goghs art and I do have a copy of the picture Starry Starry Night on my wall. I did go see the Van Gogh exhibit in Vegas and it was amazing.
I’m 67 years old and I remember when I first heard this on the radio. It moved me to tears then and it still so today. It is one of the most beautifully poetic and moving songs ever written in my humble opinion. It came out in 1971 and I was a 14 year old boy who knew from personal experience what mental illness does to people. My mother had struggles with her mental health and she died in a car wreck when I was 12. I have often wondered about that, because she was driving on her own and she hit a power pole, dying instantly (mercifully) when her head hit the rearview mirror stem. It’s not like this song brings back memories of her or anything, it’s just that I understood some of what Vincent’s battle must have been like.
One of the best pieces of music ever written. Pure Genius. One of Don's greatest gifts is the beautiful ability of story telling through his songs and style of singing and of course the deep & powerful lyrics. He is totally irreplaceable. Try reacting to American Pie which is indeed another work of art.
Very few artists--in fact, none that I can think of--match Don McLean with those three talents required for this performance: music, lyrics, and voice. Plus he accompanies himself on guitar. That's why he was my favorite from that era.
I've listened to this, song a million times but I still get teary eyed every time. The lyrics, the voice - tugs at your heartstrings (especially if you know what it's about)
Exactly. Not only is the song accurate to Van Gogh's story, it also manages to perfectly describe his paintings (there is a video that has his painting overlayed with the lyrics and the similarities are stunning), while perfectly capturing the emotions of suicide. As somone who lost a relatively close family member to suicide, the song always makes me shed a tear in its accuracy. If any other singer/songwriter besides Dylan is worthy of the Nobel Prize it is by far Don McLean. All of his songs are beautifully written and are pure poetry.
Fantastic, sensitive reaction Britt. Don Mclean is a poet who puts his poetry to beautiful music just like you described. I love watching your reactions because they are always intelligent, thoughtful and come straight from your heart. You are one of the most entertaining and enjoyable reactors to watch on You Tube. I always look forward to your next video!!
It would be so nice to sit with you and some of your other fans (over beverages) allowing you to hold court, while we discussed the songs and artists we all admire. I always smile when you acknowledge and appreciate the memorable musical artists where were around, before your time. Please notify me, when you prepare to hold that musical court!
Don McLean is an amazing artist. I bought several of his albums when they came out in the 70's, and they are full of beautiful, thought provoking songs that he wrote. His huge hit was "American Pie", an epic 7 minute song. I'm sure you have heard it, but if you haven't, you owe it to yourself to give it a listen. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Great reaction Britt. You never disappoint.
@Lawrence Powell... I know it hard to narrow it down to just two songs when there are so many beautiful songs out there I would add this 1972 song. "Time In A Bottle" Jim/James Croce If I could save time in a bottle The first thing that I'd like to do Is to save every day till eternity passes away Just to spend them with you If I could make days last forever If words could make wishes come true I'd save every day like a treasure and then Again, I would spend them with you But there never seems to be enough time To do the things you want to do, once you find them I've looked around enough to know That you're the one I want to go through time with If I had a box just for wishes And dreams that had never come true The box would be empty, except for the memory of how They were answered by you But there never seems to be enough time To do the things you want to do, once you find them I've looked around enough to know That you're the one I want to go through the time with
@@drewpall2598 you're right. A beautiful song. I remember when it came out and we were all blown away by it. Jim had an astounding body of work for such a short life. He's right up there with the very best for his song writing. His song 'Operator' would have to be right up there as the best song about longing for lost love.
Don was one of the great lyricists of our time. Empty Chairs, Winter Wood, American Pie, Castles in the Air, and his great song, Vincent. I read the biography of Vincent, and this song chokes me up each time.
The last line (But I could have told you Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you) always makes me cry. I had a friend by that name who killed himself at 22 so it always makes me think of him and how he felt misunderstood all of his young life.
Yes, it is about Van Gogh and after 50 years, this song still makes me cry.
Same here 🙏
Ditto. Where on the Gulf Coast are you? I’m from Biloxi/Ocean Springs. 🌎
Me as well. Every single time.
I'm 62 and I remember when this album came out. I had it on vinyl.
Me too😢
Goose bumps and tears, yes
The best line is : this world was not ever meant for one as beautiful as you.
That's not the line 😂
His brother bought most of his paintings but never told him. He did it to keep him afloat. How beautiful is that.
You're correct, but his sister in law basically dedicated her life to showing off his genius.
@@peacepeople9895 Thanks for the info!
I was a limo driver in the 90's and drove Don M. and his daughter from hotel bel-aire to the L.A. zoo and back. He and his daughter were singing and harmonizing along the way. He stopped and said" I hope we're not bothering you". I said " it sounds like the radio". A very nice gentleman,and he tipped me 50 bucks!
Thanks for sharing this story!🌹
He captures the tortured life of Vincent Van Goth with such passion, his crippling depression and mental illness, Vincent heard voices, I believe that's what Don meant when he said "you tried to set them free" He was speaking of The Voices, he mentions his paintings, sadly Vincent took his own life at age 32, he shot himself, and it took him 3 days to die, it breaks my heart to think of the pain he went through, I love Vincent...💔
One of the best songs ever written. Stunning masterpiece!
There's a video on YT somewhere where someone has set this song to images of Van Gogh's paintings. It's a beautiful video.
"This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you." that line gets me in the feels every time.
Exactly the same feeling. The line brought tears to my eyes.
Vincent sold only one painting in his entire life, but he was so ahead of his time as an artist. His paintings contained so much passion in the way he attacked the canvas with broad strokes. I had the pleasure of seeing an exhibition in Melbourne, Australia a few years ago and it was magic. This song is lyrically perfect. I've always loved it.
and the one painting was sold the year he killed himself. Also, his brother helped support him financially and encouraged him to keep painting....think about that, supporting a brother for 9+ years as a painter who has not sold a single painting. That says something about his brother's faith in him.
@@drdr76 I really know nothing about Vincent or his brother, but it's possible his brother recognized Vincent was too mentally disturbed to hold down a normal job, but encouraged him in painting to give him an outlet to express himself and feel productive. He might have hoped Vincent's passion for painting would give him a reason to live. Whatever the reason, what a great brother! ❤
Vincent selling only one painting is a myth. One of his uncles, Cent (Vincent van Gogh, who Vincent was named after and who employed Vincent and his brother Theo in the art dealership, Goupil and Cie, that he was apartner in) bought some of his early paintings, long before his Post-Impressionist works, to improve his financial situation. The art dealer Julien Tanguy bought more than one painting from an exhibition in Paris in 1887. Too many people only know of the colourful works of his last few years, which are not his entire career. He painted darker, sombre works for more years than the colourful examples that his fame rests upon.
IKR and are you some kind of major art fan, like you spend your weekends observing paintings on a wall? I bet not. But Van Gogh is so OBVIOUS and it’s almost flabbergasting no one got it while he was alive.
@@loadedorygun People did get it when he was alive, fellow artists and some art critics. Yes I am great of fan art.
Starry, Starry Night is one of Vincent's iconic/recognizable paintings.
Blazing flowers that Brightly Blaze, A Reference to his Sunflowers another Iconic Painting by Vincent.
One artist paints a musical masterpiece about a master artist using each word as a poetic brushstroke. Hauntingly beautiful and unforgettable.
Well said. That's A beautiful metaphor.
Yes, well said
yes. perfect description
Perfect thoughts and sentiments for a glorious song ..... Well said.
Beautiful reaction, Britt. Probably the most perceptive one I have seen from a reactor. It makes such a difference when the reactor knows what she is hearing. Keep up the fabulous work. Here's to your next one. 🙏😊💜
Agreed. I’ve become a sucker for reaction videos but watching an intelligent response far outweighs those who just bop their heads and say “That was crazy…!”.
I bought the album many years ago for American Pie and as a result discovered Buddy Holly.
But the song I kept coming back to was Vincent. I have never heard pain so eloquently described.
"pain so eloquently described",....very poetic and true!
bought the album as well. and still have it...
Also the Big Bopper, and Richie Valens.
Don McClean has such a pure heart. The record industry tried to force him to go in the direction they wanted. But he stood strong. Thank God he did. His song American pie had it's 50th anniversary. He asked Home Free to do the song with him. It turned out beautifully. Don's voice is still beautiful
Don is a legend in music. His most famous song is American Pie, no not anything to do with the movies of the same name. HIs songs are very poetic. For the 50th anniversary of American Pie he asked Home Free to do a collaboration on it, which is one of their best, Don still has a great voice all these years later, he sang a verse, each of the Home Free guys sang a verse, and poor Adam Rupp nearly passed out from the vocal percussion because the song is something like 8 minutes long, and still was an iconic radio song. American Pie is about the deaths of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens in the plane crash. This song is about Vincent Van Gogh.
It starts with the deaths of Buddy, Richie, and the Big Bopper. But it makes its way up through Altamont. (My opinion. I know people who were sad when they thought it was just a "fun" song)
I'm still convinced that the song American Pie, was a political polemic against US imperialism and the political assasination culture of the time, lightly concealed as a lament for some musicians. In an interview, he refused to comment either way, apparently still concerned with backlash. When asked what the song means, his reply was "it means ill never go hungry again".
He raised the roof in a small Dorset town, when he sang this as his encore, even more so than American Pie. This was a couple of years pre-Covid, and the last big name we saw. Voice was still perfect in every way.
and later today at 1pm Home Free & Don have made a new collaboration of this masterpiece
What a wonderful reaction you just nailed it so well done young lady .
This song has been bringing tears to my eyes since I first heard it over fifty years ago.
After seeing Don, Lori Leiberman penned the lyrics (along with Norman Gilman) to "Killing Me Softly" Lori had a minor hit with it but was made famous by Roberta Flack.
And then another hit in the 90s by Lauren Hill and the Fugees
The best thing there is to know about Lori Lieberman is that she wrote and sang "Great American Melting Pot" for Schoolhouse Rock
THIS is what I want when I watch reaction videos! Your deep understanding and connection to this majestic and beautiful masterpiece left me so fulfilled! That moment when Vincent takes his life left you shook. Thank you.
Fun fact - this song was Tupac's all-time favourite, and it was playing in his hospital room when he passed. Great song choice, and great reaction!
I just posted that same thing ! It revealed a side of Pac that I just didn’t expect at all. ❤
There was a documentary on Pac that basically started my journey down the folk music rabbit hole. It included 'Vincent', but also 'All That You Have Is Your Soul', which RAPIDLY became my favorite Tracy Chapman song. Pac was a fucking master student of poetic songwriting.
People forget that Tupac went to a prestigious preforming arts high school. He was not the hardcore gangsta everyone thinks he was. He was a poet, and loved art of any kind. He was a intellectual. He loved any legitimate artistry!!!
We need to start appreciating our artists while they're still alive
Maybe so. But consider that the artist endures that which he must for mastery of soul. We all go through these struggles, often in silent desperation. It has been called grist for the mill. We live, and die, and live again, until it is finished, grinding out our eternal perfection. Kriya gets to the heart of it and smoothes the process.
Don was on Mike Douglas's show back in the day. He told how he read the bio on Van Gogh, he finished while on a plane to Europe. He was so touched he wrote this song while he finished his trip.
Absolute poetry!! I was 14 when this song was released in 1972. I loved it on first hearing and the now 64 year old loves it just as much. So beautiful! Great reaction Britt!! Thank you!! Sending warmest wishes from the UK.
i can't hear this without crying. i'm 67 and an artist. as a teenager, i felt such a strong connection with Van Gogh, because i suffered abuse and had so much pain. i ended up in mental hospital, where my doctor told me that he didn't believe that there was anything wrong with me and that i was just an emotional blackmailer. much mental illness, in men, was just seen as bad behaviour. even a serious breakdown, was seen as just a tantrum. so , back in the 70s, things hadn't really advanced much, since Van Gogh's time. i knew that if i was to get better, i had to be my own doctor, my own therapist. so, hearing this song, is still very hard, for me. i'm still very glad you reacted it, though. i regard it a great privilege to hear it. it's as great a work of art as one of Van Gogh's painting, IMO.
I agree emphatically with your last sentence.
I loved this song before I knew who Vincent Van Gogh was, then I looked up Van Gogh in my world book encyclopedias and I fell in love with his art work, his art work is so full of passionate colors for a world that didn't have much beauty in it and he just wanted to bring joy into people's lives with his paintings, and he a passion for painting, he had to do it and do it the way he felt most passionate about, true artist in any field that are ahead of their time or that are needed for their times are always overlooked and pushed to the side especially if they have a message that goes against the times in which they live, I too cry everytime I hear this song, Don is a legend, with words painting a picture, and it seems like his music deals with death and things coming to an end, not totally sure about that because I have not listened to all his songs 🙏
He cared about people. Van Gogh went to the UK and documented the conditions of the industrial working classes in his art. Beauty and suffering: why I love his art so much.
One of Van Gogh most recognized painting is "Starry Night". I was fortunate to see Don Mclean at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA back in 1971 singing this song and American Pie. The Troubadour was a hot spot for performers and just about everyone performed there: The Byrds, Joni Mitchell, Gordan Lightfoot, James Taylor, The Eagles, Neil Diamond, Carly Simon and so many more. It truly was a golden age of music.
My favorite song of all time. Don McLean is a true genius.
This song always makes me cry. Poetry in song form.
You have a beautiful understanding of great lyrics and melodies...its great to see a younger generation appreciate good music the way u do....i wish you continued success in the future
The episode of "Vincent and the Doctor" that was part of the Doctor Who sci-fi series should be watched by everyone who loves art or who has listened to and appreciated this beautiful song by Don McLean! Incredible, subtle in its drama, and so poignant. Stellar acting through the whole thing!
That episode makes me cry as well
Vincent and the Doctor was extremely well done. I'd recommend it, even to people who aren't interested in Dr Who.
I was thinking the exact same. One of the best episodes ever
The only episode of Doctor Who that I've seen.
I literally ugly cry when they enter the museum.
It’s one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
I saw a version of this that showed Van Gogh's paintings one after the other. Each painting describes a different verse of the song. Beautiful and eye opening.
Don is 77 years old and still touring. I saw him in concert last year. Other underrated songs of his that you should check out are Empty Chairs and And I Love You So.
Agreed, also Winter Wood
Babylon is an impactful Don Mclean performance also. I prefer it live with the audience participating.
I can hear someone else singing And I Love You So in my head - definitely not the understated style of Don McLean. But, I'm not surprised to find out that it's his: it has his characteristic mix of beauty and sadness. McLean turned poignancy into a fine art.
@@miaschu8175 Perry Como also had a hit with it.
Beautiful, beautiful song. You can never look at Vincent's art the same way after listening to it. It is said that it was Tupac's favorite song. One of the greatest portrayals of Van Gough was actually in an episode of Dr. Who. Kirk Douglas also played him in a great movie.
Willem Dafoe did a wonderful job in the 2018 'At Eternity's Gate' about his final years in Arles. Deep.
The Dr. Who episode was the most poignant for me - I’ve watched since it started. It reminded me of Don’s song and vice versa.
Vincent and the Doctor was one of the best episodes and, I agree, a wonderful portrayal of Van Gogh. It was written by Richard Curtis (of Blackadder fame, oh and the odd rom-com box office hit).
His "American Pie" is an American musical history lesson. After listening, you will have to research all the references in the song. It has to be on everyone's list of Greatest Songs of All Time.
Yes please react to Don Mclean's song American Pie. It is a Music History lesson with all the references!
This has got to be the most beautiful reaction video you've made so far. I love "Vincent" by Don McLean. One of the loveliest and most pain ful songs ever made.
This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written in my opinion. Thank you foryour reaction.
Your reactions are so insightful, heartfelt and compassionate. You are a beautiful lady, inside and out and I enjoy your reactions to all these songs of different genres and time periods. Many blessings to you. Keep up your amazing reactions. ❤
I tear up every single time I hear this song. Exquisite is execution and flawless in depth.
I saw Van Gogh's, Starry Night Over the Rhône at the Musée d'Orsay, in Paris France March 2023. 🤗 Now in can die... Well, I wanna see the one in New York City too. 😕.
Don McLean was a great song writer, bordering on poetic genius. "American Pie" and "Vincent" are classics and are still marveled all these years later.
This is a piece of art for our ears. It makes me cry every time .
"Killingly Me Softly." The woman who wrote that song was inspired by a live performance by Don McLean.
This World was never meant for One as Beautiful as you.
beautiful reaction to a beautiful song. thank you
Vincent is a lyrical masterpiece and Don Mclean is a brilliant song writer. His recent A cappella remake and collab with Home Free on his iconic #1 hit, America Pie is as good as his original 50 years later. His voice at 75 is as good as when he was 25. It is a complete joy to watch the video, and the harmonies are just unmatchable.
This is such a beautiful song. There’s a video out that illustrates the songs with Vincent’s paintings, and it’s very beautiful.
Beautiful beautiful song. Excellent reaction. Ty. Hugs. Mark
This is quite simply one of the prettiest songs ever. I was fortunate to see him perform it live on Michigan State Univ’s campus sometime in spring 1979. You did a beautiful job describing the song, song writing, and his performance. Thank you, Britt.
One of the greatest songs ever written. What an artist.
This is one of my favorite songs ever. Such beautiful poetry in the lyrics, and such meaning.
The lyrics basically run through paintings of Van Gogh.
I love Vincent. He was one hell of an artist and he was such a gentle soul and misunderstood by everyone. He was a beautiful soul and the world wasn't ready for him. RIP, Vincent. I wish I could tell him how much he means to so many people, including me. Vincent, wherever you are, you struck a cord deep in my soul and other people's soul. You inspired me to paint.
People theorize Vincent had a medical condition called Trigeminal Neuralgia. It’s a very painful condition affecting the facial nerves referred to as the “***cide Disease”. I have it too. This song means a lot to me. Your response was lovely. 💜
Just imagine beingable to perform this masterpiece to this level, but to compose it as well? Amazing!
Omg, Britt, you have the most beautiful smile.
DON McLEANS VOICE SOOTHES MY SOUL .I CANT DESCRIBE IT ANY BETTER THAN THAT.
This is such a beautiful song. So sad, yet sweet. Thanks for such an insightful reaction.
I've loved this song since I was a kid. My other 2 favorites are Castles in the Air and American Pie from him. Even 2pac was influenced from Don McLean. I heard it in a documentary once that I own on VHS.
R.I.P. Vincent..Thanks For ALL You Gave Us...Gone But Definitely Not Forgotten.🙏♥️
I've heard this song a million times in my life , Not once have I not cried ! Don has another beautiful song called "Castles in the air " ... Almost all his songs are somewhat emotional ! He wrote American pie for Buddy Holly, Richie V. and the big Bopper !
I was nervous going into this reaction as I was worried that the full impact wouldn’t be felt as hard without knowing who it was about. I’m so happy you got it straight away. My favourite part was you describing Don’s voice as “a gondola ride”. That was as eloquent as Don himself. Wonderful song - extremely satisfying reaction. Great stuff 😊
Such a beautiful, sad song
I love watching you discover songs that meant so much to me growing up. I remember first hearing this song, and feeling it's sadness, but at the time, I was too young to know who Vincent was. As I got older, the song faded into background music to me. I still loved it, but I still didn't know what it meant. And then one day, I was listening, and it dawned on me who Vincent was. Suddenly it had whole new and deeper meaning to me.
this song makes me cry! ♥
This song always makes me cry, such a great song! Love your reaction to it Britt, the best reaction to this song I've seen since you actually get it and see how beautiful it is.
Always a pleasure to run across a song reactor who actually understands what the song is about. Good for YOU Britt!!
I believe he wrote this song when he was seventeen. It wasn't published then of course. It always makes me cry!
Great reaction! I really love how you are always so positive about the songs and you react too. I'm also impressed by your wide range of knowledge on so many things, like Vincent van Gogh.
I saw this amazing performer here in Aus in the early 90s. OMG...... On stage, alone with his guitar. He humbly sat stage right, not in the middle. 2000 people in the Melbourne concert hall sat quiet and still as he cast his magical spell over us. One man with a guitar. that is talent. that is Don.
There was a few years back a film made about Van Gogh, illustrated entirely in oil paints. Not cell animation, not computer generated animation. Literally every. single. frame. of the film was an oil painting, done in Vincent's style. Took an army of artists a helluva long time to make, but it's a thing of beauty. "Loving Vincent" 2017.
The Doctor Who episode featuring Vincent Van Gogh is truly beautiful, very emotional.
Don McLean is awesome. The "American Pie" album is wonderful. "Vincent" was released in 1971; I can't say for sure when this video was recorded, but it can't have been long after the song's release
The tears are flowing....I am 65 years old and discovering Vincent when I was a child, set me on a path of artistic pursuit for my entire life, the existence of the humble painter is indeed difficult pleasure. God bless you Vincent...this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.
OMG!!!! U GET IT!!!! This song brings tears to my eyes Everytime Iisten to it, and now your reaction is just moving me to a river of tears on top of it.
In my experience, any way that you can engage with Van Gogh will enrich your life and break your heart. Biopic films, his letters with his brother or Gaugin, obviously his paintings, really any way to get to know him. This song always makes me cry, but so do Vincent's paintings. I love this song. Thank you for sharing your reaction with us.
The lyrics of this are brilliant. When he isn’t speaking directly about Van Gogh, he is describing his paintings.
It is absolutely brilliant.
Experiencing Don McLean's artistry in a small club in San Diego was one of my favorite live performances ever!🎶
This is one of my favorite Don Mclean songs. I always loved Van Goghs art and I do have a copy of the picture Starry Starry Night on my wall. I did go see the Van Gogh exhibit in Vegas and it was amazing.
You put that beautifully. This is a tribute to Vincient VanGogh. Wonderful song.
I’m 67 years old and I remember when I first heard this on the radio. It moved me to tears then and it still so today. It is one of the most beautifully poetic and moving songs ever written in my humble opinion. It came out in 1971 and I was a 14 year old boy who knew from personal experience what mental illness does to people. My mother had struggles with her mental health and she died in a car wreck when I was 12. I have often wondered about that, because she was driving on her own and she hit a power pole, dying instantly (mercifully) when her head hit the rearview mirror stem. It’s not like this song brings back memories of her or anything, it’s just that I understood some of what Vincent’s battle must have been like.
Beautiful song....What's most pristine is that it's just a man and his guitar...No back up...No hoopla behind him...No filters...Just raw talent...
Ah Britt I so love your reactions and watching you fall in love with songs and artists I love! This song always makes me cry, it’s so beautiful..
One of the best pieces of music ever written. Pure Genius. One of Don's greatest gifts is the beautiful ability of story telling through his songs and style of singing and of course the deep & powerful lyrics. He is totally irreplaceable. Try reacting to American Pie which is indeed another work of art.
Very few artists--in fact, none that I can think of--match Don McLean with those three talents required for this performance: music, lyrics, and voice. Plus he accompanies himself on guitar. That's why he was my favorite from that era.
Dan Fogelberg
I've listened to this, song a million times but I still get teary eyed every time. The lyrics, the voice - tugs at your heartstrings (especially if you know what it's about)
Exactly. Not only is the song accurate to Van Gogh's story, it also manages to perfectly describe his paintings (there is a video that has his painting overlayed with the lyrics and the similarities are stunning), while perfectly capturing the emotions of suicide. As somone who lost a relatively close family member to suicide, the song always makes me shed a tear in its accuracy.
If any other singer/songwriter besides Dylan is worthy of the Nobel Prize it is by far Don McLean. All of his songs are beautifully written and are pure poetry.
Fantastic, sensitive reaction Britt. Don Mclean is a poet who puts his poetry to beautiful music just like you described. I love watching your reactions because they are always intelligent, thoughtful and come straight from your heart. You are one of the most entertaining and enjoyable reactors to watch on You Tube. I always look forward to your next video!!
It would be so nice to sit with you and some of your other fans (over beverages) allowing you to hold court, while we discussed the songs and artists we all admire. I always smile when you acknowledge and appreciate the memorable musical artists where were around, before your time. Please notify me, when you prepare to hold that musical court!
One of the most beautiful songs written about an artist that created some of most beautiful works of art.
Don McLean is an amazing artist. I bought several of his albums when they came out in the 70's, and they are full of beautiful, thought provoking songs that he wrote. His huge hit was "American Pie", an epic 7 minute song. I'm sure you have heard it, but if you haven't, you owe it to yourself to give it a listen. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Great reaction Britt. You never disappoint.
The great songwriters make rhymes that seem perfectly effortless. This is an example of such a song.
One of thereally beautiful songs. There’s nowhere to hide vocally in this performance!
All these years later we are "listening still' to Don Mclean.. The most beautiful biographical lyrics ever written..in my humble opinion..
There are two songs I would describe as beautiful: 'Vincent' by Don MacLean, and 'You are so Beautiful' as sung by Joe Cocker. A great reaction Britt.
@Lawrence Powell... I know it hard to narrow it down
to just two songs when there are so many beautiful
songs out there I would add this 1972 song.
"Time In A Bottle"
Jim/James Croce
If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that I'd like to do
Is to save every day till eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you
If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I'd save every day like a treasure and then
Again, I would spend them with you
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do, once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go through time with
If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty, except for the memory of how
They were answered by you
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do, once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go through the time with
@@drewpall2598 you're right. A beautiful song. I remember when it came out and we were all blown away by it. Jim had an astounding body of work for such a short life. He's right up there with the very best for his song writing. His song 'Operator' would have to be right up there as the best song about longing for lost love.
Thanks so much for this reaction! I LOVE this song but hadn’t thought of it in years…it’s going on my playlist right now!
Your level of empathy speaks volumes about your character. Sending love your way for your feeling and understanding (insight).
This song and your review made me cry. You so get it! Thank you for reintroducing me to this great song and its emotional content.
Don was one of the great lyricists of our time. Empty Chairs, Winter Wood, American Pie, Castles in the Air, and his great song, Vincent. I read the biography of Vincent, and this song chokes me up each time.
Britt, this song is art put to music. I have been listening to it since it came out and still cry every time I hear it!
Your compassion Is lovely. His artistry is profound. Love your site.
Thanks so much, Britt - this is one of the most beautiful tribute songs I've ever heard!
Yes, his gentle voice and beautiful melody is delivered wonderfully.
Best portrayal of Vincent Van Gogh is doctor who and Vincent. I used to work opposite the building where Van Gogh worked. In isleworth London England.
The last line (But I could have told you Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you) always makes me cry. I had a friend by that name who killed himself at 22 so it always makes me think of him and how he felt misunderstood all of his young life.