I just went to find it. I'm pretty familiar with Van Gough's works and knew the song referenced many of those works. But this montage with the music added a new layer. Thanks for the recommendation.
The British series "Understanding Art" did a piece on Van Gogh several years ago. Forensic psychiatrists believe he may have suffered either bipolar disorder or psychotic depression, as well as a rare form of epilepsy.
This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written and yes, you really should check out the video that plays the studio version of the song, along with actual paintings of VanGogh to go perfectly with the lyrics. Knowing a bit about Vincent VanGogh’s life (I took 2 semesters of Art History in college) makes hearing this song all the more heartbreaking. McLean’s lyrics are as poetically colorful and descriptive as Vincent and his paintings are. This song makes me cry.
I tear up every time I hear this tune by Don McLean, read Dear Theo (about Van Gogh) it was all the letters he wrote his brother. One snippet in the book was that Vincent would constantly be painting for food in some cases because he was so broke, he painted a picture for this neighbor who gave him some eggs from her chickens, she used it to plug up a hole in her fence. Today of course, one of his paintings go for 100’s of millions. Thanks guys, 💕👍
"You took your life as lovers often do" always chokes me up and a lot of it has to do with the melody, harmony and words coming together in one of the most perfect lines in music.
I've been meaning to read Dear Theo, but as someone currently struggling with depression and have been on and off for over 45 years, I'm worried that it might trigger me too much. As I write this, with tears tumbling down my face.
@@tomhiggins875 So sorry to hear you are struggling, so many are. Have to admit this book is very sad, so maybe you should wait for brighter days, they are coming, I promise. Have you ever considered hypnosis with past life regression, it’s amazing how many have healed with this process. There is a book that came out decades ago “Many Lives, Many Masters”, suggest you might want to read it instead. I hope you find peace, and I hope that no matter if you feel alone, you never are, you are loved more than you realize.💕🕊😇
That wild looking guy at the piano is singer/songwriter Randy Newman, who's resume will blow you away. He's won Oscar, Emmy & Grammy awards. Remember Toy Story's "You've Got A Friend In Me" ? That was Randy.
@@justtere LOL 4ft 12 inches equals 5 ft! It makes feel taller by saying 5 ft! I felt that song was a slap in the face to us short people but now that I'm a senior citizen I find it hilarious!
One of Tupac’s favorite songs according to his girlfriend. She played this song to him in the hospital after he was shot. Tupac considered himself a poet first and foremost which is why he loved this song. The lyrics reflect Van Gogh’s paintings. Great reaction.
Starry Starry Night is one of VanGoch’s most famous paintings and he is my favorite artist with Monet being second. Don’s lyrics state the colors and subjects that Vincent used so beautifully. I get teary eyed when listening to such beautiful music as this, as I’m empathic. Rob, if you like folk music, check out Bob Dylan-Tangled Up In Blue, Mr Tambourine Man, Just Like A Woman and The Hurricane. Dylan is a master storyteller! Folk musicians are like troubadours.
Check out James Whistler's "Nocturne in Black and Gold- The Falling Rocket". Yeah, the "Whistler's Mother" guy. You've got to really have a high-contrast setup on your computer screen to appreciate the color scheme. It's dark and moody and weird and beautiful. It bombed at the art shows - nobody understood it.
Since the first time I heard this recording way back then, I've never walked through a gallery looking at paintings and not thought of this line - "Portraits hung in empty halls, frameless heads on nameless walls, with eyes that watch the world and can't forget." Somehow that line just stayed with me. More than just a great song, this was one great artist paying tribute to another.
As a teenager in 1976, I had the opportunity to visit the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. They actually played this song over the speakers as I was looking at his art up close. It was so powerful! This is one of the songs that inspired me to learn the guitar as well. It took quite a while but I was finally able to play it note for note. It will always be one of my favorite songs. In fact, I consider the whole album a masterpiece.
So true Diane, really every aspect of this song (tune, speed, 1 instrument, etc) is related to Vincent's life. Genius made and immortal as Vincent. The line I always will remember is: This world was never meant for somebody as beautiful as you.
I had just finished reading "Sacré Bleu" by Christopher Moore when I took my mom to the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, CA. There on the walls were paintings by many of the artists mentioned in Moore's book. Even though it's a comedy / fantasy about the invention of a particular shade of blue it gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation of art. And then from across a gallery room I saw van Gogh's "Mulberry Tree." The first (and so far) only of his works I've seen in person. Even from afar, the vibrancy of its color leapt out at me. Up close it was even more mesmerizing. Photos do not do it justice. You can see van Gogh's brushstrokes; there are literal gobs of paint; the surface is so thick with paint it's like frosting on a decorated cake. The entire time I was admiring it, "Vincent" played over and over in my head. It was a truly transcendental experience.
Especially with van Gogh, where the starry night or the sunflowers are on posters, coaster, mugs - meaningless decoration and Vincent painted these pieces with his heartblood.
I’m not a Dr Who fan, but there’s a very meaningful episode where they brought Van Gogh back to modern day at an art exhibit of his work - try not to cry! That clip is easy to find on UA-cam.
Vincent sold 1 painting while he was alive, his brother, an art dealer basically bought all the rest, but his brother died 6 months after Vincent. His brothers wife held on to all of them and undertook the task of promoting him and spreading the word. She built his early reputation, the work is his and speaks for itself. I have had the good fortune to see several of his works in person over the decades. If you become transfixed by one, it will start to move like some kind of optical illusion, it is like he managed to capture motion, the reproductions don't have the same effect. The way he laid down the brushstrokes and the amount of paint he used, give's his canvass a lot of texture. It's all intentional, he wasn't sloppy, but that is what makes them appear to move.
This is among the most moving and illustrative songs I've ever heard. It came out during my final year of postgraduate studies. One of my Cantab professors used this song to demonstrate how even modern music can bring up the most challenging issues, and address them with empathy.
He is describing the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh, like "Starry, Starry Night." Look up Vincent Van Gogh's story and a photo of the painting and then listen to the song again. It will hit different.
This is about Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh . Post impressionist painter influenced modern painting especially Expressionist. He after suffering from depression ended his life.
I certainly think that your insight that it is about mental health issues from the pont of view of the person with the issues and from a friend who sees the pain and understand it is also spot on. Yes, it is about Vincent Van Gogh's life, experiences, and art, but it does definitely go much further than that to encompass all mental health issues. And the new evidence about how Vincent died is definitely very compelling. In a way, him not telling anyone what happened but choosing death instead may also have been a circuitous way to achieve the death and release he sought. Lots to think about. Thanks for sharing again.
BP & Don, fantastic reaction. Don McLean is one of the greatest storytellers of the 70's. You don't have to guess how everything was because of his poetic lyricism. Awesome song!!!
I did an art history presentation and used this song with pictures of Vincent’s paintings. The lyrics match specific paintings that he did of landscapes and people.
I've loved this song since it came out. Shortly before revealing his symptoms had recurred, Ren said that Van Gogh was the subject of his upcoming Tales. Having this song in mind, I am fascinated to hear Ren's take on the story. I also wonder if a whole new audience will discover Don McLean's "Vincent" as a result. Now that Ren is back in Canada undergoing intensive treatments we all have to wait a bit longer to hear the new tales, but I'm sure it will be worth the wait.
I weep every time... I was three when this came out. Too young, but my much older brother John played this constantly. He also fostered my love for Cat Stevens.
From what I've heard of Van Gogh's life, it sounds like he felt all the pain and joy of life so deeply. And unlike others (whom we don't consider to be mentally ill), he refused to slough off those feelings and brought them out in his life, his death, and the works he left us. I see you have a picture of Tupac in the background of your set. This was one of Tupac's favorite songs.
The acapella group, Home Free does a gorgeous cover of this with all of the paintings by Van Gogh described in the song shown in the background. And Don McLean is singing with them!
Love Don and Home Free's collabs. Both American Pie and Vincent are beautiful renditions of these great classics! The fact the Don McLean sings with them makes the songs absolutely perfect!
I prefer the clip with the paintings.. the video showing the stary stary night picture.. the yellow flowers, the self-portrait.. How can anyone understand the song without seeing the art?
Don McLean is on another level of storytelling folk that few artists have ever reached. Don brings his fans to tears with this and other great ones that he has written!
This song is so hauntingly beautiful. I mentioned this when BP reviewed it a while back. I first heard this when I was in high school. I thought I was the ONLY person who knew it was about Vincent Van Gogh...🤣Then, I found out EVERYONE knew it was about Van Gogh!!! What a comedown!!!🤣
I grew up w Don in time line .. honored to have seen him twice in small venues .. he could tell we were devoted fans .. suggest his live album SOLO .. incredible .. your insights are appreciated .. some I never thought of!
I adore this song so much. I also love the one man show Vincent written and performed by Leonard Nimoy. I had the privilege of seeing some original Vincent art. Such talent, such heart.
as a kid in the 50s art of all forms and classical music was everywhere. for me Vincent was the end of true painting and Rachmaninoff was the end of classical music. I loved this when it came out a great poet. Vincents troubles and brilliance began with him taking foxglove and a side effect is seeing blue which he put to canvass.
Awesome reaction. I heard this after I heard "American Pie", and it cemented Don McClellan as one of my favorites. Now, take what Don was saying about Van Gogh here, and what Paul Simon was saying in "The Sounds of Silence" Where "People talking without speaking People hearing without listening". They patted Vincent and said very nice and wouldn't learn anything he was trying to express.
Vincent Van Gogh was one the world's greatest artists. There was feeling in every brush stroke. He had a sad life and suffered from epilepsy. A truly beautiful soul.❤
Van Gogh sold exactly ONE painting during his lifetime, The Red Vineyard. That's all. His brother Theo and his wife started marketing Vincent's art after his death. He is immensely more adored now than he was during his lifetime.
The singer songwriters of the 60's and 70's were on another level. Between 'Vincent' and 'American Pie', he really can identify thoughts-feelings-loss. I think you guys, as artists, can appreciate the yearning to be understood. I think artists can see between the lines, can interpret life and human experience more than the common man. I like how McLean tries to get behind Vincent's eyes and thoughts behind his impressionist (really post-impressionist) paintings. Asking, "What are you trying to tell us, Vincent?" This song gets me every time.
Probably my favourite song of all time, , I don't know why but cuts me and I well up every time and weirdly makes me feel connected to Vincent, not an art fan, but shows how powerful a song can be
This song is so beautiful, even though he was talking about the illness of very famous painter with mental issues Also his other famous song is American pie. It’s a great one. It’s known all over the world.
My uncle gave me the Don Mclean album back in 1968 at a family Christmas or reunion, always loved this album and Vincent is a tear jerker, so sad and completely true about the pain that Vincent Van Gogh had in his life and unrequited love. It is said he cut off his ear and sent it to the woman he loved. Check out out" American Pie", " Winter Wood" among others by Don Mclean.
The magic of Van Gogh to me was his empathy. He lived a life in pain and depression undiagnosed, but that knowledge of life gave him insight into his subjects and the natural beauty of the landscape. He was an interpreter of beauty where we often stopped finding it. He gave dignity to the unknown and the forgotten. And of course for us, his tragic ending for want of being known and remembered, becomes all the more sad because it was we who were wrong. “They’re not listening, still….perhaps they never will?”
This is one of my favorites by Don McLean along with American Pie! Such amazing stories about amazing people in history! When he was awarded his star ⭐️ on the walk of fame! He asked Home Free to be there (also Weird Al, lol), but anyway he teamed up with Home Free Nd they recorded videos of both American Pie and Vincent together. There were some issues with releasing Vincent right away, but it was released. It is so awesome to see Don perform these masterpieces with the group, they are such amazing performances and you should check them out, Don still has it in these videos!❤❤
Unfortunately, per his ex-wife and his own admissions, he was very abusive. I always have to separate that from the artist since I do find his music brilliant.
Before 1947, only a few thousand American homes owned television sets. Just five years later, that number jumped to 12 million. By 1955, half of American homes had a TV set. It wasn't until the 1960s that color TV became mass produced. That is why seeing musicians on TV and having them sing about Vincent Van Gogh, someone they had only read about, was so riveting and important. If you were lucky enough to have seen a color photo of a painting by Van Gogh in a magazine then that was amazing. This is long before our lives had easy access to the world.
I love Van Gogh's paintings, which Don described in this song. Van Gogh did have psychological issues, but his paintings are beautiful. This song always brings tears to my eyes. What a wonderful tribute to the genius that was Vincent. I wish he could have lived to see that he became one of the greatest painters ever😢
Once again I would like to say that I really enjoy your channel because you are exploring the music I came of age with. The very best of lyrics and music was created in this generation and I am glad that you are experiencing it
My boys, you aren't crazy. You two are walking the line between todays world and seeing/experiencing eternal truths. I rwmember when I first heard it when it came out, I was thinking Jesus at the very beginning as well, until I recognized it was about an artist. Those trying to express the eternal love that they see despite a world gone mad are often perceived as mad themselves, when in reality, they see the greatest truth. Peace.
The song "Killing Me Softly With His Song" was written as a response by someone who walked into a venue where Don Maclean was performing. His lyrics are superb.
I really appreciate how well your guest handled this song. He is usually unwilling to be vulnerable in reactions, so he ends up playing a fool. I was dreading this reaction. Glad I gave it a try! It is nice to see this side of him on a reaction.
A beautiful acoustic where there is nowhere to hide ... Vincent van Gough and his famous painting starry starry night. Would love to see your reaction to Five Seconds of Summer aka 5SOS - Young Guns - in both acoustic and full rock versions ... xx
This is one of the first really "grown-up" songs I remember hearing as a child. When this came on the radio, it would always make me stop what I was doing and listen, trying to understand a language I didn't know yet... A melody this unusually beautiful had to be written to equally beautiful lyrics. I was right.
I always have to recommend to people who've listened to this song, even if you don't watch or really know anything about Doctor Who, watch the episode Vincent and the Doctor. Despite the accent, Tony Curran, does a brilliant job playing the tormented artist, the episode also has a rather epic cameo performance and the last 10-15 minutes of the episode, will absolutely floor you!
Great reaction There's a video on UA-cam called Dr Who and Vincent were they bring back Vincent to see his museum dedicated to his work and sees all the people visiting. Very emotional to see the world appreciate him
VanGogh's paintings mean so much more after this tragically accurate, yet inspirational song...perfect in presentation too..... so very very good... Bless you for this one Don Maclean🙏 and thank BP for sharing👍
There is a version of this song out that shows VanGogh’s paintings pretty well matched up with the song lyrics. It’s truly worth watching.
I just went to find it. I'm pretty familiar with Van Gough's works and knew the song referenced many of those works. But this montage with the music added a new layer. Thanks for the recommendation.
@@janflewelling6277That montage video is nothing short of miraculous.
It's simply amazing that montage video. Urge anyone to watch it.
Agreed. That version with the paintings is amazing. Well worth watching.
I've seen that one and it's fabulous
This is an ode to Vincent Van Gogh - misunderstood bevause of mental illness but a genius trapped in his own mind.
true !!!
The British series "Understanding Art" did a piece on Van Gogh several years ago. Forensic psychiatrists believe he may have suffered either bipolar disorder or psychotic depression, as well as a rare form of epilepsy.
I like that.... a genius trapped in this own mind... In some ways, aren't we all? :)
This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written and yes, you really should check out the video that plays the studio version of the song, along with actual paintings of VanGogh to go perfectly with the lyrics. Knowing a bit about Vincent VanGogh’s life (I took 2 semesters of Art History in college) makes hearing this song all the more heartbreaking. McLean’s lyrics are as poetically colorful and descriptive as Vincent and his paintings are. This song makes me cry.
100%
Very beautifully said.
He doesn’t get it either?
Yes he cut his ear off, how could you not know the painting starry starry night?
This song is so beautiful - I've been getting chills every time I listen for DECADES! Truly a masterpiece.
You have to applaud the flawless guitar picking he was doing while singing the song.
I tear up every time I hear this tune by Don McLean, read Dear Theo (about Van Gogh) it was all the letters he wrote his brother. One snippet in the book was that Vincent would constantly be painting for food in some cases because he was so broke, he painted a picture for this neighbor who gave him some eggs from her chickens, she used it to plug up a hole in her fence. Today of course, one of his paintings go for 100’s of millions. Thanks guys, 💕👍
"You took your life as lovers often do" always chokes me up and a lot of it has to do with the melody, harmony and words coming together in one of the most perfect lines in music.
@@direnova6284 Agreed, the way Don put Vincent’s tragic story together was so moving and on point, it lows me away.🕊💕
I've been meaning to read Dear Theo, but as someone currently struggling with depression and have been on and off for over 45 years, I'm worried that it might trigger me too much. As I write this, with tears tumbling down my face.
@@tomhiggins875 So sorry to hear you are struggling, so many are. Have to admit this book is very sad, so maybe you should wait for brighter days, they are coming, I promise. Have you ever considered hypnosis with past life regression, it’s amazing how many have healed with this process. There is a book that came out decades ago “Many Lives, Many Masters”, suggest you might want to read it instead. I hope you find peace, and I hope that no matter if you feel alone, you never are, you are loved more than you realize.💕🕊😇
That book broke my heart. Thank god his brother and SIL were wise enough to preserve those letters.
Such a beautiful sentiment; “the world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.”
That wild looking guy at the piano is singer/songwriter Randy Newman, who's resume will blow you away. He's won Oscar, Emmy & Grammy awards. Remember Toy Story's "You've Got A Friend In Me" ? That was Randy.
Somehow, this 4'12" person cannot forgive him for Short People. 🤣🤣🤣
@CharCanuck14 I never knew that was Randy Newman playing the piano
@@justtere Being a shorty myself, there were a few of my tall friends that would jokingly try to pick me up "just to say hello".🤣
@@justtere LOL 4ft 12 inches equals 5 ft! It makes feel taller by saying 5 ft! I felt that song was a slap in the face to us short people but now that I'm a senior citizen I find it hilarious!
@@justtere 5'2" here
He is describing paintings of Vincent Van Gogh
One of Tupac’s favorite songs according to his girlfriend. She played this song to him in the hospital after he was shot. Tupac considered himself a poet first and foremost which is why he loved this song. The lyrics reflect Van Gogh’s paintings. Great reaction.
@destination22ful that's a beautiful story. Thank you
This is as close to a perfect song as it gets. Such a beautiful song about such a sad topic.
Black Pegasus, if you haven't already you should watch a video that is on UA-cam that sets Van Gogh's paintings to this song, beautiful
There are also movies about his life. I saw the one starring William Dafoe, really good.
Starry Starry Night is one of VanGoch’s most famous paintings and he is my favorite artist with Monet being second. Don’s lyrics state the colors and subjects that Vincent used so beautifully. I get teary eyed when listening to such beautiful music as this, as I’m empathic. Rob, if you like folk music, check out Bob Dylan-Tangled Up In Blue, Mr Tambourine Man, Just Like A Woman and The Hurricane. Dylan is a master storyteller! Folk musicians are like troubadours.
Check out James Whistler's "Nocturne in Black and Gold- The Falling Rocket". Yeah, the "Whistler's Mother" guy. You've got to really have a high-contrast setup on your computer screen to appreciate the color scheme. It's dark and moody and weird and beautiful. It bombed at the art shows - nobody understood it.
@@rubyslippers8215 -thanks for the tip!
Thank you for being a friend By Andrew Gold 1978 is used by B,P IN the ending of his videos Just with a few differnt words.
Agree, check out Bob Dylan
Agreed ! Also John Prine, so underrated
The lyrics are as vivid as the paintings
Since the first time I heard this recording way back then, I've never walked through a gallery looking at paintings and not thought of this line - "Portraits hung in empty halls, frameless heads on nameless walls, with eyes that watch the world and can't forget." Somehow that line just stayed with me. More than just a great song, this was one great artist paying tribute to another.
As a teenager in 1976, I had the opportunity to visit the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. They actually played this song over the speakers as I was looking at his art up close. It was so powerful!
This is one of the songs that inspired me to learn the guitar as well. It took quite a while but I was finally able to play it note for note. It will always be one of my favorite songs. In fact, I consider the whole album a masterpiece.
So true Diane, really every aspect of this song (tune, speed, 1 instrument, etc) is related to Vincent's life. Genius made and immortal as Vincent. The line I always will remember is: This world was never meant for somebody as beautiful as you.
Same thing happened to me the first time i saw an original Van Gogh in a gallery in Basel Switzerland.
I had just finished reading "Sacré Bleu" by Christopher Moore when I took my mom to the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, CA. There on the walls were paintings by many of the artists mentioned in Moore's book. Even though it's a comedy / fantasy about the invention of a particular shade of blue it gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation of art.
And then from across a gallery room I saw van Gogh's "Mulberry Tree." The first (and so far) only of his works I've seen in person. Even from afar, the vibrancy of its color leapt out at me. Up close it was even more mesmerizing. Photos do not do it justice. You can see van Gogh's brushstrokes; there are literal gobs of paint; the surface is so thick with paint it's like frosting on a decorated cake.
The entire time I was admiring it, "Vincent" played over and over in my head. It was a truly transcendental experience.
Especially with van Gogh, where the starry night or the sunflowers are on posters, coaster, mugs - meaningless decoration and Vincent painted these pieces with his heartblood.
Don sang with home free on a beautiful rendition of vincent. Beautiful harmonies to accompany fon
YES! It was a beautiful upgrade of the song with HF! Home Fry for life!
The song “Killing me softly with his song” is written after Lori Lieberman went to a concert of Don McLean. Roberta Flack covered that song in 1973.
I had no idea! Thanks!
I would love to watch you review this again watching the video that shows his paintings. It’s beautiful.
"This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you" He suffered too much. Genius artist. Don McLean is beautiful too. ❤ 🔥
One of the most beautiful songs in the history of music. Finally, a tribute to an artist with no price tag attached.
I was blessed enough to visit Vincent's grave this year. I was mesmerized. He's buried near where he did one of his last paintings.
He understands the pain expressed through Vincent’s beautiful work and the ruggedness and loss in the self portraits
I would suggest Jim Croce's song "Operator". It's one of the most honest fold songs. Or "Time in a Bottle".
"Time in a Bottle" is my favorite Croce song.
@@randybryant4329 Mine too.
I’m not a Dr Who fan, but there’s a very meaningful episode where they brought Van Gogh back to modern day at an art exhibit of his work - try not to cry! That clip is easy to find on UA-cam.
ua-cam.com/video/_jjWtUpqV9w/v-deo.htmlsi=FkvLIki65Vysv5um
Can't imagine someone not crying - so beautiful.
@@QuentinPlant I certainly do. Every time.
Don Mclean has one of the most beautiful singing voices I've ever heard.
Vincent sold 1 painting while he was alive, his brother, an art dealer basically bought all the rest, but his brother died 6 months after Vincent. His brothers wife held on to all of them and undertook the task of promoting him and spreading the word. She built his early reputation, the work is his and speaks for itself. I have had the good fortune to see several of his works in person over the decades. If you become transfixed by one, it will start to move like some kind of optical illusion, it is like he managed to capture motion, the reproductions don't have the same effect. The way he laid down the brushstrokes and the amount of paint he used, give's his canvass a lot of texture. It's all intentional, he wasn't sloppy, but that is what makes them appear to move.
This is among the most moving and illustrative songs I've ever heard. It came out during my final year of postgraduate studies. One of my Cantab professors used this song to demonstrate how even modern music can bring up the most challenging issues, and address them with empathy.
One of my faves! It truly is beautiful! ❤️🔥✌🏻🫶🏻
He is describing the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh, like "Starry, Starry Night." Look up Vincent Van Gogh's story and a photo of the painting and then listen to the song again. It will hit different.
Beautiful story of the Brilliance of Vincent Van Gogh. The melody is absolutely perfect with the content.
Who’s cutting onions? Great Artist, excellent song. Vincent is my favorite painter.Fantastic reaction, thank you.
I love this song! Love Van Gogh! Doctor Who S5E10 Vincent And The Doctor , never fails to make me cry. Thanks for the reaction.
This is about Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh . Post impressionist painter influenced modern painting especially Expressionist. He after suffering from depression ended his life.
Tears every time, every time...
I certainly think that your insight that it is about mental health issues from the pont of view of the person with the issues and from a friend who sees the pain and understand it is also spot on.
Yes, it is about Vincent Van Gogh's life, experiences, and art, but it does definitely go much further than that to encompass all mental health issues.
And the new evidence about how Vincent died is definitely very compelling. In a way, him not telling anyone what happened but choosing death instead may also have been a circuitous way to achieve the death and release he sought. Lots to think about.
Thanks for sharing again.
BP & Don, fantastic reaction. Don McLean is one of the greatest storytellers of the 70's. You don't have to guess how everything was because of his poetic lyricism. Awesome song!!!
I did an art history presentation and used this song with pictures of Vincent’s paintings. The lyrics match specific paintings that he did of landscapes and people.
I love this song, The first time I heard it I was 10 years old and I still love it.
I always loved this song and the artist. I just saw the major Van Gogh exhibit in London, and this time I heard the song I sobbed liked a baby.
I've loved this song since it came out. Shortly before revealing his symptoms had recurred, Ren said that Van Gogh was the subject of his upcoming Tales. Having this song in mind, I am fascinated to hear Ren's take on the story. I also wonder if a whole new audience will discover Don McLean's "Vincent" as a result. Now that Ren is back in Canada undergoing intensive treatments we all have to wait a bit longer to hear the new tales, but I'm sure it will be worth the wait.
Love Ren and I can't wait until the new tales are uncovered for us all to see...🇬🇧👍
I weep every time... I was three when this came out. Too young, but my much older brother John played this constantly. He also fostered my love for Cat Stevens.
From what I've heard of Van Gogh's life, it sounds like he felt all the pain and joy of life so deeply. And unlike others (whom we don't consider to be mentally ill), he refused to slough off those feelings and brought them out in his life, his death, and the works he left us. I see you have a picture of Tupac in the background of your set. This was one of Tupac's favorite songs.
Vincent VanGogh Was Underappreciated When He Was Alive. After His Death He Was Famous
The acapella group, Home Free does a gorgeous cover of this with all of the paintings by Van Gogh described in the song shown in the background. And Don McLean is singing with them!
Love Don and Home Free's collabs. Both American Pie and Vincent are beautiful renditions of these great classics! The fact the Don McLean sings with them makes the songs absolutely perfect!
I prefer the clip with the paintings.. the video showing the stary stary night picture.. the yellow flowers, the self-portrait.. How can anyone understand the song without seeing the art?
Don McLean is on another level of storytelling folk that few artists have ever reached. Don brings his fans to tears with this and other great ones that he has written!
fantastic song, i get choked up every time i hear it. what a voice don mclean has...another great reaction. thanks......
Just saw him on his 50th Anniversary tour for American Pie
The lyrics are so beautiful BP and Don!!
Don did a collaboration with Home Free this year, their 2nd. First, American Pie, then Vincent aka Starry Starry Night.
This has been one of my favorite songs since I first heard it back in the early 70s.
Starry Night is my favorite painting and this is a beautiful ode to Vincent. ❤
This is about Vincent VanGogh. I love this song, because it always makes me tear up.
This song is so hauntingly beautiful. I mentioned this when BP reviewed it a while back. I first heard this when I was in high school. I thought I was the ONLY person who knew it was about Vincent Van Gogh...🤣Then, I found out EVERYONE knew it was about Van Gogh!!! What a comedown!!!🤣
I grew up w Don in time line .. honored to have seen him twice in small venues .. he could tell we were devoted fans .. suggest his live album SOLO .. incredible .. your insights are appreciated .. some I never thought of!
I adore this song so much. I also love the one man show Vincent written and performed by Leonard Nimoy. I had the privilege of seeing some original Vincent art. Such talent, such heart.
I only have 2 all time favorite songs ....VINCENT .is one....❤❤❤❤
as a kid in the 50s art of all forms and classical music was everywhere. for me Vincent was the end of true painting and Rachmaninoff was the end of classical music. I loved this when it came out a great poet. Vincents troubles and brilliance began with him taking foxglove and a side effect is seeing blue which he put to canvass.
Your reactions and comments have made me really listen to the lyrics and I now have a greater appreciation for the music of my youth. Great job 👏👏👏
Awesome reaction. I heard this after I heard "American Pie", and it cemented Don McClellan as one of my favorites.
Now, take what Don was saying about Van Gogh here, and what Paul Simon was saying in "The Sounds of Silence" Where "People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening". They patted Vincent and said very nice and wouldn't learn anything he was trying to express.
Vincent Van Gogh was one the world's greatest artists. There was feeling in every brush stroke. He had a sad life and suffered from epilepsy. A truly beautiful soul.❤
Van Gogh sold exactly ONE painting during his lifetime, The Red Vineyard. That's all. His brother Theo and his wife started marketing Vincent's art after his death. He is immensely more adored now than he was during his lifetime.
A wonderful song, one of his best. The whole album, American Pie, is so good.
There is another video of this song in which the visuals of the paintings is shown. It's like a visual extravaganza of the work of Vincent van Gogh.
I love that video!❤
The singer songwriters of the 60's and 70's were on another level. Between 'Vincent' and 'American Pie', he really can identify thoughts-feelings-loss. I think you guys, as artists, can appreciate the yearning to be understood. I think artists can see between the lines, can interpret life and human experience more than the common man. I like how McLean tries to get behind Vincent's eyes and thoughts behind his impressionist (really post-impressionist) paintings. Asking, "What are you trying to tell us, Vincent?" This song gets me every time.
Probably my favourite song of all time, , I don't know why but cuts me and I well up every time and weirdly makes me feel connected to Vincent, not an art fan, but shows how powerful a song can be
This song is so beautiful, even though he was talking about the illness of very famous painter with mental issues Also his other famous song is American pie. It’s a great one. It’s known all over the world.
Both of you connected the song to your own creative expression right off the bat. If you have a chance to see any of his paintings, go!
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He just has a beautiful voice. So soothing
My uncle gave me the Don Mclean album back in 1968 at a family Christmas or reunion, always loved this album and Vincent is a tear jerker, so sad and completely true about the pain that Vincent Van Gogh had in his life and unrequited love. It is said he cut off his ear and sent it to the woman he loved. Check out out" American Pie", " Winter Wood" among others by Don Mclean.
The episode of Doctor Who, called Vincent And The Doctor, is a beautiful tribute to the artist. The end is touching.
This song always give me chills. Loving it for decades ❤.
I'm a guitarist. I used to play this from the 90s chet adkins album. Beautiful yet simple melody.
Always brings back memories of "Vincent and the Doctor", S5 E10. :-)
The magic of Van Gogh to me was his empathy. He lived a life in pain and depression undiagnosed, but that knowledge of life gave him insight into his subjects and the natural beauty of the landscape. He was an interpreter of beauty where we often stopped finding it. He gave dignity to the unknown and the forgotten. And of course for us, his tragic ending for want of being known and remembered, becomes all the more sad because it was we who were wrong. “They’re not listening, still….perhaps they never will?”
This is one of my favorites by Don McLean along with American Pie! Such amazing stories about amazing people in history! When he was awarded his star ⭐️ on the walk of fame! He asked Home Free to be there (also Weird Al, lol), but anyway he teamed up with Home Free Nd they recorded videos of both American Pie and Vincent together. There were some issues with releasing Vincent right away, but it was released. It is so awesome to see Don perform these masterpieces with the group, they are such amazing performances and you should check them out, Don still has it in these videos!❤❤
It’s about the artist Vincent Van Gogh & it’s beautiful 🎶❤️
Such an evocative song. Don't know much about McLean as a person, but as a songwriter - epic talent.
Unfortunately, per his ex-wife and his own admissions, he was very abusive. I always have to separate that from the artist since I do find his music brilliant.
Before 1947, only a few thousand American homes owned television sets. Just five years later, that number jumped to 12 million. By 1955, half of American homes had a TV set. It wasn't until the 1960s that color TV became mass produced. That is why seeing musicians on TV and having them sing about Vincent Van Gogh, someone they had only read about, was so riveting and important. If you were lucky enough to have seen a color photo of a painting by Van Gogh in a magazine then that was amazing. This is long before our lives had easy access to the world.
Little known fact is that this was Tupac’s favorite song and was the last song he heard in the hospital before he passed
I love Van Gogh's paintings, which Don described in this song. Van Gogh did have psychological issues, but his paintings are beautiful. This song always brings tears to my eyes. What a wonderful tribute to the genius that was Vincent. I wish he could have lived to see that he became one of the greatest painters ever😢
Once again I would like to say that I really enjoy your channel because you are exploring the music I came of age with. The very best of lyrics and music was created in this generation and I am glad that you are experiencing it
My boys, you aren't crazy. You two are walking the line between todays world and seeing/experiencing eternal truths. I rwmember when I first heard it when it came out, I was thinking Jesus at the very beginning as well, until I recognized it was about an artist. Those trying to express the eternal love that they see despite a world gone mad are often perceived as mad themselves, when in reality, they see the greatest truth. Peace.
One of my FAVORITE SONGS of ALL TIME - THANKS, BP & Don.....MADE MY DAY!!
The song "Killing Me Softly With His Song" was written as a response by someone who walked into a venue where Don Maclean was performing. His lyrics are superb.
I really appreciate how well your guest handled this song. He is usually unwilling to be vulnerable in reactions, so he ends up playing a fool. I was dreading this reaction. Glad I gave it a try! It is nice to see this side of him on a reaction.
A beautiful acoustic where there is nowhere to hide ... Vincent van Gough and his famous painting starry starry night. Would love to see your reaction to Five Seconds of Summer aka 5SOS - Young Guns - in both acoustic and full rock versions ... xx
This is one of the first really "grown-up" songs I remember hearing as a child. When this came on the radio, it would always make me stop what I was doing and listen, trying to understand a language I didn't know yet... A melody this unusually beautiful had to be written to equally beautiful lyrics. I was right.
I always have to recommend to people who've listened to this song, even if you don't watch or really know anything about Doctor Who, watch the episode Vincent and the Doctor. Despite the accent, Tony Curran, does a brilliant job playing the tormented artist, the episode also has a rather epic cameo performance and the last 10-15 minutes of the episode, will absolutely floor you!
I love the way he went through painting after painting! The description of each piece was lovely
Don McLean and Homefree did a beautiful version of this song. 😍
Beautiful - everything about this including your reactions. Thank you guys. ❤
Great reaction
There's a video on UA-cam called Dr Who and Vincent were they bring back Vincent to see his museum dedicated to his work and sees all the people visiting. Very emotional to see the world appreciate him
Such a gorgeous song. Don Mclean is a poet.
Just beautiful!
It's one of my favorite songs.
Chicago Art Museum has a amazing Van Gogh collection, love his work, so beautiful
VanGogh's paintings mean so much more after this tragically accurate, yet inspirational song...perfect in presentation too..... so very very good... Bless you for this one Don Maclean🙏 and thank BP for sharing👍
Good idea to read about Van Gogh's life then listen again all by yourself...
You definitely have to watch the video that matches his paintings with the lyrics. Such a beautiful and sad song.
One of the most gorgeously written songs from the 20th century imho :) thanks for sharing and reacting Pegasus :D