I cannot hear this song without crying. It is a beautiful, eloquent tribute to Vincent Van Gogh. Nothing will ever be more appropriate or as bittersweet or as beautiful as Mr. Mclean's song. It is a perfect masterpiece.
I can imagine Vincent sitting alone with his finished painting knowing that no one is interested in his work. This coupled with probably a good deal of confusion in his mind due to his mental illness is almost more than I can handle. McLean has brought this sadness to us in the most beautiful way. This tribute to Vincent is nothing short of a masterpiece.
It is a misconception that nobody was interested in Vincent’s work. He was well known and well respected amongst his fellow artists and he was already getting some recognition from collectors and such. But he was a troubled man. His world became too dark. He couldn’t continue.
I heard it in a taxi shortly after having a massive argument with my mother. I was feeling misunderstood, I was feeling that I wasn't being seen for who I really was, and I was longing to be told "now I understand".
You get it. Sadly, it seems his parents pretty much gave up and wrote him off. He had one brother and his wife that tried to support him through all of his pain. If only Vincent could have had a tiny bit of the love that people have for his talent now
I listened to about 12 reactions and your only one that totally gets this song. Thank you brother, your reaction brought back emotional memories of me hearing this song for the first time back in the 70's.
I agree. This reaction was the only one that I felt really GOT it. Understood and appreciated, not only Van Gogh, but Don McClean's tribute to him and his life. Well done, sirs.
I went to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam in the 70s about the same time this was written. The paintings and drawings were arranged in such a way that I sensed the gradual progression of his mental illness. I came out in tears and very grateful to have had the privilege to experience his wonderful creation in this way.
I think he was painting for himself, he was absorbed by colour and light, that's why he walked to the south of France to paint as the light was better, he also painted a lot whilst in a mental institution, some people find a love of being an artist as he did
There are so many reactions to this song and in almost every single one, the reactor is impressed by the beauty of what he or she hears, but they never seem to grasp what's behind this classic, the story of a soul in turmoil, Vincent Van Gogh. Thank you for a great reaction and especially as you are one of the few to have seen the truth and the story behind it. High praise for a Scotsman from a Sassenach.
I make quilts. With every quilt that I create for a loved one, my hope is that they will love it forever. You give a piece of yourself when you create with love. ❤❤❤ Sorry for going on. ❤️✌️
This is my favorite song ever. It’s so beautiful. There is a scene in Dr Who when they bring Van Gogh to the future and he sees his paintings, I wish this song was playing during that scene.
Thanks for a heartfelt reaction. I grew up just blocks away from Don McLean, who would entertain the neighbourhood kids by singing and playing guitar. Don's always been a private person but he opened up last year in a documentary he helped produce about his making of American Pie, and from his story, it's clear why he could write and sing a song about Van Gogh's anguish -- because Don too often felt isolated, misunderstood and unappreciated. He did not connect with his peers. His sister suffered from mental illness at a time when that was taboo. His interest in music clashed with his father's ambitions, and when Don hid a high school report card, then showed at his father's demand, his father suffered a heart attack and died that night in hospital -- Don was only 15. He wrote this song midway through a 6-year marriage with a woman he felt didn't understand him. So when he read about Van Gogh, he felt connected by shared misery. Don sings with such emotion because he's not only singing about Van Gogh; he's singing about himself. Speaking of connections, Don' father was a Scotsman too!
He certainly left his mark on history, and Don ensured he never will be forgotten. I bought the record all those years ago, and here i am , tears a streaming.
There's an episode of Dr. Who where the doctor brings vincent to the modern day gallery that houses his paintings.Its probably the best episode of the doctor ever made. It made me sob at the end. It was so beautiful.❤
Turned off lifd support to my 25 year old artist son who accidentaly fell in snow hoit his head anx lay there dying . He had over 500 canvases and I will make sure his life was nof in vain. He was the most beautiful looking man inside and out.
I hope that somehow he knows now that hes so famous and that folks try to help the mentally despaired wirh some meds out there now. Ty for your reaction
Although I could hardly understand your accent-I clearly understood your face full of emotions! Thanks for your beautiful reaction on this song that still makes me cry after hearing it for the 1000time
My father of 45yrs took his life 10yrs ago...& This is the Song I played @ his funeral....We were both lovers of Don Mclean (American Pie) & Van Gough's art....It was so appropriate!!!....He even look like Vincent Van Gough 'self portrait' with eyes of China blue ....xox
Most of people who have done on- line stuff about this song, never watched this video with his paintings, drawings etc. I cry every time I watch this video with his works displayed. I love Vincent and I love Don for what he did for Vincent!
Van Gogh sold one painting in his life. He struggled deeply. I recommend watching the episode of Doctor Who called Vincent. Even if you just watch the final scene. It will bring tears to your eyes.
That episode somehow soothed my soul in the “what if/if only” department. To repair Vincent’s anguish, to show him love and the forever of how he was really appreciated
Great song. I can't hear it now without thinking of an episode of Dr Who called "Vincent and the Doctor". Dr Who, is a Time Lord and can travel in time. He goes to the time of Vincent Van Gogh. At the end the Doctor takes Vincent to the present time and he takes him to an art museum. Vincent sees his art on the wall and the Doctor asks an expert at the museum about Van Gogh. The expert explains how Vincent is probably the greatest of all time. I actually teared up watching knowing Vincent would kill himself after returning to his own time. Loved hearing this again today.
I too come to that. Dr. Who episode. In the end they give Vincent what we all wish we could. Affirmation of how deeply his art touched our hearts. Giving Vincent the love he so needed and how the world has come to appreciate him and what he produced.
A song worthy of its subject and always brings on the tears and the goosebumps. I have long been an admirer of van Gogh's work and once had a chance to see some of it in person. That was a mind blowing experience. You see the paintings in books and they are flat but in life they are 3 dimensonal. One of them was huge (3 m x 2 m - ish) and it felt like I could walk into that grove of trees. This is a great version of this song with the paintings and the words as well. Thank you for sharing and I loved your response to it. xoxo
I very much enjoyed your reaction commentary about this piece by Don Mclean. I am 83 years old and still get teary when listening to this........just like when I first heard it when it came out in 1971.
I remember when this song first came out it was being played on the radio everywhere and its one of those rare classics that you never tire of hearing. I visited the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam in Autumn some years ago with my then girlfriend and I kept thinking of this tune. I remember the hue in the air, the canals, the leaves falling from the trees and the rich, early Autumn sunsets - and I wondered how he would have painted them today.
I could see in your face that you had the same reaction as I did ❤ thank you for sharing your reaction . You're the first one that seems to understand the song with the paintings ❤
Vincent van Gogh painted with canvas and oils. Don McLean paints with music and lyrics. Saw Don in concert a while back. I left between numbers to run to the restroom and collect as many tissues as I could. Brilliant. ❤
I was 10 when this came out and there was a boy called Vincent in my school class who I had a crush on at the time so I always remember him when I hear this. However as I got older I realised the true meaning of the song and it is beautiful. One of the most beautiful and emotional songs I have ever heard.
Each word, each sentence in this song has a special meaning, when he says you tried to set them free, he's talking about the voices Vincent heard, The song tells if Van Goths tortured life.
I read recently that Vincent was not fond of photographs, saying they fade and die quickly. But oil and canvas lasts for generations. Such a beautiful tribute by MacLean. Vincent would be so proud. And validated. RIP, Vincent.
Thank you for reminding us of how blessed we were to experience musicians like Don McLean in our youth. You have to have a heart of ice not to be emotionally affected by the song. Thank you/
One of the most beautiful songs ever. Don McLean made you feel the pain that Vincent was going through, beautiful pictures but no escape or happiness, just to end his life in the end 😭
It's a beautiful, sad, emotional song. I could see in your face how much this song touched you. VanGogh's life was tragic. He died penniless. I saw his Irises painting at the Getty Museum, and you can just imagine him painting it. The brush strokes are so thick that you can see each one. It was amazing. I'm glad you got to hear this song. I wish everyone could hear it.
Wonderful review Joe, you understand it. The critics hated his paintings because they based their critiques on academic brain washing of good or bad. If they had just let down their guard and looked at them as they were, with no bias, they would have seen them for what them for what they were: beautiful and showing more than just a pretty scene. They could not, so they never saw the artist painting exactly what he saw with his own eyes. Academia stunts free thinking even back then. BTW, the visuals distract from the song, they are just not needed.
It is an awesome song... Vincent Van Gogh, only sold one painting in his life, "The Red Vineyard", in 1890. It sold for 400 francs ($US400). In 1890, 400 francs = $US77. It was purchased by his brother.
The song is as gentle and fragile as the thinnest of floating, almost invisible glass sculptures of the very stars and flowers that Vincent painted. So precariously suspended in air, that the slightest breeze would cause them all to plummet to the ground and shatter.
Oh! This song! I have been hearing this song since I was a little girl in the 70s and every single time I have to stop what I'm doing, become still, and listen. And weep. I can't recall a single instance of hearing this piece of art that I didn't cry. Thank you for this reaction, and for including the word "joyous" in your description, because it is that, as well. So glad I found your channel.
I cannot hear this song without crying. It is a beautiful, eloquent tribute to Vincent Van Gogh. Nothing will ever be more appropriate or as bittersweet or as beautiful as Mr. Mclean's song. It is a perfect masterpiece.
This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.
I can imagine Vincent sitting alone with his finished painting knowing that no one is interested in his work. This coupled with probably a good deal of confusion in his mind due to his mental illness is almost more than I can handle. McLean has brought this sadness to us in the most beautiful way. This tribute to Vincent is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Thank you for your reaction to this. I'm in floods of tears. It's just such a beautiful song about a beautiful painter.
Well, thank you for your acknowledge ment!
Your comment is a masterpiece.
So well put. Thank you. ❤
It is a misconception that nobody was interested in Vincent’s work. He was well known and well respected amongst his fellow artists and he was already getting some recognition from collectors and such. But he was a troubled man. His world became too dark. He couldn’t continue.
Tears for me
Bringing beauty to the world is not easy. Vincent van Gogh and Don McLean did it impeccably. Thank you for seeing it.
Im familiar with this song since the 80s, at least still want to ball my eyes everytime.
One master describing another, truly masterful.
If a person doesn't get a little misty hearing this for the first time, they have no heart.
I heard it in a taxi shortly after having a massive argument with my mother. I was feeling misunderstood, I was feeling that I wasn't being seen for who I really was, and I was longing to be told "now I understand".
You get it. Sadly, it seems his parents pretty much gave up and wrote him off. He had one brother and his wife that tried to support him through all of his pain. If only Vincent could have had a tiny bit of the love that people have for his talent now
The person he needed to love was himself ,as most people need to
I listened to about 12 reactions and your only one that totally gets this song. Thank you brother, your reaction brought back emotional memories of me hearing this song for the first time back in the 70's.
Thank you my man. I appreciate that so much
I agree. This reaction was the only one that I felt really GOT it. Understood and appreciated, not only Van Gogh, but Don McClean's tribute to him and his life. Well done, sirs.
That's all right, Geo...we all cried the first time we heard this absolute masterpiece. We're still crying.
Aye
❤@@JosephMuir-ic2nw
I cry every time❤
@@ingehohenegger994 so do I ever since I first heard this song in 1972
McLean paints pictures as vivid as Van Gogh's with words. A magical combination
Perfect sentiment.
Yes
Both gave masterpieces to the world.
How wonderfully put
The collage of Van Gogh's paintings is The Only Way to listen to this song.
I went to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam in the 70s about the same time this was written. The paintings and drawings were arranged in such a way that I sensed the gradual progression of his mental illness. I came out in tears and very grateful to have had the privilege to experience his wonderful creation in this way.
Exactly. It's poetry. Thank you. Australia ❤
One of the most beautiful songs ever written
I think he was painting for himself, he was absorbed by colour and light, that's why he walked to the south of France to paint as the light was better, he also painted a lot whilst in a mental institution, some people find a love of being an artist as he did
Love , wish to die for my art now
Vincent's sister-in-law, Theo's wife, inherited Vincent's paintings and was the sole force for creating the legacy of the artist.
His brother bought his paintings to support him. 120 million minimum today.
Your first words after hearing a bit of this song! ❤️❤️❤️✌️
Beautiful but sad song
There are so many reactions to this song and in almost every single one, the reactor is impressed by the beauty of what he or she hears, but they never seem to grasp what's behind this classic, the story of a soul in turmoil, Vincent Van Gogh. Thank you for a great reaction and especially as you are one of the few to have seen the truth and the story behind it. High praise for a Scotsman from a Sassenach.
I always cry at this song❤❤
You are so right, Painting and music is language..it needs to be shared.
I make quilts. With every quilt that I create for a loved one, my hope is that they will love it forever. You give a piece of yourself when you create with love. ❤❤❤
Sorry for going on. ❤️✌️
Love your reaction. Has been one of my favourite songs since it was released. I saw him once in concert when he came to Adelaide in the 80s.
When you see ‘Starry Starry Night,the original,Vincent’s emotions and passions jump out of the canvas.The vitality blows you away.🙏❤️
I had forgotten how heartbreakingly beautiful this song was. Thank you for reminding me.
Its absolutely beautiful
This is my favorite song ever. It’s so beautiful. There is a scene in Dr Who when they bring Van Gogh to the future and he sees his paintings, I wish this song was playing during that scene.
Thanks for a heartfelt reaction. I grew up just blocks away from Don McLean, who would entertain the neighbourhood kids by singing and playing guitar. Don's always been a private person but he opened up last year in a documentary he helped produce about his making of American Pie, and from his story, it's clear why he could write and sing a song about Van Gogh's anguish -- because Don too often felt isolated, misunderstood and unappreciated. He did not connect with his peers. His sister suffered from mental illness at a time when that was taboo. His interest in music clashed with his father's ambitions, and when Don hid a high school report card, then showed at his father's demand, his father suffered a heart attack and died that night in hospital -- Don was only 15. He wrote this song midway through a 6-year marriage with a woman he felt didn't understand him. So when he read about Van Gogh, he felt connected by shared misery. Don sings with such emotion because he's not only singing about Van Gogh; he's singing about himself.
Speaking of connections, Don' father was a Scotsman too!
Your response was very appreciated .I hope to watch Don's documentary. His voice is so articulate and soothing to listen to.
I could listen to you speak all day long.
What a wonderful story. Thank you!
For b they didn't love you ...still your love was true ..
Very beautifully said...
This song is poetry
what a beautiful reaction to this beautiful and sad song
Fantastic reaction, thank you!
His brother bought most of Vincent’s paintings while he was alive to help support him.
What a wonderful reaction.
Don McLean IS Van Goh
- with a Guitar as his Brush
- Guitar Sound as Canvass,
- Voice and Words as Colors.
60 year old paddy here and I still tear up every time I hear this
Don gives everyone access to Van Gogh‘s art. An absolute masterpiece. Much love from Germany 🇩🇪 ❤ …😢oh my,…. Why are my eyes sweating?
He certainly left his mark on history, and Don ensured he never will be forgotten. I bought the record all those years ago, and here i am , tears a streaming.
This has been my favorite song by him as long as I can remember. Van Gogh being my favorite artist
I have Starry Night hanging on my wall
There's an episode of Dr. Who where the doctor brings vincent to the modern day gallery that houses his paintings.Its probably the best episode of the doctor ever made. It made me sob at the end. It was so beautiful.❤
Turned off lifd support to my 25 year old artist son who accidentaly fell in snow hoit his head anx lay there dying . He had over 500 canvases and I will make sure his life was nof in vain. He was the most beautiful looking man inside and out.
My heart goes out to you. There's nothing sadder than losing a child no matter how old. Thank you for sharing his story with us.
Songwriting at it's best, loved the reaction
I hope that somehow he knows now that hes so famous and that folks try to help the mentally despaired wirh some meds out there now. Ty for your reaction
Although I could hardly understand your accent-I clearly understood your face full of emotions! Thanks for your beautiful reaction on this song that still makes me cry after hearing it for the 1000time
The poetry stands alone. Then add the music composition, and then the performance. It's almost beyond human.
My father of 45yrs took his life 10yrs ago...& This is the Song I played @ his funeral....We were both lovers of Don Mclean (American Pie) & Van Gough's art....It was so appropriate!!!....He even look like Vincent Van Gough 'self portrait' with eyes of China blue ....xox
Im so sorry
Most of people who have done on- line stuff about this song, never watched this video with his paintings, drawings etc. I cry every time I watch this video with his works displayed. I love Vincent and I love Don for what he did for Vincent!
Van Gogh sold one painting in his life. He struggled deeply. I recommend watching the episode of Doctor Who called Vincent. Even if you just watch the final scene. It will bring tears to your eyes.
Vincent is my favorite Doctor Who episode. I cry every time I see it.
Thanks for the tip.
That episode somehow soothed my soul in the “what if/if only” department. To repair Vincent’s anguish, to show him love and the forever of how he was really appreciated
Loved your sensitive and lovely comments...thank you.
Great song. I can't hear it now without thinking of an episode of Dr Who called "Vincent and the Doctor". Dr Who, is a Time Lord and can travel in time. He goes to the time of Vincent Van Gogh. At the end the Doctor takes Vincent to the present time and he takes him to an art museum. Vincent sees his art on the wall and the Doctor asks an expert at the museum about Van Gogh. The expert explains how Vincent is probably the greatest of all time. I actually teared up watching knowing Vincent would kill himself after returning to his own time. Loved hearing this again today.
I too come to that. Dr. Who episode. In the end they give Vincent what we all wish we could. Affirmation of how deeply his art touched our hearts. Giving Vincent the love he so needed and how the world has come to appreciate him and what he produced.
A song worthy of its subject and always brings on the tears and the goosebumps. I have long been an admirer of van Gogh's work and once had a chance to see some of it in person. That was a mind blowing experience. You see the paintings in books and they are flat but in life they are 3 dimensonal. One of them was huge (3 m x 2 m - ish) and it felt like I could walk into that grove of trees. This is a great version of this song with the paintings and the words as well. Thank you for sharing and I loved your response to it. xoxo
Dr. Who made a whole episode about him and it was beautifully done. This song gets me crying every time.
Great video. In my mind this is one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded. I think you captured why very well.
I very much enjoyed your reaction commentary about this piece by Don Mclean. I am 83 years old and still get teary when listening to this........just like when I first heard it when it came out in 1971.
Best reaction off all i have seen of this song about Vincent van Gogh.
I remember when this song first came out it was being played on the radio everywhere and its one of those rare classics that you never tire of hearing. I visited the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam in Autumn some years ago with my then girlfriend and I kept thinking of this tune. I remember the hue in the air, the canals, the leaves falling from the trees and the rich, early Autumn sunsets - and I wondered how he would have painted them today.
I could see in your face that you had the same reaction as I did ❤ thank you for sharing your reaction . You're the first one that seems to understand the song with the paintings ❤
Vincent created so much beauty and none of us noticed while he was alive!! I actually should say, none of them noticed!!
Vincent van Gogh painted with canvas and oils. Don McLean paints with music and lyrics. Saw Don in concert a while back. I left between numbers to run to the restroom and collect as many tissues as I could. Brilliant. ❤
Just a true masterpiece of a song.
I was 10 when this came out and there was a boy called Vincent in my school class who I had a crush on at the time so I always remember him when I hear this. However as I got older I realised the true meaning of the song and it is beautiful. One of the most beautiful and emotional songs I have ever heard.
Each word, each sentence in this song has a special meaning, when he says you tried to set them free, he's talking about the voices Vincent heard,
The song tells if Van Goths tortured life.
How could someone of this age Not have heard this song yet. 🤦🏽😉
C'mon Scotland, I love you, so many Beautiful songs out there. 💚
Mate, am 21 😃🤟
I read recently that Vincent was not fond of photographs, saying they fade and die quickly. But oil and canvas lasts for generations. Such a beautiful tribute by MacLean. Vincent would be so proud. And validated. RIP, Vincent.
Everyone wants Love, and not feeling anyone loves you is painful or appreciate’s you, what makes life worth living…
Tears to my eyes!
Thank you for reminding us of how blessed we were to experience musicians like Don McLean in our youth. You have to have a heart of ice not to be emotionally affected by the song. Thank you/
This was one of my favourite songs it is like you say beautiful poetry x
This is truly one of my very favorite songs. Top 10.
Don McLean is amazing...so many amazing songs.
I loved your reaction. Thank you.
Beautiful Real reaction! - ❤
Paints with words. Beautiful reaction to a beautiful song.
One of the most beautiful songs ever. Don McLean made you feel the pain that Vincent was going through, beautiful pictures but no escape or happiness, just to end his life in the end 😭
Beautiful reaction to a beautiful song. Thank you.
Well said.
It's a beautiful, sad, emotional song. I could see in your face how much this song touched you. VanGogh's life was tragic. He died penniless. I saw his Irises painting at the Getty Museum, and you can just imagine him painting it. The brush strokes are so thick that you can see each one. It was amazing. I'm glad you got to hear this song. I wish everyone could hear it.
you hit the nail on the head my friend
It gets me every time I listen. Makes me weep like a baby. Such a beautiful artist. And lovely tribute to Vincent. ❤
Wonderful review Joe, you understand it.
The critics hated his paintings because they based their critiques on academic brain washing of good or bad. If they had just let down their guard and looked at them as they were, with no bias, they would have seen them for what them for what they were: beautiful and showing more than just a pretty scene. They could not, so they never saw the artist painting exactly what he saw with his own eyes. Academia stunts free thinking even back then.
BTW, the visuals distract from the song, they are just not needed.
This brings tears every time I hear it
More of you please! 💙😎👍
I saw your eyes,now you4 artistry mighty fly
My favorite song of all time
It is an awesome song...
Vincent Van Gogh, only sold one painting in his life, "The Red Vineyard", in 1890. It sold for 400 francs ($US400). In 1890, 400 francs = $US77. It was purchased by his brother.
Beautiful Reaction... Thank You...
YOU GOT IT. THANK YOU
The song is as gentle and fragile as the thinnest of floating, almost invisible glass sculptures of the very stars and flowers that Vincent painted. So precariously suspended in air, that the slightest breeze would cause them all to plummet to the ground and shatter.
Timeless is all I can say. Beautiful. Was brought up in Don McLeans era.
I cry every time I hear this song.
This song makes me cry.
A fitting masterpiece for another beautiful soul separated only by time.
Beautiful reaction to a timeless song.
Thank you
Great reaction! Thank you. I really enjoyed this reaction to this beautiful song from one artist to another.
Your reaction to this song is so beautiful. TY for sharing. Incredible. The song is incredible and what a voice McLean has. Pure magical artistry.
When I first heard this song many years ago, I was stunned too ……. It is a beautiful song
Oh! This song! I have been hearing this song since I was a little girl in the 70s and every single time I have to stop what I'm doing, become still, and listen. And weep. I can't recall a single instance of hearing this piece of art that I didn't cry. Thank you for this reaction, and for including the word "joyous" in your description, because it is that, as well. So glad I found your channel.
Thank you for your most sensitive and insightful review of this fabulous performance. You understood it more than many other reactors.