Sorry... Which guys said you had to hit Vincent? Come on guys. You are jumping the shark. Get back to reacting to bangers and leave this artsy pretentiousness for someone else. You still haven’t reacted to ACDC’s Let there be Rock. The Sex Pistols Anarchy in the UK. The Rolling Stones Get your Rocks off. Anything by the Smiths. Red Hot Chili Peppers Higher Ground. But you found some guys who said you had to hit Vincent... ?
@TheAsiavol Check the comments on the American Pie video loads of people said to hit this, and we still enjoy bangers though also really enjoy some great songwriting from time to time. 🤷🏻♀️
This is one of the saddest, most beautiful songs ever written, about one of the saddest, most beautiful human souls who ever breathed. Vincent Van Gogh sold one painting during his lifetime. He never married. He was supported financially by his younger brother Theo for years until his death by suicide at age 37. His "Portrait of Dr. Gachet" sold for $82.5 million in 1990 ($161.4 million in 2021 dollars). Nine of the most expensive paintings ever sold are Van Goghs. Only Picasso has more (15). Vincent is the quintessential misunderstood artist. Lonely, painfully sensitive and almost superhumanly perceptive about life and the world around him, he was nevertheless considered eccentric, repulsive and disagreeable by acquaintances and other artists. He struggled socially and eventually succumbed to mental illness and depression. His paintings and drawings were unappreciated by the European art establishment during his lifetime, yet are now universally regarded as among the most influential works of art ever created.
Have you seen the Dr. Who clip with Van Gogh? It's quite moving and is "a pleasant fiction." In their infinite wisdom it won't let me post a direct link so look for Vincent Van Gogh Visits The Gallery Vincent And Doctor Doctor Who
This one makes me tear up every single time. "This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you." You can't just be ok after hearing a line like that!!
Guys, two artists you need to check out: Jim Croce and Cat Stevens. Jim Croce who spent a fat half of the sixties trying to make it professionally as a singer songwriter while still holding a job so to feed his family, finally does make it in the seventies to heights unimaginable in the span of three years and three albums. All of a sudden we hear on the radio he's dead. Died in a plane crash whilst touring. Stevens who became a minor pop star in 1967 London, had a near death experience in 1969 and began writing incredibly deep lyrics and recording these series of excellent albums that made him world renown. Then, gives up show business for religion and disappears; resurfacing at the turn of the millennium. Both very interesting singer/songwriters that should be checked out at the Freedom Shack.
I would add Gordon Lightfoot in here as they've already covered Sundown, but they NEED to get The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald in as it's on par with Vincent.
This song I actually like a little more than American Pie, in my opinion it's one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Mr. Van Gogh's work was never appreciated in his own time, and I'm just thankful we can still appreciate it now. Thanks for doing this song guys:)
@Dicon Dissectional Reactions don’t know if you’ve ever watched Dr. Who. There’s an episode called “Vincent and the Doctor.” During one of the scenes, van Gogh travels to the future and gets to see an ethereal exhibit of his work. Apart from the hokiness of the rest of the storyline, that scene is so moving considering he never saw what society perceived as accomplishment in his own lifetime.
The same can be said of Lowry's work. They called him a Sunday Painter. The song Matchstick Men and Matchstick Cats and Dogs is in a similar style but more upbeat
Boys I keep telling you, we were blessed with insane talent in the 70’s. Voices, harmonies, instrumentals, poetry writing. We were truly blessed. So much greatness out there.
The song Killing Me Softly, most famously sung by Roberta Flack was written about Don McLean. His songs have touched people to the extent others have written masterpieces about him and his masterpieces!
The song you're referring to was actually first recorded by Lori Leiberman who is said to have collaborated with lyricist Norman Gimbel and composer Charles Fox after seeing Don perform in a small nightclub. Flack is reported to have heard the song while traveling and said she had to record it. Check out Lori Leiberman interviews here on you tube for confirmation. Quite an interesting story.
I'm pretty sure Van Gogh saw the energy around us in ways we just can't understand. He wasn't crazy, just operated at a different frequency and let us see it through his paintings. And McLean gets us lyrically as close to understanding what Van Gogh saw as we can get. Simply one of the prettiest songs ever written.
In listening to this song and reading more about Vincent Van Gogh....I see the traits in our Autistic children....they see the world DIFFERENTLY....operating on a 'different frequency' as you put it and I find myself in tears for so many reasons.... my friends don't shun the different.....they can set us free...
I saw him in a college gym in 1974. It was him, a stool and chair, guitar and pitcher of water. He kept the crowd mesmerized for an hour and a half. I have probably forgotten half the things I have done in my life, but I remember that. After hearing this song, you can understand that. He combines brilliant simple and unique lyrics with minimal simple chords and finger picking. He didn’t need anything else.
Yep I cry every time I hear this one!! McLean is an S tier lyricist!! What a poet and he evokes so much emotion from his listeners!! Great song and great response to it!! Now I’ll wipe the tears from my eyes and get back to work!
nailed the meaning. The guy was a mess and considered poorly back in his day. As an artist myself the song just rips me up. Glad you guys covered it, clearly not a rocker ripper but pure artistry and definitely worth shining a light on 🙌🏻
I think maybe since it was both him and his brother, they might have had some kind of metal poisoning or maybe their mom had syphilis before they were born. Very sad story which we wouldn't know without his beautiful paintings.
I believe that Don McLean said that he read a biography of Vincent Van Gogh. He said after reading the book he decided to write a song about him. He said that it one of the easiest songs that he has ever written. The words and melody just flowed. He said that he had the whole song written in less than an hour.
I never listen to this song with out tearing up. It was one of Tupac's favorite songs. His girlfriend played it for him as he lay dying in the hospital.
I remember when this came out, I was just a kid-but even then it made me cry. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, I always stop whatever it is and listen, and hear those beautiful words. It always makes me feel like that little kid, hearing beauty for the first time. And I still cry.
Every time I hear " And when no hope was left inside on that Starry Starry Night, you took your life as lovers often do, but I could have told you Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you" . I tear up...
You would think writing a song about a visual medium like painting would be impossible, but he seems to do it effortlessly. Books have been written, trying to convey what he does in just a few minutes.
Lyrically this is one of the most beautiful songs ever written, you can see his paintings through McLean's words. VanGough was totally crazy and locked in a facility for many years. He painted what he could see from his windows or what he saw in his room. Thank you for reacting to this song. Vocally this is perfection.
Van Gogh came from money, so his family was able to afford putting him in institutions. Their fear was that he would be placed in a public institution like Bedlam.
Healthcare provider here-I’m an RN who’s done Psychiatric Nursing. I’m also one of millions of HUMANS who has mental illness. I suffer from Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I’m quite well-acquainted with panic attacks. Dismissing someone, ANYONE as ‘totally crazy’- is an INSULT. No one person EVERY deserves to be described as “crazy”. Can people have psychotic breaks? Unrelenting panic attacks ? Severe anxiety? Suicidal ideations? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. We DO know Van Gogh had temporal lobe epilepsy, which affects mood and behavior. The rest is conjecture. You using the word ‘crazy’ is demeaning, insulting and WRONG. I’m not crazy. Neither was Van Gogh. Do I struggle? Absolutely. But I’m not ‘crazy’. And neither was he. www.vangoghgallery.com/misc/mental.html
Vincent van Gogh was NOT totally crazy. In fact he was quite the genius. He was not locked in a facility. He admitted himself into a facility. And he painted more than just what he could see through his windows. Because, he was out in the world more than he was in the facility. But, you are right! We are lucky that we still have his art to bewilder and amaze us. It's almost like he painted in 3D! He certainly my favorite painting artist.
@@dorian3260 Nope Pat!! You've got it wrong also. Sorry. 😏 His family was poor. His brother Theo, paid for everything for him. And it sometimes upset his brother because he would tell Vincent, "Sell a painting or two." But, he never did. His sister-in-law did, after his death. But Vincent NEVER sold any of his own paintings. By the way, his favorite painting was the sunflowers in a vase sitting on the table. He was a genius, ahead of his time with a paintbrush in his hand.
One of the most beautifully written and performed songs I’ve ever heard as one artist paints a masterpiece of another artist with the brushstrokes of his words.
I visited the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, and when you view his painting in chronological order you can see how he became more and more agitated through his brush strokes.
Yeah, I just posted the Van Gogh museum link to the guys, but there's no denying the impact of seeing Van Gogh's paintings in real life - they're freakin' sculptural, the paint is like half an inch thick or more in places from him building up those swirls of color and texture.
Van Gogh sold one painting while he was alive. Now people wear his art. I have many pieces of clothing, calendars, etc. I've often wondered what he would think of that concept.
@@pamzulauf8218 , just read a sister sold a number of his paintings shortly after he died to help pay for care of another sister who also struggled with mental illness.
@@j.kevvideoproductions.6463 And it sells in clothing, spreads, handbags, etc. Wonder who gets the royalties for all that? I have two different tablet covers of his design, wallet, several items of clothing. He is my favourite impressionist artist, hands down. A few years ago, our city museum had an Impressionist exhibit. I was practically camped out there. It was amazing. Don't get me wrong. I love Monet, Manet, Degas and so many others, but Van Gogh just speaks to me. I loved the song "Vincent" the first time I heard it. McLean is a great lyricist.
Along similar lines, check out Jim Croce, one of the great singer-songwriters of the ’70s, who died tragically at 30. Heartbreaking love songs like “Operator,” “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song,” and “Time in a Bottle,” plus upbeat (and often hilarious) character songs like “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim,” “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” and “Roller Derby Queen.”
Jim Croce wrote so many great story songs! His widow Adrian said Time In a Bottle was written for their son, AJ. Especially heartbreaking since Jim died in a plane crash so soon after that.
Croce had just finished his 2nd album, dedicated to his wife and child. He was finishing up a tour before going home, and his manager talked him into flying... nearly every song was a hit. Yea.
Wow. You two just made my day! "Vincent" is my favourite Don McLean song. It's so beautifully written. Van Gogh is my favourite impressionist artist. Thank you again. You never cease to amaze me with your musical interests. Peace. Take care!
I agree with your comment other than to say that Vincent wasn't an impressionist. He was influenced by that movement but he was definately a post impressionist.
@@gaylasmith5279 Sorry if my adherence to accuracy offended you as that was not my intention at all. I personally appreciate it if people point out errors if I make them but I guess we're not all the same so again my apologies.
@@markhiggins8315 Apologies. That is unlike me usually. You are correct. He was a post-Impressionist Dutch painter. His works have been included in every Impressionist exhibit I've every seen, though. Thus, my error in including him. Best wishes.
@@mourlyvold7655, just that for such a tribute to come out in the 60s was a bit unexpected, but became popular due to it’s beauty. And it probably raised appreciation for Vincent among the newly aware.
The highlight of my tour of Arles, France, was seeing the building (and garden) that had been the insane asylum where he had been committed. Then visiting the Museum that honors his work a few blocks away. A very stark contrast.
i've been there! yes, the old town section of Arles is amazing, and it's stunning to see how many places in the town and the area you know just because of his paintings.
Yes, absolutely! Just across the square from the hospital was the yellow restaurant he had painted. We were shown the location where his rented room existed before it was bombed in WWII. The most incongruous thing for me was an odd room at the museum dedicated to Sun Ra and the Celestial Orchestra in the midst of all the Van Gogh masterpieces!
Father and Son - one of the most complicated and compelling songs of all time. The POV of old age and youthful activism - at the same time - with death in the balance.
There are videos online that play the song and show Vincent's paintings along side that inspired each line. The lyrics are specific in reference to his work. It's even more brilliant than you know.
For storytelling, try Jim Croce or Harry Chapin, two artists who both died too soon. The amazing thing about their deaths was it was NOT due to drugs, just from life. Janis Ian is a female artist who occupies the same space with her classic, Seventeen.
This song always brings tears to my eyes. It's poetry, and so beautiful. How heartbreaking to think how tortured the man was. He got no recognition for his talents here on earth until he was gone.
One of the most beautiful songs ever. Don is so talented. He can play this song alone with his guitar and it’s amazing. Thanks for your great reaction.awesome!!
Finally!! This song always brings a tear to my eye. The artistry, his writing and guitar work is so perfectly balanced in this song. There is a video on UA-cam with Van Gohe's paintings and it really brigns it to life.
Van Gogh created all Of his art (about 900 paintings) in a span of about 10 years, which oddly reminds me of the Beatles and their catalog... how is it possible that 2 of the most Impactful catalogs in our history were created in such a short period of time... great choice and great reaction!!
The contrast there being the Beatles' phenomenal success and the adoration they received from their fans, while Van Goh died penniless and rejected. Thoughtful, tuned-in reaction. 'Nice to watch good art wash over receptive listeners.
Listened on my way to work. I’d forgotten what an excellent sing along in the car song. Haven’t heard it in a while, but every word and note inflection still etched in my heart. Thanks, gents. You are full of unexpected gifts, aren’t you?
Cutting onions in here too! Don McLean’s “Empty Chairs” and “The.Grave” will also leave you reaching for the Kleenex. “The Grave” is possibly the saddest Anti-war song ever written.
Guys, I am so excited that you did this one. Back when you did American Pie I suggested this one to you. I knew you would appreciate it. As I had mentioned I studied him in college and his story was very interesting and heart breaking. Even though back in his time psychology was a very new concept, later due to his writings of the things he would go through on a regular basis, it was determined he was suffering from a form of epilepsy, accompanied by acute insanity and hallucinations. Ok my nerd flag is going to fly. Dr Who did an episode about Van Gogh called "Vincent And The Doctor. You should check it out. It showed some of the problems he lived with and with a wonderful ending the Doctor took him to a current day museum and showed him all his work being displayed and he was able to find out what people thought of it. Not going to lie that episode made me cry. As always guys fantastic review. Thank you, thank you for bringing this to everyone.
Ah. A fellow Doctor Who fan! One of my fav episodes and always me me cry every time I watch it. Have you seen the video that a fan put together with the music and scenes from the episode? Gorgeous! ua-cam.com/video/Ny-6fjECRzk/v-deo.html
Ditto on the Dr. Who episode, Colleen, heartbreaking and beautiful, Tony Curran as Vincent and - a personal fave - Bill Nighy as Dr. Black, conducting tours of the Van Gogh exhibit at the Musee D'Orsay. OK, and Whatever to the monster-of-the-week plot, but otherwise, woooosh!! Cue the waterworks, every time.
@@vanessalore9942 Thanks you so much Vanessa!!! I didn't know this existed. I just went and watched it, it was beautifully done. I just can't thank you enough, a mixture of one of my favorite songs and one of my favorite Dr. Who episodes. It just doesn't get any better than this. I love Dr Who, I have followed the series since the Great Tom Baker was the doctor.
What a great song! I am so glad that you are checking out the great singer-songwriters of the 60s and 70s. I recommend James Taylor's 'Fire and Rain' and Carole King's musical response, 'You've Got a Friend', which Taylor later recorded himself.
Don McLean is a great poet who happens to also to write wonderful melodies to his songs. I think "Empy Chairs" is his most beautiful and poignant song.
This may be the best reaction I've seen from you guys. Appreciating how a folky track like this can carry power and be dynamic without drums or electric guitars warms my heart. You should check out Suzanne Vega. She does have full instrumentation on most of her tracks but it's pretty understated. More than any artist I can think of, though, she uses words not just for their meaning but for their sound, sometimes soft, sometimes percussive. Luka is by far her most well known but Marlene On The Wall shows what I'm talking about.
1. Glad to see you do this!! 2. If you want to look into Van Gogh's soul, look at his painting "Wheatfield with Crows" 3. "Sister Golden Hair" by America! 4. "Operator" by Jim Croce!
"Wheatfield with Crows" was painted shortly before his suicide. It's one of the most striking paintings ever put to canvas -- striking in that it is a brightly sunlight scene that nevertheless evokes an imminent sense of doom and foreboding.
@@gregsager2062 I want to see it in person some day because the paint is on so thick that some people think he painted it with a pallette knife not a brush. I'm a lifelong Van Gogh fan but I didn't fully appreciate the work until I saw some of his works in person at the National Gallery, because he layered the paint on so thick that the brush strokes have a 3D component that does not come through in print books.
So glad you've listened to this song. In my opinion, it's one of the most emotional songs I've ever heard. The haunting melody along with the artistry of the lyrics, reflects Von Gogh's paintings. He was a tormented soul who expressed himself through his paintings and I feel that this song incapsulates this perfectly.
You want to cry while listening to great music: Jim Croce - “Time in a Bottle” (But read the meaning of the song, and what happened to Jim first.) John Prine - “Sam Stone” Johnny Cash - “Hurt” Eric Clapton - “Tears in Heaven (but read the backstory first.)
To see all of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings in one place, watch the Kirk Douglas movie Lust For Life, where Douglas plays Van Gogh and Anthony Quinn plays Paul Gaugan.
@@linjicakonikon7666 Anything or any few things you can cite which made it especially compelling for you? Just curious (and thanks in advance if you reply).
@@HidingFromFate Agreed RE Lust for Life book. Also read "Dear Theo" to see Van Gogh's own words to his beloved benefactor/brother. William Dafoe is, strictly speaking, too old for the part, but is still compelling. The movie is seen through the eyes of an epileptic with mental illness...suffering from seering loneliness...& yet always hyper-aware of earth's rapturous beauty! Van Gogh says he feels as if he is in exile.
I got to see him in concert in the mid-80s. After doing a number of songs, he paused and said "This next song is why I don't have to work unless I want to". He then started American pie.
Actual marimbas in the background, not keys. That's the texture you noticed, and perfectly fits the song for some reason. I do miss you guys taking a moment to review the lyrics, especially on songs of poetry like this one. The skill of lyricsts is often overlooked.
Marimbas ... and an accordion, too. Listen closely and you'll hear it, tucked subtly in the back of the mix. It gives the song a nice little bit of a European peasant feel that's evocative of Van Gogh's subject matter.
@@creech54 I agree that they are clear, but I think you internalize them differently (sometimes more deeply) when you read them. And to be pedantic, "palette" and "pallet" are two very different items.
@@gbsailing9436 Marimbas are made of wood and have a much mellower tone. Glockenspiels are metal and have a signature "ping" to their tone. I'd have to listen again, but there might be some glockenspiel touches.
Beautiful song. Next step, if you want another pretty, acoustic heartbreaker, Empty Chairs is a great one. For something more uptempo, Everybody Loves Me, Baby.
There was a Dr Who episode where they went and met Van Gogh, then took him 2010 and took him to an art museum in London, and made him listen to a curator talk about him...so he knew what people would think of him in the future - worth a watch ua-cam.com/video/ubTJI_UphPk/v-deo.html
^this^ I was coming in to the comments to specifically suggest this for fans of Van Gogh and/or Doctor Who. It still deals with typical Doctor Who aliens/monsters, but they handle the Van Gogh aspect of the story line respectfully and beautifully. It's an 11th Doctor episode, and definitely worth a watch in one's own time.
If you want to see van Gogh paintings you have to come to Amsterdam. The van Gogh museum is amazing. And yes he cut of his own ear and took his own life. He tried to shoot himself through the heart but, not knowing exactly the position of the heart, he missed. Eventually he died two days later on 29th July 1890 at the age of 37.
You two need to go to Amsterdam. The Van Gogh Museum would blow your minds and the text between the paintings will fill your in on the story. Short of that, you could see the Van Gogh biographical film staring Willem Dafoe.
That museum is absolutely incredible. Seeing those paintings in person--they are three dimensional and filled with textures because he used so much paint on them. The movie Vincent and Theo is also a good film about Van Gogh.
A little Van Gogh background. His brother, Theo, who was an art dealer, subsidized him for his art career. Vincent only sold one painting before his death. After he died the brother and his wife, Johanna, inherited all the unsold paintings. Theo and Johanna had married the year before Vincent's death; she'd only met him a couple of times. Theo died about six months after Vincent, leaving Johanna with an infant son and Vincent's life work, around 200 worthless paintings, plus many sketches, and the collected correspondence between the brothers. Though not trained in art, she spent the rest of her life promoting her late brother-in-law's artworks, and was instrumental in saving his works and promoting them. Van Gogh's paintings are now some of the most valuable works of art in the world, distributed in the finest art museums and galleries around the world, largely because of Johanna van Gogh-Bonger.
So gorgeous. Don McLean has this ability to bring to events and people to life... He captured Van Gogh's essence and his pieces of work to life in song. Also, the suffering of our great masters. And yes, this always makes me cry... the good kind. Definitely check out more of Van Gogh's works... His perception was so unique and captivating. Thanks for this beauty today fellas. Have a great day! 🙂 👋💖✌️
I always loved this song. Don Mclean's masterpiece. It is such a beautiful song. Almost everyone I have exposed to this song has either cried or were on the verge of tears.
I know every word of this album. The Grave is even more emotional, about the Vietnam war. Everybody loves me baby is a rocker and makes me laugh. Some of the songs are so poignant and just speak about some moments of my life and puts music to my pain. Listen to the whole album... you won't regret it.
Vincent Van Gogh was a CHARACTER. He painted peasants and the working class a fair amount, lived in France with Paul Gaugin for a while (very love/hate relationship, that), and battled his inner demons at a time when the only answer society had was 'an asylum, I guess.' Unsurprisingly he did spend a fair amount of time committed. (Gaugin had more in-lifetime acclaim, and eventually moved to Tahiti because... he could, I guess?) There are actually two "Starry Night"s. The earlier one includes a river, and I like it a lot more. The more famous one was one of his last paintings. We have his sister-in-law to thank for his legacy. Theo died not long after Vincent himself, and she was left with all these paintings and no idea what to do with them, so she decided to try building the legacy they deserved. There was a Van Gogh-Gaugin exhibit in Chicago when I was in high school that my parents and I went to (only thing that will ever get my mom to go to Chicago in December: a chance to see "Starry Night" and all the rest of it in person). Years later, come to find out my wife - who was in college near Chicago at the time, years before we met - also went to that exhibit, probably the same weekend. This has been a history lesson from your resident Art Kid; Van Gogh is one of my mom's favorites.
Hi Guys, SO glad you’re going back & listening to this music-I saw Don McLean in a small ‘theater in the round’ type place-very intimate-he is SO creative-I’ve been to Van Gogh museums & shows-he was an undiscovered genius-so was Edgar Allen Poe, & others-weird-McLean did a very unique song that my aged mind can’t think of the name of-‘In the Jungle’ something like that. I’ll try & find title-It’s overlooked cause of his bigger hits, but it’s just so cool.
I named my son after this song. And “this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you” still holds true. So many challenges he’s faced. I’ve almost lost him more than once. Sobbing as always. He suffers for his sanity. And Vincent, I have always listened.
You guys said we had to hit this one next so we’re here for it!! Loved American Pie and this was phenomenal as well! Cheers all what’s next?! 🙌🏻🔥
Haitian Divorce - Steely Dan please.
Sorry... Which guys said you had to hit Vincent? Come on guys. You are jumping the shark. Get back to reacting to bangers and leave this artsy pretentiousness for someone else. You still haven’t reacted to ACDC’s Let there be Rock. The Sex Pistols Anarchy in the UK. The Rolling Stones Get your Rocks off. Anything by the Smiths. Red Hot Chili Peppers Higher Ground. But you found some guys who said you had to hit Vincent... ?
@TheAsiavol
Check the comments on the American Pie video loads of people said to hit this, and we still enjoy bangers though also really enjoy some great songwriting from time to time. 🤷🏻♀️
So 38 Special is a B, but Vincent is an A+.....really.
A&A
If you're going to do soft 70s
🚩🚩LITTLE RIVER BAND🎼 Reminiscing🎼🎼🎸🚩🚩
I'm a 62-year-old man, and this song makes me cry. Every time.
I’m an older woman. Same here.
46, same here. Every time.
I'm 66, same. I was amazed when I was in college and discovered this song was among the favorites of my macho buddy.
Glad to know I’m in good company!
Me too. It's doubly heartbreaking if you're also an artist.
This is one of the saddest, most beautiful songs ever written, about one of the saddest, most beautiful human souls who ever breathed. Vincent Van Gogh sold one painting during his lifetime. He never married. He was supported financially by his younger brother Theo for years until his death by suicide at age 37. His "Portrait of Dr. Gachet" sold for $82.5 million in 1990 ($161.4 million in 2021 dollars). Nine of the most expensive paintings ever sold are Van Goghs. Only Picasso has more (15). Vincent is the quintessential misunderstood artist. Lonely, painfully sensitive and almost superhumanly perceptive about life and the world around him, he was nevertheless considered eccentric, repulsive and disagreeable by acquaintances and other artists. He struggled socially and eventually succumbed to mental illness and depression. His paintings and drawings were unappreciated by the European art establishment during his lifetime, yet are now universally regarded as among the most influential works of art ever created.
Amen.
i'll add that his brother died approximately 6 months after Vincent's suicide, and they are buried next to each other in France.
Have you seen the Dr. Who clip with Van Gogh? It's quite moving and is "a pleasant fiction." In their infinite wisdom it won't let me post a direct link so look for Vincent Van Gogh Visits The Gallery Vincent And Doctor Doctor Who
@@mikek5958 It's a wonderful episode. I recommend it to anyone who likes this song.
@@mikek5958 shhhhh, don't tell anyone, but i actually have a copy of it. it's definitely a favorite.
This one makes me tear up every single time. "This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you." You can't just be ok after hearing a line like that!!
me too!
Gets me too. Nice comment.
Don had amazing empathy
@@keemoify Yes, his remarkable empathy is at the core of the song.
60 year old hard man who can’t help cry over this for some 50 years 😊❤️🥰
Guys, two artists you need to check out: Jim Croce and Cat Stevens. Jim Croce who spent a fat half of the sixties trying to make it professionally as a singer songwriter while still holding a job so to feed his family, finally does make it in the seventies to heights unimaginable in the span of three years and three albums. All of a sudden we hear on the radio he's dead. Died in a plane crash whilst touring. Stevens who became a minor pop star in 1967 London, had a near death experience in 1969 and began writing incredibly deep lyrics and recording these series of excellent albums that made him world renown. Then, gives up show business for religion and disappears; resurfacing at the turn of the millennium. Both very interesting singer/songwriters that should be checked out at the Freedom Shack.
I would add Gordon Lightfoot in here as they've already covered Sundown, but they NEED to get The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald in as it's on par with Vincent.
Shame on you for leaving out John Prine!
Cat Stevens: Father and Son, Oh Very Young, Morning has broken, Peace Train, Wild World
Yes I agree 👍
And James Taylor..
This song I actually like a little more than American Pie, in my opinion it's one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Mr. Van Gogh's work was never appreciated in his own time, and I'm just thankful we can still appreciate it now. Thanks for doing this song guys:)
His is my favorite.
And thank you Daniel for the great reactions you do as well.
@Dicon Dissectional Reactions don’t know if you’ve ever watched Dr. Who. There’s an episode called “Vincent and the Doctor.” During one of the scenes, van Gogh travels to the future and gets to see an ethereal exhibit of his work. Apart from the hokiness of the rest of the storyline, that scene is so moving considering he never saw what society perceived as accomplishment in his own lifetime.
The same can be said of Lowry's work. They called him a Sunday Painter. The song Matchstick Men and Matchstick Cats and Dogs is in a similar style but more upbeat
Hello my friend 😊
My mum made a recording of my brother and I singing this as toddlers .. 40 years later we played it at her funeral.
It is such a heartbreakingly GENTLE song. You can feel McLean’s empathy. It breaks me. Every time.😢
Vincent is a painting in song, beautifully chosen words wrapped around delicate notes. This still gives me the chills.
Beautifully described! You are also a poetic soul.
Wanted to say that, but you said it first and so much better.
Well said!
Perfect description of a perfect song.
Boys I keep telling you, we were blessed with insane talent in the 70’s. Voices, harmonies, instrumentals, poetry writing. We were truly blessed. So much greatness out there.
The song Killing Me Softly, most famously sung by Roberta Flack was written about Don McLean. His songs have touched people to the extent others have written masterpieces about him and his masterpieces!
Thank you for adding this. I know a fair amount of song trivia but this got by me somehow and I love that beautiful song.
I never knew that killing me softly was about McClean that's awesome
Didn't know that. Thanks for the trivia!
The song you're referring to was actually first recorded by Lori Leiberman who is said to have collaborated with lyricist Norman Gimbel and composer Charles Fox after seeing Don perform in a small nightclub. Flack is reported to have heard the song while traveling and said she had to record it. Check out Lori Leiberman interviews here on you tube for confirmation. Quite an interesting story.
@@jackndew2 - LoL - i was just about to post practically the same info from wikipedia... dont need to now..
Sometimes you find art, sometimes it finds you.
🥰
And sometimes farts don't smell
@@Frankincensedjb123 Lovely sentiment. Do you work for Hallmark?
Very true, Susan!
One of the most emotional and gorgeous songs ever written. It never fails to make me cry. ❤❤
Likewise 😊
If a song could ever make time stand still, this would be one of them.
Perfectly said. Time does just... stop for me, when I hear it.
I'm pretty sure Van Gogh saw the energy around us in ways we just can't understand. He wasn't crazy, just operated at a different frequency and let us see it through his paintings. And McLean gets us lyrically as close to understanding what Van Gogh saw as we can get. Simply one of the prettiest songs ever written.
Its speculated he sufferd from mercury poisoning and one side effect would be seeing stars with Lights around them like he painted them
In listening to this song and reading more about Vincent Van Gogh....I see the traits in our Autistic children....they see the world DIFFERENTLY....operating on a 'different frequency' as you put it and I find myself in tears for so many reasons.... my friends don't shun the different.....they can set us free...
@@andrewpetik2034 wow, I can relate to you.
I saw him in a college gym in 1974. It was him, a stool and chair, guitar and pitcher of water. He kept the crowd mesmerized for an hour and a half. I have probably forgotten half the things I have done in
my life, but I remember that. After hearing this song, you can understand that. He combines brilliant simple and unique lyrics with minimal simple chords and finger picking. He didn’t need anything else.
Was this at Rutgers?
I was at that concert - my senior year!
Yep I cry every time I hear this one!! McLean is an S tier lyricist!! What a poet and he evokes so much emotion from his listeners!! Great song and great response to it!! Now I’ll wipe the tears from my eyes and get back to work!
nailed the meaning. The guy was a mess and considered poorly back in his day. As an artist myself the song just rips me up. Glad you guys covered it, clearly not a rocker ripper but pure artistry and definitely worth shining a light on 🙌🏻
I think maybe since it was both him and his brother, they might have had some kind of metal poisoning or maybe their mom had syphilis before they were born. Very sad story which we wouldn't know without his beautiful paintings.
He is a Poet.
@@LadyIarConnacht wow to say this, when an artist writes a song about a misunderstood artist
I believe that Don McLean said that he read a biography of Vincent Van Gogh. He said after reading the book he decided to write a song about him. He said that it one of the easiest songs that he has ever written. The words and melody just flowed. He said that he had the whole song written in less than an hour.
"Art is to console those who are broken by life.” ... A famous Quote of Vincent Van Gogh
I can NEVER, EVER hear this and not get seriously emotional. The more you listen, the deeper you respond.
I never listen to this song with out tearing up. It was one of Tupac's favorite songs. His girlfriend played it for him as he lay dying in the hospital.
I remember when this came out, I was just a kid-but even then it made me cry. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, I always stop whatever it is and listen, and hear those beautiful words. It always makes me feel like that little kid, hearing beauty for the first time. And I still cry.
I get you. It's beautiful
So do I. Just so heart achingly beautiful.
Every time I hear " And when no hope was left inside on that Starry Starry Night, you took your life as lovers often do, but I could have told you Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you" . I tear up...
X2
Same
You would think writing a song about a visual medium like painting would be impossible, but he seems to do it effortlessly. Books have been written, trying to convey what he does in just a few minutes.
"a silver thorn of a bloody rose, lay crushed and broken on the virgin snow", that line just gets me every time.
Lyrically this is one of the most beautiful songs ever written, you can see his paintings through McLean's words. VanGough was totally crazy and locked in a facility for many years. He painted what he could see from his windows or what he saw in his room. Thank you for reacting to this song. Vocally this is perfection.
Van Gogh came from money, so his family was able to afford putting him in institutions. Their fear was that he would be placed in a public institution like Bedlam.
Healthcare provider here-I’m an RN who’s done Psychiatric Nursing. I’m also one of millions of HUMANS who has mental illness. I suffer from Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I’m quite well-acquainted with panic attacks. Dismissing someone, ANYONE as ‘totally crazy’- is an INSULT. No one person EVERY deserves to be described as “crazy”. Can people have psychotic breaks? Unrelenting panic attacks ? Severe anxiety? Suicidal ideations? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. We DO know Van Gogh had temporal lobe epilepsy, which affects mood and behavior. The rest is conjecture. You using the word ‘crazy’ is demeaning, insulting and WRONG. I’m not crazy. Neither was Van Gogh. Do I struggle? Absolutely. But I’m not ‘crazy’. And neither was he.
www.vangoghgallery.com/misc/mental.html
Vincent van Gogh was NOT totally crazy. In fact he was quite the genius. He was not locked in a facility. He admitted himself into a facility. And he painted more than just what he could see through his windows. Because, he was out in the world more than he was in the facility. But, you are right! We are lucky that we still have his art to bewilder and amaze us. It's almost like he painted in 3D! He certainly my favorite painting artist.
@@dorian3260 Nope Pat!! You've got it wrong also. Sorry. 😏 His family was poor. His brother Theo, paid for everything for him. And it sometimes upset his brother because he would tell Vincent, "Sell a painting or two." But, he never did. His sister-in-law did, after his death. But Vincent NEVER sold any of his own paintings. By the way, his favorite painting was the sunflowers in a vase sitting on the table. He was a genius, ahead of his time with a paintbrush in his hand.
@@drieuxkoeppel8152 Thank you, Drieux!!
One of the most beautifully written and performed songs I’ve ever heard as one artist paints a masterpiece of another artist with the brushstrokes of his words.
I visited the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, and when you view his painting in chronological order you can see how he became more and more agitated through his brush strokes.
I cry every time I hear this song. It hits me so hard even when I try to prepare myself for my inevitable reaction. Beautiful.
If you ever get a chance to see Van Gogh paintings in person, I highly recommend it.
Yeah, I just posted the Van Gogh museum link to the guys, but there's no denying the impact of seeing Van Gogh's paintings in real life - they're freakin' sculptural, the paint is like half an inch thick or more in places from him building up those swirls of color and texture.
Van Gogh sold one painting while he was alive. Now people wear his art. I have many pieces of clothing, calendars, etc. I've often wondered what he would think of that concept.
I believe the one painting he sold was to his brother who was an art dealer
He wasn't particularly prolific compared to some artists. What's amazing is how much his work sells for now!
@@pamzulauf8218 , just read a sister sold a number of his paintings shortly after he died to help pay for care of another sister who also struggled with mental illness.
@@j.kevvideoproductions.6463 And it sells in clothing, spreads, handbags, etc. Wonder who gets the royalties for all that? I have two different tablet covers of his design, wallet, several items of clothing. He is my favourite impressionist artist, hands down. A few years ago, our city museum had an Impressionist exhibit. I was practically camped out there. It was amazing. Don't get me wrong. I love Monet, Manet, Degas and so many others, but Van Gogh just speaks to me. I loved the song "Vincent" the first time I heard it. McLean is a great lyricist.
I'm fairly sure Vincent was supported by his brother.
Such a beautiful song. I always tear up when I hear it.
Holy cow guys you're getting deep This is fantastic
Another similar 70s song that is incredibly beautiful but sad is "At seventeen" by Janis Ian. Check it out.
I agree. She also has an amazing song called "Stars" and there's a great video that goes with it.
Horrible analysis
Along similar lines, check out Jim Croce, one of the great singer-songwriters of the ’70s, who died tragically at 30. Heartbreaking love songs like “Operator,” “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song,” and “Time in a Bottle,” plus upbeat (and often hilarious) character songs like “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim,” “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” and “Roller Derby Queen.”
Oh yes, please guys, get to Jim Croce!
Jim Croce wrote so many great story songs! His widow Adrian said Time In a Bottle was written for their son, AJ. Especially heartbreaking since Jim died in a plane crash so soon after that.
Would love to see them listen to Roller Derby Queen!
As for "heartbreaking love songs," try Salon and Saloon. Trivia-This is the last song he recorded in the studio.
Croce had just finished his 2nd album, dedicated to his wife and child. He was finishing up a tour before going home, and his manager talked him into flying... nearly every song was a hit. Yea.
Wow. You two just made my day! "Vincent" is my favourite Don McLean song. It's so beautifully written. Van Gogh is my favourite impressionist artist. Thank you again. You never cease to amaze me with your musical interests. Peace. Take care!
I agree with your comment other than to say that Vincent wasn't an impressionist. He was influenced by that movement but he was definately a post impressionist.
@@gaylasmith5279 Sorry if my adherence to accuracy offended you as that was not my intention at all.
I personally appreciate it if people point out errors if I make them but I guess we're not all the same so again my apologies.
@@markhiggins8315 Apologies. That is unlike me usually. You are correct. He was a post-Impressionist Dutch painter. His works have been included in every Impressionist exhibit I've every seen, though. Thus, my error in including him. Best wishes.
@@gaylasmith5279 Thankyou for your gracious response.
You are correct in your reference to Van Gogh often being grouped with the impressionists.
One of the most poignant tributes on record, though kind of out of the blue. A beautiful song for sure.
@Penderyn Lewsyn, Vincent Van Gogh, the painter.
What do you mean by 'out of the blue' ?
@@mourlyvold7655, just that for such a tribute to come out in the 60s was a bit unexpected, but became popular due to it’s beauty. And it probably raised appreciation for Vincent among the newly aware.
@@Stoney_Snark I get it, you're right.
Thanks.
The highlight of my tour of Arles, France, was seeing the building (and garden) that had been the insane asylum where he had been committed. Then visiting the Museum that honors his work a few blocks away. A very stark contrast.
i've been there! yes, the old town section of Arles is amazing, and it's stunning to see how many places in the town and the area you know just because of his paintings.
Yes, absolutely! Just across the square from the hospital was the yellow restaurant he had painted. We were shown the location where his rented room existed before it was bombed in WWII. The most incongruous thing for me was an odd room at the museum dedicated to Sun Ra and the Celestial Orchestra in the midst of all the Van Gogh masterpieces!
"They were not listening they're not listening still... Perhaps they never will"
the agonized lot of so many great artists of their time, I suspect.
I can't believe I'd never heard this song before today. Thank you for bringing it to me, gentlemen. You've earned your orange slices.
CAT STEVENS is the next singer-songwriter you need to check out. Start with "Father and Son".
Father and Son - one of the most complicated and compelling songs of all time. The POV of old age and youthful activism - at the same time - with death in the balance.
Just do his greatest hits album. A nice representation of his brilliant songwriting.
Cat Stephens is a legend I love Lady D'Arbanville one of my all time favourite songs
Is Cat Stevens still hiding in a cave somewhere in Afghanistan?
@@markmurphy558 No. I saw him in concert 5 or 6 years ago.
There are videos online that play the song and show Vincent's paintings along side that inspired each line. The lyrics are specific in reference to his work. It's even more brilliant than you know.
I was wiping away my tears, when Alex says: "Gonna make me cry in the freedom shack" Synchronicity.
For storytelling, try Jim Croce or Harry Chapin, two artists who both died too soon. The amazing thing about their deaths was it was NOT due to drugs, just from life. Janis Ian is a female artist who occupies the same space with her classic, Seventeen.
John Prine. Storytelling with a distinct Southern accent.
Yes. Both of these guys i miss very much. Great artists.
This song always brings tears to my eyes. It's poetry, and so beautiful. How heartbreaking to think how tortured the man was. He got no recognition for his talents here on earth until he was gone.
You two are very emotionally mature and I love how you interpreted this song. You're beautiful souls.
Go ahead and cry. We all did when we first heard it. Y’all felt this.
I cry every time I listen to it...
Kim..love ya... I told him they need to listen to some Little River Band...I think they need to do Carly Simon You're So vain
@@peck404 One of my favorites, too.
Still do every single time.
Tell em Kim😂❤
Don McLean has written many many Incredible songs! The well runs deep for anybody that takes the time to find them and listen. He is brilliant. 🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦
One of the most beautiful songs ever. Don is so talented. He can play this song alone with his guitar and it’s amazing. Thanks for your great reaction.awesome!!
Finally!! This song always brings a tear to my eye. The artistry, his writing and guitar work is so perfectly balanced in this song. There is a video on UA-cam with Van Gohe's paintings and it really brigns it to life.
Every line in the lyrics go with Vincent's paintings. You need to watch the video that shows his paintings along with the song.
Hauntingly beautiful...
I haven’t listened to this song for a long time. That made me tear up. Loved your reactions❤️
Van Gogh created all
Of his art (about 900 paintings) in a span of about 10 years, which oddly reminds me of the Beatles and their catalog... how is it possible that 2 of the most Impactful catalogs in our history were created in such a short period of time... great choice and great reaction!!
The contrast there being the Beatles' phenomenal success and the adoration they received from their fans, while Van Goh died penniless and rejected.
Thoughtful, tuned-in reaction. 'Nice to watch good art wash over receptive listeners.
it said most of the oil paintings (860) were done in his last two years.
Actually, Byron the vast majority of his paintings were in the last 2 years. Van Gogh flamed out.
@@linjicakonikon7666 wow! Yes
Consider the amazing catalog of music Mozart left behind. Then ponder the fact that he died at the age of 35.
Listened on my way to work. I’d forgotten what an excellent sing along in the car song. Haven’t heard it in a while, but every word and note inflection still etched in my heart. Thanks, gents. You are full of unexpected gifts, aren’t you?
Anybody else cutting onions in here? cuz my eyes are wet with tears😢 these lyrics get me every time.
Onions, yes that's it. I'm cutting onions!
Vincent Van Gogh had such a tough life , dealing with depression. This song does him justice 😢
Cutting onions in here too!
Don McLean’s “Empty Chairs” and “The.Grave” will also leave you reaching for the Kleenex.
“The Grave” is possibly the saddest Anti-war song ever written.
After all these years it surprised me when I teared up AGAIN listening today.
This is definitely a slower beautiful song but definitely S tier.
Love this one from 1971 ♥️🎤🎸 Don McLean is a great songwriter & storyteller ♥️ He pulls you in & you feel it ♥️
So happy you gents reacted to this beauty... Thanks!
Guys, I am so excited that you did this one. Back when you did American Pie I suggested this one to you. I knew you would appreciate it. As I had mentioned I studied him in college and his story was very interesting and heart breaking. Even though back in his time psychology was a very new concept, later due to his writings of the things he would go through on a regular basis, it was determined he was suffering from a form of epilepsy, accompanied by acute insanity and hallucinations. Ok my nerd flag is going to fly. Dr Who did an episode about Van Gogh called "Vincent And The Doctor. You should check it out. It showed some of the problems he lived with and with a wonderful ending the Doctor took him to a current day museum and showed him all his work being displayed and he was able to find out what people thought of it. Not going to lie that episode made me cry. As always guys fantastic review. Thank you, thank you for bringing this to everyone.
Oh good, I'm glad someone mentioned that Dr Who story - that was definitely a box-o-kleenex episode
Ah. A fellow Doctor Who fan! One of my fav episodes and always me me cry every time I watch it. Have you seen the video that a fan put together with the music and scenes from the episode? Gorgeous!
ua-cam.com/video/Ny-6fjECRzk/v-deo.html
Ditto on the Dr. Who episode, Colleen, heartbreaking and beautiful, Tony Curran as Vincent and - a personal fave - Bill Nighy as Dr. Black, conducting tours of the Van Gogh exhibit at the Musee D'Orsay. OK, and Whatever to the monster-of-the-week plot, but otherwise, woooosh!! Cue the waterworks, every time.
@@ETBrenner Yep definitely had to mention it, to me that was one of the best Dr Who episodes in my opinion. Definitely a tear jerker.
@@vanessalore9942 Thanks you so much Vanessa!!! I didn't know this existed. I just went and watched it, it was beautifully done. I just can't thank you enough, a mixture of one of my favorite songs and one of my favorite Dr. Who episodes. It just doesn't get any better than this. I love Dr Who, I have followed the series since the Great Tom Baker was the doctor.
What a great song! I am so glad that you are checking out the great singer-songwriters of the 60s and 70s. I recommend James Taylor's
'Fire and Rain' and Carole King's musical response, 'You've Got a Friend', which Taylor later recorded himself.
I always loved this song.Vincent Van Gogh is one of my favorite artists and I think he captured the essence of Van Gogh perfectly.
Don McLean is a great poet who happens to also to write wonderful melodies to his songs. I think "Empy Chairs" is his most beautiful and poignant song.
This may be the best reaction I've seen from you guys. Appreciating how a folky track like this can carry power and be dynamic without drums or electric guitars warms my heart. You should check out Suzanne Vega. She does have full instrumentation on most of her tracks but it's pretty understated. More than any artist I can think of, though, she uses words not just for their meaning but for their sound, sometimes soft, sometimes percussive. Luka is by far her most well known but Marlene On The Wall shows what I'm talking about.
Simply beautiful song, I’ve loved this since it came out when I was 14❤️
Yes, I was wiping the mascara off my face, Alex! Van Gogh deserved to have his story so beautifully told. I'm glad you guys gave it a listen.
Reminds me of being 4-5.. watching my mom in the garden early 1970s peaceful 🌸🌸🌸🎼 it's just absolutely lyrically beautiful and soft!
I have similar memories of the early 70's. Better times.
One of the five or ten most beautiful single songs from music's greatest decade, the 70s.
What a surprise to hear this today, what a masterpiece! Jim Croce would be a natural next in this great songwriters genre. Keep on rocking 😎
Best poetry to music that’s probably ever been.
1. Glad to see you do this!!
2. If you want to look into Van Gogh's soul, look at his painting "Wheatfield with Crows"
3. "Sister Golden Hair" by America!
4. "Operator" by Jim Croce!
"Wheatfield with Crows" was painted shortly before his suicide. It's one of the most striking paintings ever put to canvas -- striking in that it is a brightly sunlight scene that nevertheless evokes an imminent sense of doom and foreboding.
@@gregsager2062 I want to see it in person some day because the paint is on so thick that some people think he painted it with a pallette knife not a brush. I'm a lifelong Van Gogh fan but I didn't fully appreciate the work until I saw some of his works in person at the National Gallery, because he layered the paint on so thick that the brush strokes have a 3D component that does not come through in print books.
Rubato, (from Italian rubare, “to rob”), in music, subtle rhythmic manipulation and nuance in performance.
Don was reading Dear Theo by Irving Stone. It inspired this. It's a collection of letters written by Vincent to his brother Theo
So glad you've listened to this song. In my opinion, it's one of the most emotional songs I've ever heard. The haunting melody along with the artistry of the lyrics, reflects Von Gogh's paintings. He was a tormented soul who expressed himself through his paintings and I feel that this song incapsulates this perfectly.
You want to cry while listening to great music:
Jim Croce - “Time in a Bottle” (But read the meaning of the song, and what happened to Jim first.)
John Prine - “Sam Stone”
Johnny Cash - “Hurt”
Eric Clapton - “Tears in Heaven (but read the backstory first.)
Gordon Lightfoot - If I Could Read Your Mind (The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald is also great but sad)
To see all of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings in one place, watch the Kirk Douglas movie Lust For Life, where Douglas plays Van Gogh and Anthony Quinn plays Paul Gaugan.
And check out William Dafoe's amazing portrayal in "At Eternity's Gate".
Better yet READ Irving Stone's Lust for Life. One of the best books I've ever read. MUCH better than the movie.
@@linjicakonikon7666 Anything or any few things you can cite which made it especially compelling for you? Just curious (and thanks in advance if you reply).
@@HidingFromFate Agreed RE Lust for Life book. Also read "Dear Theo" to see Van Gogh's own words to his beloved benefactor/brother. William Dafoe is, strictly speaking, too old for the part, but is still compelling. The movie is seen through the eyes of an epileptic with mental illness...suffering from seering loneliness...& yet always hyper-aware of earth's rapturous beauty! Van Gogh says he feels as if he is in exile.
I got to see him in concert in the mid-80s. After doing a number of songs, he paused and said "This next song is why I don't have to work unless I want to". He then started American pie.
Actual marimbas in the background, not keys. That's the texture you noticed, and perfectly fits the song for some reason.
I do miss you guys taking a moment to review the lyrics, especially on songs of poetry like this one. The skill of lyricsts is often overlooked.
Marimbas ... and an accordion, too. Listen closely and you'll hear it, tucked subtly in the back of the mix. It gives the song a nice little bit of a European peasant feel that's evocative of Van Gogh's subject matter.
You don't need to check the lyrics. They couldn't be more clear. Unless you don't know what a pallet is.
Sounded like a glockenspiel to me...
@@creech54 I agree that they are clear, but I think you internalize them differently (sometimes more deeply) when you read them. And to be pedantic, "palette" and "pallet" are two very different items.
@@gbsailing9436 Marimbas are made of wood and have a much mellower tone. Glockenspiels are metal and have a signature "ping" to their tone. I'd have to listen again, but there might be some glockenspiel touches.
Beautiful song. Next step, if you want another pretty, acoustic heartbreaker, Empty Chairs is a great one. For something more uptempo, Everybody Loves Me, Baby.
There was a Dr Who episode where they went and met Van Gogh, then took him 2010 and took him to an art museum in London, and made him listen to a curator talk about him...so he knew what people would think of him in the future - worth a watch ua-cam.com/video/ubTJI_UphPk/v-deo.html
^this^
I was coming in to the comments to specifically suggest this for fans of Van Gogh and/or Doctor Who. It still deals with typical Doctor Who aliens/monsters, but they handle the Van Gogh aspect of the story line respectfully and beautifully.
It's an 11th Doctor episode, and definitely worth a watch in one's own time.
Just saw the episode 3 days ago on BBC America...so lovely and sad
I'm not sure if this will work, as it is not on UA-cam. This should be the whole episode.
www.dailymotion.com/video/x62gx20
If you want to see van Gogh paintings you have to come to Amsterdam. The van Gogh museum is amazing. And yes he cut of his own ear and took his own life. He tried to shoot himself through the heart but, not knowing exactly the position of the heart, he missed. Eventually he died two days later on 29th July 1890 at the age of 37.
You two need to go to Amsterdam. The Van Gogh Museum would blow your minds and the text between the paintings will fill your in on the story. Short of that, you could see the Van Gogh biographical film staring Willem Dafoe.
That museum is absolutely incredible. Seeing those paintings in person--they are three dimensional and filled with textures because he used so much paint on them. The movie Vincent and Theo is also a good film about Van Gogh.
The Van Gogh Museum is great and you guys would love Amsterdam.
I’d second 5 stars the Vincent and Theo film.
Thanks lads. Been waiting ages for this reaction lol
All the descriptions (e.g. silver thorn ..bloody rose) are of his paintings.
A little Van Gogh background. His brother, Theo, who was an art dealer, subsidized him for his art career. Vincent only sold one painting before his death. After he died the brother and his wife, Johanna, inherited all the unsold paintings. Theo and Johanna had married the year before Vincent's death; she'd only met him a couple of times. Theo died about six months after Vincent, leaving Johanna with an infant son and Vincent's life work, around 200 worthless paintings, plus many sketches, and the collected correspondence between the brothers. Though not trained in art, she spent the rest of her life promoting her late brother-in-law's artworks, and was instrumental in saving his works and promoting them. Van Gogh's paintings are now some of the most valuable works of art in the world, distributed in the finest art museums and galleries around the world, largely because of Johanna van Gogh-Bonger.
Deep--Lyrics🌼🏵️🌸🥀---I just want to build a Time capsule and go back to the early 70s when I hear this.
You want a time machine. A time capsule will only take you to the future. (They don't usually put people in them, though.)
O YA FANTASTIC Decade ,
@@creech54 - LoL - true - not usually - but i hear there may be a jimmy hoffa time capsule out there - somewhere =P
@@jonniiinferno9098 I don't think they meant for Jimmy to be dug up in 100 years, though.
@@creech54 LoL - yeah - that time capsule was never meant to be found and opened...
One of the prettiest songs ever written. Thank you!
So gorgeous. Don McLean has this ability to bring to events and people to life... He captured Van Gogh's essence and his pieces of work to life in song. Also, the suffering of our great masters. And yes, this always makes me cry... the good kind. Definitely check out more of Van Gogh's works... His perception was so unique and captivating. Thanks for this beauty today fellas. Have a great day! 🙂 👋💖✌️
I always loved this song. Don Mclean's masterpiece. It is such a beautiful song. Almost everyone I have exposed to this song has either cried or were on the verge of tears.
I'm not crying, YOU"RE crying.
I know every word of this album.
The Grave is even more emotional, about the Vietnam war. Everybody loves me baby is a rocker and makes me laugh. Some of the songs are so poignant and just speak about some moments of my life and puts music to my pain.
Listen to the whole album... you won't regret it.
Every damn time
This has been on my Liked List for years. One of the most beautifully sung live ever. I LOVE the art of VG.
Beautiful song! One of those masterpieces that only really needs a guitar and a vocalist.
Vincent Van Gogh was a CHARACTER. He painted peasants and the working class a fair amount, lived in France with Paul Gaugin for a while (very love/hate relationship, that), and battled his inner demons at a time when the only answer society had was 'an asylum, I guess.' Unsurprisingly he did spend a fair amount of time committed. (Gaugin had more in-lifetime acclaim, and eventually moved to Tahiti because... he could, I guess?)
There are actually two "Starry Night"s. The earlier one includes a river, and I like it a lot more. The more famous one was one of his last paintings.
We have his sister-in-law to thank for his legacy. Theo died not long after Vincent himself, and she was left with all these paintings and no idea what to do with them, so she decided to try building the legacy they deserved.
There was a Van Gogh-Gaugin exhibit in Chicago when I was in high school that my parents and I went to (only thing that will ever get my mom to go to Chicago in December: a chance to see "Starry Night" and all the rest of it in person). Years later, come to find out my wife - who was in college near Chicago at the time, years before we met - also went to that exhibit, probably the same weekend.
This has been a history lesson from your resident Art Kid; Van Gogh is one of my mom's favorites.
Hi Guys, SO glad you’re going back & listening to this music-I saw Don McLean in a small ‘theater in the round’ type place-very intimate-he is SO creative-I’ve been to Van Gogh museums & shows-he was an undiscovered genius-so was Edgar Allen Poe, & others-weird-McLean did a very unique song that my aged mind can’t think of the name of-‘In the Jungle’ something like that. I’ll try & find title-It’s overlooked cause of his bigger hits, but it’s just so cool.
I named my son after this song. And “this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you” still holds true. So many challenges he’s faced. I’ve almost lost him more than once. Sobbing as always. He suffers for his sanity. And Vincent, I have always listened.
Starry Starry Night is one of his most famous paintings. This song puts the essence of Van Gogh to music.
Quite simply beautiful 😊 thank you gentlemen 👍
Read "Lust for Life" his story. He was a brilliant artist before his time.
The lyrics of this song hit hard when you know someone who has taken their own life. 😢