My father used to listen to this all the time before he took his life, my tears aren’t for myself, they are for how much pain anyone must be in to get to that stage, not even him specifically as I don’t feel any emotional link to him. He traumatised us enough that my little child mind blocked out most of the early part of my childhood for me. Another one that breaks me is McLean’s The Grave, the thought of what all the young lads sent off to pointless wars go through😢
I recently returned from Amsterdam, which I visited mainly to see van Gogh paintings. I came across a quotation from Van Gogh, I believe from a letter to his brother, that indicated that he believed that in time, his paintings would come to be appreciated. I was glad to know that, for all his struggles, he had that confidence. As someone pointed out below, van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime. He was beginning to be appreciated by other artists when he died. However, had it not been for his sister-in-law Jo van Gogh, he never would have become known. She inherited his collection of paintings after her husband Theo died, and in spite of being a new widow with an infant son, she carried out a campaign to introduce him to the public, mounting exhibitions, gradually selling his paintings, and publishing the letters between Theo and Vincent. Her campaign was successful, and so the world knows Van Gogh today.
To the reactor: You started the same time to shade a tear, where I do for over 30 years whenever I hear that song. And as an Austrian I'm not even a close native speaker. Mood is more than a language.
Such a haunting song! The song came out two years before I was born. I bought the CD from Columbia House in 1999 for American Pie, but Vincent instantly became my favorite! I didn't even know what it was about at the time. I do recall hearing it before when I was much younger, I just wasn't paying attention to the lyrics then.
I highly recommend the animated film, "Loving Vincent." It's the only film animated entirely in oils, painted based on Vincent's paintings. It's a true masterpiece.
Good on ya, man. There are several video versions of this song out there, you chose the right one. Having his paintings match the lyrics give them even greater impact. One of the most heart-penetrating songs ever written.
Last year, I went to a special video 3D simulated presentation about the work of Van Gogh and related impressionist painters, which included a variety of music, including this song. When I first heard this song in the 70s, I never knew it was about Vincent Van Gogh. It makes so much sense once I found out during that show. It played a lot on the radio back in the day.
I believe that Van Gogh suffered from something that caused degeneration in his hearing clarity & increased ear ringing to the point he had auditory hallucinations, so it was something that damaged nerves. It added to his emotional troubles, because hardly anyone appreciated his art & he barely earned any money to live on. He at one point tried to cut off his ear to stop the pain. Of course he discovered cutting the outer part of the ear won't affect the internal workings. There's even a self portrait of him with a bandaged ear. In my high school art class our teacher played this song. These days they probably wouldn't allow it because it mentions him taking his own life.
One hundred years on, one artist paying tribute to another.
This is what stood for pop music in 1971. Now compare to today's music. That's what was lost.
My favouirite song of Don McLean. His most beautiful song. The lyrics are touching and beautifully reflect the life and struggles of Vincent.
I will always be amazed at the beauty of this song ever since it hit the airwaves.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written and sung.
I cry throughout this song every single time I hear it, and at 62 I have been listening to it for a long time. Pure poetry and soul touching.
This song is a masterpiece of poetry set to a beautiful melody
This isn't a song. It's poetry set to music.
Umm, that's what songs are. Poetry set to music. It's just not that often that the poetry and music are this good.
Pure poetry. A great and memorable tune.
Don McLean is one of the most amazing song writers ever. His lyrics are pure poetry. The song "Killing me Softly" was written about him!
This is the type of art that brings tears for the sheer drama and beauty. ❤😢 But through this I understand what life celebrations are.
The melody alone makes it beautiful; the lyrics just blast it into the stratosphere
Good music touches your emotions. This is beautiful music.
Poetry in its purest form
This is the work of a true bard.
Best reaction to this masterpiece. Thank you.
thanks for the great reaction
What a wonderfully touching reaction! Thank you. ❤
This is poetry set to beautiful, simple, musical accompaniment.
I found this when I was 10 yrs old, and have loved it for 50 yrs
Great reaction! Not only is the song brilliant, I think this could be the best fan-made lyric video on UA-cam.
Such a beautiful song.
I’ve always loved this one. Often leaves me with leaky eyes
True artistic genius is rarely recognized until the source is gone.
Your reaction is similar to my own
I cry just about every time I listen to this wonderful song...its heartbreakingly beautiful.
My father used to listen to this all the time before he took his life, my tears aren’t for myself, they are for how much pain anyone must be in to get to that stage, not even him specifically as I don’t feel any emotional link to him. He traumatised us enough that my little child mind blocked out most of the early part of my childhood for me. Another one that breaks me is McLean’s The Grave, the thought of what all the young lads sent off to pointless wars go through😢
One of the all time great singer/songwriters. Have a listen to the rest of the American Pie album. Superb.
Check out the video clip of Van Gogh in the TV show Dr. Who.
Yes, I remember seeing it! 👍
Agreed. Tear jerking, and Bill Nighy got it just right.
I recently returned from Amsterdam, which I visited mainly to see van Gogh paintings. I came across a quotation from Van Gogh, I believe from a letter to his brother, that indicated that he believed that in time, his paintings would come to be appreciated. I was glad to know that, for all his struggles, he had that confidence.
As someone pointed out below, van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime. He was beginning to be appreciated by other artists when he died. However, had it not been for his sister-in-law Jo van Gogh, he never would have become known. She inherited his collection of paintings after her husband Theo died, and in spite of being a new widow with an infant son, she carried out a campaign to introduce him to the public, mounting exhibitions, gradually selling his paintings, and publishing the letters between Theo and Vincent. Her campaign was successful, and so the world knows Van Gogh today.
He sold ONE painting while alive
To the reactor: You started the same time to shade a tear, where I do for over 30 years whenever I hear that song. And as an Austrian I'm not even a close native speaker. Mood is more than a language.
This song always brings a tear to my eyes
Such a haunting song! The song came out two years before I was born. I bought the CD from Columbia House in 1999 for American Pie, but Vincent instantly became my favorite! I didn't even know what it was about at the time. I do recall hearing it before when I was much younger, I just wasn't paying attention to the lyrics then.
I have never listened to this without shedding a tear..
true here
E too 🥹
This is the best video to go with this song. The matching of the paintings with the words just makes the impact that much greater. Beautiful.
He painted all these paintings to keep away the demons starry night was painted while in a Asylum
Can't think of a song of my lifetime that I love more.
I highly recommend the animated film, "Loving Vincent." It's the only film animated entirely in oils, painted based on Vincent's paintings. It's a true masterpiece.
I’m watching you again as we listen to the same song I listened with you yesterday. What you are saying is true and I have to agree with you again❤
No wonder kids today cant recognize good musical talent. Its not there anymore.
on youtube there is a video where he talks about how he wrote this song. Well worth a listen
That one gets me a lot…
A+ reaction. Good on you, mate
A classic! I subscribed to your channel, first time watching. I'm glad you appreciated the song.
I've always liked this reaction, by the way.
Good on ya, man. There are several video versions of this song out there, you chose the right one. Having his paintings match the lyrics give them even greater impact. One of the most heart-penetrating songs ever written.
You should react to the new version that Don recorded with the group "Home Free" this year. It is amazing!
Last year, I went to a special video 3D simulated presentation about the work of Van Gogh and related impressionist painters, which included a variety of music, including this song. When I first heard this song in the 70s, I never knew it was about Vincent Van Gogh. It makes so much sense once I found out during that show. It played a lot on the radio back in the day.
If you haven't already seen it, check out the movie Loving Vincent, as well as the documentary, Loving Vincent: The Impossible Dream!
I agree❤
:) Thanks for this.
I believe that Van Gogh suffered from something that caused degeneration in his hearing clarity & increased ear ringing to the point he had auditory hallucinations, so it was something that damaged nerves. It added to his emotional troubles, because hardly anyone appreciated his art & he barely earned any money to live on. He at one point tried to cut off his ear to stop the pain. Of course he discovered cutting the outer part of the ear won't affect the internal workings. There's even a self portrait of him with a bandaged ear.
In my high school art class our teacher played this song. These days they probably wouldn't allow it because it mentions him taking his own life.
Vincent died believing he was a failure.
Inspired by god!!!
I love this song!