If a person doesn't get a little misty hearing this for the first time, they have no heart.

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.

@pamelariker5525

3 ай бұрын

Thank you for your reaction to this. I'm in floods of tears. It's just such a beautiful song about a beautiful painter.

@Peter-bf2ou

3 ай бұрын

Well, thank you for your acknowledge ment!

@teresaburritt5390

2 ай бұрын

Your comment is a masterpiece.

@sharronbrown9182

2 ай бұрын

So well put. Thank you. ❤

@mariodriessen9740

2 ай бұрын

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 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.

One of the most beautiful songs ever written.

@MrDaiseymay

2 ай бұрын

THEE MOST.....

@JosephMuir-ic2nw

2 ай бұрын

Yes 😢❤

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

@outbackgearforu

9 күн бұрын

The person he needed to love was himself ,as most people need to

Bringing beauty to the world is not easy. Vincent van Gogh and Don McLean did it impeccably. Thank you for seeing it.

This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.

One master describing another, truly masterful.

That's all right, Geo...we all cried the first time we heard this absolute masterpiece. We're still crying.

@JosephMuir-ic2nw

2 ай бұрын

Aye

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.

@ge.0

9 ай бұрын

Thank you my man. I appreciate that so much

@dianabaker5726

3 ай бұрын

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.

McLean paints pictures as vivid as Van Gogh's with words. A magical combination

@janeschuyler4788

7 ай бұрын

Perfect sentiment.

@JosephMuir-ic2nw

2 ай бұрын

Yes

@kd8199

Ай бұрын

Both gave masterpieces to the world.

@shellymalone7637

6 сағат бұрын

How wonderfully put

His brother bought his paintings to support him. 120 million minimum today.

Vincent's sister-in-law, Theo's wife, inherited Vincent's paintings and was the sole force for creating the legacy of the artist.

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.

One of the most beautiful songs ever written

Love , wish to die for my art now

The collage of Van Gogh's paintings is The Only Way to listen to this song.

I always cry at this song❤❤

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!

@christinetarquin3773

11 ай бұрын

Your response was very appreciated .I hope to watch Don's documentary. His voice is so articulate and soothing to listen to.

@gaillouise8310

11 ай бұрын

I could listen to you speak all day long.

@steve4562

8 ай бұрын

What a wonderful story. Thank you!

@jamesgibson5876

4 ай бұрын

For b they didn't love you ...still your love was true ..

@donna1473

2 ай бұрын

Very beautifully said...

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. ❤️✌️

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.

@user-pd8he2cs3c

2 ай бұрын

Vincent is my favorite Doctor Who episode. I cry every time I see it.

@rwilson7197

Ай бұрын

Thanks for the tip.

@shellymalone7637

6 сағат бұрын

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

Beautiful but sad song

Don McLean IS Van Goh - with a Guitar as his Brush - Guitar Sound as Canvass, - Voice and Words as Colors.

I would like a dollar for every time I have heard that master piece & cried every time I would be a very rich woman. Mr. McLean was asked once what the song meant to him & he replied, " Never having to work again" brilliant.

I cry every time I hear this song.

If this song moved you, you have to watch Vincent and the doctor.

60 year old paddy here and I still tear up every time I hear this

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.

I had forgotten how heartbreakingly beautiful this song was. Thank you for reminding me.

@ge.0

Жыл бұрын

Its absolutely beautiful

gorgeous reaction.

Great video. In my mind this is one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded. I think you captured why very well.

When you see ‘Starry Starry Night,the original,Vincent’s emotions and passions jump out of the canvas.The vitality blows you away.🙏❤️

what a beautiful reaction to this beautiful and sad song

Dr. Who made a whole episode about him and it was beautifully done. This song gets me crying every time.

Everyone wants Love, and not feeling anyone loves you is painful or appreciate’s you, what makes life worth living…

Don gives everyone access to Van Gogh‘s art. An absolute masterpiece. Much love from Germany 🇩🇪 ❤ …😢oh my,…. Why are my eyes sweating?

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

@ge.0

10 ай бұрын

Im so sorry

Songwriting at it's best, loved the reaction

Beautiful reaction to a beautiful song. Thank you.

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

His brother bought most of Vincent’s paintings while he was alive to help support him.

Vincent van Gogh was an artist devoted to his craft but little recognized during his life time. He is said to have fallen deeply in love but left his liver for long peripds of time to devote himself to painting. His paintings at first were filled with vibrant colors. His lover left him for another, and he was crushed. Already given to depression, He tried to win her back. She rejected.him.and is said to have told him he would never make amy sacrifice of his art for her. He cut off his own ear to show her the depth of his love but he just convinced her he was a little nuts. He went into pretty severe depression. His bright colors became predominately blues, blacks, and dark colors They called this his "blue period". Today we stiilsaya sad person is blue and sad songs are the blues. He struggled as he got more and more depressed. He lost friends and had family turn gheirbacks on him. Eventually, he gave up on life and committed suicide. This lyrucal poetry put to music pays credit to van Gogh's artistry and skill at showing imagery through his artistic vision

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

What a wonderful reaction.

Vincent’s mother had to put some of her son’s paintings on the holes in her house to stop the weather coming through the walls. Lost forever!

This brings tears every time I hear it

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.

@Itsakindamagic

2 ай бұрын

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.

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.

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.

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 ❤

Great song. Brilliant lyrics. While reading, "The Evolution of Physics", by Albert Einstein, I decided I wanted to become a physicist. Did not. Ended up an artificial intelligence programmer. We are affected by that which we read.

The poetry stands alone. Then add the music composition, and then the performance. It's almost beyond human.

Best reaction off all i have seen of this song about Vincent van Gogh.

Please note. Don Mclean just released. a couple weeks ago, another copy of this, with the group Home Free. It is very good.

Tears for me

Your first words after hearing a bit of this song! ❤️❤️❤️✌️

Wonderful reaction go this beautiful song.

My mum and dad had the American pie cassette tape . We grew up knowing EVERY song on the cassette . There is not a bad one . There is another tear jerker . It has been a while . It is either empty chairs or winter wood . If you listen to Everbody loves me baby everyone thinks it is about a person . It is about America and corruption ie in politics . "My gold lies in a foreign land buried deep beneath the sand " it is amazing for the time . As we all know the corruption has only got worse with power and politics . Where in Scotland are you from I am central Scotland . Right in the middle between Glasgow and Edinburgh . 👍👍👍✌✌✌

@ge.0

9 ай бұрын

Im near Aberdeen. I need to do more Don stuff but I think after Vincent it cant get any better.

Im familiar with this song since the 80s, at least still want to ball my eyes everytime.

Just a true masterpiece of a song.

Amazing amd beautiful song. I got chills listening to his voice. Its so beautiful.

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 😭

Tears to my eyes!

Loved your sensitive and lovely comments...thank you.

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.

Timeless is all I can say. Beautiful. Was brought up in Don McLeans era.

This song makes me cry.

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.

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.

Really enjoyed experiencing this with you. Thank you 🙏🥹

Great reaction! Thank you. I really enjoyed this reaction to this beautiful song from one artist to another.

How could someone of this age Not have heard this song yet. 🤦🏽😉 C'mon Scotland, I love you, so many Beautiful songs out there. 💚

@ge.0

Ай бұрын

Mate, am 21 😃🤟

What a beautiful work of art. McClean's music & lyrics beautifully rise to the level of Vincent Van Gogh's genius as a painter. I can not hold back the tears. To finally hear this song from beginning to end.....thank you for your lovely reaction.❤❤❤

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/

Don McLean is amazing...so many amazing songs.

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.❤

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.

I loved your reaction. Thank you.

I saw your eyes,now you4 artistry mighty fly

This song is poetry

It gets me every time I listen. Makes me weep like a baby. Such a beautiful artist. And lovely tribute to Vincent. ❤

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. ❤

Beautiful Reaction... Thank You...

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.

When I first heard this song many years ago, I was stunned too ……. It is a beautiful song

A wonderful song, so beautifully sung. The whole album is excellent try "Crossroads" and "Till Tomorrow".

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.

YOU GOT IT. THANK YOU

Fantastic reaction, thank you!

Poetry indeed. Rhyme, alliteration, word pictures, imagery and meaning.

American Pie was kind of a history lesson--very American. This is another, but a love song. It's lovely.

@jessieball6195

7 ай бұрын

This is absolutely not a love song. This is a dedication to the life and struggles of the great artist, Vincent Van Gogh.

As soon as I hear the first three words I completely relax....it's a beautiful poem with gorgeous music.

This was one of my favourite songs it is like you say beautiful poetry x

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.

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

I think it’s the compassion he has for the man that cuts to the bone. The terrible reality of the harshness of life is why we like to keep crazy people away from us as the reminder is that thin line between sane and insane for a lot of people. As an aside, this was Tupacs favorite song and he listened to it on his own deathbed. And for the folks that can’t understand your accent, I’m Scottish and this guy is crystal clear! If you go to Glasgow, take a guide!

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.

lovely song