Van Gogh painted with colors, McLean paints with words. 'This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you" gets me every time.

@ellechristian627

4 ай бұрын

That's the line that hits me every time too

@snszbyd

3 ай бұрын

So much meaning in one lone line

@threekidzmom04

3 ай бұрын

So well said!

@TristanandIsolt

2 ай бұрын

That's the line that I sometimes feel is the greatest tribute ever in a song.

@ponfed

20 күн бұрын

Yes.. but what makes it even more poignant is : "I could have told you Vincent.." before that line...

Don McLean was invited to sing this song at the Van Gogh Museum in the Netherlands.

@kathybwell

4 ай бұрын

That's so cool!

@xiurong888

4 ай бұрын

An amazing museum. Well worth the visit if in Amsterdam.

@j_sjoukema

4 ай бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/pJqIpLWBiLmWlbA.htmlsi=xe6YOfc8O2Y4r0bl

@barsandbarbells2022

4 ай бұрын

Did he go?

@j_sjoukema

4 ай бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/pJqIpLWBiLmWlbA.htmlsi=jN8FPSJE1bXC4Scn

Don McLean references many of Vincent van Gogh's masterpieces throughout this song.

Van Gough sold one painting in his life, to his brother. He produced an astounding 700+ pieces in the last 2 years of his life. Some of his paintings are valued at $100 million today.

@constancewegner2730

4 ай бұрын

Starry night is one of the worlds favorite painting of Van Gogh, my personal one is Irisis!

@barsandbarbells2022

4 ай бұрын

700?!

@markmurphy558

4 ай бұрын

@@barsandbarbells2022 More like 750, over 2 a day for 2 years. Probably a lot of drawings included in this total, but still, he must have been pretty manicky, and a lot of sleepless nights.

@user-so4ol8bv6j

4 ай бұрын

Don't forget he was a a sufferer of halutionations. Apparently mostly audio. So perhaps doing all that art helped keep his mind off what noises he was hearing which were not actually there.

@laziojohnny79

4 ай бұрын

@@user-so4ol8bv6j Everyone who's an Absinth user, Vincent was an addict, hallucinates, which is weird seeing there is no scientific proof that the ingredients would cause that to happen, but having done it myself quite a bit I can confirm it does 'something' to the mind that other alcoholic drinks never have, not even Stroh rum or any Vodka.

"This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you" always makes me start bawling.

@Jude_196

4 ай бұрын

ME, TOO!!!

@keithhealing1115

4 ай бұрын

I'm not crying...you're crying!

@Jude_196

4 ай бұрын

@@keithhealing1115 RIIIIIIGHHHHT..... 😆😆😆❤️❤️❤️

@michaelbrandt5416

4 ай бұрын

Same here. A true masterpiece never to be surpassed.

@lynne8346

3 ай бұрын

It’s such a lovely sentiment

Kudos Samantha. So few reactors realize that nearly every descriptive line in that song references a specific painting. Ingenious how he worked out describing paintings in such a beautiful way. There is a video out there that shows each painting in succession that corresponds to the lyrics as the song progresses..

@bradsense7431

4 ай бұрын

That’s the one to watch

@terri2494

4 ай бұрын

@@bradsense7431 Yes! They should watch that video, even if they don’t do a reaction video for it.

@momD612

Ай бұрын

The recent collab with Home Free is beautifully done. ❤❤

One of the most beautiful songs ever written ♥.

@OldTrucker958

4 ай бұрын

Yes absolutely one of the most beautiful songs ever written

@barsandbarbells2022

4 ай бұрын

Agreed!

I tear up every time I hear this song. I recently watched a documentary on Van Gogh that focused on what drove him to cut off his ear. So, so sad. Don McLean captured this genius in music and lyrics the only way another genius can. Thank you guys!!

@richdiddens4059

4 ай бұрын

This song is the inspiration for the Roberta Flack song Killing Me Softly With His Words.

@terri2494

4 ай бұрын

@@richdiddens4059 That’s a great song.

@pamalaalford1081

4 ай бұрын

I don't know about the "real" pronunciation, but here I think we just say Vincent Van "Go". I just hate to hear you two struggling so hard to pronounce his name. Good reaction - thank you for sharing. God bless you

@garygoodrich7495

4 ай бұрын

I watched a documentary on Van Gogh recently and they pronounced it Van Goff. @@pamalaalford1081

@barsandbarbells2022

4 ай бұрын

Our pleasure!

Vincent van Gogh was without a doubt one of the greatest artists to ever walk the earth. This song is a fantastic ode to him. Thanks for the reaction.

@andreaschmall5560

4 ай бұрын

The world has had uncountable great artists, both of famous celebrated caliber and those that are not. Personally, I was never drawn to Van Goh's popular works, but I recently became familiar with his still life (flowers in vases for example) and was quite impressed with those and found it interesting that these artworks are not nearly as ubiquitous as the ones that are commercially all over the place and plastered on all kinds of merchandise.

@garyjohnson7133

4 ай бұрын

Excellent!

@idalily3810

4 ай бұрын

IMO, he was THE greatest.

@barsandbarbells2022

4 ай бұрын

It was awesome!

@tom7471

4 ай бұрын

@@andreaschmall5560 Of course art is very subjective and what is often considered 'great' means 'more popular' which doesn't mean that much, does it? But I find van Gogh to be unique (I came across him over fifty years ago when he wasn't quite so 'plastered on all kinds of merchandise'). When I go for a while, maybe years without looking at his work, and then get back to it, it is as if I am seeing something very amazing for the first time To me, when he went to the colors he did later in his work he shed some of the very somberness that ironically he carried within until the end. I see a lot of beauty in his colorful landscapes. But I do not allow what others think to move me, as you do not either, but I must say van Gogh, to me, is like no other. Of course it would have been lovely if he didn't live such a painful life, which in turn most likely stirred him to paint like he did. Cheers.

A while back I saw the Van Gogh exhibit at the DIA. What struck me most about his paintings is that if you stand close to the painting you can't make out the image - it looks like random brush strokes and globs of paint. As you move back from the painting all of the sudden the image pops and becomes discernible. Truly amazing.

@markjo9626

4 ай бұрын

I had the same experience from his paintings. Incredible in person.

I would STRONGLY SUGGEST going back & watching Don perform this classic Live..A MUST SEE/HEAR.

@lauralackner6856

4 ай бұрын

I was thinking the same thing. The live version is definitely worth watching.

@sharonstonts

4 ай бұрын

Yes. The live performance from the 70s.

@kevindohn6776

4 ай бұрын

I would strongly disagree, this version is much better !

@OldTrucker958

4 ай бұрын

Yes it was great live!

@OldTrucker958

4 ай бұрын

Actually the version that shows his paintings is very good also

His Castles In the Air is also very beautiful!

@kathybwell

4 ай бұрын

Great suggestion - love that song!

@daz_n

4 ай бұрын

Castles in the Air and Empty Chairs are two of my favourites.

@ianoo23

3 ай бұрын

Great song, and also another song that shows off how awesome Don McLean’s poetic lyrics is Empty Chairs. Sad song but amazing lyrics

@williambill5172

3 ай бұрын

I agree with you...another beautiful poem more than a song.@@ianoo23

I cry EVERYTIME I hear it. It is soooooooo darn beautiful❤

@nflr92

4 ай бұрын

Me, too

@prettybullet7728

4 ай бұрын

So do I.

@slayerrocks2

4 ай бұрын

Sometimes I win, and don't.

Starry Starry Night is the name of his Painting . Vinent Van Gogh Painted pictures of common People hence the referance to Ragged Men in Ragged clothes . His paintings were not appreciated and not many people wanted them . His Brother used to buy them so he could buy food . He suffered heavily with depression during his life and eventually committed suicide . He cut of his ear and sent to his girlfriend or something like that . His Paintings after his death became priceless . What a sad Story ; When this came out in the 70S It was a massive hit for Don . Thanks Guys for bringing this great song to your Channel

@DMichaelAtLarge

4 ай бұрын

The painting is called "Starry Night." The phrase "Starry starry night" is a poetic variation on it to fit the music.

@johnbrookes3261

4 ай бұрын

@@DMichaelAtLarge Ok made a mistake What else you got to say /

@kbrewski1

4 ай бұрын

​@@johnbrookes3261 You screwed up the name of the most famous painting ever.

@johnbrookes3261

4 ай бұрын

@@kbrewski1 You never made a typing error ! It was not intentional .

@kbrewski1

4 ай бұрын

@@johnbrookes3261 It wasn't a typing error. Just admit you didn't know the proper name of the painting. 🙄🤪 Typing Vinent instead of Vincent was your typing error.

When no hope was left in sight, on that starry starry night, you took your life as lovers often do 😢😢

Y'all should check out the video that's a slideshow of van goh art with the song playing. It has millions of views, but it's a nice touch. Whether or not you react to it, its worth a watch in my opinion.

@danithompson8743

4 ай бұрын

THIS! Watch the video with Van Gogh's artwork!

@reborndaughter445

4 ай бұрын

It's a must see!

@MBillCylle

4 ай бұрын

Yes, agree and also I would recommend watching a movie made of Vincent's life with Kirk Douglas "Lust for Life".

I always took the line "they did not listen they did not know how, perhaps they'll listen now", to be a direct reference to Vincent cutting off his ear.

Vincent understood the pain of others. His message: "You're not alone. I understand." And he could certainly see the beauty.

One of the most beautiful songs of my 75 years.

This song brought a heightened awareness to mental illness. Treatments for mental issues has become far more effective and compassionate since then, in part because of this song.

First off: great job on pronouncing the name. I'm a native English speaker but I also speak Dutch, and man this name threw me. Van Gogh was such a sad, beautiful, but sadly tortured genius. In his lifetime, he was not appreciated. I've read the letters between him and his brother Theo, and I have to tell you, he is my favorite artist, but my heart aches for him. I know he was a man of faith and so am I. I genuinely hope he rests in peace in the presence of Almighty God. The first time I heard this tune was actually a pop-punk cover by NOFX and it actually smokes and is worth hearing!

TRIVIA:: As famous rapper Tupac lay there dying,, He asked this song be played for him & they did,, It was his absolute favorite song...R.I.P. Vincent & Tupac. 🙏❤️

@charlier711

4 ай бұрын

Interesting. Who would have thought.

@happymethehappyone8300

4 ай бұрын

@charlier711 Well,, when you think about it,, Tupac loved poetry,, art & music,, And this song has all 3.

@shaynewest8757

4 ай бұрын

One was an artist and one was a wannabe gangster who made nursery rhymes.

@happymethehappyone8300

4 ай бұрын

And The Winner Of "The Most Ignorant & Disrespectful Comment" Contest Is....

@sabinasabina2010

4 ай бұрын

​@@shaynewest8757which one?

Still can’t hear this without tearing up, after all these years. A beautiful tribute

The anger and passion in Van Gough's brush strokes is what struck me the first time I saw his work up close. . . truly haunting. Beautiful tribute by Don McLean, as well.

The most beautiful song of the seventies, without a doubt.

@kbrewski1

4 ай бұрын

Mmmm....I've got to go with Afternoon Delight.

What is amazing about this song is that when he isn't talking directly about Vincent he is describing his paintings. Incredible song writing.

Nice review guys. I think you got the message. Van Gogh had major mental struggles - famous for cutting his ear off - and took his own life. His work is now considered beautiful and almost priceless.

@prettybullet7728

4 ай бұрын

I can't imagine how horrible it must have been to suffer from mental illness back in those days.

@boblester8641

4 ай бұрын

Or was Van Gogh just too sane for this world

Such a great song by Don McLean! It is his tribute to the sad life of the painter Vincent Van Gogh. He suffered from depression & committed suicide. He never saw any success during his life. But now his paintings are worth millions of dollars.

What I love about this song is how the push and pull of the rhythm and the pacing really contributes to the emotion of the song.

A lovely tribute to Mr van Gogh

I've been to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam and learned a lot more about him. He painted common people with lined faces, farmers, etc. He struggled so much as a person and as an artist. There's a book out now called "The Secret Life of Sunflowers" about Vincent's sister-in-law and her part in getting his work recognized. I've bought the book but haven't had a chance to read it yet. The museum was fantastic even though some of his most famous paints are not there.

Yes Sam, Don's lyrics are describing Vincent's paintings as he tells the tragic story of Vincent's life.

This song is only one of a handful that brings me to tears .

Only Vincent's brother Theo, truly came to understand his artistry while Vincent was alive. After he died by his own hand, and some time had passed, others began to appreciate his painter's style.

@jwayne7400

4 ай бұрын

Sadly Theo died within a few years of Vincent, and his Theo's wife fortunately kept his work together and made sure much of it was saved

@RossNixon

4 ай бұрын

There is a possibly valid theory that he was shot by a young boy, possibly accidentally. Vincent didn't want to get the kid in trouble as he lay dying.

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is absolutely amazing.

My loving husband took me to see his work in Nashville. It was a virtual work so the paintings occurred on the walls as you sat there. It was truly a beautiful experience. So glad you enjoyed this.

@Jayscollo

4 ай бұрын

Me husband & I did that virtual display when it came to Boston. It was an incredible experience

@katherinedinwiddie4526

4 ай бұрын

@@Jayscollo most definitely

Beautiful and sad, it reflects the madness suffered by many creative artists. Genius and insanity often go hand in hand. Brian Wilson comes to mind.

This one always brings tears to my eyes. Such a beautiful, emotional song. Its simplicity is its strength and its beauty. Love it.

Don McLean is a deeply insightful songwriter and a true troubador. His albums are full of pleasing melodies and meaningful lyrics.

A pretty cold analysis and reaction considering the genius of the song.

Beautiful Song and Don was huge in the 70's

Vincent van Gogh, Dutch painter (1853-1890)

First pronounciation on van Goch is PERFECT

@HannahSBax

Ай бұрын

Yes, very refreshing to hear americans pronounce his name right for a time😁

💥 Definitely one of my favorite songs of all time. So glad someone is doing a reaction video to this one. SHALOM. Vincent Van Gogh a artistic genius with an incredible soul. Should try watching a documentary about it. SHALOM

Saw the traveling Van Gogh exhibit two years ago. They put some of his paintings in motion and they look like that's how they were meant to be seen. He painted many self portraits over the years and most make him appear quite sad. He also would paint random people in the village where he lived and you feel like you can see into their souls. The starry night that was his inspiration for the famous painting was one he saw through the bars on his window at the asylum he was in at the time.

@juliapernicka2698

4 ай бұрын

That traveling exhibit was amazing… To be standing and having the artwork build stroke by stroke around.you.

There is a video that matches the paintings with the song to really bring into focus the lyrics.

There is a 1956 film about Van Gogh starring Kirk Douglas, titled LUST FOR LIFE.

@josephstawicki7265

3 ай бұрын

Fantastic movie!

My very favorite painting is Starry Night...💜💜💜

Such a beautiful on such a sad and tragic topic. After listening to this song, you cannot look at Vincent's art the same way. In Europe, they pronounce his name 'Van Goff'. Supposedly this was Tupac's favorite song. There was also a Dr. Who episode where they meet Vincent, and it is one of the very best episodes.

Both Phi and Samantha would make great DJs or radio hosts. There's something about their voices that I find soothing.

@kbrewski1

4 ай бұрын

True about Samantha. Phil speaks too formally and stiffly, like he's trying too hard. Its like he's sitting on a pinecone or something.

This is probably one of my top 10 favorite songs ever...Don McLean's poetry is descriptive and so deep... It just fits so well into his songs...great reaction, guys...I really enjoyed this one... Keep Being Awesome !!!...

One should watch the video with van gough’s paintings to truly appreciate this song.

I’ve heard this song 100’s of times and still cry at times listening to the lyrics. It is sad enough to be worthy of tears. That’s what great songs do. Vincent is probably one of the best songs portraying the emotion behind masterpieces. Because of all the treatments for spectrum disorders, designed to quiet the dominant creative mind; future generations may not have poets, artists, musicians and writers like the creative geniuses of generations long ago. Thanks for reacting to this song.

It's my favorite song of all time. I shed tears each time I hear it. ❤

HI from Australia, Vincent died 1890. Self inflicted gun shot to chest, may I say Vincent Van Gogh is my favourite artist of all time it's very sad he only became famous after he died.❤

The fact that these lyrics perfectly describe Vincent van Gogh's paintings is so good! There's another lyric video on KZread that uses all the paintings as a background to the lyrics, pointing out that link between the art and Don's lyrics.

There is a video version of this that shows the Van Gough paintings referred to in the songs as its played. Powerful. One of the most beautiful songs ever written.

Oh gosh, y’all……I love love love this song. Such a beautiful song that moves me to tears most of the time. 😊❤glad you picked this one ❤

@markmurphy558

4 ай бұрын

There is another lyric video on YT that show many of his paintings referred to in the song. Worth a look.

That's a real tear jerker....

There is a video that shows the lyrics and Vincent's paintings at the back, then you see how Don McLean describes Vincent's work. It's beautiful.

For 50-some years, my peer group and the rest of the world pronounce it as Van-Go 🙂

@Murdo2112

4 ай бұрын

And, of course, by "the rest of the world" you mean "the United States and France".

@daseguin

4 ай бұрын

@@Murdo2112 Don't forget Canada, the Netherlands, probably most in Sweden, etc.

@Murdo2112

4 ай бұрын

@@daseguin You've been misinformed.

@daseguin

4 ай бұрын

@@Murdo2112 Nah

This song will choke up anyone with a soul.

You two can take a bow for this reaction. You conveyed the meaning of the song so well.

Don McLean was one of my favorite artists and a master at song writing

"Lust For Life" (1956, in color) starring Kirk Douglas (father of Michael Douglas) is a biopic on Vincent Van Gogh, rated from 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 stars and a movie worth watching. Also, director Robert Altman did his version of a biopic on Van Gogh, quite different in emphasis, and well worth watching also; this a 1990 film titled "Vincent & Theo" (Theo being his supportive brother).

@flerbus

4 ай бұрын

the doctor who episode with van gogh was also great

@EdwardGregoryNYC

4 ай бұрын

Another great film is "Loving Vincent," animated entirely in hand-painted oil paintings drawn from Vincent's work.

So many artists struggle when they are alive and when they die their catologue becomes famous, my mom told me the proverb, "a prophet is often not recognised in his own land and time."

All too forgotten classic... Thank you for reacting to 'Vincent'.

You should see the video where Vincent's paintings were shown. His song goes with them.

One of the KZread videos that uses this song, features the paintings referenced in the lyrics.

such a beautiful hauntingly sad song! ♥

He made different appearances on the Midnight Special tv show.. It is really cool to see him in that prime era

This has always been my favorite song. I've listened to it countless times, but every single time I'm moved to tears as if I heard it for the first time.

The last stanza kills me every time

My creative writing teacher in high school introduced us to this song and the Starry Night painting, then had us write our own own poems following that experience. This instantly became one of my favorite songs. Thank you Mr. Barone! 💜

I don't know how i found this channel. But as a child of the 60's i am fascinated Country Joe was amazing!

Excellent and thoughtful reaction to a brilliant song.

Somewhere on KZread, there is a clip from the TV show "Dr. Who" where Vincent is taken by time travel to an art gallery where his beautiful art is displayed. Another shows most of the pictures referenced in the song. They add so much to the song. I still tear up when I listen to it. There is a word error: the line "and when no hope was left in sight..." it should be "inside."

Some great recommendations from your followers, castles in the air etc . My friends back in the day recommended The legend of Andrew McCrew . Based on the life of a one legged hobo who died in Texas in 1913 The lyrics are brilliant and point out the absurdity of human existence, humans lack of empathy and lots more . So stirred some people that they bought a grave marker for the man .

This is the one I suggested not too long ago! I'm glad y'all managed to get to it sooner than I ever expected. I'm sure someone else brought it up as well. Cheers!

Van Goh's painting style was revolutionary but the people of his day did "not get it'. He is credited for influencing the development of modern art.

Fantastic song!! It’s always been one of my favorites.

You really enjoy seeing the video he did of this song and they put photos of each of van Gogh paintings up while he’s singing about them

You could easily match the lyrics up with the paintings. I bet there's a video out there somewhere that does it.

@leannmiller7153

4 ай бұрын

There is another lyric video that matches each painting to the lyric.

I have dreamed at least 3 times that Home Free covers this song and they sounded amazing!

So many tortured artists throughout history never understood. Never appreciated. I have The Starry Night hanging in my bedroom. Such a masterpiece.

I’ve always cried during this song, and hearing your thoughts makes that song have such a deeper emotional response. Love you guys ❤

An artist on an artist. This song has been a core song for me since I was kid. Much of Van Gogh’s work was done within a two year period, as an artist no one could depict wind and movement like he did, all done within his unique style. (Monet lived into his eighties and produced a lot of technically brilliant work, but which I find is sterile to look at). We now think of Van Gogh as one of the greatest painters that ever lived, it’s a shame it took long to realise that - which is what this song conveys. Don McLean’s American Pie album is awesome too. Every track, albeit not released as a single, is superb.

What a sad and heart wrenching song. I listen to it often.

They just recently released a new version, Don performing this with HOME FREE! Fabulous..

The song Killing Me Softly words by Norman Gimbel and Lori Lieberman was inspired by Lori's hearing McLean singing Vincent at a concert. This song later became a monster hit for Roberta Flack. Another song worth listening to.

I still recall the first time i went to see an exibit of his painting. not sure how old i was but maybe 9-10 effected me deeply. PS The best Dr Who episodes ever it about Vincent Van Gogh ..... It as emotional as the song ........

Think this was the first time I heard this song. It kinda puts to words of a lonely life. Vincent is the one person in history I wish could know how beloved he is.

Pure poetry, i always loved this song

I heard this song for the first time while watching the film Loving Vincent. I didn't realise I was hearing a cover until I stumbled across your channel while helping my son with an art assignment. I cried the first time I heard it in the movie, and still do.

Your first try in pronouncing was on point Samantha...well done ! 👌

Another good one of his is Castles in the air. was a hit twice

There's another video of this song that shows the paintings that Don is describing in the lyrics. I wish you had chosen that one.

@Cheryworld

4 ай бұрын

I know that video. Its one of the most beautiful things on the internet

Actually the first critique without tears

No joke: this was Tupac Shakur's favorite song, and his family played it for him while he was on his deathbed.

The letters written between Vincent and his younger brother Theo are so beautiful and filled with love and support. He suffered from depression and alcohol abuse. The treatments for these were not helpful during that time and he finally ended his own life at the age of 37. During his short life though he painted more than 2100 works.