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- Don McLean first came across Van Gogh’s story while working a gig playing guitar and singing in schools during the fall of 1970, and came across a biography of the reclusive artist. McLean was immediately pulled into Van Gogh’s life story, which inspired him to write a song in tribute to the misunderstood artist.
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"Vincent" is a song by Don McLean, written as a tribute to Vincent van Gogh. It is often erroneously titled after its opening refrain, "Starry, Starry Night", a reference to Van Gogh's 1889 painting The Starry Night. McLean wrote the lyrics in 1971 after reading a book about the life of Van Gogh.
- Confronting Mental Illness
- ‘Starry Night’
- Returning to “Vincent”
“Vincent” revealed a truth about Van Gogh many may not have known or openly discussed when it was originally released as a single in 1972. Now, I understand what you tried to say to me And how you suffered for your sanity And how you tried to set them free They would not listen, they did not know how Perhaps they’ll listen now McLean’s lyrics addre...
Don McLean first came across Van Gogh’s story while working a gig playing guitar and singing in schools during the fall of 1970, and came across a biography of the reclusive artist. McLean was immediately pulled into Van Gogh’s life story, which inspired him to write a song in tribute to the misunderstood artist. You took your life as lovers often ...
Following the success of McLean’s No. 1 hit “American Pie,” in 1972, “Vincent” reached No. 1 on the U.K. charts and peaked at No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary and No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. In collaboration with the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit in Los Angeles and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders, in 2022, McLean filmed a ne...
- Senior Writer
- 4 min
Apr 23, 2024 · The lyrics of “Vincent” are a poetic tribute to the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. McLean’s words capture the essence of Van Gogh’s paintings, the beauty and pain that he imbued in his art, and the underlying struggles that haunted him throughout his life. The song begins with the iconic opening line: “Starry, starry night
- Maureen Foley
- Gerry Ellis
- What inspired Don McLean to write Vincent (Starry Starry Night)? Answer: Don McLean was deeply moved by the life and art of Vincent van Gogh. He found a connection between the artist’s struggles and his own experiences as a musician.
- What does the line “Now I understand what you tried to say to me” mean? Answer: This line reflects the singer’s realization of the depth and meaning behind van Gogh’s art.
- What is the significance of the phrase “You took your life as lovers often do”? Answer: This line refers to van Gogh’s tragic suicide. McLean acknowledges the intense emotions that drove van Gogh to take his own life and draws a parallel between the artist’s passion and the intensity of love.
- How did Vincent (Starry Starry Night) impact the recognition of Vincent van Gogh’s art? Answer: The song played a significant role in bringing van Gogh’s art to a wider audience.
Don McLean’s “Vincent (Starry Starry Night)” is a timeless masterpiece that encapsulates the profound beauty and tragic life of Vincent van Gogh. Through its lyrics, the song provides a window into the mind of a tormented artist and invites us to reflect on the power of art in capturing the essence of the human experience.
Jul 13, 2022 · As popularly known, “Vincent” is Don McLean‘s tribute song to the Dutch post-impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh (1853 – 1890). A lot of people have enjoyed the mellow, calm voice of McLean as if it were a lullaby singing someone to sleep.
Feb 1, 2024 · “Vincent (Starry Starry Night)” is a poignant tribute to the famous painter Vincent van Gogh. The song delves into the artist’s turbulent life, his struggles with mental illness, and the beauty he brought to the world through his art.
