Vincent (Starry Starry Night)
Don McLean wrote Vincent in 1971 after reading a book about the life of artist Vincent Van Gogh. In the 1970s, the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam played the song daily and a copy of the sheet music, together with a set of Van Gogh’s paint brushes, is buried in a time capsule beneath the museum.
The song itself was an even bigger international hit than American Pie. In 1972, it reached number 1 in the UK and number 12 in the USA.
In recent years, the song has become even more well known thanks in part to Josh Groban’s successful version and to the song being sung by contestants on high profile shows such as American Idol and BBC Fame Academy.
Listen to Don sing Vincent (Starry Starry Night) in concert
Starry starry night, paint your palette blue and grey
Look out on a summer’s day with eyes that know the darkness in my soul
Shadows on the hills, sketch the trees and the daffodils
Catch the breeze and the winter chills, in colors on the snowy linen land
Now I understand what you tried to say to me
How you suffered for you sanity
How you tried to set them free
They would not listen they did not know how, perhaps they’ll listen now
Starry starry night, flaming flowers that brightly blaze
Swirling clouds in violet haze reflect in Vincent’s eyes of china blue
Colors changing hue, morning fields of amber grain
Weathered faces lined in pain are soothed beneath the artist’s loving hand
Chorus:
For they could not love you, but still your love was true
And when no hope was left in sight, 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
Starry, starry night, portraits hung in empty halls
Frameless heads on nameless walls with eyes that watch the world and can’t forget.
Like the stranger that you’ve met, the ragged man in ragged clothes
The silver thorn of bloody rose, lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow
Now I think I know what you tried to say to me
How you suffered for you sanity How you tried to set them free
They would not listen they’re not listening still
Perhaps they never will.
Vincent Slide Show
Here is the slide show of Van Gogh paintings with a soundtrack of Don McLean singing “Vincent”. Originally posted as a storyline on our forum several years ago by abeille and put to music in our streaming music section, modern technology and youtube allow us to present the high quality ‘video’ version (requires flash).
I have always thought the words to this song were one of the most beautiful pieces of poetry I had ever read. These lyrics stand alone, but put them to the music and they soar to the heavens and beyond. I think Vincent himself would have loved these lyrics.
My junior college professor used this song with a slide show on the last day of his art appreciation class and it had such a profound effect on me when I heard this song the other day (20 years later); I had to stop and wish I had the slide show that went with it…just a beautiful song and even beter when put to show of all his works of art.
I am trying to contact Don Maclean to obtain the rights to reprint the words to Vincent in a book I am writing. Does anyone know how to do this? The “contact Don Maclean” button doesn’t work on my computer.
Vicky - the contact page is operational but you need to contact Universal Music, not Don McLean, with your request.
I was born 4 years too late to have heard this song in the 70s. Today, I heard it (strangely) during an episode of The Simpsons. I went searching for it and downloaded it from Itunes. It is the most beautiful peace of poetry I have ever heard. Of course, I had a cursory view of Van Gogh from college, but this song has inspired me to look further. Bravo, Mr. McLean.
Don Mclean wrote a very beautiful piece of poetry here. And I love other versions of the song also from Julio Iglesias & Josh Groban. Overall great piece of art.
Sean Hill
This is indeed a beautiful and haunting song written by a man who used a palette of words to paint a picture of one of the most tragic and gifted painters the world will ever know (and who ironically also was a gifted writer himself). Not to be critical (but rather believing that this will only improve your tribute to Don and Vincent) I’d like to point out that the lyrics above say “how you suffered for YOU sanity” instead of your sanity. Dawn LaPorte
i also play guitar and one of my favourite song is VINCENT everytime i play your song,, really i feel “im in love again”
I first listen to “Vincent” in 1972 and fell in love with the song! the lyrics, the talent, the melody…as I listen to the song today; I am filled with the same emotions i felt when i was a young girl.
What a powerful song, Don you are one of the best song writers in the world! your songs have touched so many people and they continue to touch new generations. Thank you for sharing your talents with the world!!
I just love Vincent and he has inspired me with my work as a artist.I live and work her in France ,visited Provence,Arles St Remy etc. Visted the St Pauls Asylum,The place where his Yellow house ues to be. It was a dream come true for me. Also been to Zundet the village wher Vincent was born. One of my paintings was on exhibiton at a special event there. Vincent had a brother also named Vincent who died just after he was born.The grave of the baby is in the grave yard in Zundet, also the church where his father was a pastor is still there . Its a beautiful place to visit if you love Dear Vincent. All the colours of the rainbow shine on you all. Penny
i love you Mclean will you marry me?
i really really really love this songs………….
i never thought this song will touched me..