Don McLean - Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) Lyrics






Starry, starry night
Paint your palette blue and gray
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
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

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

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

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've told you Vincent
This world was never meant for
One as beautiful as you

Starry, starry night
Portraits hung in empty halls
Frame-less heads on nameless walls
With eyes that watch the world and can't forget

Like the strangers that you've met
The ragged men 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
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free

They would not listen, they're not listening still
Perhaps they never will





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Don McLean Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) Comments
  1. V.... M....

    ❤❤❤

  2. m.... q....

    Wonderful song. beautiful paintings and beautiful video.Thank you.

  3. L.... B....

    Vincent only sold one painting while alive. So sad.

  4. B.... ....

    I love it, and I’m crying!!!

  5. T.... C....

    Great. Luv Vincents work genius

  6. T.... C....

    Great. Luv vincents work genius

  7. A.... S....

    I was 6yrs old the first time I heard this song in 1972. I had know idea who Vincent was or what the song was about. I just knew it was beautiful....and haunting.....
    I'm 53yrs now....2020... it makes me cry every time I hear it...

  8. A.... P....

    beautiful voice, beautiful phrasing. . . van gogh means so much to so many people. his soul is enmeshed and shines in every one of his paintings - a very special man. of all the films of him, the most wonderful was the one from, of all things, Doctor Who. the actor who played Vincent was just so perfect. it also makes you feel good to think maybe he actually knows how incredible he was. i just don't understand how a soul can die and i know it doesn't by a personal experience - an incredible experience which i would have never thought of myself. and it happened twice.

  9. l.... p....

    Last one of the night... got caught up in another late night youtube song spree. It's always the most magical in the wee hours of the night, something honest and true when it's yourself listening to whatever you want. Then when you try to get into the same vibe during the day it just doesn't work. Then it gets to 3 or 4 in the morning and you start again.

  10. �.... ....

    너무 좋아요 이걸로 너무 잘배워요 다음에도 이런 영상 마니마니 올려주세요

    �.... ....

    좋아요 눌러줄세요

  11. S.... N....

    I like the song and I like the art of Vincent put both of them together and WOW! It all comes to light. well done.

  12. A.... C....

    Are you listening?

  13. t.... ....

    I am just blown away. I listened to this 10 minutes ago, and i'm still getting chilled❣

  14. K.... Y....

    Voice like silk!

  15. P.... M....

    Lisa Simpson

  16. t.... ....

    In my opinion, Don McLean is one of of the most underrated song writers in history, his songs and lyrics so inspired that they will only become recognized for the classics they are in the fullness of time. From "American Pie" to "And I Love You So," even great singers as Roberta Flack sang songs like "Killing Me Softly With His Song" to him, virtual love letters to the brilliance of his music and song. The human body ages, then dies. But rest assured, the brilliance of Don McLean will last through the ages.

  17. J.... S....

    Still listening 2020💯

  18. Y.... L....

    I've always loved Van Gogh and I've loved Don McLean. The two together are magic.

  19. D.... P....

    How the hell have I lived 33 years having never heard this song????? What a beautiful song about one of the greatest artists of all time. So full of emotion. Just beautiful

  20. H.... S....

    Oh

    This is my song

    In reality "Germany"

    Mm.


    ??!

    Hab auch andere Woeter.. Buch. Der Bastard vom Berg

    Etc

    Cool

    Not Lande Erd Umlauf Andock Station

    Jo

    Wooo is meine Elfe? ZEIG DICH

    WILL DICH ENDLICH LIEBEN

  21. L.... S....

    Still crying in 2020 I feel unloved unwanted worthless so I understand Vincent didn't know he was loved

  22. C.... S....

    I brakes my hart every time I listen to it

    C.... S....

    Cole Sands I am with you !!!

  23. C.... S....

    I love this song

  24. M.... ....

    Had to come to this song after hearing Kirk Douglas passed. He portrayed Vincent in the 1956 movie Lust For Life. It was such a beautiful movie. RIP Mr. Douglas

  25. m.... ....

    Heartfelt thanks to whoever put together this wonderful clip.

  26. m.... ....

    Years pass and this song is always beutiful, touching, compassionate. Heartfelt

  27. M.... B....

    Van Gogh was amazing. Too bad the world never saw it while he was living.

  28. A.... ....

    As a kid I used to listen to this song on a old radio when I went to sleep. When I first started the track it was on, I would always jump out of bed and skip it because I knew that I would start crying and wouldn't be able to sleep. Funny that even an 8 year old is susceptible to this music. As I got older I listened to it more often, not outright crying, but a calm melancholy feeling always washes over me. I will always remember those nights that I stared up at my ceiling in the dark, thinking about what the song meant, trying to brave through the flood of emotions before ripping off the covers and running to skip the song. Now I go out of my way to listen to it.

    Very strange indeed.

  29. K.... T....

    polandball artists, all rise for the national anthem

  30. A.... J....

    Everything is Absolutely Perfect About This Song..... Nuff said.

  31. M.... M....

    I now hope that I understand

  32. B.... ....

    should be "morning fields" not "field".

  33. P.... H....

    Hoy leía sobre la historia de Vincent van Gogh y el fue el segundo hijo de un matrimonio a quien se le había muerto su primer hijo que se llamaba igual que Vincent

  34. R.... S....

    This is excellent!! My favourite songwriters song ever biographically speaking who is better? He ain't called Don for nothing!!

  35. S.... ....

    This really is a lovely timeless song. I have been listening to it since I was a young teenager and it always sounds as good as it did from day 1 of hearing it. I love the way you have put the art to the song. The song actually brought me to the artist rather than the artist to the song. When you look at anything by Van Gogh I find it makes you think deeply about him. Its almost an insult to see a thumbs down on here.

  36. j.... ....

    Notte stellata stellata...
    Dipingi la tua tavolozza in blu e grigio
    Con lo sguardo in una giornata estiva
    Con gli occhi che conoscono l'oscurità nella mia anima
    Ombre sulle colline
    Disegna gli alberi e i narcisi
    Cattura la brezza e i brividi invernali
    Nei colori sulla terra innevata di lino

    Ora capisco
    Quello che hai cercato di dirmi
    Come hai sofferto per la tua sanità mentale
    Come hai provato a liberarli
    Non avrebbero ascoltato
    Non sapevano come
    Forse ora ascolteranno

    Notte stellata stellata
    Fiori fiammeggianti che brillano intensamente
    Nuvole vorticose nella foschia viola
    Riflessi negli occhi di Vincent di un blu porcellana
    Colori che cambiano tonalità
    Campi mattutini di grano ambrato
    Volti alterati, segnati dal dolore
    Sono quieti sotto la mano amorevole degli artisti

    Ora capisco
    Quello che hai cercato di dirmi
    Come hai sofferto per la tua sanità mentale
    Come hai provato a liberarli
    Non avrebbero ascoltato
    Non sapevano come
    Forse ora ascolteranno

    Perché non potevano amarti
    Ma comunque il tuo amore era vero
    E quando nessuna speranza è rimasta dentro
    In quella notte stellata
    Ti sei tolto la vita come fanno spesso gli innamorati
    Ma avrei potuto dirtelo, Vincent
    Questo mondo non è mai stato pensato per uno bello come te

    Notte stellata stellata
    Ritratti appesi in sale vuote
    Teste senza cornice su pareti senza nome
    Con occhi che guardano il mondo e non possono dimenticare
    Come gli estranei che hai incontrato
    Gli uomini sfilacciati in abiti sfilacciati
    Una spina d'argento, una rosa insanguinata
    Sdraiati e spezzati sulla neve vergine

    Ora penso di saperlo
    Quello che hai cercato di dirmi
    E come hai sofferto per la tua sanità mentale
    E come hai provato a liberarli
    Non avrebbero ascoltato
    Non stanno ancora ascoltando
    Forse non lo faranno mai

  37. S.... H....

    For me, this song could be called “Richard” for my older brother.

    Richard was so hyperactive and So troubled from a young age being forced to practice my parents art until it eventually became his own But did it ever really become his own?

    he was so full of life, how hard it must’ve been for him to sit at the piano for five hours a day.

    By the time he was 15, he won the top state award for playing classical music on the piano. Ive seen lots of live music and I have to say that not many could hold a stick to him

    But like so many raised in the 60’s, he got into drugs, namely LSD, which robbed him of his sanity. And he stayed that way for 27 years before he took his own life in 2006.


    Every time I hear this song, I cry and I think of my brother Richard.

    I hope you’re in the best band in heaven, Bro!

    S.... H....

    ty 4 sharing your story

  38. J.... A....

    This is my favorite video of this iconic song, I always share it to show this master piece by the musical genius that Don McLean is.

  39. W.... I....

    One of the most amazing beautiful tunes EVER xxx

  40. R.... A....

    Beautiful !

  41. R.... C....

    I love this song....hayyyy
    I missed someone 😥😥😥

  42. J.... G....

    Some months ago , I read this theory about Vincent's death which said that he actually didn't kill himself , while he was outside , at a wonderful flower place (painting as usual) , a pair of kids who would often laugh at him were playing with their father's gun. Sudenly , the gun went off reaching Van gogh.
    At that moment , they both ran towars him , weeping and screaming asking for the painter's forgiveness saying that when their father found out what they had done , he would kill them - Vincent just answered that they should go , he was going to take all the responsability for what had happened and that it would be easy for everyone to believe that he was so mad that he shot himself.
    This whole story was found by one of the kid's grandson written in his diary and it also makes this whole song even sadder , he was such a good guy that he even protected the people who laughed at him.

    J.... G....

    Julian Gomé don't know if this is correct but I can really imagine that it's the truth !!

  43. g.... S....

    I’ll play this song for anyone who ever said Miss American Pie was Don McClean’s only good song

    g.... S....

    "Dreidel" rocks, as well.

  44. R.... C....

    Have the Dutch people heard this tune?! They'd appreciate it. * Cav *

  45. D.... S....

    Fuck me another heart wrenching song just heart wrenching

  46. O.... T....

    Discovered this song a couple of days ago, my mum said it was her favourite song. I’m so glad that I listened to it, its one of the most meaningful songs I’ve ever heard. It’s so nice to have a break from all of the masses produced music of today, and listen to a genuine, heartfelt song with lyrics that actually make you connect with the writers intentions and thoughts.

    Side note: I’m not saying all modern music is mass produced. In fact some of the best music has come from the 21st century. Just the charts are usually pretty generic

  47. A.... D....

    Vincent was not of this World.... he was Starseed 🌟💖 because this he was depressed and had all this melancholy ❤️

  48. v.... 1....

    only now, with many years behind me can I appreciate this homage to a tortured and suffering soul .. this song applies to many, many who loved but who were not loved in return ... moving !

  49. B.... t....

    I love this song and I love your video with all of Van-Gogh's paintings! Bravo! Perfect!

  50. S.... A....

    Who's listening in 2020? 👋

  51. S.... J....

    i once knew of a guy who i was pretty much convinced was reading my posts. i had mentioned vincent van goh and suddenly he pictured himself in a grey tshirt with a pocket with a print of vincent van goghs self portrait w the missing ear. i kept thinking everything was a bizarre coincidence...how i suffered for my sanity😊😊😊stay beautiful

  52. L.... B....

    2Pac’s Favorite Song 💯

  53. S.... ....

    This is beautiful...

  54. K.... B....

    I'm here for the MAMBA

  55. J.... H....

    This is lovely. Thank you!

  56. N.... B....

    This song makes me want to become a painter.

  57. E.... B....

    Tupac brought me here!!! I see & understand why he liked it! RIP Tupac Shakur ❤️

  58. a.... w....

    ΑΥΤΟ ΤΟ ΤΡΑΓΟΥΔΙ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΟΤΙ ΚΑΛΥΤΕΡΟ ΠΡΑΓΜΑΤΙΚΑ ΤΡΕΛΑΘΗΚΑ

  59. G.... S....

    Sadness wil last forever

  60. j.... ....

    Beautiful song. Came from David Wood's video (acts17apologetics)

  61. s.... ....

    whoever you are, THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO.

  62. f.... ....

    Just beautiful!

  63. C.... ....

    When my best friend (Golden Retriever) of 15years passed away. I cried and cried listening to this song. Till this day when listening to this song, He's still on my mind.

    C.... ....

    CONNECTELECTRIC 💕

  64. D.... M....

    Blazinskrubs Star Wars anyone?

  65. S.... B....

    At the last Atlantic folk festival @ noxon farms...wild weekend...pei moonshine..a mini Woodstock..he was the headliner opened with...American pie...memorable time

  66. L.... L....

    A cada vez que ouço ,. acho esta música,. ainda mais bela !

  67. A.... ....

    Beautiful;

  68. R.... C....

    THE JUXTAPOSITION OF THE LYRICS & VAN GOGH'S MASTERPIECE,S IS SO APROPOS.

  69. N.... B....

    In memory of Vincent Van Gogh when he shot himself in a forest

  70. J.... V....

    Very powerful words, melody and story. It is both tragically sad and intensely inspiring, for it reminds us all to persevere throughout life and believe in our gifts, knowing that your benefits to others may not be recognized during your short visit to our Planet.

  71. P.... G....

    Why do Americans call him Van Go? There's a gh on the end and it is pronounced "goff" as in cough.

    P.... G....

    Yes and no. In Dutch the G is pronounced like a gutteral H. Even in Dutch it's an odd one. Think of expectorating and you'll get the gist!

  72. P.... G....

    7.9k need to find another planet to live on. This is musical beauty beyond measure. One of the greatest songs ever written.

  73. L.... L....

    My sister hates my taste of music and all of the oldies I use to play. But right now we are just sitting together on the table doing nothing but listening to this beautiful song

  74. G.... S....

    This beautiful song brings back memories of when my Dad passed away in the 70s. " I could have told you Daddy, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you " Much Love, Patty ❤❤

  75. T.... N....

    Anyone here via 2pac?

  76. p.... a....

    our professor brought me here, and give reaction to this 😢😢 how sad it is 😥

  77. h.... l....

    One of the most beautiful yet emotional song ever made...who's with me in 2020?

    h.... l....

    With you.

    h.... l....

    With u here

    h.... l....

    the strangers that you've met

    h.... l....

    Glad to see a young person of this age can appreciate this music. I grew up in that era and I still think it's a very beautiful song of someone who was haunted by his own mortality.

    h.... l....

    I grew up in that generation, am a 60 year old grandfather, still tear up every time I here it.

  78. J.... D....

    Nature is always the same. The eras come and go in cycles...in high times of understanding, the yin and yang is still true...evil and ignorance exists in smaller pockets and in times of horror and ignorance, understanding and divinity exists in small pockets.

  79. F.... W....

    There is no ending for the love of your painting, and this lovely song. Van Gogh, N Don .McLean

  80. E.... N....

    I remember a beautiful friend of mine who would sing this to me when I couldn't sleep. She had the most enchanting voice.

  81. A.... V....

    Our 10 year old's favorite song. Hope some here will check out his beautful singing version..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTZioM-UW-E

  82. m.... 1....

    I'm listening.

  83. E.... L....

    His voice...... that is all.

  84. e.... m....

    When it gets to the 'weathered faces lined in pain' that's me bawling lol been listening to this song for over 3 decades and it still send shivers down me.

    e.... m....

    Don't be sad ,be happy 😊

    e.... m....

    May I recommend a Cardigan sweater and Hot Tea.

  85. J.... D....

    This is such a beautiful song about Vincent and his works of art.

  86. D.... L....

    Beautiful song 👏

  87. A.... C....

    kati zeher

  88. M.... M....

    Amazing and deep

  89. v.... p....

    Vincent gang wsg

  90. N.... L....

    Exquisite

  91. M.... Z....

    I remember when i just started to play whole album American Pie on spotify, unintentionally because I just wanted to hear the American Pie. I was doing my stuff and the song was playing in the background, i like it, i know and understand the lyrics, but I've always thought that Don McLean was one hit wonder. And then this song started to play, I've stopped everything, and started to think "wow, how is it possible that i don't know this beautiful song" and focused on the lyrics, and then it became even more beautiful, I was literally shocked, sad and happy at the same time. There was a long time since any song did it to me before. One of my favourite songs ever, and i'm sure it will stay like this.

  92. F.... G....

    The song doesn't need no introduction. It speaks for it self.

  93. �.... ....

    You saved my soul. Appreciate all you tried !

    �.... ....

    김영호 Who??

  94. b.... e....

    i just watched the movie (i know i’m late) and i cried. we can’t thank vincent enough for his hard work or in general, his existence that many people from his time struggled to appreciate and understand. i am very thankful that people in this comments section appreciate his work. after the movie, i realized how much of a beautiful mind vincent had. i very much agree on that lyric, “this world was never meant for someone as beautiful as you.” the movie and this song truly did open my eyes. i hope i can try and see the beauty in everything, just like with vincent’s pure and loving soul, that was never appreciated enough.

  95. D.... M....

    This song brings me to tears every time...
    While alive he sold one painting out of the 300 he painted...
    Now his paintings sell for millions of dollars....
    Why must artistic people suffer to get known...
    Not everyone l guess..🙏💜 RIP Vincent l would have loved you....💜

    D.... M....

    Almost brings the tears, definitely grips me everytime👏

    D.... M....

    Actually 864 paintings and more then 1.000 drawings - and as you said - sold 1.

  96. R.... S....

    I can’t listen to this song without getting emotional. Can’t really tell you why.

  97. w.... ....

    For those who may have missed my previous comments. I compiled and uploaded this so I could explain my love of Van-Gogh's art to a dear friend of mine and thought McLean's Stary Stary Night was perfect in helping to explain. The lyrics were strictly for the benefit of my Friend, who's first language is not English.I never imagined it would get so many views and comments. I'm so glad I was able to share.

    w.... ....

    Almost 50 years of listening to this song and it still makes me cry. Other than this song, "Vincent and the Doctor" was one of the most moving tributes to this beautiful soul.

    w.... ....

    wysty67 - it's beautiful! Thank you!

    w.... ....

    Its clearly one of the best compiled non professional music videos on you tube. .

    w.... ....

    Absolutely fabulous job!!! Always thought it was from record company

    w.... ....

    wysty67 6