Vincent

Don McLean

About Vincent

"Vincent" is a song by Don McLean written as a tribute to Vincent van Gogh. It is also known by its opening line, "Starry Starry Night", a reference to Van Gogh's 1889 painting The Starry Night. The song also describes other paintings by the artist. McLean wrote the lyrics in 1971 after reading a book about the life of van Gogh. It was released on McLean's 1971 American Pie album, and the following year the song became the No. 1 hit in the UK Singles Chart for two weeks. and No. 12 in the US. In the US, "Vincent" also hit No. 2 on the Easy Listening chart. Billboard ranked it as the No. 94 song for 1972. The song makes use mainly of the guitar but also includes the accordion, marimba, and strings. The song was a particular favorite of the rapper and actor Tupac Shakur, and was played to him in the hospital just before he died. 


Year:
1992
4:02
4,059 
#2

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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.
And now I understand what you tried to say to me

How you suffered for your 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 flo'rs 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.
And now I understand what you tried to say to me

How you suffered for your sanity
How you tried to set them free.
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 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 men in ragged clothes

The silver thorn of bloody rose
Lie crushed and broken
On the virgin snow.
And now I think I know what you tried to say to me

How you suffered for your sanity

How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen
They're not
List'ning still
Perhaps they never will.

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Don McLean

Donald "Don" McLean (born October 2, 1945) is an American singer-songwriter. He is most famous for the 1971 album American Pie, containing the renowned songs "American Pie" and "Vincent". more »

8 fans

Written by: Don McLean

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


17 facts about this song

Authorship
"Vincent" is a song written by the American singer-songwriter, Don McLean.
Release Date
The song was released on McLean's 1971 album "American Pie."
Inspiration
"Vincent" was inspired by the life and death of post-impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh, more specifically, letters Van Gogh's sent to his brother Theo.
Chorus
The song's chorus, "Starry, starry night," refers to Van Gogh's well-known painting "The Starry Night."
Achievements
The single "Vincent" hit number one in the UK and stayed in the top charts in the U.S., reaching the number 12 position on the Billboard Hot 100.
Song Context
It depicts Van Gogh's struggles with mental illness and his unappreciated talent during his lifetime.
Tribute
The song is a tribute and empathy to Van Gogh's difficult life and extraordinary talent.
Cover Versions
Versions of "Vincent" have also been recorded by artists like Josh Groban, Ellie Goulding, James Blake and more.
Cultural Influence
The song has been referenced in pop culture, including being featured in a movie, "Loving Vincent."
Global Recognition
"Vincent" remains one of Don McLean's most recognized and beloved songs worldwide.
Songwriting
The song was written in a single sitting on a paper bag.
Album Success
The album "American Pie" was certified gold within six months of its release.
Audio Recording
The original audio recording of the song features McLean's voice with a solo acoustic guitar.
Lyrics Interpretation
The song's lyrics are often interpreted as a commentary on the misunderstood genius of artists.
Song Duration
The original album version of the song clocks in at 3 minutes and 59 seconds.
Reception in Europe
The song reached number two in Canada, number 3 in New Zealand, and was a number-one hit in the UK and Australia.
Emotional Responses
Many listeners and fans cite "Vincent" as one of the most emotional and beautiful songs they have ever heard.

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