Vincent (Starry Starry Night) - A Nostalgic Oldies Hit from 1971

Vincent (Starry Starry Night) is a song written and performed by Don McLean. It was released in 1971 as a tribute to the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. The lyrics of the song touch on van Gogh's troubled life and his emotional connection to his artwork. The song has since become one of McLean's most popular and iconic works, with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics capturing the essence of van Gogh's life and art.

_{Don McLean}

1. Inspired by Vincent van Gogh, the song vividly describes his life and mental health struggles. 

_{'Vincent' by Don McLean}

2. The song was a hit, reaching the top 10 on the charts in multiple countries after its release in 1971. 

3. It has been covered by various artists, including Josh Groban and Ellie Goulding, showcasing its enduring popularity.

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