Vincent by Don Mclean, one of the greatest hits in 70's. Don Mclean, the singer who popularized the songs American Pie and And I love you so are just few of hits during the era of folk songs. The era when artist like Jim Croce and John Denver was at their peak at mainstream radios.
As I observed, this was also the era when artists compose songs adeptly both music and lyrical content. As compare to music era wherein artists enjoys remaking or covering hits from the past. For me Vincent lyrcis is indeed simple but deep.
In my own opinion, remaking songs was also done way back in 60's to 80's. I guess I have to research more about this though. But as I remember, Carpenters also did the same with their hit song We've only just begun which was originally recorded by Smokey Roberds.
From videos below both live performances, I included Josh Groban's cover because it's also great cover of the song.
Don Mclean's Vincent live performance video
Josh Groban's cover of Vincent song
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Vincent Lyrics/lyrcis/lyics
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 bloddy 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.
