5 Incredible Facts About Don Mclean’s “Vincent”

“Vincent” by Don McLean is written as a tribute to Dutch post-impressionist painter, Vincent Van Gogh, which input references to Van Gogh’s most famous painting, Starry Night. The hit song catapulted to worldwide fame, along with McLean’s ability to write powerful songs just like “American Pie.” Below, are the 5 incredible facts that you may not know about this wonderful and bittersweet track.

• The lyrics and imagery tell us about the life of Vincent Van Gogh. A struggling artist, schizophrenic, and often misjudged by many, McLean captured all of these inside the song.
• Just like the life of Vincent Van Gogh, McLean was in the dark phase when he wrote “Vincent.” Van Gogh was admitted to an asylum when he painted Starry Night.
• Don McLean admitted to some religious themes that surrounded the song.
• The song is often played inside Van Gogh’s Museum in Amsterdam. A time capsule with “Vincent” lyrics and some of Van Gogh’s brushes was hidden underneath the building.
• The song and Van Gogh’s painting reflected what it’s like to be misunderstood.