Don McLean's "Vincent" is one of the must beautiful as well as one of the saddest songs ever written!

Holy shit he sounds incredible.. So much respect for a person who just can grab a guitar and get up there and do this .. Amazing

I'll be fifty five in two weeks and I can't even remember when I didn't know every word to this song. It's also amazing how I can go years without hearing it; but when I do, it all comes right back. It seems like magic how deeply music and lyrics can embed themselves in to your conscience and life.

Don said the song was written all in one go, fully formed. It just came out. He said he was amazed at how it happened. Every time I hear this song, I cry. It's weirdly prophetic, referencing the past and future of America simultaneously.

When asked what the song meant ? Don’s reply... that I never have to work again ! Priceless

Don McLean is so underrated! He's music composition and lyrics are soothing and brings an emotion that not many artists can accomplish. I always get misty eyed when I listen to him.

In the late 1960s, my older brother invited a very young, largely unknown, nearby guitarist to play at our public school's auditorium to a motley collection of working- and middle-class teenagers. The man and his music were brilliant. Don McLean came by to our small house shortly after to collect a heavy bulging burlap bag filled with hundreds of quarters. I was transfixed; to a child he seemed like some kind of rock-n-roll god.

The way he phrases, influences how we listen and react emotionally to the song.

Wings of Pegasus, THANK YOU for pointing out something I would have missed. I would have missed the fact that Don switched to harmonizing with the audience and that audience followed his dynamic cues like BGVs (background vocalists). I wonder if there could be any more rewarding moment for a singer songwriter.

This is one of the greatest songs I wished never had to be written . Feb 3rd 1959 r.i.p

* * SHEER BRILLIANCE * * amazing how a simple guy, with no flashy clothes, pure clean voice, and just accompanying himself strumming a guitar can hold an audience this long.... of youths no less! I remember 1972, if nothing more, for this song that dominated it.

So generous of an artist to mold his performance to his admiring audience, not threatened, enjoying leading a sing-a-long for the moment. Charming. Admire all your analyses, Fil.

One of the most significant songs in American History. The lyrics are complex and interesting there are many theories about hidden messages . Vincent was another Gem a lovely tribute to a gifted but tortured soul .

Don's performance of Vincent from this same set is also great. Truly amazing lyrics!

Has to be one of the all time great live performances, song, vocals, harmony, and meaning. 10/10

I suppose a lot of people know that Roberta Flack's fantastic song " killing me softly" was written after she saw Don McClean in concert. He blew her away.

Be it sweat or a tear, you can feel the sadness in this song. Don does a great job with this live performance. Thank you Fil for the analysis.

You can see him feeding off the audience. Top of his game. Love it.

Wow, I'd never seen him performing before. Just gorgeous!

Hey Fil do you ever wonder how many people are analyzing you when you are analyzing any particular band...You have a beautiful smile and to see that when something in the song is great...I can't help but watch you with that smile, So keep on smiling it looks good on you, and I hope you never stop! Good on you and great job!

Went to a Dan Fogelberg concert in the 80's and his band didn't show up, so he played the concert anyway by himself on a stool with his guitar - all his songs, it was great, this reminded me of that. RIP Dan F.

I'm not used to hearing Don live so that was a whole new experience. Thank you!

I may be old (64) but how many people can be moved and audience singing- just one man and his guitar? We haven't seen that often. GREAT STUFF.

This guy was Huge in the 70s. " And I LOVE YOU SO" was written by him in the early 60s and recorded by many greats. This song was HUGE also and seen as a revival of true song writing . Great stuff , Thanks!

He did a concert at my high school in the early seventies. I didn’t know who he was when I went to the concert, but I did after that. I wore his albums out during my college years. No other like him. Takes me back many years.

A driver's Ed. car radio is where I heard this song when new. It's timeless. Castles In the Air is a good one too. Fil, your brilliance and efforts are greatly appreciated!

I have a good friend from Colombia who is learning English as a 2nd language. Her teacher assigned THIS song to the class as an English lesson to learn about English phrasing, vocabulary and culture. It was fun to go through it line by line with her! The fact that almost 50 years later, it's such a cultural touchstone that Tyson Furay sang it to serenade the crowd after his victory is a testament to that. What a moving live performance and detailed analysis!!

Wow. Never heard a live version of this song before. SO much more powerful than the recording! Really well done. Love all the things you pointed out in the analysis too, Fil. Excuse me - gotta go listen to this one again...

I am emotionally moved by the connection he has with this audience. Look at their faces. This type of engagement is all but lost these days. Not in these times sadly. Thanks Fil. 🙂

I found myself singing along, just like the old days. Thanks Fil.

Don McLean was a true troubadour. In his voice you can hear Ricky Nelson curves, sometimes he approaches John Denver on the am dial. Lyrically he's deeper than you think. From James Dean to Mick Jagger, religious and historical references, also biblical in Shakespearean, intellectually he Is stimulating, he references Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens.. Waylon Jennings gave up his seat on that flight. He chose to stay in the bar and drink. Don McLean's lyrics achieve two things they're familiar on one hand and invite wonder and interpretation on the other. Vincent/Starry Starry Night, is another kind of trip. Don is masterful in his imagery, and his interpretation of colors and textures. He opens the eye of the patron and at the same time invites us to look through Vincent's eyes. I see no madness in the work of Vincent Van Gogh. Every brush stroke has intent and purpose. I would like very much to meet and hang out with Don McLean. I always imagined Shakespeare and Einstein having a conversation over a beer what would they talk about? He had a deep and profound effect on the way I listen and on the way I write. Thanks Don.. Aces.

Don played our local high school in 1971. Just weeks before this song became a hit. I remember as a 17 year old really struck by his rendition of "Empty Chairs" moved for the first time earnestly taken by his writing.

I saw Don in Concert At the Albert Hall in 1973 it was the most amazing performance i'v ever seen on his softer song ie Vincent or Empty Chairs you could have heard a pin drop such was his deliverence a true artist story telling on a Acoustic guitar such a great technique truly Brilliant

Hi Fil !!!! I love how he tried harmonizing with the crowd singing along.

Now that was a wonderful performance if I do say so myself! Feeling sentimental tonight so he might have gotten a little tear out of me. You sir are still the best on YT for us true music lovers!!! Thanks again professor for keeping it real. Peace Boogie Woogie! PS Carolyn Wonderland

I was nine years old and on the road for a summer of 72 family vacation across America from California to NY, with a tent trailer being pulled by a Dodge 440 station wagon, mom & dad, 3 brothers and my sister, this song hit the radio on AM. Two versions played, with the longer gaining more airtime with each passing week. The countryside was rolling by and I would look out across the landscape with this song melodically in my head. Buddy passed in the 50's and I had no idea who the hell he was until my older brothers told me. Great times that summer and it is THE Song that brings back those wonderful memories with my family.

Love the way he sings harmony when the crowd sings chorus.

Don McLean is a brilliant songwriter singer player artist. One of those guys who paints pictures with his lyrics. A real thing of beauty! The American Pie album contained so many beauties..Vincent and Empty Chairs..Just to name a couple. American Pie a brilliant capsulized history of Rock from Buddy Hollys death onward. A wordsmiths feat! Big fan of Don McLean. Thanks Fil ! Well done! Brilliant! 😎🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦

The real masterwork here is the song writing. The way he weaves in and out of different stories all the while keeping the narrative.

Thanks for mentioning the Sus7 chord. And the harmony vocal. What I liked most was the audience following Don's singing strong and ending so softly AND The Audience following his dynamics- now softly, now loud, now slowly and softly . Very well done Don.

Don't think I've ever seen this one live. When it's on the radio I'm always so wrapped up in the lyrics that I've never noticed what a fantastic voice he has.

This song was made to sing it the way we used to, in the car with the radio full volume, at the top of our lungs. Good times!

It's refreshing seeing a person of your age who appreciates the music of old farts like me. Cherokee respect to our friends across the pond It's like a lament for lost Innocence this song.

When this came out in the US it was massive. I'd listen on my little transistor radio. AM of course. After awhile, they came out with a version on the radio where they'd explain what each line meant, pausing the song. I always wondered what happened to that version, if it was local or nationwide. Just a classic song, takes me back to so many things happening back then. Thanks!

I think every artist, regardless of their medium, whether it’s music, painting, or whatever, strives for what Don McLean accomplished with this song, a connection with their audience, when the audience says to themselves, “I think I understand.”

Fil is so generous. He renews my faith in music, which I love and others ignore.

On Feb. 3, 1959 I was just a month and a few days shy of turning 12 years old. I had discovered the radio and rock and roll a few years earlier. Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Richie Valens were very big in my young world. I was pretty shattered when the DJ broke the news of their deaths. This was the first time that someone in my life died and I had no idea what to make of it. When Don McLean released American Pie in 1971 all the memories of my exposure to early rock and roll came back. It was very bittersweet. In the Summer of 1971, not long after American Pie was released, I was taking a Summer course in the English department that focused on the impact of film and music in our lives. An assignment was to describe what McLean’s lyrics were about and their personal impact. I was 3 to 4 years older than many of the class members... just enough older to have a much different take on the lyrics. Many of my class mates had no idea who Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Richie Valens were, or the many other references in the song. My professor was considerably older and clearly got it. I had a couple of heartfelt discussions with him after class. Thanks very much for your analysis Fil.

1971, I was 18 years old starting my Freshman year in college. It sure brings back great memories. Thank you.

I'm an old guy, so this song, and the events around the meaning, are woven into the tapestry of my life. Like "Bohemian Rhapsody", the music business folks were not happy about this song, because it did not fit the model (3 to 4 minutes) for radio playing time. When, of course, the popularity of this song blew that assumption away, the business folks came to him and ask that he write another "American Pie". As if an artist can just crank out a song like that at will. So while he laughed about that, he did write a song, that for me, is a greater song than "American Pie". He wrote "Vincent"; his omage to Vincent Van Gogh. And that song is in my top 10 all time favorites. The lyrics are just breathe taking, which for me, makes him one of the all time greatest song writers. Sometimes his song writing fame distracts from his amazing voice. I would say that Don has a five to five and a half octave range (maybe six). And if you would like to hear that in one of his songs (and another one of my all time favorites), listen to his cover of Roy Orbison's "Crying". Here's the link: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oNuoqc6DqbWWfp8.html There aren't many singer that would even attempt to cover this song, because of the vocal range required. So here we see that Don is not just a great song writer, but one of the best singers around. I loved your breakdown of this performance of "American Pie". Just Don and his guitar. As you mentioned, in the recording there were other instruments (drums, bass guitar, etc.). But there were also background singers in the chorus. Here Don uses the audience as his background singers. Which makes the performance much more intimate. Thanks again. I learned a lot that I did not know from listening to you analysis. Best wishes. Billy J

In a history class we analysed the meaning line by line of the lyrics, our professor the late Archie K. Loss, researched this when writing his book, Pop Dreams Music, Movies and the Media in the 1960s, and even though he was not able to determine the meaning of it all and Don McLean wasn't sharing the meaning, he did come up with much of it by researching events which happened prior to that song being written, but some lines could be taken more than one way, maybe that was intentional, maybe not. The reference to so many things in that song, like the Jester who he believed to be Bob Dylan because of his James Dean like leather jacket and sitting on the side lines in a cast, Dylan's motorcycle accident. Marching Band = Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band ? " Oh and as I watched him on the stage, My hands were clenched in fists of rage No angel born in Hell = Hell's Angels at Altamont Free Concert on stage with the Stones. Incredible Don was able to make so many references to so many things in the song and many people myself included didn't pick up on it. Loved the song since i first heard it and even more now.

Did Don McLean have tears at the end of the song? I never saw that before. This was a great performance by Don. What a great story he brings to the world and a great analysis of his songs on AMERICAN PIE AND VINCENT. Thank you Fil.

I love this song. It took me years to learn it, just by hearing it over the radio. I still know every word.

Congrats on an accurate appraisal....Don was quite sickly as a child and was afflicted with asthma....he once said that he had to learn to breathe again.....when you hear him sing ‘live’ you realise that he just loves to sing.....he feels a real freedom....even now in his 70’s his range is still phenomenal....he has never abused his vocal chords ... I saw him in Glasgow just two years back and he could still hit those high notes as if his life depended on it...especially on Roy Orbison’s semi-operatic “Crying”.......Don as a guitarist is also unique....he has such style....but the main thing is we should really embrace and enjoy artists like Don while we can.....so as we live through these challenging times I can hear Don sing...”This little light of mine...I’m gonna let it shine”.... Shine on Don!!

Fantastic hearing the full song, usually it's cut down.

His voice was always one of my favorites. I love his Castles in the Air, Vincent, and Waters of Babylon in which he leads the audience live in a round. Nice analysis, Fil. Thanks!

Once again, Fil, another superb analysis. It always gives me a lot of insight into a performance. And brings my attention to certain aspects I would have never noticed before. Some things I DO take attention to, but of course I don't catch everything. That's what you're here for! I love your smile. So beautiful. You can light up a room with that smile of yours Fil. So handsome and engaging. This performance moved me so much that I cried. I cried for various reasons, but I think the main reason was because I saw how much this song affected Don and how it made him so emotional it brought him to cry a bit. That one single tear rolling down his face grabbed a hold of me and caused me to produce a tear as well. I forget sometimes how deeply effected and emotional singers can get when they're performing. Thank you once again Fil for another magnificent analysis and video. Lots of love.😊🙏💞🎶🎸🎼🎤🎧🎵✌🍀

We had lost so many Icons by the time this came out.JFK, RFK, MLK , Morrison, Joplin, Hendrix, and many friends to Vietnam and even more we're lost who could not survive coming home.. New York City was covered in these black and white posters for Don's concert. He was a regular on the folk scene in the Village and at Cafe Lena in Saratoga. These songs were the soundtrack for our lives. Every week, another great album would come out

Someone that can stand up tell a story and get every ones attention with just a guitar... that is true musician... one of the greats... love the slightly different miladies and runs he puts the vocal lines at times... and the change in tempo... mesmerizing performance!!!! thanks Fil...

“Vincent”my favorite. You have great analysis, educational and opens new windows into music. Love your smile❤️

Lyrically one of the great rock songs ever. Such a catchy tune. As a kid I had no idea about the content. But one of those bar and jukebox songs that was a sing along anthem. Masterpiece

when the crowd is your backup singers you have something special. The word play and story really make this song a joy to hear

I always thought this was the best singer songwriter composition of the 70's. Not just the melody and the story telling carried by Mclean's artful use of his guitar, but resurrecting the legends, myths and tragic loss of idols like Dean, the KIng, and Holly. It is a haunting eulogy of those that left something special after they had gone. You can't help but feel awe and respect.

Great songwriter. His singing is easily underestimated. Taking on Roy Orbison's Crying is not for the faint-throated.

My brother brought this 45 home when this song came out. Said you have to listen to it! It was on both sides of the 45 because it was so long. So we then proceeded to wear out the record player learning every line. Then we bought his album. Such good stuff! Thanks for transporting me back, Fil.

I liked this live performance with him and his guitar. Iconic song as most of his other wonderful songs. Good analyzing Fil. Love catching these usually late at night when time settles down for me. Thank you.

I wish I could songwrite like this. What an impact this song had on our culture, as you can see. As a footnote, I was at a bluegrass festival in 1990 where some of the best performances were on the tailgates of pickups after the show. A guy was playing mandolin but someone said to him "Hey man, Pie?" he said OK and sent his GF to get his guitar. He then played Pie and by the time he was done the entire parking lot was listening. It was a moment.

This song, like few before or after it, reached such a level of timelessness that is incredible. If there were a section in the RnR HOF for individual songs, this one would be among the first, if not THE first to be inducted.

I saw him at The University of Maryland Cole Field House about the same year opening for Steppenwolf and he was just great !!

Love this song! Never had seen this performance of it ! Thanks for another incredible analysis !

Don McLean is such a wonderful songwriter and performer! I went to see him every time he played the Playhouse in Winnipeg back in the 70s. Amazing. Just Don and his guitar...and an audience in the palm of his hand. What a privilege!

True legend!!!! He could have only written "American Pie" and "Vincent", then taken a 40 year vacation.

Wow! Fantastic performance! What a great story teller.

We - in the 1970s - Loved "American Pie" because He gave Us a Rock 'n Roll Documentary of the 1950s-1960s in a Song... With The Chorus That Seeped Into Our Soul... 52 Years After Its Release, We Can Still Sing The Chorus "A Capella" Anytime/Anywhere... Beyond Great...

I remember hearing that for the first time in 1971 on the radio and getting cold chills. It's an iconic tune. Great video, Fil.

Whenever this song comes on the radio I sing along to it, from start to finish. I have to force myself not to cry though, which with this song isn't easy.

Just one man one guitar and his song! And there was a lot of content to that song! Pretty amazing!

Thank Fil for reminding of another Great Song from the past. I do remember having this song on a 45 vinyl record and trying flip it over as fast as I could to get to the second half of the song. While singing Bye Bye Miss American Pie....... to try and in the void of silence till got it started again! Thanks Again Fil, Great Job!

I wish I could give this 100 thumbs up! The girls of the early 70’s were sure delicious too. Great video. Fantastic analysis.

the historical references are many. in 1972 i heard an analysis of the lyrics on am radio in a burger king parking lot. king and queen elvis and connie francis . lennon as in the beatles read a book on marx. the jester was bob dylan the girl who sang the blues was joplin. when i was young you could go to a music store and listen to music in a soundproof room before you bought it. that changed in the early 60s because the man there said they were stopping that. the church bells all were broken referred to an increasing demand to not ring bells on sunday. these are a few of the poetic connections and there are many more. i love your work and joy and respect for music

Such a great performance of a great song. The audience loves it too. Thanks for this one Fil.

Don McLean was the first gig I ever went to. I didn't know at the time how lucky I was to see him in Stoke on Trent of all places. Great song and performance.

I don’t think there are to many people out there that don’t know the words to this sensational song! So compelling and beautifully played and sung that you could have a mouth full of gob stoppers and you still would sing along! Excellent Fil! 😀🤘👌

I have goose pumps listening and watching this! : ) On of the greatest songs ever written - my humble opinion. ; )

I respect Don for being able get up before a crowd and entertain them with his songs, voice, and his guitar. That's harder than many people think. Playing the guitar in a really entertaining and proficient way he captured your heart right off. Just playing chords and strumming straight up isn't sufficient. His song "Vincent" live shows it very clearly. Thanks Fil!

Being from this era, I can't tell you the significance of this song to us, or how many times we all sand it while my cousin played guitar. Good times; maybe the best.

Crying by Don always brings tears to my eyes.

Wow! Thanks Fil! That was just Beautiful! Love that harmony with his audience moment.

Went to see him not to long ago....everyone was singing right along with him...this song is almost 50 years later and everyone knew every word...there was people in their 20's and people who were around when the song first came out....everyone knew every word it was really great to see...

How in the world do you write that song in the first place? Just an amazing piece of work.

Great job, Fil. THANKS. Also, audience interaction with the performer is vital to the success and longevity of a song.

Ah yes I still know all the words! I saw him once here in Australia. Just a stool, guitar and that amazing talent. You are right, so many storytelling skills and guitar techniques. Thank you Fil, I love how you shine a light on so many aspects of this performance!

This song reminds me of Boone's Farm Strawberry Wine... Our ages were between 8 and 12. Dirt bike riding and camping in the California desert. It also reminds me of Euell Gibbons.... Many parts are eatable.... Grape Nuts Cereal!.... LOL!

Don McLean is a great artist - singer, songwriter AND guitarist. I've seen him live five times over the years. Thanks for doing this.

Incredible voice, he sings some of my favourite songs of all time! Vincent and Crying just break my heart when I listen to them he has so much feeling in his vocals. Great video Fil.

This performance is so on point one of the most perfectly sang and played i have ever seen all around and ive seen a lot for American pie not an easy one to do

Saw Don McLean on the Liverpool Philharmonic. He went on and on singing this song. It was fabulous! 💕💕 xx

From America just wanted to say love your reviews. Be well Thank you

Haven't heard this since the 1st I've heard of it, though, almost everyday this tune has been played. True, crisp version of his vision & understanding.

This is a beautiful performance, I have never seen this acoustic only version before. Singing so good while playing is impressive. This goes on my acoustic playlist ASAP. Love the acoustic guitar, minimalistic and expressive at the same time. On the YT there is a version of Burning of Auchindoun with Sophie Ramsay singing that seems simple but haunting at the same time. Also using the acoustic instead of an electric guitar can be really cool like Lucas Imbiriba's fingerstyle version of Sultans of the Swing.

Idc what anyone says I love Don so much. He has such a beautiful voice and has wrote some really amazing songs.