Don McLean, Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) | Throwback Vibez

In the fifth edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” by Don McLean.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. Ah, there is nothing like a good oldie to get you fired up! The records featured in this column feature gems from the 20^th century, with a few exceptions. All genres of music are welcome. In the fifth edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” performed by Don McLean.

Those are legendary lyrics penned and performed by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Don McLean (b. 1945). “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” is the third track from McLean’s beloved 1971 multiplatinum album, American Pie. A hit on the pop charts, it peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Beyond its tenure on the charts, “Vincent” was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2024. McLean penned it while Ed Freeman produced it.

“Vincent” begins with Don McLean singing abruptly (lyrics excerpted earlier). He sings with ease but also showcases ample expressiveness.  The song is characterized by its instantly memorable melodies and poetic, superbly penned lyrics. The lyrics are like a painting…  Notably, the song was written about the renowned Dutch Post-Impressionist painter, Vincent Van Gogh (1853 – 1890). “Starry, starry night / Flaming flowers that brightly blaze,” McLean sings in the second verse, and adds, “Swirling clouds in violet haze / Reflect in Vincent’s eyes of China blue.” In the chorus, McLean references Van Gogh’s mental health issues:

“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.”

In the bridge, McLean acknowledges Van Gogh’s demise: “On that starry, starry night / You took your life, as lovers often do /…This world was never meant for one / As beautiful as you.” Beyond the high-flying penmanship, the musicianship, instrumentally, is striking. McLean’s guitar is the primary instrument within the accompaniment. Beyond the guitar, the instrumentation includes marimba, performed by Mike Mainieri (b. 1938), and strings. Adding to the musicianship are the musical underpinnings, specifically a fine harmonic progression. All told, “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” is an impressive, once-in-a-lifetime classic by Don McLean.  He truly put his foot into this biographical ballad.

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Don McLean » American Pie » EMI Catalog / Capitol » 1971

Don McLean, Vincent (Starry, Starry Night): Throwback Vibez No. 5 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; EMI Catalog / Capitol; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, schubinger from Pixabay]

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