Thursday, April 13, 2006

Starry, Starry Night

I dont know if you know this or not, but the famous song "Vincent " by Don McLean is about Vincent Van Gough the famous painter. The words are very moving, it talks about his paintings and his struggles with life....

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 colours 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
colours changing hue;
morning fields of amber grain,
weathered faces lined in pain
are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand.

For they could not love you
but still, your love was true.
and when no hope was left inside
on that starry, starry night
you took your life as lovers often do

I could have told you, Vincent
this world was never meant
for one as beautiful as you,

Starry starry night
Portraits hun in empty halls;
frameless 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, a 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.


Sometimes I do feel like Van Gough - weak, fragile and even insane!

11 comments:

Amanda Hunt said...

I did not know that! Now that song is stuck in my head (it's ok though cos it's such a nice song!)

Kc said...

This is so amazing. I was singing that tune from out of nowhere yesterday and today you post the lyrics I had forgotten. ;-)

I pray you'll be strengthened and encouraged dear sister.

Kitty Cheng said...

Amanda, that song has been stuck in my head these past days, especially since I saw the painting "Starry night" in my friend's house.

Yes it's a nice song isn't it? So sad, but beautiful! **sigh**

Kitty Cheng said...

Kc, it's really interesting that you were singing that tune yesterday.....

You know sometimes I feel like I am in a starry night! I certainly need to be strengthened and encouraged. I was thinking that it's ironic that my blogger friends (most of whom I haven't met in person) seem to care and know me more than those around me!

Kc said...

I am confident there are many in your life that care and know you in all the ways we wish we could. There's just more life in between the point where you need to see it and the point where they can show it. We can lean on each other here in the mean time. Hang on sister. The darkest hour is just before the dawn.

Kitty Cheng said...

Thanks Kc, you are such a blessing dear brother...what you said is so true! I am looking forward to the dawn, and can see a glimpse of it. After all resurrection comes after crucifixion right? ;)

Kc said...

Amen sis! ;-)

Mark D said...

Interesting, I never made that connection. Those lyrics are powerful. Didn't William Blake deal with the same types of attacks?

Kitty Cheng said...

You are right Mark. William Blake also dealt with the same types of attacks as Van Gough, and so have I. That's why I can identify with them - I suppose the creative temperament, as well as the crises in life because of the attacks.

Mark D said...

You are in good company, Kitty. :)

I see so many talented artists in the music industry who use their craft to express hate and anger. I am glad that despite the attacks you have had and are experiencing, you continue to seek to use your abilities to glorify God. May God be with you and strengthen you.

Kitty Cheng said...

Mark, I used to have trouble with the attacks that I've been having, but God has been watching over me, and helping me through it all. God's Grace has been sufficient for me, and I am forever thankful for that. Really appreciate your support and care brother.