Vincent (Starry Starry Night) by Don McLean | Lyrics and Guitar Chords

For guitar enthusiasts looking to explore the soothing and introspective realm of folk-pop, “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” by Don McLean offers a beautiful canvas of acoustic sounds and emotive storytelling. The song, characterized by its gentle, fingerpicked guitar patterns, provides learners with a chance to practice and master the delicate art of conveying emotion through the strings. Each pluck and strum mirrors the song’s melancholic and contemplative essence, making it a fantastic piece for enhancing expressiveness in playing.

The narrative woven into “Vincent” is equally compelling, offering a deep dive into the life and struggles of the brilliant artist Vincent van Gogh. As guitarists immerse themselves in the melody, there’s an opportunity to connect with the song’s themes of artistry, mental health struggles, and the beauty found in turmoil. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, “Vincent” is not merely a song to play; it’s an experience to delve into, a story to tell through your fingers, and a piece of art to recreate on your guitar. So, let the starry night inspire you, let the chords guide you, and let the music take you on a journey through the life of one of history’s most misunderstood and celebrated artists.

Key of the Song:

The original key of Vincent (Starry Starry Night) by Don McLean is in G major.

Guitar Chords for Vincent (Starry Starry Night) by Don McLean

A couple of notes about the chords below. The Gadd11 is the same as Gsus4 and Gmaj7/F# is the same as G/F#. To play both chords, I recommend using your thumb to play the notes on the 6th string.

Video Lesson

Vincent (Starry Starry Night) by Don McLean – Lyrics with Chords

[Verse 1]
                    G    Gsus4 G                    Am
Starry, starry  night,   paint your palette blue and grey
                C                 D                                G
Look out on a summer's day, with eyes that know the darkness in my soul
                   G Gsus4 G                       Am
Shadows on the hills,       Sketch the trees and daffodils
                      C                D                             G
Catch the breeze and winter chills, in colors on the snowy linen land
 
[Chorus]
            Am      D                   G         G/F# Em
And now I understand what you tried to say to me,
                          Am      D                          Em
How you suffered for your sanity, how you tried to set them free,
                                     A         Am     D                 G
They would not listen, they did not know how, perhaps they'll listen now
 
[Verse 2]
                        G  Gsus4 G                    Am
Starry, starry  night,          flaming flowers that brightly blaze,
                   C            D                                    G
Swirling clouds in violet haze reflecting Vincent's eyes of china blue
                    G  Gsus4 G                        Am
Colors changing hue,               Morning fields of amber grain
               C                   D                                   G
Weathered faces lined in pain are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand
 
[Chorus]
            Am      D                   G       G/F# Em
And now I understand what you tried to say to me,
                          Am      D                          Em
How you suffered for your sanity, how you tried to set them free,
                                     A         Am     D               G
They would not listen, they did not know how, perhaps they'll listen now
 
[Bridge]
                    Am     D                          G       G/F#          Em
For they could not love you, but still your love was true
             Am                             Cm
And when no hope was left in sight on that starry, starry night,
     G                 F            E7
You took your life as lovers often do
       Am                                 C
But I could have told you, Vincent, this world was
                        D             G
Never meant for one as beautiful as you
 
[Verse 3]
                    G  Gsus4 G                                 Am
Starry, starry  night,                portraits hung in empty halls,
                   C                   D                                  G
Frameless heads on nameless walls with eyes that watch the world and can't forget
                                 G  Gsus4 G                        Am
Like the strangers that you've met              The ragged men in ragged clothes
                      C                D                               G
The silver thorn of bloody rose, lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow
 
[Chorus]
                  Am  D                   G       G/F# Em
And now I think I know what you tried to say to me,
                          Am      D                          Em
How you suffered for your sanity, how you tried to set them free,
                                      A            Am   D               G
They would not listen, they're not listening still, perhaps they never will