Greatness Is Within Us All

Monday's Lyrics - Starry, Starry Night
I have a fond appreciation for art, though I cannot draw to save my life.  My favourite artist is by far Vincent Van Gogh.  In my amateur opinion I believe he has transcended the world of Impressionist Art.   But, perhaps what is most incredible about Vincent is his story.

Vincent a self-taught painter, late in life, desperately wanted to be successful.  His pursuit for excellence in love and in his work was fraught with failures, leading him into great despair and depression.  The only person who ever supported his vision for greatness (financially and emotionally) was his brother.   Vincent perceived failure in his two great passions in life– romantic love and artistry.  A relationship with a great love ended and his efforts poured in art lead to no success (in his lifetime).  Suffering from mental issues he eventually shot himself, succumbing to his suicidal attempt 2 days later. 

It would appear that all Vincent ever wanted was to be successful.  The irony is now his art works are well known, lauded and valued beyond comprehension.... Oh, if he only knew the success he was bound to achieve would surpass his wildest imaginations...  And sometimes that's the unfortunate thing - many people give up just before they are about to achieve success...

The road to greatness is within us all.  How we get there is filled with obstacles.  And it isn't always gained by the swiftest but perhaps by the most resilient.

I love this song, because it pays homage to Vincent van Gogh with empathy...

"Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)"

Starry, starry night
Paint your palette blue and grey
Look out on a summer's day
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul
Shadows on the hills
Sketch the trees and 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 and 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 artists' loving hand

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

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
But I could have told you Vincent
This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you

Like the strangers that you've met
The ragged men in ragged clothes
The silver thorn of 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...