Daniel Johnston - The Story Of An Artist

From the album "Don't Be Scared" in July 1982
Lyrics:
Listen up and I'll tell a story
About an artist growing old
Some would try for fame and glory
Others aren't so bold

Everyone, and friends and family
Saying, "Hey! Get a job!"
"Why do you only do that only?
Why are you so odd?
We don't really like what you do.
We don't think anyone ever will.
It's a problem that you have,
And this problem's made you ill."

Listen up and I'll tell a story
About an artist growing old
Some would try for fame and glory
Others aren't so bold

The artist walks alone
Someone says behind his back,
"He's got his gall to call himself that!
He doesn't even know where he's at!"
The artist walks among the flowers
Appreciating the sun
He does this all his waking hours
But is it really so wrong?

They sit in front of their TV
Saying, "Hey! This is fun!"
And they laugh at the artist
Saying, "He doesn't know how to have fun."
The best things in life are truly free
Singing birds and laughing bees
"You've got me wrong", says he.
"The sun don't shine in your TV"

Listen up and I'll tell a story
About an artist growing old
Some would try for fame and glory
Others aren't so bold

Everyone, and friends and family
Saying, "Hey! Get a job!"
"Why do you only do that only?
Why are you so odd?
We don't really like what you do.
We don't think anyone ever will.
It's a problem that you have,
And this problem's made you ill."

Listen up and I'll tell a story
About an artist growing old.
Some would try for fame and glory
Others just like to watch the world.

[maosaytounge]

"The sun don't shine in your TV". What a line.

[ericwall]

I met a Norwegian guy 10 years ago while playing World of Warcraft. Long after we quit the game, we remained friends and talked to each other every day over MSN and Facebook. He went through several phases of life crises when he approached his thirties, including quitting his job and pursuing his dream of becoming an artist. He struggled a lot with being manic depressive and feeling like a failure. In the end, he lost all grasp of reality and became really hateful towards me and wrote these threatening and psychopathic emails to me. I tried to contact his family to get him help, but it was already too late. I went to visit him for the first time a couple of days ago, as we had spoken so often about doing, sadly the first time we ever met was at his funeral as he had hung himself. He was my best friend, but not many people can understand that sort of online relationship. Before he descended completely into insanity, he told me this song described him perfectly.

[endcored.]

I came here to mourn. I love you, Daniel. Hope you're in a beautiful place.

[johnfair]

I knew Danny growing up. This song is his Mom talking to him. Danny would go around drawing Dead dogs eyeballs every where. His Mom would be embarrassed and tell him to stop. She was very religious and would always try to get him to be what she wanted him to be. She meant well. I remember the piano you hear him playing on. I remember sitting next to him. I am very proud of my friend. Through his mental struggles he had the courage to do what he wanted. How many of us can say that? We go to work and spend our lives doing things we don't want to do to earn a pay check. Danny's not crazy we are. The truth is and I don't think Danny ever realized it he never had to be so insecure in believing in himself. Where we grew up people put you down if you didn't have money and walk the so called normal path. Peoples Dads worked in Weirton Steel. Our generation had nothing. I left and joined the Air Force to get out of there. Danny probably felt alone as his friends moved on and then he moved to Austin. I know when I left there I was scared. I had never been any where but WV. Later in life I found his CDs in a record store . I couldn't believe it. All the songs he played in his basement were there. it had been years since I heard them. My childhood was for sale in his Music. He was such a great artist, he could draw anything. I always thought he would become another famous graphic artist and the music would be second. As I got older I realized his pain and the meaning of his songs. I could relate to him. He would draw apple cores with a leg. We thought it was great. I hope to see him again. Enjoy his music. Some people want to think it is simplistic, but the truth is it is very deep.

[billsmith]

Man ..this Piano is so heartbreaking, like rain at a funeral.

[Bmayo]

The sadness here is damn near unbearable. And it’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard.

[tuckerphez]

A beautiful song from a beautiful soul. RIP Daniel Johnston ❤️

[MaltLiquorMike]

I hope true love has finally found you Daniel.

[thomasdupont]

This song is an hymn for all the artists who didn't found what they were searching for. Jhonston was truly incredible.

[josephedwards]

"The best things in life are truly free
Singing birds and laughing bees
"You've got me wrong", says he.
"The sun don't shine in your TV"

[paulmarsh]

A damn masterpiece. Why did I only find him after his death?... He's the Vincent Van Gogh of music

[edenbru]

I can’t believe an Apple commercial led me to a song so sad and so beautiful I love this song so much now

[bellamanuel]

The love of my life loved this song. I never really understood why he loved it so much. But when he died. I understood everything I felt what he felt. I cry every time I listen to this song. I wish I could tell him he's okay. I wish I could have understood before he committed suicide. My pour baby.

[alextomaras]

No one's ever written a song like this. I'll miss you.

[nadiapaulin]

"The best things in life are truly free.
Singing birds and laughing bees."

[OwenOwenT]

He was 14 when he recorded this I believe. He did poetry in high school and took a music class in his jr year. He learned piano from his dad and neighbor.

[honeymoonavenue]

I relate so much to this song. This summarizes pretty much my whole life. I’m a girl who doesn’t want traditional life. I long for more. Marriage and kids isn’t what will fulfill me. I long for more. Always.

[spencerjames]

The irony of this song being in an apple commercial

[nitrosyrup]

Hugely inspirational artist and a lyrical genius, shame life was so hard to him. Rest in peace Daniel.

[googletranslation]

Does anyone else feel like they are gonna cry when they listen to this