Story of an Artist by Daniel Johnston

[shenzishenzi]

Just discovered Daniel Johnston. Extremely confronting and beautiful music. Inspired me to make a cover of this tune :) /watch?v=uow1a554Li8&lc

[RKReyes4]

I want to thank Daniel for making this song it's so true. It made me cry.

[sofuknossum]

he did make some beautiful music, but at what cost? all he sang about were his emotional problems that could have very well been avoided. i think more people should watch his documentary. it really shows how fragile humans and human emotions are. and it should be a wake up call to people on raising a child and child development

[TheRafaGC]

@sofuknossum I don't agree, even though he had a tough childhood I think he was very special and sensitive from the beginning and that made him more fragile than others

[sofuknossum]

daniel johnston is a prime example of how most of society is today. daniels parents tried to steer him in what they thought was the right direction. daniel being a kid and loving what he did and not having his parents be supportive fucked him up. then daniel cant talk to his family cause he feels they dont listen. daniel goes out into the cruel and unforgiving world and gets eaten alive.

[denisethepainter]

@sofuknossum I agree with you. My family is the same.

[ajgree6]

@sofuknossum That's half of the story. The other half is where his parents basically save him from fucking up countless times. They weren't perfect but to me, part of what makes his story so beautiful is the undeniable love his parents showed him.

[theeightofcups]

@sofuknossum the ingredients for a D.J. are a lonely childhood, persistent naivety, awkward teenage body, and an urge to submerge in a bathtub of music to drown out the noise of competition. Its the lot of many a teenager and adult- but Daniel has captured it as close to the sentiment as anyone has.

[goodbyejoel]

@sofuknossum first world problems

[padillabrianmusic]

@johnnychaos91185 me neither dude. His music is so raw and interesting. I just want to know what went on and goes on in his head.

[bighohnster]

When did he record this? As a kid?

[wisesatyr72]

so he was normal as a kid then a woman broke his heart and he developed Bi-polar mental disabilty. The End

[MsJames9elias]

Over the past two weeks i've somehow become homeless, unemployed, flat broke, and my long time girlfriend has left me for a millionaire, and as i sit on a friends dirty couch in a dingey little house, the only thing that keeps me looking forward is the fact that no-one can take Daniel Jonston's music away from me. Sappy, i know, but i thought i'd share :)

[ThePinkFloydPig]

Best portrayal of an artist

[iriejoe]

This is the saddest song I know.

[johnnyv492011]

18 people who dislike and especially @ iamchriish are Morons..and I would enjoy telling them sooooo much, face to face. Daniel Johnston = Legend

[johnnyv492011]

we are all artists growing old.....some paint a nice picture without a brush ......I Love You Bro....my never met friend Daniel Johnston

[iamchriish]

I. AM. A TURTLE.

LISTEN TO SECRET TURTLE RAP MUSIC ON MY PAGE OF TURTLES.

COMPLY. OBEY.

[juliannevillecorrea]

legend ,... my children are compulsorily watching this ... \m/..\m/..

[zt1900]

:,(

[Phistaff]

woah...just awesome.

[johnnychaos91185]

I can't stop looking up this daniel Johnston stuff. It's really great stuff.

[fucko31]

@johnnychaos91185 I'm in the same boat. Just saw that Daniel Johnston documentary.... and I am hooked. I don't why, but his stuff is amazing.

[Jimboou333]

like my life, except the getting "famous" part...

[DutchMassacre]

He's a legend!

[fascismanarchy]

wtf....He's my Christ

[Royalchimps13]

Freddie mercury 00:28

[LADYDEACON]

this song is hilarious

[CastAThinShadow]

twistedkarm:

There's no reason to hate. This isn't music for everyone. Daniel wouldn't want you to call them ignorant fags or mother fuckers. but anyways, i feel bad for people that can't try and understand this man. Such an insanely genius inspiration. I wish I would have found out about him when I was younger. My life would have honestly been different. I have never been able to relate to anyone more in my life

[navojoARISTOCRAT]

i'm not into that whole unique snowflake bullshit, but this gives pause and doubt

[denisethepainter]

I relate to this song

[twistedkarm]

17 people are ignorant fags

motherfuckers who do they think they are to give a dislike to daniel johnston

its like killing a unicorn with a bag of rainbows

[WhoaAngg]

I just heard daniel johnston and i wish i've heard him earlier when i was going through all my rough times and just times when i just didn't stop and look around.

[JJbrousky117]

Truly an Artistic punch to the heart.

[Netburn09]

Just heard about this guy on 1310 the ticket in Dallas......WoW what an amazing talent!

[mystic81006]

Proof we used stop motion in the 80s

[AUSROTTENY2K]

rip mable johnston (daniel's mother)

[XAVIERCUERVO]

this song is playing on my ipod the sun is shining in my shades

im walking down the hills of central park

smoking pot without care

life is beautifull i must say.

[pincheneo]

he has so many great songs

[zubestr]

i can feel my childhood dreams burning im my heart

[breeeegs]

I'm pretty sure its not the illuminati, but his personal demons and mental illness that stopped Daniel Johnston from achieving the great popular success and recognition that he deserved

[breeeegs]

He doesn't have a beautiful voice in the conventional sense, if that's what you mean. But his lyrics are perfect

[Mikele1812]

Thanks so much Daniel...

[HammerOvThor]

Although he can't write music very well, Daniel Johnston's songs have heart. That's what every commenter here is trying to say with their wordiness- that Daniel's songs simply have heart.

[breeeegs]

I think he writes music extremely well

[HammerOvThor]

@breeeegs He doesn't. I mean, that's not to say that it isn't good, but it certainly isn't written well (objectively speaking).

[breeeegs]

It isn't objective, its your opinion and I disagree

[HammerOvThor]

@breeeegs Well here's the thing shay, whether or not the asthetics are pleasing is subjective. Whether or not the song/song structure is complicated is objective. Musical theory is objective.

[breeeegs]

Complicated doesn't always good or asthetically pleasing, also why are you calling me shay

[HammerOvThor]

@breeeegs I agree. I was trying to sound like a 20's mobster- "Now shay here!"

[breeeegs]

I think I shay what you were doing now

[splinter360]

This man. Is simply one of the greatest lyricist i've had the pleasure to hear.

[TheMegapatronus]

I wish Daniel Johnston was my best friend.

[jjndnp08]

All I can say is Thanks to Dianna Agron for bringing me here.

[loveiswhoIam97]

Daniel Johnston is an amazing artist with talent above most modern day musicians

[mjb13ell]

great song . of all the daniel covers i'm surprised a name artist has not tried to cover this .

[LomaxMcGee3]

... this is exactly how i feel...

[PMKENPMHIDAKA]

beautiful and bit sad...

[RL4th]

Is there a song more beautiful? Like honestly, this is probably the most human thing I've ever heard.

[BrenekTV]

Does anyone know what age he was when he recorded this song?

[FriendlyTheGhost]

...uhh.....i swallow my tears.. daniel johnston is very lucky, he can tells the story ...

[Unnamed0909]

There's something really genuine about Daniel Johnston's music that no other musicians have really been able to capture. It's really beautiful.

[xx420guitarbro420xx]

You got me wrong says he, the sun don't shine in your tv. wow.

[zoggthealien]

this song is beautiful

[zoggthealien]

this song is beautiful

[greatfuldreadful]

@narrowbarrow: I definitely agree. The first time I heard his music it reminded me of Nick Drake. The same calming beauty is ever so present. :)

[HEEDRECORDS]

a truely remarkable song that most artists can relate to instantly - I'd probably put it in my top 10

[cbappa2]

@HEEDRECORDS wow what a treat for us!

[HEEDRECORDS]

@cbappa2 well at least I have a top 10

[cbappa2]

@HEEDRECORDS totally!!!11

[narrowbarrow]

having just discovered DJ, his music makes me feel the same way nick drake's and elliott smith's music the first time i heard them

[vedicardi]

this song makes me cry every god damn time

[slave2moonlight]

That was all too true. Great stuff.

[funnyfacerful]

this song KILLS ME... IT KILLS ME! ive never been so happy and so sad at the same time.

[burnit01]

This song makes me sad..:S

[bernyqueen]

imagine all the crazy stuff Daniel Johnston have done if youtube and facebook have exist when he was a kid

[HappyHooker83]

My fav. part is 4:53.

[THEBOBANDTEDSHOW1]

@HappyHooker83 that;s my least favorite part

[taylorja01]

Daniel Johnston = imperfectly perfect

[mrFriisman]

the great about this song, is that it´s so long :))

[silviaalves1]

Uma prendinha quiducha....

[kvomusic]

one of the few songs that can make me tear up

[DoubleX19]

This is an extraordinarily universal song..

It's not just artists who can relate. Anyone who has ever felt lonely, disconnected, and just likes to appreciate little things in life rather than partying every weekend and working towards their retirement. Not that there is anything wrong in the that, but some are much more inclined to be in perpetual action, where others enjoy sitting and thinking to themselves. That's what this song seems to be about, to me at least.

[DanMcCaffrey]

@DoubleX19 An anthem for introverts.

[RGeth]

I love this song, cant describe why.. It just hits me unlike other songs

[josh604gt]

"they sit in front of there computers"

[FondleMyGose]

daniel johnston would have been one of the most famouse singers in the world if it wasnt for all the bullshit that is played today... if the illuminati wasnt making us so dumb with all the crap they make us listern to, maybe daniels songs could save us all from hate. john lennon tried, but they killed him, makes you think doesnt it? if daniels music was as big as the beatles, he would be dead allready... plus there arnt enough smart people in the world to appreciate his music, only for the pure

[denisethepainter]

@TheDamnDamian To hell with what People think man. Just keep doing what you're doing and being who you are. As your fellow artist, rest assured, People will try to bring you down but do not give up. It's YOUR life and you are right to follow your heart.We're all going mad. (hugs)

[denisethepainter]

This song hits a nerve. It's great and--true.I love Daniel Johnston.

[rafael28]

my favorite song of all-time,

in tears right now

[MrTherednails]

@TheDamnDamian same here, no job, no school, only a feeling

[joshuaWEC]

From reading the comments here, i don't think people understand the impact that Daniel Johnstons songs have had on the music industry. His music has influenced some of the greatest and most successful bands of the last couple decades including: Beck, Wilco, Mathew Good, Death Cab For Cutie, and Bright eyes just to name a few. Even Tom Waits who has been extremely successful with his music since the mid 1960's thinks Daniel Johnston is a genius.

[cheziola]

the devil and daniel johnston #nowwatching

[glutnysloth]

when ever I listen to the genius that never had a chance to blossom to become a story teller for the ages

[ragesfb]

there are no rules in music/art!!!!!!!!!!!!this is not medical field were there is a right or wrong! shit even pollocks paintings go for hundreds of millions and they look like tye dye shit storms.its called originality.

[axemahn]

ugh, all his videos are filled with comments by hipsters proclaiming him as the best artist of all time. UGH

[kingdantje]

@axemahn I'm not a hipster, but who are you to say he isn't the best artist of all time. Who is to say anyone is the best artist of all time. Personally I think he is the best artist to listen to if you want to experience someone else's pain. Opinion is opinion.

[axemahn]

@kingdantje sorry to break it to you, but all opinions arent equal. a homeless guys opinion on healthcare isnt the same as a single mothers pinion.

that 'opinion is opinion' arguement is made by people that dont know how to argue and are completley one sided.

he is no where near the best artist of all time. most of his songs are garbage. have you heard the one with running water as the musical background? trash. he has a bad voice, and most of his songs are bland with no rythm. stfu

[mrsemd76]

@axemahn opinions cannot be equal because they are subjective. you dont like daniel johnston. thats not wrong

and its not wrong if people like him either. people can think he is the best artist of all time and to them, he may be

your opinion is important to you. and thats all that matters. feel free to share it; but rather than come to a video you hate why dont you go to one you do like and post a postive comment?

[axemahn]

@mrsemd76 opinions arent all subjective. some have valid points and knowledge of the topic. i cant give my opinion to a doctor about medicine because i dont know shit about that field. i agree that not everyone likes the same music, but some songs are good and some are trash no matter what. most of his songs are trash.

i never said i hate this video, i love this song.

[mrsemd76]

@axemahn well sure opinions are indeed subjective, and sure you can give a doctor your opinion about anything, including medicine. when diagnosing a conditions or looking at a diseased patient different doctors will come to differing conclusions based on their opinions. an opinion is really only significant to the person holding it; unless it is sought by one who respects the opinionator lol. an opinion is really only experienced by the person having it; i believe it to be subjective

[axemahn]

@mrsemd76 Any of you can say that he is your favorite artist of all time, fine. But none of you can say you think he is the best artist of all time. There's a difference. Don't be so fucking delusional. He is NOT the greatest artist of all time by any means. Why the fuck is the highest rated comment about how "perfect" he is. His songs are mostly garbage. GARBAGE. Opinions are only subjective depending on the content. A stupid opinion is a stupid opinion, a thought out opinion is meaningful.

[mrsemd76]

@axemahn please get a dictionary and look up the word opinion. you calling an opinion stupid or saying its subjectivity depends on content only proves that you dont fully comprehend the meaning of either word. but its ok. if thats what those words mean in your mind; more power to you. i never said he was my favorite or perfect or any of that. but you obviously have a rage as well as comprehension problem. calm down, take some deep breaths and go listen to what your factual favorite artist

[mrsemd76]

@axemahn i love this song too

[kingdantje]

@axemahn A homeless person's view on healthcare is as valid as a single mother's opinion on healthcare, no matter on what you believe.

On the point of not being able to argue I'm pretty sure I do. As for you I know that you are not experienced in creating decent arguments for example the use of "stfu" is a basic example of animalistic behaviour, backing into a corner and attacking. Also, who is to say water isn't musical or what is playing beside it is trash. Just think before you argue.

[axemahn]

@kingdantje seeing as how your entire comment is based on a tiny part of my arguement, im gona go ahead and assume you are stupid. dont reply to me please, i dont wana have to read your idiot "comeback"

[kingdantje]

@axemahn Obviously you didn't read the whole comment.

I shouldn't even waste my time on someone who cannot enter into an intelligent debate without telling people they are idiots or telling them to "stfu".

[axemahn]

@kingdantje lol, there you go again. no intelligent debate on your part, just repeating what i said and trying to invalidate my comments just because i used "stfu".

p.s. if you really think he is the "best artist of all time" (im using the word artist loosly) go listen to johnstons latest album, beam me up. listen to that and then tell me he is an artist. And as always, stfu.

[axemahn]

@kingdantje you are putting his music on a higher pedastal than it deserves only because he has a mental problem.

[Hammercrafter]

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

To anyone that makes fun of this guy, if I gave you a lifetime to sum up artistic nature, I doubt you'd pen anything so perfect.

[TheResearchIndicates]

@Hammercrafter Tupac, beat you. :)

[WHIREAS]

@Hammercrafter You're an imbecile.

[MultiKippy]

@Hammercrafter lol not to rain on your great comment but i dont think enough people even know who he is to make fun of him.

[SebbeSucksBawlz]

@Hammercrafter There's no such thing as perfect when it comes to art, though I do agree he is an amazing musician.

[schlongofdoom]

it is sad to think my life has mirrored his except i can not sing, all else the same. i just cracked my shell . i love all his songs can not get enough, they all speak to me.

[Thejbirdy]

Beautiful dreamer..........

[Cap420]

Anyone selling original AUTHENTIC Daniel Johnston cassettes? Msg me plz.

[ohioisgood]

@Cap420

ebay. theres a bunch up

[CARDUELIS999]

@DavidSanfordE Holy macaroni! I just misunderstood you. (It's not like you presented a 200 page dissertation; it was one sentence, and a question at that.) I apologize. I really didn't mean anything by my comment. Cheers?

[RedMist85]

This song is so good it hurts. And this video is excellent.

[CARDUELIS999]

@DavidSanfordE Nah. Daniel's not putting on an act. Cheers, pal.

[rafaelia21]

It's so sad to think that it all could have been about a girl... (4:12)

[iamjoedubois]

holy crap, i love you so much daniel johnston.

[backwardshoe]

Just saw M. Ward perform this live, it was amazing.

[02amberlynn]

I can't get this song out of my head...thanks Michele <3

[02amberlynn]

I can't get this song out of my head...thanks Michele <3

[mothbits]

I fucking love this documentary.

[scruffykl]

Anyone else think Darwin Deez sounds like Daniel Johnston? :)

[inswoon]

@scruffykl Nothing alike

[gottalovemymovies]

this made me cry so hard. holy crap this song is so beautiful. i love its message.

[daxfacevideos]

This is the best song in the world.

[TheNauded]

this made me feel better

[JohnnyHacksaw]

@photolitherland wrong.

[CelestialWoodway]

Daniel was hilarious dressing in drag imitating his Mother. Funny guy.

[HearMyFreedom]

the underdog wins....against all the odds,daniel johnston found an audience

[Sm0k4bl3]

@pooptrooplala if he was born later the justin bieber and lady gaga generation would keep him in the dark, that's why i love music from the past, it's music with a story, a message. not this brainless computerized music that no one put only 1% talent in, where did all the real artists go..

[DravenX53]

@Sm0k4bl3 There are tons of great artists out there right now, you just aren't looking hard enough... check out /watch?v=Dzhv672OEf0

[Baynes]

I almost cry

[JunkWaffel33]

he sounds like peewee herman......but these words are true and he was mad

[mykalmint400]

@JunkWaffel33 why waste your time trolling. no one will ever comment on your trolling skilzzzzzzz.

[billmarlo]

I met Daniel this year. It was one of the high points of my life.

[audreyheemstra]

saw "playground" at art basel. had to go home and find more about him. so moving, beautiful.

[laureninwonderland1]

This is amazing.

[silowhore]

brilliant

and for your info Photo, i prefer DJ singing his own songs, if you prefer other artists covering them you're kinda missing the point

[silowhore]

@photolitherland i only like his music performed by DJ hiself, not sure about everyone else

[StevePethel]

A news reporter and photographer named Randall Hill mentioned this guy to me. I just checked it out. I love it.

[neecosalva]

@superbeckbro you're too retarded to appreciate or understand "this guy"

[yaka006]

@neecosalva right on mate

[superbeckbro]

Wow you fucking weirdos need to stop praising this guy because he's retarded. He sucks and his fucking emotions don't make the song any better.

[castlemedic]

@superbeckbro How did you ever acquire so much wit? You're so convincing.

[rockkid1996]

@superbeckbro Clearly you have no soul.

[DarkenRahl0001]

HE MAKEs me cry every time again

[123idontcareok]

i miss the 90's

[psirou]

@123idontcareok Huh?

[rikmomentary]

So how about, my iPod broke, so I have to record songs from my computer onto a tape deck, and this was one of them. So it's really nice listening to Daniel Johnston on a Walkman; like it's the way people listened to him when he first started putting out albums.

[dvzqz87]

@rikmomentary i like that, its like hes singing in your ear

[netforce0]

@rikmomentary lol wtf, how do you record on to tape from computer? takes some crazy technology i bet

[LamStock]

@netforce0 crazy technology? no its the same technology that existed before computers. play the song and press record on a tape deck

[netforce0]

@LamStock There was a time when computers didn't exist? How did you watch did you watch TV?????

[LamStock]

@netforce0 are you special?

[netforce0]

@LamStock my mom thinks i'm cool...

[HeninBerlin]

One of my favorite documentaries ever!

[SgtPepper303]

Thank you, Daniel :)

[missionrd100]

Completely honest music. He has more guts than me.

[kashzone]

I wish I benefited from being bipolar in the creativity department like he did.. I only played eight musical instruments, never able to draw..