"I Am A Baby ( In My Universe )" by Daniel Johnston

[OccasionalComments]

THE MOST AMAZING THING I'VE EVER HEARD BY FAR! LIKE AN ANGEL LIGHTING MY EARS AND BRAIN ON FIRE WITH EXTRAORDINARY LYRICS AND RHYTHM!! I CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT I JUST HEARD; I AM CHANGED FOR LIFE!!! I WILL NEVER BREATHE AGAINNNNN

[Wormtongue13]

@OccasionalComments Funniest response ever.

[BigBruinekool]

This song reminds me of Micheal McDaeth. Must've been a Johnston fan.

[HearMyFreedom]

music for child geniuses

[mhariandevera]

Is that Max Bemis I hear?

[RoughshodElm]

There is something insanely eerie and creepy about this song and video

[OlioHodgepodge]

listen to me.

[mrpiki]

gives me creeps.

[bradzdestroyer]

I cant understand it. His art.. not that good. His music.. awful. I mean with a head full of acid, yeah the music is fun. Listening to it sober.. Its fucking annoying. Nails on a chalk board.

[Thejbirdy]

This sounds maniacal and chaotic.....brilliant.

[brandoncipelle]

@Crimsioncrush Hello we are the Cyber facsit you speak of . The Secret society of Daniel Johnston Cyber facist thugs . This man is in fact a genius . BOW DOWN TO THE CYBER FACIST LOL jost joking mn ayeah i agree with you

[blackestcracker]

I can't listen to this stuff without thinking of my friends with their 4-track back in high school, eating dose and recording whatever the fuck was going on at the time. Nothing better than hearing music made by real people from the comfort of their own surroundings.

[rrch88]

i think i just found a new favorite musician of all time :)

[DeadJ0ker27]

@rrch88

That's was exactly what i was thinking. I just discovered Daniel like 2 days ago and I can't stop listening to his stuff.

[ansonalma]

no. its the truth. we do live forever.

[BPhire]

You're right.

[elizajade1]

this is the mentality of kids

[dustoftheday]

this is beautifully creepy. anybody else reminded of the residents? :)

[osocali]

yes I remember the Residents this sound like some of their earlier work....got that same creepy vibe just not as evil sounding as some of the Residents stuff....

[PhillipThunderGrunge]

Does this video remind anybody else of Captian Planet one of the villians i think..... but my memory is hazy

[PhillipThunderGrunge]

this is compellingly haunting it's weird it gives you similar aspirations like what a child would have... in a child-like atmospshere

[PoseidaDelAlba]

child like! you said it. listening to daniel johnston is like going to the womb again, swimming in amniotic fluid. music is supposed to bring you back to that state when you where a child and everything was new and amazing without over thinking it.

So simple, so primitive, so child like!

[mradamcooley]

how'd you make this video?!

[Lentil70]

I wish I was a fly on the wall when he was recording all this stuff. Love you, Daniel.

[kw12389]

I listened to this song 3 times and I just don't get where people get off calling this guy god-like. This is child like music, certainly doesn't evoke any more emotion than that. And whoever lined it up with Honey Pie, LOL... Um, a band by the name of The Beatles wrote Honey Pie which consisted of the greatest song writing duo of all time. That's enough said.

[sham13ert]

I don't think it's necessarily the musicianship that people dig, it's more a testament to the honesty of his lyrics. Isn't that what any artist wants, honesty in his work?

If you had John playing this song acoustic on the the White Album, it would just be another song in the pack, but it wouldn't be out of place. It's obviously not Sgt. Peppers track, and it wouldn't really fit on any other Beatles disk.

[soulrebel027]

You're just not hearing him. You're listening but you're not hearing.

[kw12389]

No, trust me, coming from a song-writer.. I "get" it. He is something special, I can admit that, but he is nowhere near the likes of his comparisons.

And to Sham13ert, that is an extreme rhetorical example you're giving. The White Album was meant to be a refresh for The Beatles, it was to be not judged.. it was a whole, yet representing each member. It would not be just another pack in the bunch.

[kw12389]

..Hell if you give that example, might as well start comparing to Elliott Smith as well and Nick Drake, yes? But no, that would lower my "cred." Don't make comparisons for it only lessens your argument when you're speaking about music. Every artist is the best bits of everyone they listen to. And this guy, well who knows what influenced this song on the day he wrote it, but I'm sure he didn't think about changing the world when he did, and he won't.

[ctkiel]

get a life and stop taking it seriously. Also do a little research on DJ, you might appreciate him a bit more.

[H4Ck3d221]

Not all the people is ready for his message.

Try other songs like Dream Scream, or True love will find you in the end.

[brianlowdown]

its a guy in the basment dont take it so hard

[zippywaite]

we all have opinions.

my opinion is that daniel writes good songs. you disagree.

some poeple don't like the beatles. everyone has thier taste and everyone has thier opinions. so please ummmm shut the fuck up.

[ericberner]

Daniel Johnston, Jonathan Richmond and Morrisey taught me everything I need to know-

[Thejbirdy]

This music is so bugged.

LOL.

[Thejbirdy]

it's interesting, do I hear an influence of "Honey Pie" by the Beatles? I know Daniel was megainfluxed by them as I was. I have a Rickenbacker thanks to John....lol.

[lotusfae]

I was hearing some Honey Pie in here, too.

[daiuitassss]

i don´t like him music

but he is really mad

[luvumo2day]

when i was 14 yo i made my own electric guitar by taking a phonagraph nedle conected to the strings and play fuzz distortion i thought i was hendrix i made some tapes this was 1974 when i heard daniel i heard myself and it felt good bonzo76 rockon

[Tedsuzan]

I can't stop singing this song, and this is causing problems in my public life...

[Thejbirdy]

Hahaha.

So true.

[JeffLikeHell]

Daniel Johnston is super duper.

He's all....mentally challenged and what-not..

That gives me inspiration.

Indeed, indeed.

[BelvisTheFirst]

mentally challenged, hahahahaha.

more like mentaly gifted.

A lyrical genious of the truest form

[Thejbirdy]

Amen, there is a fine line between madness and genius as they say yes?

Jbirdy

[AdlejandroP]

GREAAT VIDEO

AMAZING

[crimsonrush]

Daniel Johnston's so-called 'fans' are nasty abusive cyber thugs who are vicious towards anyone who doesn't call daniel a 'genius'. FACT.

Then they have the brass neck to accuse the 'unenlightened' as having 'no soul' and being lousy human beings.

Seriously.

Read the comments sections for evidence of this.

I am aware that I will now receive a barrage of personalised abuse.

PS - I like Daniel's music.

[televisionlighter]

@crimsonrush

yeah man i dont get it, all of his vids are battle grounds for a bunch of self accomplished neckbeards who just LOVE being in the ''know'' and you arent.

They feed off of that shit, indie kids, complete scum, just like jazz snobs, they take the fun out of liking unique music.

[zimbradohk]

@televisionlighter "...they take the fun out of liking unique music." LMAO, do you realize how stupid that sounds?, take out the fun of liking unique music?! Seriously, it seems like no one likes music just for music!, HOW CAN YOU SAY TO LIKE SOME MUSIC AND THEN LET SOMEONE ELSE RUIN IT, c'mon! stop judging music by that standards, that's so shallow.

[DeadJ0ker27]

@crimsonrush

Yeah people like that fuckin ruin good music. They only listen to it because they think it makes them all "indie" and what not.

If Daniel wasn't underground and he was accepted by the mainstream and this same song was played on the radio and MTV they'd talk shit about it.

I think Daniel's music is genius btw. But i see nothing wrong with people who don't agree with that.

[zimbradohk]

@DeadJ0ker27 It's probable tht if his music was in fact played on the radio & MTV it wouldn't sound like this, nor they would let him be seen, they would hide Daniel and replace him with a model. I continue to see the word "indie" =o, (i guess i'll have to look for it in a dictionary, sorry, i'm not a native english speaker).

[Ambrosious128d]

@zimbradohk indie is an artist who is their own record label or a self supporting lable. like Up Records or Sub Pop

[Thejbirdy]

@crimsonrush Yeah I mean the man is decent enough in his music but not unlike Dylan his vocals can sound downright, well bad. There's a fine line between genius and madness and Daniel portrays this indeed but I love him still.

[thecyanidecrash]

@crimsonrush I disagree with you. Generalization is simple stereo-typing. Nice attempt though.

[undisputedgreatest]

Fuck all of you. This guy is utter garbage. It is impossible to enjoy listening to this; you're simply liars.

[Geraldon1]

You're an ignorant idiot. This guy has thousands of fans, people see him in shows live and he's given tons of enjoyment and inspiration to countless people- this video alone has over 33,000 views. Now if we were to put YOU on a stage how many people would come to see you? You are the utter garbage, YOU are the one not contributing art. So shut your mouth you ignorant bigotted asshole.

[undisputedgreatest]

"Bigotted?" How the fuck am I bigoted? Just because "thousands of" people do something, that doesn't justify it. "Thousands" of people think Elvis is still alive. "Thousands" people think Bush was responsible for 9/11. Freak Shows can draw "thousands" of people. Hitler had MILLIONS of followers. What the fuck does that prove? And for the record, I'm far more talented than this fella. I am a saxophonist, and a fighter;I have art coming out the Wazoo. I'm than him, and you.

[Geraldon1]

First of all you can't form a coherent sentence so I can't believe youre much more than a hack musician who gets his ass kicked in his spare time. Also, comparing people liking Daniel Johnston shows to a Nazi dictator (who's followers were indoctrinated) is utterly ludicrous, people like Johnston out of CHOICE. Furthermore,arguing against him to his fans is a little stupid right? Bush, Elvis being dead,are objective issues. Musical taste is subjective. It's impossible to 'prove' he's talentless.

[undisputedgreatest]

Nothing is coherent to a fuckhead that can't read, dick. I didn't compare him to Hitler, I used that as an example of how just because something is popular doesn't make it right. Are you 11 years old? How did you not get that? "Derrr...I didn't see Hitler or Bush anywhere in the video!" You can try to imagine who I am all you want fucker, I guarantee you'll fail. Let your imagination run wild, it will be fun. Maybe I'm lashing out because I didn't have enough love growing up?

[Geraldon1]

lol, im 27, and I think you'll find my argument still stands and you've misinterpreted my comment =)

[undisputedgreatest]

No, not really. What argument? People like him?  That's a crap argument. Why? Why do you idiots like him? And don't tell me that his "lyrics" inspire you; if that's the case, read a teenage girls diary, you'll be all kinds inspired to death. It can't be because it sounds good, when there are literally hundreds of thousands of songs that sound better. As far as arguing with you fuckers; "One man with courage makes a majority." That's Andrew Jackson.

[Geraldon1]

You're still just not getting it. And it's not my job to prove you otherwise XD so you don't like him. Im pretty sure no-one on Earth cares about that, so just leave us alone to enjoy it. You can't prove/disprove why a piece of music is good or bad, its just taste. Leave it and move on man.

[ZebraJones01]

One would think that, since you're intelligent enough to know where semi-colons go, you would understand that there is a lot of beauty in minimalism for some people. It's a shame I tell you. Also, in your defense, this is a pretty bad first Daniel Johnston song for you to hear. It's a pretty bad Daniel Johnston song period, but there's no reason to get angry at us for liking it!

[undisputedgreatest]

"One" might also think that maybe "one" is just brash. If someone actual likes this guy, more power to them. This is America, and as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else, I'm O.K. with it. However, for me, I think it sounds bad (and yeah, maybe it is just the song; maybe I have a sound aversion to Mr. Johnston now.) My problem is that I don't believe most of the "fans" are genuine, and are simply liking this because it is different so they can be pretentious.

[ZebraJones01]

Are you fucking serious?! Maybe there's just different points of view out there other than yours. Maybe we like Daniel Johnston because we actually like the sound that he has. Call me pretentious all you want, I admit it, I am an artsy neurotic pretentious son of a bitch, but it's better than just settling for the overcommercialized bullshit they play on the radio or on MTV. Daniel Johnston's music is ABOUT the music, and the art, not about putting money in his wallet, you closed-minded putz

[undisputedgreatest]

You don't know me, cuntbag, so fuck off. I don't listen to the radio, nor do I ever watch MTV. However, this is not about "the music," and the only way that it is art is that he is expressing himself. You could smear feces all over yourself (as I'm sure you do,) and run around the mall, and call it art; but that doesn't make it good. I know you aren't a musician, and that you don't know shit about music. It just sounds bad...as simple as that. He isn't a skilled musician or lyricist.

[ZebraJones01]

Actually, you're very wrong, I AM a motherfucking musician asswhipe, and probably know way more about real music than you do, just because it isn't technical doesn't mean it isn't good. It has soul and expression you fucking imbecile. Are YOU a fucking musician?! Don't jump all over my ass saying I don't know you when you're making assumptions about me too. And why the fuck are you so pissed about other people liking different music than you?! You need to take a fucking chill pill dude.

[undisputedgreatest]

I was a prodigy musician...college level in about 3 months. What the fuck does that mean? Who cares? There are 6 billion people in the world, and if you think talent is directly correlated to success, just look at this new "Souljah Boy" thing that is so popular. This "music" might be expressive, for him specifically. I'm sure it is very therapeutic for him to play...however, again, just because something is art doesn't make it good. Wesley Willis could be construed as art; it's garbage.

[ZebraJones01]

You're the one who brought up musicianship in the first place asshole. I don't give a fuck if you're a prodigy cock sucker, I don't think technical skill has anything at all to do with good art. If you've got it on your belt, go ahead and use it, but it isn't a necessity. And when the FUCK did I say that talent is in any way correlated to success?

P.S. Souljah Boy is not truly successful, he's a fad, and in ten years he'll be one of those fuck-up celebrities on VH1. Wouldn't you agree?

[undisputedgreatest]

If he isn't a fad, society in a sad state. And you clearly missed the point of what I was saying.

[ZebraJones01]

Oh come on, you've got to admit, you didn't even really have a relevant point to the conversation. I never mentioned anything to do with success.

[undisputedgreatest]

What I was saying was about what I said before...that just because something is art, does not make it good...likewise with something making money. Good is all about perception, and if you actually like this, more power to you. This isn't a snuff film, and he isn't killing anybody, therefore no one is hurt, so, if you like it, like it. I just maintain most people here don't really like it, and they are followers. But who gives a shit? That's the way of the world.

[ZebraJones01]

I think most people who are followers are too lazy to find somebody like Daniel Johnston to be honest. When somebody thinks they're an "indie kid" just because they listen to Blink 182 or Coldplay or some shit, I'd consider them followers. Daniel Johnston isn't as easily accessed in the media, and as a person that strives for more than the media can offer him, that is part of his appeal. I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to find somebody that's a commercialized imitation of Daniel Johnston

[undisputedgreatest]

That's just it though, it is because he isn't so easily accessed that people use that they know of him as a weapon to be ostentatious in conversation. "Oh, YOU haven't HEARD of him?" And, I hate both of the bands you mentioned, and also feel that people don't really like them. I don't know just how different our points of view are, but I think they are near the same as far as art being about expression. Personally, I just don't like the sound of this guys voice, or his music.

[LeLimeLine]

I just recently stumbled upon this guy, and I just have to say, he's beyond phenomenal. I don't see any reason why anyone would sincerely act like you're particularly ignorant for not having known who he is beyond them just being douchebags, but if you don't think this music is incredible, you have no soul. I just don't see how anyone can not be deeply impacted by this. This is the most real thing I've ever heard. It's beautiful.

[undisputedgreatest]

Then you haven't been around. You are hearing things that aren't there; similar to the placebo effect. It's all the power of suggestion. Real, sure. Good? Fuck no. It simply doesn't sound good, the lyrics aren't profound at all, and he has little to no talent. You are just pretending this is amazing, because it gives something like you hope...something with no talent or ability.

[LeLimeLine]

Hahaha, dude, I know what I'm talking about when it comes to music. I'm not hearing things that aren't there. I'm hearing the lyrics and the music and reacting to it, as I suspect everyone else is. My reactions are not fabricated, they're genuine. The guy has immense fucking talent. His melodies and rhythms are beyond memorable, beyond haunting, beyond beautiful. This is the most basic and fundamental and sincere level of music right here. He sounds like Robert Johnson in this one, as well.

[undisputedgreatest]

"Beyond phenomenal, beyond memorable, beyond haunting, beyond beautiful."

See people, this is the poster child for what I'm talking about. Pretentious as fuck, and equally as obnoxious. You simply watched the documentary and are repeating things you heard in it. He is nothing like the Beatles, and that comparison has Lennon rolling over in the grave. To say someone is so unique, an amazing, and "soulful," yet compare them to others? Preposterous. Retarded does not mean genius.

[LeLimeLine]

Hahaha, I'm not being pretentious, or pretending anything. I'm speculating, or observing. I'm giving you an honest interpretation. I've yet to see the documentary, though I intend to. I saw the trailer (which contains nothing I've said), and I YouTubed all the songs of his I could, and had my friend burn me three of his albums. And, I'm sorry, dude, but this song sounds like it was just plucked off the White Album. It also, by the way, reminds me of Lennon's "Mary Jane".

[LeLimeLine]

And, by the way, there's really no difference between this and a track on the White Album, beyond the sound quality and attention paid to the potential interpretation of the lyrics. If you want to get into a debate about the profoundness of the lyrics, that's another story, but these lyrics are interesting and good. But what is really being appreciated is the music. And, I reiterate my point before, if you don't enjoy this music you're like people who don't like the Beatles, you have no soul.

[undisputedgreatest]

As far as not having a soul based on whether or not you like this garbage; that is one of the dumbest things any of youtube retards have ever typed. "Enjoying" music isn't based on a "soul;" its based on culture, conditioning, and random aesthetic interpretation. So, are you saying deaf people don't have souls? Don't say you aren't, because you are. Are you saying people that don't speak English don't have souls? Again, you are.

[LeLimeLine]

Uhm, your logic is retarded, my friend. I said "if you don't enjoy this music you're like people who don't like the Beatles, you have no soul." In my statement the ability to hear does not indicate whether or not you have a soul (nor was your understanding of the English language), it is your reaction to the input you receive and understand that leads me to believe you have no soul. And when I say soul I'm obviously being facetious as a short way of saying you're a sad ass hat who has no taste.

[LeLimeLine]

I can't really speculate on anything else you've said about me without seeming conceited or falsely modest, so with that said, it's your turn. Who the fuck are you?

[undisputedgreatest]

"Who the fuck are you?" That's a lyric from an actual good song.

[LeLimeLine]

Probably been in a lot of songs. Which one do you mean?

[Yankovicfan3125]

most likely "Who Are You?" by The Who. that's what i think of when i hear it.

[undisputedgreatest]

I know you; you are a very liberal hippie, with NO musical talent, no individual thoughts, easily led, suggestible, and you're probably a "college student." Still heavily reliant on your parents, you are looking for whatever you can to make the burden of life easier on you. Whatever shortcut, whatever crutch. You're probably a Buddhist, and were vegetarian for a while. You are beyond ostentatious, beyond stupid, beyond weak, beyond pathetic, beyond unremarkable, but you are not beyond nothing.

[LeLimeLine]

Haha, you're accusing me of being one of the "youtube retards" and yet you're the one making these broad and unsubstantiated conclusions about who I am. Look, I can understand how you would perceive my comments as naive or being echoed from another person, but I assure you they're my own thoughts, and sincere. But just so we can get to know one another a little better, I'll give you the lowdown on who I am in my next comment.

[LeLimeLine]

I'm 23, in college. I own a house. I am an atheist. I eat meat. I'm pretty liberal. I look like a basic non-threatening counter-culturalist, somewhere between a member of the Saints and a modern day hipster. Favorite musicians, just to give you some perspective: The Hives, The Velvet Underground, The Black Lips, The Screamers, The Mummies, Son House, The Kinks, The Beatles, Robert Johnson, Leadbelly, The Damned, The White Stripes, Syd Barrett (solo), Lou Reed, Link Wray, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

[undisputedgreatest]

Wow, an atheist; surprising. I usually like atheists. I like a lot of the same music as you, and I'm surprised you like Link Wray. And let me guess, you probably go to school for something like Anthropology, or Communication.

[LeLimeLine]

Actually, I'm a Fine Arts Major, and will most likely be going to get a Masters in Art History with the focus on film and photography. And Link Wray is the man. My favorite of his is the Black Widow. The Swag isn't bad either. John Waters uses that to open Pink Flamingo.

[undisputedgreatest]

Well I guess that goes to show you can have something in common with anyone. I feel dirty now, and I think I'll go take a 3 hour shower.

Oh, and I'm talking about the Who.

[hoowoo246]

Dude you heard the album Astral Weeks.

[LeLimeLine]

I have not.

[hoowoo246]

well check it out. its ridiculously good. i mean absurdly good. judging by your taste, your ears seem capable enough.

[turduckenband]

congratu-fucking-lations

NOBODY GIVES A SHIT, quit arguing about this & grow up

( i do like your taste in music though..)

[crimsonrush]

You are a nasty man.

[ZebraJones01]

I'm sorry, I forgot why that might be the case, haha. But, I'll go ahead and take it as a complement.

[PsychadelicFolkNinja]

Daniel Johnston has to fight the Devil, and he's an artist too. He'll sing you a song straight from the Heart, and he likes to drink Mountain Dew. Yeah he likes to drink Mountain Dew

[greenbayd]

Had never heard of him until about six hours ago. Think I'll become a die hard fan. Goddamn this guy delivers genuine feelings!

His artistic integrity cannot be threatened, which is a reason alone to love him. He's simply a genius!

[zippywaite]

its been a month since u posted that comment. are u a huge fan like u said u would be?

[greenbayd]

Most definitely! I've heard pretty much everything he's done, and that's quite some material! A lot of it is crap, but the good stuff is over the top! I find new favourites all the time. My favourite album is "1990", it's just amazing. Favourite song is probably "Some things last a long time", but there are many at the top. To summarize it - Yes, I'm a die hard fan!

[zippywaite]

haha thats great dude.'

i just found out about him. i think he is okay. this song is very amazing and if he has any other sort of disturbing songs like this then that would deffinatly hook me in. :)

[greenbayd]

They're all dodgy, but in different ways. Maybe you should watch the documentary made about him "The Devil and Daniel Johnston", in order to understand him better. He's manic depressive. I'd first get a hold of "1990" and "The unfinished album", but there are other great albums too. Hope you get hooked then =)

[zippywaite]

yeah dude i was reading about that movie. i cant wait to see it. and yeah the unfinished album seems to be pretty cool. it was his most popular. he is a pretty interesting fellow.

[ZebraJones01]

Congratulations! I was pretty tickled when I became a die hard fan.

[colacentral]

This was one of the first Daniel Johnston songs I heard, and fell in love. I was dissapointed to find that he didn't do too many more songs that were vaguely creepy like this, but still, I love him.

Incidentally, my favourite album of his is "1990," which is his strangest and creepiest album, so I definately have a preference for that side of him for some reason.

[prunar]

Shades of Lucia Pamela. Thanks!

[hobokken817]

then dont listen to it..

[funkyfoolfromVanNuys]

Your words attract flies, for they are clumps of horse shit. Why would you waste your breath speaking on something you probably already knew you didn't like? Go listen to nickelback or kid rock or some other slutrock neo-garbage.

[amespektorwainwright]

great comment, thank you for saying this

[knobolder]

Fuck YOU!!!!!1!!one!!!

[DiegoCR74]

Ignorance is bliss.

[deathfalk]

i love daniel swansong!!

[2012EndOfWorlds]

daniel johnston is his name

[deathfalk]

duh.

[donnywallberg]

i really like your videos . they have a nice simplicity thats good and complicated.

[boinky333]

I have not heard this Daniel Johnston song before, but it is already one of my favorites.

[robertthehobo]

I like the video. Nice 'n' naive, like johnston.

[Naturality]

What's up with the video, it's just a bloke moving his head around in some weird effect. It's not even Johnson!

[deengew]

You mean Johnston?

[parkt6792]

I know, sanfranski's videos suck, lawd knows why this'z get got four stars, but you should have been able to have spelled daniel johnston's name right too

[bigcheese986]

who cares if he spelled the name right what are you a daniel johnstone expert?

[iSmithGrindOn1stDate]

oh mo gawd dats barsh moon mun i ant beliive uo daid bat meen

[funkyfoolfromVanNuys]

wesley willis i presume?

[iSmithGrindOn1stDate]

rock n roll mickey d biatch

[p4penis]

great forest ambience

[Nebula1994]

i really like the music of daniel

its so pure

[sadpandaclub]

i love this lots

[HouseofCommons]

eh¿ Where's the complete song, huh¿

A great one of Daniel's, indeed.

[daphne0]

Love all the Daniel Johnston. I have to add you as a friend.

[breeeegs]

I like this guy. Reminds me of a modern day Blake, in the degree to which he is inspired artistically by "madness" and a strange religious fervor.