While a small number of outsider musicians became notable because they have few musical skills, the majority of outsider artists are appreciated for their unique, uncompromising, and creative music. In some cases, outsider musicians have characteristics such as mental illness or a reclusive lifestyle that may influence their musical style.
Story of an Artist
Daniel Johnston Lyrics
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It's like when you go to read your own poetry
You get all choked up
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 TVs
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 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 growin' old
Some would try for fame and glory
Others just like to watch the world
The Story of an Artist is a song by Daniel Johnston, which tells the story of an artist who is struggling to find acceptance for his art. In the beginning, the artist is told by everyone, including his friends and family, that he needs to get a job and stop focusing on his art. They don't understand why he is so odd and why he only does one thing. They think it's a problem that is making him ill.
Throughout the song, the artist is portrayed as someone who is different from everyone else. While most people are content to sit in front of the TV and have fun, the artist finds joy in the simple things in life, like the singing birds and laughing bees. He walks alone among the flowers and appreciates the sun. But even though he finds joy in these things, he is still an outcast, someone who doesn't fit in with the rest of society.
The song highlights the struggle that many artists face. They are often misunderstood and find it difficult to make a living from their art. They are told that what they do is not important and that they need to conform to societal norms. But the artist in the story refuses to give up his art, despite the pressure from those around him. He knows that the best things in life are truly free, and he refuses to let anyone define his happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know
It's hard to articulate
It's like when you go to read your own poetry
You get emotional when you expose your inner self
Listen up and I'll tell a story
Pay attention to what I'm about to say
About an artist growing old
A story of an artist getting older
Some would try for fame and glory
Some people seek notoriety
Others aren't so bold
While others are less daring
Everyone and friends and family
People around you
Saying, 'hey, get a job
They tell you to get work
Why do you only do that only?
Why do you stick to one thing?
Why are you so odd?'
Why do you act strangely?
We don't really like what you do
We don't enjoy your art
We don't think anyone ever will
We doubt others will either
It's a problem that you have
It's an issue you struggle with
And this problem's made you ill'
It's affecting your mental health
The artist walks alone
The artist is by himself
Someone says behind his back
Someone talks behind his back
'He's got his gall to call himself that
They don't believe he's a legitimate artist
He doesn't even know where he's at'
They think he's confused or lost
The artist walks among the flowers
The artist enjoys nature
Appreciating the sun
He likes the warmth of the sun
He does this all his waking hours
He spends most of his time doing this
But is it really so wrong
Is this behavior really problematic?
They sit in front of their TVs
People spend time watching TV
Saying, 'hey, this is fun'
They find TV entertaining
And they laugh at the artist
They make fun of the artist
Saying, 'he doesn't know how to have fun'
They believe he doesn't know how to enjoy himself
The best things in life are truly free
Nature provides some of the best experiences
Singing birds and laughing bees
The sounds of nature
You got me wrong says he
He wants to correct a misconception
The sun don't shine in your TV
TV doesn't provide the same experience as being outdoors
Listen up and I'll tell a story
Pay attention to what I'm about to say
About an artist growin' old
A story of an artist getting older
Some would try for fame and glory
Some people seek notoriety
Others just like to watch the world
Some people enjoy observing and experiencing life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Daniel Johnston
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MidnightRain1997
The first time I heard this song, I instantly remembered a moment from my childhood.
Early in the mornings, my father used to light up some candels on the kitchen table. Just these candles, everything else was grey/dark. He liked the soft light. Also, he would often hum some random melodies while making a bowl of cereal ready for me.
Lightning a candle is still a magical moment for me. And I don't know why this childhood memory means so much to me... I could tear up, everytime I think about it.
The melody in this song always makes me remember these mornings with my Dad.
I feel the painful lyric in Daniel's song. But I find the melody sounds hopeful. He was a real artist. When it gets dark, I like to just lay down in my bed with headphones and listen to his songs. With the fairy lights on in my room. Thinking about the past, but in a safe way (his songs make me feel safe). When someone thinks to much about the past, it's like, pushing "stop" on everything that is happening right now. It can hurt so much. I often just drown in past memorys and find it hard to go on with the life I have now. For everyone feeling the same way as me, I want to say
Everything will be ok.
Don't worry about things you can't control.
There are people who love you for who you are. And you always matter.
Much love and strength to you all, from Germany.🖤
@johnfair62
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.
@Thoooomas
John Fair wow
@erinjean4486
Thank you for sharing. I only found him recently through my husband. He talks about what many people feel and are too ashamed.
@spiritme420
Much love to you brother. I hope you find danny again.
@sharlennla4982
John Fair maybe you should meet him again
@rea5636
Thank you for this 😌
@maosaytounge4935
"The sun don't shine in your TV". What a line.
@girlmediamaker5828
my favourite line
@YourMomWaterworth
Especially not today. 😔
@boring6388
@@YourMomWaterworth Ikr😭😭😭RIP Daniel