Like many of us, Don McLean suffered through difficult passages in his life, many of which are reflected in his music. He wrote and recorded “Empty Chairs” when his marriage was failing. Despite the subject of lost love, I feel there is incredible beauty in the lyrics and the melody, and Mclean’s unique guitar style.
Although the subject is mentioned just once in the song, McLean chose the symbol to sum up his feelings and state of mind at the time. The title is inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings of empty chairs. Mclean sympathized with Van Gogh and admired his paintings as revealed in his song “Vincent” recorded on the same album: “American Pie.”
I’ve re-recorded “Empty Chairs” with a better guitar and some improved technique. Please enjoy listening.
10 replies on “Empty Chairs: A Beautiful Song About Love And Loss”
Liked it, David.
Thank you for sharing.
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Gorgeous, David! Wonderful sound quality! ❤
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I remember this song, and enjoyed your cover of it. Thank you, David.
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Thanks for listening, Lavinia. I never grow tired of playing this one to myself. It’s not because of a broken relationship in my life. It’s because the words and melody are so beautiful.
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My favorite of Don’s was Vincent. The imagery in his words was intense.
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I love that one too. I cover it on my blog.
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Can you provide a link back to it?
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Yes, your guitar playin is better than Don’s. A very fine version of this beautiful song. Please don’t be mad at me but Don’s unique voice can’t be topped.
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I agree about the voice. When Don was a young man, his voice was incredibly smooth and beautiful. I also don’t think I can play better than Don, but thanks for the compliment. Please enjoy some of the other songs I’ve posted.
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