Recently, the song “Van Gogh” sung by Korean musician Dept featuring Ashley Alisha suddenly went viral on TikTok Indonesia. Video content using the song, released in September 2022, frequently appears on the For You Page. This unexpected surge in popularity has captivated many, making the song a trending topic across social media.
Van Gogh’s Song Takes TikTok by Storm
Despite being released two years ago, “Van Gogh” has found new life on TikTok. The song, inspired by Van Gogh’s famous painting The Starry Night, is now widely used as a background sound for video content. Its resurgence in popularity is remarkable, showing how a song can find its audience long after its initial release.
The viral status of “Van Gogh” has also translated into impressive streaming numbers, with over 10 million listens on Spotify. This newfound fame prompted Dept to express his gratitude to Indonesian fans through his personal Instagram account, promising to visit Jakarta soon for a live performance.
Lyrics and Emotional Depth
Dept portrait (instagram.com/dept113)
The lyrics of “Van Gogh” reflect a deep emotional journey. They speak of staring at self-portraits until tears fall, conveying a sense of introspection and vulnerability. The imagery of a café terrace at night, where the protagonist writes down his thoughts, adds a layer of melancholy and reflection.
Here are some of the poignant lyrics from the song:
I got something like a funny feeling
Stare at self-portraits ’till I cry
Take it away, take it away, just take it away
A café terrace gleaming in the night time
Where I sit and write my mind
Don’t take it away, take it away
Don’t take it away
Wish you could see what I see, babe
Before it really is too late
I know sometimes it’s hard to take a step away
If I could gather some words to explain
It’s almost like light shines through your pain
Emotion I never knew I was awake
But at the time I didn’t know
One in a million things you showed
Straight from your heart miles apart
Who was it for?
I got something like a funny feeling
Stare at self-portraits ’till I cry
Take it away, take it away, just take it away
A café terrace gleaming in the night time
Where I sit and write my mind
Don’t take it away, take it away
Don’t take it away
I wouldn’t say I have misfortune
‘Cause there’s nothing I would change
I’m just waiting for my moment
But it’s in vain
And every piece that I’ve been painting
Should I throw them all away
The night café
Flower vases, bring me pain
I wrote my pain to what you hear
But I know that they don’t care
But I know that you don’t care
I’m sorry for whatever I put you through
It’s not easy putting down
All of your love on a canvas
But you
I got something like a funny feeling
Stare at self-portraits ’till I cry
Take it away, take it away, just take it away
A café terrace gleaming in the night time
Where I sit and write my mind
Don’t take it away, take it away
Don’t take it away
These lines capture the essence of the song, combining personal struggle with a quest for understanding and peace.
The Meaning Behind the Song
screenshot of Viral 50 – Indonesia on Spotify (instagram.com/dept113)
“Van Gogh” delves into the complex emotions that the famous painter himself might have experienced. The song’s protagonist grapples with feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, and pessimism. The reference to Van Gogh and his tumultuous life adds depth to the narrative, resonating with anyone who has faced inner turmoil.
The song aims to convey that even in our darkest moments, there is hope. With the support of a special person, the protagonist finds clarity and begins to understand his emotions. This message of resilience and the potential for healing makes “Van Gogh” a powerful and relatable piece.
In my opinion, the resurgence of “Van Gogh” is a testament to the timeless nature of music and art. Just as Van Gogh’s paintings continue to move people today, Dept’s song has found its place in the hearts of a new generation. The emotional honesty and artistic inspiration behind “Van Gogh” make it a song worth listening to and reflecting upon.
