Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Daniel Johnston
Canonical path: /daniel-johnston/the-story-of-an-artist
Related lyric paths: 6
Video embedded: yes
Lyric guide
The Story Of An Artist
Read The Story Of An Artist lyrics by Daniel Johnston on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
The Story Of An Artist
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
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 TV
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've 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 growing old.
Some would try for fame and glory
Others just like to watch the world.
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "The Story Of An Artist"?
Daniel Johnston performs "The Story Of An Artist", and this lyric page sits inside the Daniel Johnston catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "The Story Of An Artist"?
Yes. The related section below points to Circus Man and Heart Mind and Soul with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Daniel Johnston?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Daniel Johnston's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on The Story Of An Artist yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.