Fifty Days Underground

February 6, 2014

Who inspired today's broken heart song?

A young woman who broke up with her boyfriend of four years after a long-distance relationship tore them apart. He didn't visit, became distant and she found out later that he was cheating on her for the five months she was away. She is now married to someone she truly loves and who truly loves her.

This might be one of the cheesiest songs I've ever written, but also one of my favorites. I was becoming a little restless with all the sad songs lately, and was craving something upbeat. I love her story because it has a happy ending and I wanted to include that. In the song, I have her thanking her ex for cheating, being distant and overall a terrible boyfriend because she is now happily married to the love of her life. I had so much fun singing this today. As much as it is a happy love song, I think there's some revenge hidden in between the lines. It's kind of like she's throwing her happiness in his face.

Where did you play?

Grand Central – 42nd Street. This was definitely the most crowded station I have performed at yet. I performed in the tunnel to the shuttle to Times Square, and the acoustics were amazing.

How much did you earn?

$17.02

Did anything unusual happen?

Today was an adrenaline rush. I am still in shock with several amazing events that took place. First off, I met a young woman who submitted a story to me a little while ago. That was absolutely surreal! I was so excited to meet her, and am now even more excited to write her song. Secondly, I met a man who recognized me from when I played at Broadway-Lafayette last week. That's the first time someone's recognized me from another station which was pretty cool. One woman started dancing when I was playing and smiled at me, which made me really happy. Another man clapped his hands loudly and also gave me a big smile.

There's always a crazy or two in the day. One man stopped and asked me about ten times how I was doing. When I responded, "fine" or "good," he would ask again. I'm not sure what the right answer was? My favorite part is when he asked me if I wanted a drink. He said he would bring me something. He mentioned a coke or a beer. Although I was trying really hard to put on my stern "don't mess with me, you're a stranger face," I couldn't help but laugh. Where was he going to find a beer in the Grand Central subway station?! Or maybe I don't want to know. He said he would see me later, but thankfully, he did not, haha.

Did you meet anyone interesting?

Yes! The woman who submitted her story to me. Second, Henry, the man who saw me at another station last week. He stayed to chat for a while, and sounded like he really wanted to submit his story. He said his daughter has to help him with the Internet though - bless him. He had some great life advice as well. Sounds like he's been through a lot but is on the right track now. Always inspiring to hear a story with a happy ending.

I had another lovely friend visit me today as well. She was kind enough to shoot footage for today's video, and the best part is that this song is her story! She said she shed a little tear. I was so happy to be able to play it for her live. That's the second time I have been able to do that for someone, and it definitely makes the experience so much more intimate and amazing.

What's the best advice you received from a stranger?

"You can't be the drunk driver if you aren't drunk."

How are you feeling?

Sleepy, but accomplished! I feel really happy with the way today went. People were more interested and excited today than any other day I have performed. One woman came to pick up a card and seemed absolutely thrilled about what I was doing. Another guy stopped to take my photo. I'm not sure if my energy was better than usual or what, but it was the best day yet.

I was actually really scared when I got there because it was insanely busy. I couldn't find a spot to perform, and I debated going to another station. But then I realized I was just trying to run away because I was nervous. After nestling in the tunnel and facing my fears, I felt so happy. I handed out a lot of cards and talked to a lot of people. Hopefully I'll see more stories coming in this week. 

I don't really want to mention this, but I'm going to in hopes that it will put a stop to it. I've been getting a few annoying and somewhat perverted e-mails in my inbox.  In short, I'm not interested. This project is really serious to me. It's not about me having a broken heart and wanting to hook up with a random stranger who sends me a flattering e-mail. This project is about other people's broken heart stories. It's about connecting us through our struggles, and becoming stronger together. It's about being vulnerable together and relating to one another through our life experiences. So, if you want to contribute or are just genuinely interested in the project, let's talk. If not, then no more weird e-mails please and thank you.

A couple other exciting happenings in the works: a woman e-mailed me because she wants to interview me for her blog. It's about moments in our lives that shift the direction of our lives. I'm really looking forward to chatting with her next week, and hearing more about her blog. Also, I had a phone interview today for a company that wants to include me on a short documentary they are filming about innovative storytelling. They are going to film me next week. I am TERRIFIED. Okay, I am really excited too. :)

© 2014 Kelly Bazely