Fifty Days Underground

March 20, 2014

Who inspired today's broken heart song?

A woman who had her heart broken by a man she fell madly in love with in Israel. She met him on ten day Birthright trip. Birthright is an organization that offers free trips to young Jewish adults who have never been to Israel. They hung out throughout the entire trip and shared a kiss one evening that immediately set off their love story. After spending a night on the beach with the Mediterranean at their feet, he asked her to extend her trip. Without doubt, she accepted. They did everything together. She was completely and utterly in love him.

A couple months later, she flew back home. They decided to try doing a long a distance relationship, and quickly got into a routine of texting and video chatting. She visited him for a couple weeks for his birthday. She then started researching 5-10 month internships in Tel Aviv so that they could be together. But after 8 months, he broke up with her. She had no control over it and had never felt such intense pain in her entire life. She would have married him. She felt as though someone had died.

Magic is a heart wrenching song about a lost love. The title was inspired by the woman's beautiful description of their relationship. The song depicts a forever love, something that wasn't meant to die. This is by far one of the most emotional songs I've written on my journey thus far. I started crying when I was writing it. There's a peacefulness to it, remembering and cherishing their love for what it was... magic.

Where did you play?

Columbus Circle – 59th St.

How much did you earn?

$9.56

Did anything unusual happen? 

I was completely terrified. I think after not playing for a week, it didn’t feel like second nature anymore. I got to the platform and actually thought I might chicken out and go home. Thankfully, that didn’t end up happening. I was also really nervous to sing today's song, knowing how much it emotionally affected me.

There was a larger, older man who started chuckling and smiling when he saw me. He then yelled out, "I was on your website the other day!" I was shocked and ecstatic. That's the first time that has ever happened. He said he enjoyed reading the stories, and I told him to submit his but he said he didn't have one. "Everyone has a story," I said. I still think it's incredible that he had already been to the website. Milestone moment. :)

There was a man who was rushing to his train but stopped and turned to me to show me that he was looking at my website on his phone. He was so excited and touched about what I was doing, and had to let me know. Combined with the man above, this totally made my day. I sang with a huge smile on my face for the rest of morning.

This made me laugh. There was a man who stood directly in front of me listening to me play. He pulled out his phone and started taking either photos or a video. He then reached into his pockets in search of change. Without luck, he started searching through his sweater vest pockets. He then pulled out his wallet and that was empty too. He seemed disappointed, and I couldn't help but smile. I greatly appreciate his effort, and am thankful he picked up a card and paid attention to the project.

There was a beautiful red-headed woman who came up to me, smiled, gave me a donation and listened for a while. I found it interesting that she switched standing positions. She originally stood in front of me, then went over to my right and then to my left. She walked away with a smile on her face. I was truly touched.

One woman abruptly asked me if I was busking. She almost sounded mad. When I explained what I was doing, she rolled her eyes and said, "No! That's so sad! No sad songs please!" I laughed hysterically. She had a really fun energy about her.

Did you meet anyone interesting?

I met a gentleman who stood by me and listened for a while. When I finished a song, he came over and said, "I'm not sure what's better, your piano playing or your voice." We chatted about the days when every house had a piano, and praised the phenomenal musicians, Billy Powell and Elton John. He also told me he loved my hair and added, "I'm sure someone tells you that at least once a day." I said, "I'm starting to think everyone likes it except me," haha.

There was a guy who seemed in a rush, but kept asking me questions. He was excited about the fact that I sung and played the piano, and asked me if I had ever recorded in a studio before. He then asked if I sung hip hop. I laughed. I can't even pretend that I sing hip hop. He said he was on his way to the studio and would be in contact. 

I ran into my friend and the writer of Life, I Swear again! I've seen her more times during these project performances than anyone else. I think the universe wants us to be friends!

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

I keep forgetting to ask people for advice, so fun facts:

So far, I have passed out over 200 business cards.

I often write these songs in an hour or two, and don't sing them all the way through until I actually perform them.

My boss claims to by physic and keeps telling me something wonderful is going to come out of this project. I think it already has. :)

How are you feeling?

My window is open and I finally feel spring in the air. Having more daylight has completely changed my mood. Lately I've been feeling very peaceful. Having a week away in Austin really helped me. I think I needed to get away from the city so I could get a little break and rejuvenate myself.

I had a beautiful, spiritual moment the other day. It was the first time I actually felt myself let go and put all of my trust into the universe. Every single negative emotion left my body, and I was left with so much inner peace, feeling as light as like a feather. I realized that no matter what happens, everything is going to be okay. I do believe everything happens for a reason. I still hold on to hope, and I'm not quite sure how to let that go, but I've come to accept that things might not go my way. And I'm okay with that. I know I'll be happy with my future. I'm already so blessed with my present.

It's a huge relief to be rid of all the anxiety and negativity. There were moments when I didn't recognize myself. I'm still not quite sure how you stop missing someone. I fear this time heals all thing might be a myth. On another note, I think my biggest advice to anyone going through heartbreak is to think before acting upon advice taken from other people. I love my family and friends to death and would not be nearly as strong without them, but everyone will always give you advice based on their own relationship experiences. And no one will ever know your relationship as well as you and the other person. I have learned the best advice you're ever going to get is from your own heart.

I feel accomplished with today's performance. It's nice to be home. My six-year anniversary of living in New York City is approaching, and although I'm guilty of complaining about this city, it has given me so much. I often think back to the day I arrived here with my suitcase in one hand and cat in the other, not knowing anyone. I owe this city so much gratitude for the amazing people I have met, but also for the person I have become.

© 2014 Kelly Bazely