Fifty Days Underground

March 23, 2014

Who inspired today's broken heart song?

A mother of two children who is an alcoholic. Alcoholism has been the root of the darkest, most miserable times in her life. Having been in and out of rehab several times, this woman's drinking habits have severally affected not only herself, but her children and family as well. She is so broken that she can't see a way out. She fights for small periods of time only to be drawn back to the alcohol again. The guilt from hurting those she loves only makes it worst.

Rebecca's Song is a song from the perspective of her family and loved ones. They see that she has fallen down and lost her sight, but they know she is a fighter and capable of getting better. They remind her of all that is and the power that she holds. They love her and are always going to be there for her, especially on her road to recovery. It's a plea from them to her, to fight and not to give up.

Where did you play?

7th Ave./9th St. in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

How much did you earn?

$23.95

Did anything unusual happen?

Not really. It's a smaller, quieter stop. Having said that, the people I usually run into there are very friendly and generous. I really enjoy the moments when people get on the train and the station is entirely empty. It feels like I'm singing all alone in my bedroom, and I don't have to belt over trains or crowds of people. It's quite intimate and serene. It's fun hearing my voice echo as well.  

One woman told me I had a beautiful voice, which I thought was very kind seeing as I felt like I was losing my voice today! I'm glad I work the next two days because I think my vocal chords need a rest. I definitely felt like I was straining them today.

There were a lot of adorable children today whose parents gave them money to give to me. I always love their mesmerized little faces when they watch me sing. Some of them are so scared to approach me too, which I think is cute.

There was a guitarist who gave me $5. I thought that was really amazing and kind. I'm sure he was on his way to do some busking as well. I also always try to donate to other musicians when I see them. I love that we take care of each other in our little musical community.

There was a man who gave me a donation, stood there listening for a while, and then gave me another donation. That happened to me a lot yesterday and I'm pretty sure I was singing yesterday's song when he did it. I am so touched by people's generosity.

Did you meet anyone interesting?

A gentleman gave me a donation and started to talk to me once I finished singing a song. He asked me about the project, and seemed genuinely interested in what I was doing. He then asked me if he could take a few photos of me, and pulled out a very fancy looking camera and started shooting me while I was playing the next song. I felt camera shy!

A woman overheard me talking with him about the project, and walked over to pick up a card. Her name was Evelyn, and she said she would e-mail me a story about a topic that needs more awareness: domestic violence. That will certainly be an emotionally tough song to write, but I am happy to help spread awareness about the issue. It makes this project all the more powerful and worthwhile.

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

"You should write a song about domestic violence. It's a topic that needs more awareness."

How are you feeling?

Good! I didn't get as much done as I would have liked to this weekend, but I also think it's important to take some time to sleep and be lazy. I am trying to prepare myself for playing with the talented cellist and guitarist next week. I'm extremely excited, but also anxious because I want it to be amazing. 

It's kind of surreal that I'm already halfway through this project. In some ways it feels like it's flown by, but in other ways it feels like it's been more than just twenty-five days. So much has happened in my life since it started - I've been in a documentary, I've made some incredible connections and have heard the most amazing stories. I've also grown so much as a person in such a short amount of time. I am constantly counting my blessings, and reminding myself that I am doing everything in my life that makes me happy right now. I know how rare that is, and I am extremely grateful.

Thank you for making it this far with me - I can't wait wait to see what happens on the next half of this journey!

© 2014 Kelly Bazely