Fifty Days Underground

March 29, 2014

Who inspired today's broken heart song?

A teenager who had his heart broken by his girlfriend of almost two years. Losing those two years together was losing a part of himself. They had planned their lives in Japan together. The real pain, however, didn't start until he found out she had been cheating on him and broke up with him to be with the other guy. Memories flooded back from his first relationship in which the exact same incident happened.

Even though his pain and heartbreak was overwhelming, God had already worked out the situation for him. Another young lady helped him out of the rubble and showed him true love. The love, the compatibility and her faith were exactly what he needed. Though the sting of former heartbreak returns from time to time, the knowledge that someone cares for him so much and is willing to love him, even when he is difficult to love, is what he needs to keep going. The pain is easily subsided because he knows that the lining is silver.

The Living Is Silver is a song written by Relient K, one of this young man's favorite bands. I'm also a fan of the band and this song in particular. I thought I'd change things up today and do a cover song instead of an original. And this song seemed fitting for this person's story. After going through a rough time, he is able to see the silver lining and find a new, positive perspective on life.

Where did you play?

Union Square – 14th St.

How much did you earn?

$13.25

Did anything unusual happen? 

Today was my final day of playing with Seth and Sean. It has been an amazing week of performing with these two talented musicians. We found a great spot in the Union Square station with lots of weekend commuters. A few people stopped to read the sign, pick up cards,  take photos and videos. Quite a few people stopped to listen today as well. There was one woman who listened to a full song, stood there smiling and gave us a generous donation.

This certainly counts as unusual. There was a large woman who stood in front of us and started uncontrollably laughing. It was a strange laugh, and she wouldn't stop. I think something was definitely a little off. She kept leaving and coming back again. I guess what I truly admire is that Sean and Seth continued playing and singing like the mature musicians that they are. Me on the other hand, I was laughing like a child and trying really hard to focus on the music. That was definitely one of my stranger subway performing experiences thus far.

A large group of tourists walked by, and an older gentleman threw a dollar coin into our case. He said, "This is only because you have a cello." I used to think the cello was only my favorite instrument, but I'm learning almost everyone shares my passion for it! It's definitely a crowd-pleaser, especially when you have someone as talented as Sean playing it.

There is a very talented subway musician in New York City named Natalia Paruz, also known as The Saw Lady. She approached us very considerately and asked us to kindly leave because she had a permit to play a few feet away from us for three hours. Luckily it was towards the end of our set so it worked out well.

Did you meet anyone interesting?

Again, because it's a little bit more intimidating to approach a group of musicians versus one musician, we didn't have too many people stop to chat with us today. We did have more people stop to listen to us perform though.

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

The gentleman who loved the cello told us we needed to be amplified. I agree, but unfortunately you need a permit to have an amplifier. Also, he was amongst a crowd of tourists so that played a huge part in blocking out the music.

How are you feeling?

I feel somewhat tired, but relaxed, happy and full. It's a grey day and it's pouring rain, but to be honest, those are the best days to blog and write songs. This week was amazing. I wish I had the luxury of performing with other talent every day, but I appreciate it while I had it. I guess the only upside of performing by myself again will be having more conversations with people.

I enjoyed doing a cover song today. I'm usually scared to do cover songs because I don't want to destroy another person's masterpiece. I'm glad I pushed myself to it though with the help of Seth and Sean.

I have been feeling slightly insecure and vulnerable about my post yesterday. I'm trying to knock those thought monsters out of my head. I hate feeling out of control, and like my emotions are naked in a cloud, floating in the sky for everybody to see. It makes me admire the people submitting their stories for this project so much more though. You are all so brave.

I'm looking forward to a whole day off tomorrow. Those are so rare in my life these days. I'm not sure why, but I've been craving isolation lately. A cabin tucked away in the woods or a small deserted island both sound absolutely perfect. Alas, a long run in Prospect Park is going to have to do the trick.

Next week I will be singing the sassiest song that I've ever written. It has more curse words in it than I even know how to use.

Most importantly, I want to give a huge thanks to Seth, Sean and their brother for all of their amazing help this week. It's been an unforgettable experience and I am extremely grateful.

© 2014 Kelly Bazely