Fifty Days Underground

April 19, 2014

Who inspired today's broken heart song?

A 25-year-old woman who recently had her heart broken by another woman. They met a year ago. It was the first time she ever fell in love with another woman. At the time, she was involved with her long term boyfriend. But the moment she locked eyes with this woman, she knew something powerful was there. Their relationship moved extremely fast. After two months, they were madly in love. It was as if they had known each other for years. She had never felt a love so strong in such a short amount of time. Every touch and every kiss was perfect. She would have done anything for her. It was as if they were under a magical spell.

After spending a beautiful weekend together, the other woman said that she felt like she was losing herself. And she was in love with someone who she could not ultimately marry and have a family with. This completely shattered the woman because she did want all of those things with her. She even bought her a ring professing her love for her. She still loves her and wants to be with her, and is optimistic that once the other woman finds herself again, they can be together. She is terrified of losing her. They are still friends, but it's difficult because at the end of every phone call or text, she wants nothing more than to say, "I love you."

Out Of This World is a heart-wrenching song about unrequited love. She wrote about this person with so much passion, and I wanted to make sure that love came through in the song. The title was inspired by her description of their love, "like being a part of another galaxy." In the song, she talks about how everyone searches for a connection as beautiful and magnificent as theirs. She wants her to be happy, but she still hopes that she'll come home. She can't imagine her life with anybody else.

Where did you play?

Grand Army Plaza.

How much did you earn?

$6.00

Did anything unusual happen? 

I decided to play outside today since the weather was absolutely gorgeous. I performed amongst the crowds at the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket. I was actually really nervous. I think it was because I haven't played in a week and also because playing outside is very different than playing in the subway. There was a gentleman who offered to help me set my keyboard up, which was really kind. It was really windy, something I'm not used to, and my sign kept blowing everywhere. Fortunately, quite a few people came to pick up cards and ask about the project.

There were a lot of adorable children out today. One little guy, about four years old, approached me with a lot of confidence to tell me that he had a keyboard just like mine. I then asked him if he wanted to play it, and he very politely said, "Oh, I would love to play your keyboard." He hit some random notes, and I asked him if he knew any songs. He said, "I like to make up notes." I told him that is exactly what I like to do too. He then looked into my keyboard case and said, "We have some dollars." I'm sure his dad loved him for that one! He was a such a cutie.

There was a guy who approached me and asked what I was doing. He then said he was looking for a creative present to give to his girlfriend for her birthday. I told him I would love to write a song for them so he took a card and told me he would send details about their story. I know it's not a broken heart story, but I would love to be a part of making his girlfriend's birthday special! I'm glad there are still good human beings with loving hearts out there.

Did you meet anyone interesting?

I met a man named Joe who was sitting on the wall next to me when I started singing. He asked about my project, and I gave him a card and told him to feel free to submit his story. He owns a pest control business, and gave me his card in case I have any pests I need to get rid of! haha. Thankfully, I don't think I do! When I finished singing today's song, he gave me a donation and said the most heartfelt words. He said, "Thank you. Your music touched my soul."

I met another man who is from Albany and was working at the farmer's market. He asked about the project, and then told me that he has a recent heartbreak story to submit. He just got out of a ten year relationship. He is also a guitarist, and showed interest in collaborating musically.

I was fortunate enough to have another visitor today! A friend who lives in the neighborhood was soaking up the sun in the park, and decided to come keep me company. We had a lovely chat and she watched my keyboard for me so I could go treat myself to a delicious apple cider doughnut. :)

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

I finally asked someone for advice today! My friend who kindly shot me performing for today's video allowed me to shoot her giving some advice:

"Don't think too much. Just do stuff, and then evaluate how you feel after you do it, because if you think about things for too long, you'll never do them. You'll always psyche yourself out."

How are you feeling?

I'm feeling amazing! There's nothing like performing in the warm sunshine for a change. People were really happy and energetic. When I got home, I received a interesting e-mail in my inbox titled, "Heart Struck in Park." This week was tough because I'm working full-time for the next few weeks, and I struggled with finding time to perform. I'm going to try to do a few morning shifts before work next week and see how it goes. As grateful as I am for work and money, I do miss my mornings of busking for hours. There's something so wonderful about not knowing who you're going to meet, or what's going to happen. I'm always curious of the stories I'm going to hear as well. I get an adrenaline rush every time I walk into a subway station with my keyboard now. I definitely don't get that rush walking into the office. But again, I'm not complaining. Work is money, and for that I am very appreciative.

Last week, the amazing people at Fahrenheit 212 who shot me for their documentary, sent me an extremely generous donation. I was absolutely shocked. I can't even begin to express how grateful I am. I am definitely going to put it towards my next big project that I can't leak yet. It's a surprise, but I'll be able to tell you soon! But wow, what a gift. People continue to amaze me with their generosity and kindness.

I'm really anxious and excited for the NY Post article to come out tomorrow. I'm sure I'll be up bright and early! My friend is going to come with me so I don't have to read it alone, haha. I'll likely buy out all the copies from my local bodega, haha. And I'll be sure to share the link online! As usual, thank you for continuing to follow me on this journey. We're getting closer to the end now! Don't forget to keep sending those stories.

© 2014 Kelly Bazely