Fifty Days Underground

April 24, 2014

Who inspired today's broken heart song?

A man who had his heart broken in the exact same moment he discovered Fifty Days Underground. The first time he saw her, he thought she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. They met eight years ago in college, and he spent months trying to make her his girlfriend. She resisted for a long time. But then they shared a bed together on a trip with a group of friends to Jackson Hole. It was one of the best nights of his life, and they began dating shortly after. Their love grew strong, but they decided to go their separate ways after he graduated. He believes this was the biggest mistake of his life.

She eventually met someone else. His heart felt empty. He could barely breathe. He always thought they would be together. She was the girl of his dreams, the love of his life, and she was no longer his. He spent the next few years trying to win her back. After she broke up with another guy, they met up in Vegas one weekend. The day before their flight, they laid out by the pool. He stared at her, and she looked so perfect to him. She was everything he imagined in a girl. He started to think about their future children. He started to believe he had a chance. Not too long after, she told him that she had met someone else. His heart was broken all over again.

In 2012, they met up again, made love and continued to spend time together. They both admitted that they still had feelings for each other, and tried to make the relationship work again. She was living in San Francisco at the time, but made plans to move to New York City to be with him. That never happened. He was devastated, but a small part of him always had hope. On Sunday, the day the NY Post article came out, he was missing her and wanted to fight for her. He called, but she didn't answer. He then discovered Fifty Days Underground, and began reading blog after blog. He was full of emotions. He was up to Day 20 when she called. He told her she was the girl of his dreams, and that he would do anything to be with her. She told him that he wasn't the one for her, and then they said goodbye. He immediately went back to Fifty Days Underground, and couldn't stop crying. He's empty, devastated and completely heartbroken.

The Most Beautiful Girl In The World was inspired by the amount times this man said those words in his e-mail. He truly believes this is the only woman for him, the one he wants to spend the rest of his life with. I tried to tell their story, and simultaneously express his passionate love for her and his immense agony from losing her.

Where did you play?

Broadway-Lafayette St. and Herald Square – 34th St.

How much did you earn?

$8.60

Did anything unusual happen? 

Today was my first performance since the NY Post article came out, and for some strange reason that made me really nervous. But I think my five minutes of fame were up because nothing changed, haha. I am thankfully still just another New York City busker. Since I am working full-time for the next couple of weeks, I squeezed in today's performance before work. People didn't seem as chatty and enthusiastic as usual, but it could have been a result of my anxious energy.

I started at Broadway-Lafayette St., but didn't have too much luck there despite the crowds of people transferring trains. I surprisingly haven't had too much luck at that station, but am determined to crack the code. So about an hour and a half in, I decided to go to my nook at Herald Square – 34th St. It has never failed me.

I saw a coworker. She whistled and clapped. There was a man who saw me and stopped before heading down the staircase to the platform. He took his headphones off, and just stood there and listened. When I finished the song, he gave me a thumbs up, complimented my voice and melodies, and said, "That was great. You remind me of that girl... Sara something... she sings that King song." I yelled, "Sara Bareilles!" If you don't know me, she's pretty much my favorite. So that put a huge smile on my face. He said it was impressive that I made him stop because he never stops nor takes off his headphones. Score!

Did you meet anyone interesting?

There was a precious older woman who stopped, donated and told me that all I need is Jesus. When I gave her a card, and told her about my project, she was really touched and told me it was beautiful. She was incredibly kind. And that was it! It was a quiet day underground. I also left a little bit earlier to go to work so that could have had something to do with it. 

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

The older woman told me to always keep God in my heart. 

How are you feeling?

I'm feeling overwhelmed in the best way possible. I was so excited about the NY Post article on Sunday, and the feedback has been incredibly positive. I think I ran to my local bodega three times that day to keep buying more copies for friends and family, haha. Here's a short list of things that have come my way since the article:

• An interview with Exaholics.com. It's like an AA for people who are going through break ups, and yes, it's actually real.
• Tons of broken heart stories, a couple that brought me to tears.
• Lots of new Facebook, Twitter, Instagram followers and e-mail subscribers.
• Some date offers in my inbox, with photos and ages attached.
• A newfound respect from my dad (when I first told him about this project, he was not too happy). 
• Meetings with more musicians interested in collaborating.
• A lot of e-mails with really positive and encouraging words about the project.
• An extremely happy and full heart, and so much gratitude from yours truly. 

It's been amazing. When I planted this seed, I never imagined it to grow as much as it has, and I'm soaking up every moment of it. I feel so blessed every day, and this just gives me the motivation to keep going and pursuing the exciting projects after this.

I have never felt more connected to people in my entire life. I remember sitting in physics class, saying that my biggest fear was people. Ten years later, I can admit that people are my greatest joy and inspiration. You and your stories have changed my life. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some Easter chocolate that needs to be eaten. :)

© 2014 Kelly Bazely