Another station, another guitar player and Breakfast at Tiffany’s

I remember getting on the train and wondering why I didn’t spend some time to listen to him. I guess I was ‘following the crowd’. Everybody seemed to be in SUCH a tearing hurry to get to god-knows-where. And I followed.

Today, the scene was different. I was just getting home rather late. As I ambled towards the Central Line at the Tottenham Court Road (Harry Potter fans alert) station, I heard a beautiful voice singing a tune I didn’t know. He was at the end of a corridor and had a deep captivating voice.

This time, I stopped right in front of the singer. I leaned by the side wall and enjoyed his song. He soon stopped for a break and I learnt he was from the Czech Republic and he sang for a living on tube stations. ‘It keeps me going’ – he grinned. He began another slower song but stopped soon as he didn’t feel it suited my mood.. and I requested him to repeat the song he’d just played. And he did..

I enjoyed those 5 minutes. The setting couldn’t have been better. A wonderful acoustic guitar, a superb voice, the end of a nice week.. I’ve always enjoyed live music (makes me wonder why I barely manage to sit down and enjoy it more) and I did this time. I was that weirdo who seemed to not be in any hurry to catch a train. It was almost amusing as I caught masses rushing past, some glancing wondering what I was really upto..

I also realized how tough it is to be a performer in a tube station as appreciation is limited. Even if people like your music, they don’t necessarily tell you as they’re in a hurry to catch the next train.

I made sure I did tell him I enjoyed his music.

I ended up tipping him a little more than a pound. Least I could do. I hope he brightens up many a day.. And what’s more, I got a ‘new all time favorite’ song!

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(The day wasn’t without it’s ups and downs. I had a grouchy man push me because I paused for a moment in front of him on a busy street. But, it’s amazing how big a difference it makes to our mood when we react less and respond more. And then, of course, there are guitar players all around that only help our cause of course! :))