New York City is many things—crowded, fast-moving, loud, chaotic, and overwhelming. With all the hustle and bustle of this populated concrete jungle there comes a collision of sounds, coming from a multitude of different things at varying octaves.
Whether it be the honking of horns, yells from street vendors, blaring of music from cars, conversations among pedestrians, stomping of shoes along the ground, clamoring of jack hammers on construction sites, or jingles of bikers’ bells, New York City is arguably the loudest city in the United States.
The majority of these sounds previously mentioned take place above ground, but what about the noises that live beneath our feet, the noises that are housed in the halls of the subway system.
While there are no cars filled with aggravated drivers incessantly honking their horns at unmoving traffic, or street vendors barking at passer-byers to buy their goods, or bicyclists ringing their bells as a sign of their approach, the sounds of the subway are just as noticeable.
When you journey beneath the streets of New York City, you will find the pulse of its inhabitants. The subway is, for most, the preferred way of travel about the city. It is cheap, fast, and convenient---what else could you ask for? It gets you from point A to point B and even point C if you so wish, with minimal headaches.
On the platforms themselves, you will hear echoes of conversations of which you may only decipher a word or two of before being bombarded with another just a few feet from you.
In addition, you’ll occasionally, and regretfully, hear the faint sound of rats’ claws clang against the metal tracks as they scurry along, rummaging for food while also looking for a hole to call home.
Perhaps the loudest sound of all though, is the whistle of the approaching train that wakes those from their daydreams and startles those engaged in conversations or others who are caught up in mindless people-watching.
Without question, the most refreshing sound that the subway has to offer comes from the brave men and women who wish to showcase their musical talents for all to hear. The pound of a bongo, the soft tunes of a guitar, and the sweet, or raspy, voices that leap from the mouths of these talented individuals are sounds that have the power to alter the moods of listeners.
Even the slightest acknowledgement of these rhythmic sounds is capable of brightening up someone’s day.
These live performances, while most often take place in the passageways of the subway, have also been witnessed within the trains themselves. In these instances, these sounds offer a positive vibe juxtaposed the feelings of disgust at the poignant smells that travel through the crowded car.
New York City is many things --- crowded, fast-moving, loud, and chaotic--- yet amidst all of its madness, there are things as trivial as raw, live performances within the subway system that lends to its adoration.
So do yourself a favor. Take out the headphones that blast the songs you’ve heard over and over again, and take in the sounds of the city, the good and the bad. For among all the annoying and unpleasant sounds you may experience, you will also witness some that are truly extraordinary and one of a kind.
