When I think about the current state of America and the world in general, it makes me uneasy. Everyone seems so divided, and at this point, it can be difficult to even have a conversation about serious issues without it escalating into a full-on argument. On top of that, we’ve seen a ton of mass shootings and general acts of terror recently.
The world can feel like an awfully dark place these days. However, I stumbled upon this YouTube playlist recently that overwhelmed me with joy.
The videos are of ordinary people, usually in public places, producing extraordinary music. In many of the videos, the performers appear to be homeless, performing for what little change people are willing to drop into a hat. In other videos, average-looking people who are strangers to each other unexpectedly unite in beautiful song.
Granted, they aren’t all Alicia Keys or Stevie Wonder, but that’s what makes these clips so amazing. When you watch normal people pour themselves into music, whether it’s to scrape up a couple of dollars or simply to share their gifts with one another, you truly can feel their passion. Something about it makes you feel connected to humanity, and that’s a difficult thing to do nowadays.
My favorite part of all of these videos is watching these seemingly average people shock their audiences. Many of the performers are rough-looking individuals, and when I when looking at them I got the sense that for some of them, the only fulfillment they have in life is when they’re playing music or singing for people.
If you’re having a rough day or you’re feeling doubtful about humanity’s goodness, you need to take a look at this. Like Matthew McConaughey says on The Wolf of Wall Street, “This is not a tip. This is a prescription.”
Treat this playlist like a prescription. I guarantee you you’ll feel better afterward.
