The choral tunnels of the Paris metro
A Parisian busker
Paris is one of the world's most talked about cities for many reasons: beautiful architecture, sophistication, culinary perfection and haute culture. However, it is also a city which cradles whores, beggars and criminals deep below its thick skin. Ever since medieval times, Paris has given birth to habitants who are outside society's realm – considered by many to be civilisation's undesirable members – who find their way through life the hard way.
This is still the case today. Deep in the veins of the Paris metro there exists a decaying community of musical beggars, singing from the depths of their soul in the hope of earning une petite piece, or some spare change.
Some are monotonous ‘down and outs’ simply hanging on to society’s outer crust by a small thread. Others are a genuine talent who sing from the cockles of their heart, bellowing out a full and rounded note, succeeding in arousing a wave of compassion within the confined space of the metro's carriage.
Last week, an elderly lady, recently turned homeless, sung a love song originally written by Edith Piaf quite brilliantly. Likewise, a large Mexican looking man sung a medley of popular songs in Spanish to a professional level. It is sometimes breathtaking the talent these lost souls of Paris possess.
Every week I give out approximately 2 euros to these wandering musicians – a pitiful amount at the best of times – in the hope that one day shows like fame academy will cease to exist. Then again, some things will never change. Nobody wants to listen to a homeless musician.
