I was on the streetcar earlier today looking out the window. I was busy people-watching, imagining the reasons behind the emotions etched on each person’s face. The general din of the people on board was just white noise; I was able to just tune in to my own thoughts. There was a moment halfway through my trip though that I was dragged kicking and screaming from my thoughts. A twenty-something guy with a backpack and big headphones came on, and from a distance I could already hear the sound of distorted guitars coming from them. I protested to myself and was ready to sigh out loud in frustration, but then I noticed that I kind of recognized the tune. I focused my energy to see if I could figure out what I was listening to. It took a while, but I figured out that he was listening to The Raconteurs – Consolers of the Lonely rather loudly. In particular, he was listening to Many Shades of Black at the time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWT0E-AWUVA

I swear, this is one of those songs that I desperately want to do in karaoke. In a way it’s dramatic and overdone, but it’s an easy tune to sing along to. Oh, and have you listened to Adele’s cover of the song?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znzL8wlyESA

Well, shit. Even surrounded by a crowd of strangers, I was just about ready to burst into song and sing along with the bastard twenty-something’s loud music player. I actually started mouthing the words quietly, but stopped myself after one line. I didn’t want the woman next to me thinking she was sitting next to some crazy guy.

Although…

I started day dreaming about what would happen if I actually did break out into song. I imagined that the people in front of me would be startled. After a bar or two, I imagined people behind me starting to join in at the same time. It would have been one of those impromptu musical moments you might spot on YouTube. Except…something like that would never happen.

(Are you crazy?)

The song ended, and the streetcar ride ended soon after that. I think my urge for attention is starting to manifest. Perhaps that experience of singing the anthem in front of an audience was just the tip of the iceberg. Aaaaaaaah! What the hell?! This is strange! Where’s the introverted Jason? He needs to make himself known again!