That time a subway performer messed up my whole commute by being too good

So I'm on the 4 train in Brooklyn last Tuesday, minding my own business, and this guy hops on with a beat-up guitar. He starts playing some folksy cover, nothing special at first, but then he launches into this insane fingerpicking version of 'Watermelon Man.' I was so into it I missed my stop at Atlantic Avenue. Missed my transfer, ended up 20 minutes late to work. My boss didn't believe me when I said a musician derailed my morning. Has anyone else had a commute derailed by something weirdly entertaining?

2 comments

2 Comments

jordanblack1mo ago

Used to be the type who'd say "just pay attention, it's not that hard" but then a guy playing acoustic slide guitar on the F train made me ride all the way to Kings Highway before I snapped out of it. Got chewed out by a buddy for being 45 minutes late to our meeting and I couldn't even be mad because the music was just that good. So yeah, I get it - sometimes you're stuck between being responsible and letting something special play out.

harpery471mo ago

Is it really that serious though lol? Missing your stop because a guy played guitar on the subway is kind of a you problem. I get that he was good but being 20 minutes late is more about not paying attention than him being too talented.