Homeless Man Plays Beautiful Version Of “Bohemian Rhapsody”
It was so sad when he got to the “I’m just a poor boy” part.
Kathleen Shipman
03.25.20

It’s not unusual to hear music coming from the sidewalks of big city streets.

Many performers take their skills to populated areas trying to earn money – and if the internet has taught us anything, some of them are extremely talented.

flickr/Martin Leveneur
Source:
flickr/Martin Leveneur

One video that’s blown viewers away features a homeless man playing “Bohemian Rhapsody” out on a Denver city sidewalk.

However, he’s not your typical busker with his own instrument.

He beautifully performs the tune using a public piano, singing the lyrics as well.

Fortunately, another person had turned on his camera and captured the impromptu rendition, which currently has more than 242K “likes” on YouTube!

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

Homelessness is a problem in our nation that affects hundreds of thousands. According to a 2018 report from HUD, “on a single night” that year, approximately 553,000 people in the U.S. experienced homelessness.

The performance was filmed during the summer and the man in the video was homeless at the time.

Unfortunately, that’s the only detail the description provides us with – but it’s his talent that’s leaving people awestruck.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

After being encouraged to start “from the beginning,” the guy begins playing Queen’s mega-hit that many of us still can’t get enough of.

The tune to “Bohemian Rhapsody” can be heard as he plays the notes, and he softly sings the words too. It doesn’t take long to realize that he’s got some musical talent, with his piano skills really shining through.

One viewer commented:

“so beautiful, he plays with the heart ♥️”

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

There are only a couple of strangers sitting nearby as the man is playing “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It’s a shame though, as it’s a moving performance.

He’s using a “Your Keys to the City” public piano that encourages passersby to stop and enjoy tickling the ivories. A sign can be seen on the side of the artfully decorated instrument that says, “We invite you to play this piano at your leisure.”

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

The combination of the music, his singing, and the heart-pulling lyrics might just leave a lump in your throat.

At one point, he stumbles on the keys. But with encouragement, he jumps back into the ballad portion of “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

YouTube Screenshot
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YouTube Screenshot

Although the pianist doesn’t perform Queen’s entire six-minute song, he does go into the unforgettable operatic segment.

U Discover Music shared that the late frontman Freddie Mercury once said:

“It is one of those songs which has such a fantasy feel about it. I think people should just listen to it, think about it, and then make up their own minds as to what it says to them.”

Facebook/Queen
Source:
Facebook/Queen

“Bohemian Rhapsody” has had a successful path well beyond its 1975 release.

To name a few accolades, it was announced as the 20th century’s “most streamed song,” and the music video currently has over 1.1 billion views on YouTube. It’s also been in the Grammy Hall of Fame since 2004.

Facebook/Queen
Source:
Facebook/Queen

While there are various artists who’ve covered “Bohemian Rhapsody” amazingly (like Pentatonix and Jennifer Nettles), this simple performance is also one you don’t want to miss.

Another viewer commented:

“Wonderful playing! I enjoyed hearing him quietly singing also! Beautiful”

Someone else shared:

“Its heartwarming to stumble upon a video like this one especially with all the crazy that’s happening around the world now”

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

You can watch this fantastic impromptu performance for yourself below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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