On a blustery Sunday afternoon, the rain stopped and the people of Paris came out to stroll in the Tuileries gardens. Boys and fathers sailed model boats on the pond, young mothers pushed well-sprung prams, chatting all the while.
But nobody chose to loiter on the benches between the trees, and the buskers, with cold fingers and serious faces, had a difficult time attracting a crowd.
Jardins Tuileries, 1976
Thanks to Sue for this week’s Word a Week Photo prompt, Music.
The Wanderlust Gene 
Oh, he does look cold! I always find these young buskers so endearing (provided they sound good, of course!) Lovely photo.
So young, he looks! Do kids today look as young as they did back then, I wonder. Sometimes when I look around the innocent faces seem to be the exception, making me think kids are growing up too soon.
He was doing a Bob Dylan rip off, I think – folk goes solo rock 🙂
Wherever his life took him from there, he’ll never forget the days he spent playing his guitar on the streets of Paris.
No, I’m sure he won’t. I doubt he’s still got the hat though – I wonder if he remembers what happened to it?
I’d love a hat like that, I hope he kept it all this time
Very 70s.
You remember, Debra?
Seems like some things never really change…
No – maybe the clothes, a little 🙂
Please allow me to disagree – the prices change, but not necessarily the clothes. 1970’s old rags now sell for a bundle in trendy “vintage stores”. I’ll bet the ten-dollar jacket that busker is wearing would raise a couple hundred today… 🙂
Oh wow – really? Of course, you’re right – i’ve been living off the loop too long!
Reblogged this on A Word in Your Ear and commented:
The Wanderlust Gene has come up with a gem of a picture – check it out – in response to the A WORD A WEEK CHALLENGE – MUSIC
Thaanks Sue – glad you enjoyed the oldie 🙂
Oh how I love buskers. They make life seem so easy.
Yeah, they’re very out there, aren’t they?
So a la “Chocolat”
Yes, I suppose – though I wasn’t Chocolat more in the 50-60s?
the Johnny Depp movie was 2000, but the connection to me was the physical resemblance here
One of my all-time favorite words. It perked my ears a few years ago when Johnny Depp used it. I think he was talking about busking in Paris. I can picture him now with some Django Reinhart-era acoustic guitar down in the metro with his chapeau covering his face. Playing a timeless melody, busking for euros – or is it francs?
Definitely Francs! 🙂
You’ve made me want to throw some cash in his hat. Wait he still has his hat on. Perhaps his guitar case?
You know, I can’t remember, Michelle – but there was sure to be something at their feet! 🙂
What I love is the timelessness of this picture. It seems like it could have been taken anytime in the last 40-50 years! One of the things I love about Paris. Thanks for sharing a great moment, frozen in time.
Well, you’re spot on with the dating! You’re right though (even if it seems very strange that my lifetime is becoming ‘antique’), it’s a timeless scene that Paris can guarantee these days.
Reblogged this on parislux and commented:
Funny how this has not changed in Paris. The model boats… However you ll find musicien out of the parks and rarely in any more.
The parks atmosphère in Paris, is Still one of the nicest things, for young to old…
Oh how sad! Have they been chased out by the law, or is it more lucrative in the subways and other busy places?
Thanks for the reblog 🙂
Actually I don t know. I ll inquire and let you know.
Cool. This image tells the whole story by itself. Great.
I thought so too, Cardinal G, till Hopeje said the musicians don’t play much in the parks any more.
excellent picture meredith, weak sunshine, thick clothes, intense young face, recognisable pond … just superb!
Ummm – you remember! 🙂
too true!
1976… good grief. It’s a classic shot though 🙂