There seemed to have been a decades long lull that has come to an end. Subway cars are once again a common site for seeking funds and hearing, “I’m so sorry to bother you.” or “It’s show time folks.”

The stories and the approaches differ, looks of need vary, but the request for money does not.

A young man, husky in build, wearing chinos, baseball hat, and sports jersey entered the car. A few moments later he announced to those around him that he would sing  “The Wizard of Oz.”   While he sang, “We’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz, because, because, because, because, because of the wonderful things he does….” his arms swung in wide arcs back and forth and his feet managed a simple two-step flowing with the movement of the train.

He sang loudly and off-key. There were no requests for an encore.

Then he walked off the car without another word or gesture.

I was not alone in my surprise that he had offered his performance for free.