“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination
and life to everything.”
~ Plato
After a few days of being housebound I was looking forward to an early Saturday breakfast yesterday at a favourite cafe, so with the weekend papers tucked under our arm off we went, just after dawn.
The morning started out overcast and cool. We went for a quick walk on the beach but decided not to swim. Coffee was calling and rain clouds were lowering in the sky above us.
Uplift Festival is on in Byron right now so the cafe quickly filled with diners, all of whom sat solo or in small groups, sipping their fresh juices and hot drinks, lost in their own little worlds. It was a quiet and thoughtful group of paper readers and journal writers. Rain began to fall, the temperature dropped, and all the while music played softly in the background. It was a restful and relaxed vibe. And the coffee was sublime.
The cafe uses Pandora for their music, which often gives a quirky mix. Yesterday it seemed to be mostly Eighties playlists. A few times I caught the sound of someone quietly humming or singing along to a particular tune while they ate their breakfast, seemingly unaware of where they were. It made me smile.
But then something magical happened.
Queen’s beautiful and very long Bohemian Rhapsody came on. One by one the voices joined in, softly singing the familiar words. One of the staff cranked up the volume…

Soon every person in the cafe was singing along.
The cafe owner, standing behind the counter, caught my eye and we smiled stupidly at each other, after which he played some awesome air guitar. Truly, this song lends itself to air guitar.
We all sang louder. A few more air guitars and some hand drums joined in.
By the time the song finished we were collectively cracked open with joy.
No one said anything. The music got turned back down. We all just smiled and went back to drinking coffee.
The happiness was tangible.
I love my town!
I can’t find a place to comment to your life saving posts. You always save me Nicole I’m glad you’re doing better it gives me so much encouragement
Thank you so much, Joann! I’m glad to be doing better too. Biggest love and hugs to you xoxo
Delightful post! Glad to hear you are feeling better.
What a magic moment!
This post made me smile silly. Those moments are in and of themselves-the best.
I love me some Queen …
Music saved my life. I kid not!
Great story, Nicole — ROCK ON!
So sweet. Thank you for sharing. My heart is full of joy.
can just picture the scene…it’s the “Holiday Season”… we sing for joy!
Love this – I have shared on Common Grounds facebook page I hope you dont mind. 🙂 Kirra
Love 🙂 The children at the school where I work were finishing off some little end of year projects, when they spontaneously all started singing jingle bell rock in their sweet little voices. The teacher and I just looked at each other and smiled 🙂
Lovely mind image. The way it should be xxx
Wonderful! I love Byron spontaneity, fun, outbursts of love& hugging – love my home town…Thank you for sharing as I am inBrisbane minding my families dogs while they are on holiday..feeling bit homesick…..look forward to returning after. Xmas Day for some extra Joy & Peace. Hope your feeling a bit better today.. I so enjoyed hearing the news of your latest Blood test…well done Lyme Warrior. Love Lyn xx
This was cool
Sounds like top shelf medicine for the soul Nx