A woman celebrating her 75th birthday aboard a New York City subway has caught the internet’s attention after sharing a video of herself asking fellow passengers to sing “Happy Birthday” with her. While the train appeared crowded, only a couple of people eventually joined in, making the moment both awkward and touching for viewers online.
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The video was posted on Instagram by Linda Marcus Smith, who recorded herself speaking to passengers inside a packed subway carriage. In the clip, she addresses the people around her and asks them to participate in a spontaneous birthday song.
Speaking cheerfully to the passengers, she said, “Hey, New York. I’m only gonna do this once in my entire life. This is turned on me, not on you. Today, for the only time in my life, I turned 75 years old, and I want you guys to sing me happy birthday so people in Oregon know New Yorkers are cool. Are you ready? Somebody start it. Okay, I will. Happy birthday. Does anybody get the thing? Nobody? Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday, dear, whatever your name is. Happy birthday to me. Thank you.”
Despite her enthusiastic attempt to get the entire carriage involved, only one or two passengers joined her briefly in singing the birthday song. Most people on the train appeared to remain silent, continuing with their commute.
Take a look here at the clip:
Video caption highlights awkward moment
Sharing the clip on Instagram, Smith added a caption that summed up her experience on the train. It read, “A packed NYC train, and only two people sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to me.”
Internet reacts with mixed emotions
The clip has since gathered several reactions from social media users, many of whom shared their thoughts on the moment. One user wrote, “New Yorkers are always in a rush, but this still made me feel a little sad.” Another commented, “Honestly, I admire her confidence. Not everyone would have the courage to do this.”
A third person added, “This is actually wholesome. At least two people joined in and that counts.” Another user said, “I wish I was there. I would have sung loudly for her.” One commenter wrote, “This shows how disconnected people can be on public transport.” Yet another added, “Still a memorable way to celebrate 75.”
(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)
