What a beautiful noise

A few days ago, I had to nip out after my evening class to pick something up at a late-night shop.

And as I walked back home through the streets, I heard something I've not heard in a long time: the murmur and chatter of people sitting outside bars, cafes and restaurants talking to each other.

Yes, they still have to comply with the social distancing rules, which meant that the tables were further apart than normal, there were fewer seats available and you had to show a negative coronavirus test that was no older than 24 hours, but people took that upon them and showed up. 

It's so nice to see some life back on the streets. 

You can sing along with Neil Diamond about the 'great orchestra of life' (as he puts it). The lyrics are in the subtitles:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2GUPnnMxIM

If you're too lazy to click on the link, here are the lyrics in full:

What a beautiful noise
Comin' up from the street
Got a beautiful sound
It's got a beautiful beat

It's a beautiful noise
Goin' on ev'rywhere
Like the clickety-clack
Of a train on a track
It's got rhythm to spare

It's a beautiful noise
And it's a sound that I love
And it fits me as well
As a hand in a glove
Yes it does, yes it does

What a beautiful noise
Comin' up from the park
It's the song of the kids
And it plays until dark

It's the song of the cars
On their furious flights
But there's even romance
In the way that they dance
To the beat of the lights

It's a beautiful noise
And it's a sound that I love
And it makes me feel good
Like a hand in a glove
Yes it does, yes it does
What a beautiful noise

It's a beautiful noise
Made of joy and of strife
Like a symphony played
By the passing parade
It's the music of life

It's a beautiful noise
And it's a sound that I love
And it makes me feel good
Just like a hand in a glove
Yes it does, yes it does

What a beautiful noise
Comin' into my room
And it's beggin' for me
Just to give it a tune