The great philosophical minstrel show that is life...for Scotty on his Birthday

Two men walking home from work one day turned a corner to find an unusual site. On a street they had walked many times before they ran into a man standing amongst a passing crowd singing out loud. It was no familiar tune or amazing melody. It was a mix of body movement and murmurs with a whistle and a twitch thrown in here and there. Most of the lyrics consisted of grunts and what sounded like occasional laughter. Immediately the two men stop. After a day of staring at computer screens and office memos this stirred their dormant spirit within.
One of the men immediately turned to the other and through a laugh mumbled, “The man must be crazy. His song makes no sense at all.”
His partner nodded at first and then added, “It may be a little odd, but to be honest I’m a little jealous.”
Seeing the puzzling look on his friend’s face he adds, “Well what have we done all day? We sat at work without making so much as a peep while he stood out here singing for all to see. Although he may not make a penny at least he’s creating something new for the world.”
“What will that ever buy him?”
“Nothing I guess. What does your money really buy you? What meaning does it give you?”
“Security, what more could I want?”
With this they both stand quietly drawn to the man who remains bonded to his ballad. After a few minutes incommunicado the opposition simply rebuffs, “meaning.”
“Meaning? You think I don’t have meaning? Why else would I work? Why else would I even try to get up if I didn’t have meaning?”
“That’s not entirely what I mean…”
The conversation is interrupted by the final screeching note from the crooner and ends abruptly as the two wait for the next possible distraction.
As they wait patiently a few feet away glancing, not glaring, the singer hums a few more notes in possible preparation for the encore. But instead he gives in to his own satisfaction and with a look of pleasure approaches his audience.
Walking the short distance through the crowded sidewalk he approaches the two men who notice his approach and signal to each other it’s time to move on.
“Excuse me gentlemen,” they’re caught, “I don’t mean to press you or anything, but I wonder, did you like my diddy?”
Reluctantly they stop and turn. Both looking in opposite directions they offer their limited appreciation.
“I thought it was rather funny, if you don’t mind me saying.” Says the man with meaning.
“It was kind of refreshing.” Offers the jealous one. “But I have to ask, what makes you sing like that? Are you trying to make a point? Or is there some meaning to it?”
“Maybe,” he replies, “what do you think?”
“I think that you are wasting your time. What good comes from you standing out here in front of all these people making an ass out of yourself? Don’t you have a job? Or even a normal life?”
“I have everything I need.” The man acquiesces.
On that note the two men peer at each other and then back at the man.
“Well either way, I enjoyed your singing. Do you have a collections box or anything I can put your tip in?”
Confused the singer repeats with extra emphasis, “I have everything I need.”
Slightly agitated the pessimist sternly adds, “Excuse me, you have nothing.”
“Exactly, I have nothing. And everything.”
Confused the optimistic enquires, “How is that possible?”
“I have my song.” And with an air of renewed confidence the singer quickly turns his back and disappears into the crowd.