How do Songs Get Stuck in Your Head?

Now, according to this fascinating PBS special, it takes the same brain functions in listening to music as to play it back.

We all get tunes stuck in our heads, I know I'm not the only one. Usually it's what we just heard on the CD player, the radio, etc. (I still have tape in my car)

I have to tell you, I usually only have 4-6 measures going through my head normally.

I hate when it's a stupid jingle. I like better when it's classical, because then it may be a whole movement of a symphony. It may be a whole metal song. Or an opera aria.

But lately, I've had the "Sound of Music", or some of the Jets songs from "West Side Story". Tonight, flu-ridden that I'm about to become, I have "The Whole Wide World in His Hands". Now, where does this shyte come from?

I'd love to hear other's opinions on this matter. Personally, I don't usually have a choice, although Berlioz's Symphonie Fantasic usually can clear shyte, especially the last movement where they hang the witch.

This seemed like the right venue.

OK, the couch is calling me. As is Spartans, a satire on 300.

BTW, yes, I am a musician if that makes a difference.

Whenever I get a song stuck in my head that I can't stand, I go out of my way to listen to stuff I like to get rid of it.

i usually slap my head really hard and yell "GET OUT! GET OUT!"

lol.

but in seriousness, this is interesting to know as i am in a class right now talking about brain structures, neurons, etc etc.

I only ever get Christmas songs stuck in my head....all year round.

I actually get songs stuck in my head during hockey games when the play is in offensive zone... then once it crosses the red line, I hit my mental "pause" till the puck is gone.

I've also been known to actually sing in the crease a few times as well (BTW- no music is played at our games)

Jagged, you are really evil!

Havoc wrote:

Jagged, you are really evil!

You've had that stuck in your head for a month now have you?

cehnehdeh wrote:

Havoc wrote:

Jagged, you are really evil!

You've had that stuck in your head for a month now have you?

Oh no. I've been away and sick.

Havoc wrote:

cehnehdeh wrote:

Havoc wrote:

Jagged, you are really evil!

You've had that stuck in your head for a month now have you?

Oh no. I've been away and sick.

Hope you're feeling 100% now.