What is it called when a song keeps repeating in your head?

The phenomenon of a song continuously repeating in your mind, even after it's no longer playing, is commonly known as an earworm or brainworm.

Understanding the "Earworm" Phenomenon

An earworm, also sometimes referred to as sticky music or stuck song syndrome, describes a catchy or memorable piece of music (or even a saying) that persistently occupies a person's mind, often involuntarily. It's that feeling when a tune gets "stuck" on repeat in your mental playback, becoming a background soundtrack to your thoughts.

Why Do Songs Get Stuck in Your Head?

While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, earworms are often linked to several factors that make a song particularly "sticky":

• Catchy Melodies: Songs with simple, repetitive, and memorable melodies are more prone to becoming earworms.
• Repetition and Exposure: Recently heard songs, especially those played frequently, have a higher chance of looping in your mind.
• Emotional Connection: Songs associated with strong emotions or personal memories can become more persistent.
• Cognitive Loop: When your brain is not fully occupied, it might default to playing a familiar tune, creating a continuous loop.
• Unfinished Business: Sometimes, a song might get stuck because your brain is trying to "finish" an incomplete musical phrase or memory.

Common Characteristics of Earworms

Earworms typically share several common traits that contribute to their stickiness:

• They are often pop songs, advertising jingles, or simple children's tunes.
• They tend to be short segments (like a chorus) rather than entire songs.
• They are usually upbeat and have a fast tempo.
• They often feature unusual or distinctive musical patterns.

Strategies to Dislodge an Earworm

While earworms are generally harmless, they can sometimes be annoying. Here are a few common strategies people use to get rid of a persistent tune:

• Listen to the Song Fully: Sometimes, hearing the song all the way through can satisfy your brain's need for completion and make it stop looping.
• Engage Your Brain: Occupy your mind with a mentally demanding task, like solving a puzzle, reading a complex article, or working on a challenging project. This can redirect cognitive resources away from the song.
• Switch to a New Song: Intentionally listen to another catchy song to replace the current earworm.
• Chew Gum: Some studies suggest that the act of chewing gum can interfere with the auditory memory loop, potentially making earworms less persistent.
• Acceptance: Sometimes, the best approach is to simply acknowledge the earworm and trust that it will eventually fade on its own without you actively trying to suppress it.

Earworm Aspects at a Glance