What Earworm is Bugging You Right Now?

Every now and then, a catchy song drifts into our minds, insisting on staying even when we wish it would disappear. These are known as earworms, and they can be both stimulating and frustrating. Here, we explore some recent earworms that have plagued us, their potential origins, and tips for getting rid of them.

The Power of Catchy Tunes: Songs that Bug Us

At this very moment, my mind is occupied by the intro song for the PBS Kids show “Nature Cat.” How does one simply walk around with the sound of a kids’ show stuck in their head? Loco Contigo by Los Lonely Boys seemed to sneak into my thoughts yesterday at work, and I found myself humming the tune until I couldn’t control it anymore. It was only after a colleague suggested I shut it out that I resorted to plugging in earphones, listening to music for the rest of the day.

Another song that keeps running through my mind is “Begging” by Saves the Day. While it is genuinely catchy, it can be a bit irksome. On the other hand, there are earworms that don’t really bug us. For instance, “Those Were the Days” by Damian McGinty is a terrific song that doesn’t bother me.

Classic Melodies with a Twist

One of the most enduring earworms for me has been the 1989 song “You Got It” by Roy Orbison. This classic musical version of “War of the Worlds” has been haunting me for the past seven days. While the electronic vibe of the latter part of the song might sound a bit amusing to modern ears, it’s a great melody, and the best way to cure any stuck earworm is to listen to something you love, even if it’s cheesy electronic music.

Tributes to Guitar Greats

When it comes to exceptional guitarists, names like Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Steve Lukather, Robin Trower, Tommy Bolin, Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, and George Lynch come to mind. These musicians understand melody and how to write music that showcases the guitar in its finest light. Their ability to express emotion and craft powerful melodies is astonishing. However, the 16th notes they play must be purposeful and truthful to the song; otherwise, it risks being one-dimensional and devoid of any melody.

Soothing Distractions with Irksome Tunes

The earworm that has been occupying my thoughts for the past 15 hours is “Loop de Loop” by the band Ween, which I lovingly named Todd. Today, it feels strange when my classmate is on the floor having a seizure, and my other classmate is frantically yelling at me to do something because I can't hear. My senses are distracted by the disturbing yet soothing sound of Todd’s music. It’s almost like an ear massage, but with a twist of fear and anxiety. Eventually, when the paramedics came to rescue my classmate, they also noticed me and offered a pair of tweezers to probe my ear for Todd. The doctor examining Todd remarked that I was weird, tossing my poor worm to the floor. Feeling mortified, pissed, and annoyed by the society’s lack of understanding for non-human life, I bent down to pick up my earworm. But just as I did, a foot from hell appeared, and Todd met a tragic end. I yelled at the culprit to take responsibility for his actions, but the impact of the incident is already fading as I plug in my earphones once again, blocking out all preoccupations, and resuming the soothing, yet haunting melody of “Loop de Loop.”

Tips for Eradicating Earworms

While some songs inevitably become earworms, here are a few tips to help banish them from your mind:

Listen to music you love: Listening to music that you enjoy will help distract your mind and reduce the chances of an earworm taking hold. Change your environment: Moving to a different environment, such as a park or a different room, can help break the cycle of an earworm. Engage in a different activity: Focusing on a different task, like doing puzzles, reading, or gardening, can help you forget the tune. Memorize something new: Try to learn a new poem, song, or organizational task to replace the mental space that an earworm occupies.

Understanding the psychology behind earworms can provide a deeper appreciation for the songs that stick in our heads. If you want to share what earworm is currently torturing you, feel free to leave a comment below, and let’s discuss our experiences!