You’ve just finished watching a catchy commercial or listening to a popular song on the radio, and suddenly, the tune is stuck in your head, replaying over and over. This phenomenon is known as an “earworm”—a catchy piece of music that continuously occupies your mind. While earworms are generally harmless, they can sometimes be distracting or even irritating. So, are there ways to get rid of them? Fortunately, there are several strategies you can try.
Before delving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand why earworms occur. The term “earworm” comes from the German word “Ohrwurm,” and it typically refers to a short section of a song that loops repeatedly in one’s mind. Earworms are thought to occur due to the brain’s tendency to fill gaps in auditory input and its affinity for patterns and repetition. Songs with simple, catchy melodies and repetitive lyrics are more likely to become earworms.
Strategies For Banishing Earworms
Listen to the Song in Full
Sometimes, playing the entire song can help resolve the loop. By listening to the song from start to finish, you give your brain a sense of closure, which can help release the tune from your mind.
Engage in a Different Activity
Distracting your mind with another task can shift your focus away from the earworm. Activities that require concentration, such as reading, solving puzzles, or engaging in a conversation, can help redirect your thoughts.
Listen to a Different Song
Introducing a new song to your mind can replace the earworm. Choose a song that is not as catchy or repetitive to avoid substituting one earworm for another.
Chew Gum
Some studies suggest that chewing gum can help reduce the occurrence of earworms. The rhythmic motion of chewing might interfere with the brain’s auditory processing, diminishing the persistence of the tune.
Focus on the Ending
If a particular part of the song is stuck, try to recall the ending or the subsequent part. This can help complete the mental loop, allowing your mind to move on.
Use a “Cure” Song
Some people have a specific song or piece of music that acts as a “cure” for earworms. Find a song that reliably distracts or soothes you and play it when an earworm strikes.
Write It Down
Sometimes, acknowledging the earworm by writing down the lyrics or melody can help. This action externalizes the tune and may reduce its hold on your mind.
Examples of Recent Earworms
If you dare to listen to these songs, I command you. Some of these songs have been stuck in my head in recent memory. Whenever I try to go to sleep, they pop up and don’t back down.
The first example is very catchy due to its guitar riff and constant repetition. The song comes from the Australian band Parcels. They’re famous for their funky sound, reminiscent of Daft Punk.
The second song has been stuck in my head since finishing the second season of the Netflix series “Monsters”. The season follows the Menendez brothers as they go from killing their parents to dealing with the legal aftermath. One of the brothers, Lyle, has an obsession with Milli Vanilli, and this is the song he chooses to play at his parents’ funeral:
Conclusion
While earworms can be persistent and sometimes annoying, they are generally a benign quirk of the human brain. By employing a variety of strategies, you can often reduce their impact or eliminate them altogether. Whether through distraction, replacement, or mindfulness, you have the power to silence the unwanted tunes and regain control of your mental playlist. So, the next time a catchy jingle or chorus invades your thoughts, remember that there are ways to tune it out and bring harmony back to your mind.
