Why do we get songs stuck in our heads? - Big Questions - (Ep. 215)

A weekly show where we endeavor to answer one of your big questions. This week, Tobias Anderson asks, "Why do we get songs stuck in our heads?"

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[MrLinguist]

Naturally the question pops up - can you artificially MAKE a song to become an ear-worm?

[SandyRief]

Why is blue raspberry a flavour? Raspberries aren't blue??

[micahphilson]

92% of people get an earworm at least once a week?! I literally have a song in my head at all times. Even if I don't notice it, a song is there in the back of my mind playing along on its own.

[blindeagle]

I currently have a bunch of songs stuck in my head from the radio in fallout 4 lol

[FloGabbo]

I love this show! So, here`s my question:
How come it is so easy for some people to fall asleep, while for others it`s a real struggle?

I mean, I know some people that fall asleep seconds after they put their heads on the pillow, but for me, it can take up to an hour to do it, even when I`m dead tired.

Thank you and cheers from Transylvania!

[lewisross]

Why is it that I can sort of get an earworm? The whole song gets stuck in my head, and I can change the song that is stuck, but I cant not imagine one. Its weird, and happens at least 6-7 times a day.

[sethgraybeal]

"what are you offering are you offering is it free?" thanks Craig!!!

[Aki-lljg]

The term "Ear worm" is unsettling.

[sixthjayhawk]

Now, I'm going to have "Carwash" stuck in my head. Thanks, Craig.

[MrSideliner]

What determines your favourite colour?

[mandalorian_guy]

You're the red, white, and blue
The funny things you do
America America this is you.

[Apophis]

Craig, I just wanna say... You're hilarious ^ u^

[daviddontknow]

Uploaded 15 seconds ago, this is the earliest I've ever been.

[YAOES]

Why do we cook bacon and bake cookies?

[lumplife]

"Seriously, get out of my head." Get out of my head. Get out of my head...get out of my dreams, and into my car!

[HolaMindy]

I've been singing "Wheezy Waiter" to myself all morning after watching your last video; now I feel like you're just mocking me, sir.

[TheAbashta]

I had the song Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone stuck in my head everyday for around 3 years starting back in 2009.

[vaderkenobifan]

I used to deliver papers to a guy named Tom Jones (not the singer) and I would be tormented by the song IT'S NOT UNUSUAL every time I got to his house. I am a musician and I deal with ear worms, which I get frequently, by learning the songs on guitar or piano. I find it helps a lot and it builds my repertoire.

[Lonestarr]

Ironically, I opened Youtube to listen to a song that was stuck in my head and saw this first.

[marcovela]

when did balloons become a custom to birthday parties and celebrations?