Cassie's Cranky Corner
Song Addictions, Random Mind Orchestrations, and Why We Burst Out In Song
Cassandra Lobiesk
After humming, bobbing to the beat, and typing the lyrics to my online friends, I have realized that the song I am currently listening to is in a word: addictive. It’s that kind of song that refuses to leave the back of your mind after being stuck in there for so long. And after hearing it over and over and over again, you just want it to stop. But what exactly merits an addicting song? And why are we so prone to unconsciously burst out singing the particular song after minutes of silence?
Addicting Songs
Face it, when you’ve repeated the same song over ten times and started singing to it even without the musical accompaniment, you’re completely addicted. Addicting songs can come from any angle. It can be a crazy dance beat, a rock n’ roll piece you end up liking due to massive playing of Guitar Hero, a singsong chant your friends made about you, a song in a foreign language, something you’ve heard from a commercial, or—heaven forbid—a pop jingle.
If you have suffered through any of those above examples, then I’m sorry to say, you have been a victim of what I’d like to call S.A.S. (Song Addiction Syndrome). And there’s really nothing to help with that, maybe except get another song stuck in your head (in which case, you’re never going to get out of the never-ending circle of pain and torture). You can try to prevent S.A.S. by covering your ears as popular or catchy tunes come your way. You can even use ear plugs and walk around with them if you’re extra cautious. However, no matter how hard you try, these songs will find you. Trust me; you don’t even have to do anything to get a song stuck in your head. This makes addicting songs dangerous.
Random Mind Orchestrations
Now, when it gets to the point that the song you’re addicted to is accompanied by instruments when it runs through your head, then you’re in even bigger trouble! Once violins, trumpets, and guitars start blaring in your mind, you’re pretty much a goner. There is no cure for S.A.S. at this point. Have you heard of the Banana Phone phenomena? Well, here’s a little link to one of the most addicting jingles you’ll ever hear (I warn you, this is not for the lighthearted and the badger-haters!): http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/badgerphone
There are countless people with miniature orchestras in their heads, and frankly, some of them would rather not have the trumpets randomly blaring inside, thank you very much. Unfortunately, for those who can’t seem to turn their music off, that’s okay! Just learn to go with the flow!
Bursting Into Song
The saying “If you can’t beat them, join them!” fits rather well with the S.A.S. So if you can’t get the song out of your head, just sing along with it! Don’t be shy, burst into glorious music! Do you wonder why your friends just start singing songs in the middle of a silent afternoon? Well, it can’t be helped that S.A.S. has taken over their sanities. So just do them a favor and let them sing (you can even join along if you like!). And if you’re the one experiencing full-blown S.A.S., then you know what to do. Prepare the props, prepare the dress, and get ready to make a musical out of it (just not those cheesy high school ones…).
Because of the orchestra, she is forced to burst out in song. Poor Olive!
Note: The author is in no way responsible for anything you get addicted to after reading this article. It’s your own faults that you even chose to read Cassie’s Cranky Corner anyway...