Why does a song sometimes get stuck in our heads – and what precisely makes an earworm?

2026-02-01 - 16:05

The series in which readers answer other readers’ questions explores an ancient, vexed musical conundrum • Readers reply: to shred or not to shred? Is it OK to throw out sensitive documents? I know a song that’ll get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your nerves. I know a so ... you get the gist! Why does a song sometimes get stuck in our heads? (And good luck stopping this one now!) Laura Ashton, Haslemere, Surrey Post your answers (and new questions) below or send them to nq@theguardian.com. A selection will be published next Sunday. Continue reading...