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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

Readers’ replies: why does a song sometimes get stuck in our heads – and what makes an earworm?

Los Angeles Mickey Tom Lehrer Brain Smiths
Photo of ABBA and Bjorn ULVAEUS and Agnetha FALTSKOG and AnniFrid LYNGSTAD and Benny ANDERSSONUNITED STATES - OCTOBER 02: RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL Photo of ABBA and Bjorn ULVAEUS and Agnetha FALTSKOG and AnniFrid LYNGSTAD and Benny ANDERSSON, Group performing on stage L-R Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson (playing accordion) (Photo by Gai Terrell/Redferns)
Don’t Shut Me Down … Abba plead for their earworm. Photograph: Gai Terrell/Redferns

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

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