This is why we listen to the same song so often

When I scroll through the gigantic music list on my phone, I often click on that one age-old familiar song again. I prefer to put it on repeat, because I just can't get enough of it. I'm talking about ‘Youth’ by Daughter, a rather dramatic song, but I love it.

How is it that we can listen to the same song for years, day in and day out? And while new music is constantly being released. Isn't that striking? Is it because of the lyrics that we get better at understanding, a certain beat that sticks, or is there something else behind it? I want to know more about this, of course.

Various scientists have conducted research on this, but a clear outcome is not yet available. Still, there are a few theories that explain why we keep choosing that one song:

That one song reduces stress
We humans secretly love routine, including with music. When we put our favorite song on repeat, it creates repetition and that repetition brings us calm. This is because routine can alleviate stress, for example in times when we are overwhelmed by a significant event. Think of it as maintaining control over something during a period when many new and unexpected things come your way. Despite everything, you are still in charge of that one song. Nice, right? Additionally, various studies have shown that our favorite song releases dopamine, so it's not surprising that we like to listen to our go-to song in stressful times.

That one song can alleviate our pain
A study from the University of Michigan explained that people listen to the same song repeatedly because of the emotions it can evoke in them. For example, a cheerful song can help alleviate pain when you feel sad. Conversely, a sad song can help you have a good cry when you need it. In short, certain songs can have a therapeutic effect. That one song can motivate us, cheer us up, or help us through our pain. Beautiful, right?

That one song is part of our identity
This may sound a bit airy-fairy, but it means that we can feel a connection with certain songs, for example because we recognize ourselves in the lyrics, melody, or the feeling that the song evokes. Sometimes you hear a song that sounds exactly like your feeling, you know? Every time we listen to this song, it feels like home; it has become a part of our identity.

Source: metronieuws