What Happens in Your Brain When You Get LSS

Have you ever had a song pop into your head and just keep playing over and over, no matter how hard you try to stop it? You might be experiencing what’s commonly known as Last Song Syndrome (LSS), or sometimes referred to as an “earworm”. It’s that catchy tune or part of a song that gets stuck in your mind and replays involuntarily. For instance, imagine you’re out with friends at a club one night, and the DJ plays Avicii’s “Levels.” Then, three days later, you find yourself constantly chanting the intro of “Levels” in your head. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This happens to most people, with some studies suggesting that up to 98% of us experience LSS at least once a week.  

What’s Going On in Your Brain with LSS?

When you get LSS, it’s like your brain has its own internal jukebox that keeps playing the same song. The main area involved is the auditory cortex, which is the part of your brain that processes sounds, including music. Researchers have found that when you imagine hearing a song (like when you have LSS), this area becomes active, just as if you were actually listening to the music.  

Memory also plays a big role in LSS. Your brain stores musical memories, and LSS is essentially your brain recalling and replaying a snippet of a song. This can happen even if you don’t consciously try to remember the song.

 

Why Do Some Songs Trigger LSS?

Certain types of songs are more likely to cause LSS than others. These often include:

• Repetitive Songs: Songs with parts that repeat a lot, like the chorus, tend to get stuck easily, leading to LSS. Think of those catchy pop songs that play the same lines over and over! ¹  
• Simple Melodies: Tunes that are easy to remember and hum along to are also common triggers for LSS.  ²
• Familiarity: The more you’ve heard a song recently, the higher the chance it will lead to LSS. That’s why popular songs on the radio often get stuck in our heads.  
• Unexpected Twists: Sometimes, a song with an unusual part or a surprising change can also grab your brain’s attention and cause LSS.  

It’s not just the music itself that contributes to LSS. Things like your mood, stress level, or even just not having much to focus on can make you more prone to LSS. Sometimes, a song might get stuck because it reminds you of a certain memory or event, leading to LSS.  

Is LSS Annoying or Helpful?

For many people, LSS is just a minor, sometimes even amusing, experience. In fact, some research suggests that LSS might actually help with memory, especially for the song itself or for events linked to the music. It might even play a role in regulating your mood.  

However, LSS can also be annoying and distracting, especially if it’s a song you don’t like or if it keeps you from concentrating on other things. Some people even find it frustrating or stressful when they experience LSS.  

How to Get Rid of That Tune Causing LSS

If you find LSS bothersome, there are a few tricks you can try to dislodge the song:

• Listen to the Whole Song: Sometimes, playing the song all the way through can help your brain feel like it’s finished with it, stopping the loop of LSS.  
• Distract Yourself: Try focusing on a different activity that requires concentration, like reading a book, doing a puzzle, or having a conversation. This can shift your mental focus away from the song causing LSS.  
• Listen to a Different Song: Try replacing the song causing LSS with another song. Choose something you like but isn’t too catchy.  
• Sing or Hum It Out Loud: Sometimes, actively engaging with the song by singing or humming it can help you gain control over it and stop LSS.  
• Chew Gum: Believe it or not, some people find that chewing gum can help get rid of LSS.  

When Should You Be Concerned About LSS?

Most instances of LSS are perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. However, if you experience very frequent or distressing LSS that significantly impacts your daily life, it could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In rare cases, persistent musical “hallucinations” (where you think you’re actually hearing music) could indicate a medical condition. If you’re concerned about your LSS, it’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional.  ³

The Bottom Line on LSS

Last Song Syndrome is a common and usually harmless part of the human experience. It offers a glimpse into how our brains process and remember music. While LSS can sometimes be annoying, understanding why it happens and having some strategies to deal with it can help you regain control when that unwanted tune just won’t quit.  

Sources:

• https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/music/your-brain-on-music/your-brain-on-music/your-brain-on-music-earworms/
• https://qbi.uq.edu.au/memory/where-are-memories-stored

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235417631_Contracting_Earworms_The_Roles_of_Personality_and_Musicality ↩︎
2. https://illustratemagazine.com/the-science-behind-why-certain-songs-get-stuck-in-your-head-a-deep-dive-into-earworms/ ↩︎
3. https://www.mdedge.com/neurologyreviews/article/262177/mixed-topics/song-stuck-your-head-what-earworms-reveal-about-health/page/0/1 ↩︎