Songs In Our Heads

It all began on that Monday when DJ Mayhem Mike from the local radio station ended his morning broadcast talking about a study that was recently announced where researchers found that when you have a song in your head on any particular day it means something about how your day will go. For most people it will only be two three lines of a song that keep repeating itself.

“It can feel maddening, but it can actually be a good thing explaining thoughts that are perseverating in the atmosphere, trying to move your life forward.” DJ Mayhem Mike continued, “think of it as the universe trying to help you along dudes and dudettes! That is it for me today, let’s talk again tomorrow.”

Well Big Dave heard the broadcast at the gas pump while he was pumping a twenty into his motorcycle. He was tired and it was the start of another week. He had been working six days a week for the last nine weeks at Artie’s Auto and Motorcycle repair. Business was booming since Covid happened as people could not afford to buy new vehicles, so they were investing more in repairs. Big Dave was an expert mechanic and Artie needed him but he was tired and the song from Todd Rundgren “Bang On The Drum” popped into his head. Only the lines

“I don’t wanna work! I just wanna bang on the drums all day!”

Big Dave kept singing the same two lines over and over. He hopped back on his bike and he remembered the broadcast he had heard from DJ Mayhem Mike. He smiled while still humming then slapping the bars of his bike and pulling out his cell.

“Hey Artie!"

“Dave where the hell are you? I’ve got three customers waiting and a shit ton of work to do!”

“Artie, man I don’t know if you heard about that study where a song stays in your head and means the universe is trying to tell you something.”

“What the fuck are you talking about? Dave, I haven’t got time for this shit.”

“So listen Artie, Todd Rundgren’s song, “Bang On The Drum” is in my head and I don’t want to work today. I need a day!"

“Listen Dave, I don’t know what kind of crap you have been smoking. Get your ass in here or you can take all the days you need!”

Dave smiled and hit end. It wasn’t clear whether Dave understood he was being fired, but he sped off down I 95 towards the shore. On the way he stopped at old instrument shop bought pair of bongos which were close enough to drums and he could fit in the compartment on his bike.

After Big Dave there was the case of Ian and Marc who were already down at the shore. They had just tied the knot and wanted a home of their own so they could move out of Ian’s parent’s basement apartment. The housing market was ridiculous, and they also wanted something near the coast. They heard DJ Mike’s broadcast while having coffee just as Marc started singing “Home” by Philip Phillips. Again, it was only a line

“Know you're not alone, I’m going to make this place your home.”

They both looked at each other decided that the universe was trying to tell them something as Ian had just found an open house that was happening that day, on a Monday, for a house down by the beach that needed some work, but it might be a little less of an asking price.

When they showed up the place was in need of some repairs, and it was small but cozy. Ian saw potential for a garden in the side yard. Marc loved breakfast nook and kitchen space. Unfortunately, their hopes were dashed when the realtor, Anna told them the asking price. Their dismay was obvious and they told her about the broadcast they heard earlier and how Phillip Phillips song was in Marc’s head. Anna nodded and watched them walk away with their heads hanging low. She quickly called the buyer and explained that she had people interested in the house, a young couple who needed a break and if there was any wiggle room.

Marc and Ian were still lingering outside still thinking of the plans they had for the cozy cottage, when Anna came flying out the door and down the steps.

“The seller will come down to meet your offer. She wants you to have the cottage as I told her you would love it and not tear it down for a mega mansion!”

The screams of joy and jumping from Anna, Marc and Ian could be heard up and down the coast.

Marc and Ian thanked Anna before they ran over to the beach where they met Big Dave who was playing the bongos.

Anna was all smiles as she finally made her first sale and a house that seemed unsellable, she sold it to a couple that will see its potential and love it. She did a little jig in the house herself.

What she didn’t tell Marc and Ian was she also heard the same broadcast from DJ Mayhem Mike and a song of affirmation had been playing in her head all morning.

“The Best” by Tina Turner. Just the lines “You’re simply the best, Better than all the rest!”

Even though the song was about love, Anna felt the universe was giving her confidence to sell this house. She locked up the cottage and took the juice and plate of cookies from the open house with her as she headed over to the beach to celebrate.

Then there was little Jorge who was looking for his dog, Brandy who had been lost for two days. His mom told him to check the beach as she has had the song “Brandy” by Looking Glass in her head since yesterday. She said that she heard a DJ talking about songs in your head meaning something. So, fourteen-year-old Jorge walked up and down the beach yelling for “Brandy, You're a fine girl.”

While Jorge was looking for Brandy and the others were dancing, another woman, Sydney was driving with her dog, Pebbles. She had heard DJ Mike’s dialogue earlier and had Jackson Browne’s song, “Rock Me On The Water” and decided the universe was telling her to go to the coast as the line in her head, “I’ll get down to the sea somehow” kept repeating over and over.

Sydney’s dog Pebbles rolled her eyes as Sydney listened to Jackson Browne every day, so maybe that is why one of his songs played in her brain. Sydney parked her car and Pebbles jumped out as they heard people singing and laughing, but also a boy calling for his dog. Pebbles took off running towards the water as another dog came out of the beachgrass and ran with her.

Jorge yelled “Brandy!” as his beloved pup came running towards him. Sydney smiled as Pebbles came running back towards her.

“See I told you we had to get to the sea for a reason.”

Jorge, Brandy, Sydney, and Pebbles joined the others who were dancing to Big Dave’s bongos.

They all shared their stories about what brought them to the beach that day and decided it was the universe. Ian then shouted that we should do a love train. Wait another song by the O’Jays!

And that is a story about how the myths of songs in our heads came to be.

Author's note if any of these songs end up in your head, Enjoy! They are some of my favorites and you can thank me later!

Thanks for reading!