Why do songs grow old?

Question

When it comes to good music, some songs are flooring when you hear them the first couple of times - it's like a drug. But as time goes on and you hear it more, the same song gets tiresome. Okay not all but MOST music will lose its effect after repeated listens.. whats the deal?

I'm looking for a scientific explanation on why things get old.

Answer 1

I am not a scientist, but I will guess that your brain finds this new arrangement of sounds stimulating. After it has had this same stimulation over and over it wants to hear or experience new arrangments of sounds.

Answer 2

Our brains are set up to learn.  We enjoy new things and are eager to learn something exciting and different.  Just like with a new pair of shoes, a new car, etc. etc.  They all become "old" very soon, because we tire of it and continue the quest for something new and exciting.  That's why marketing for impulse buying works so well.  We've become gluttens for stimulation and require more and more all the time to become satisfied.  Music has been proven to therapeutic.  It can take us back to a moment in time when heard again.  It can control our heart rate.  It can stimulate us to exercise.  It can soothe us to relax.

Answer 3

this is a very interesting question... wish i had an answer for you.