Expert: Christopher Rosch - 1/10/2006

Question
Why is it that we can recall the words to music years after we last heard a song. Even if we only heard it a few times we can remember the words (some of which dont make a lot of sense!)we can recall it, yet we cannot recall information we learned at the same time which wasnt set to music or rhyme? Is there any experimental evidence to suggest how this could be exploited?

Answer
Hello Diane,

Facts (like words) are not easy to memorize as plain facts. It is, however, much easier if you are able to connect the facts somehow to any previously (or concurrently) made experience or emotion. That's the reason we "jump" from thought to thought, following through a chain of associations which is incomprehensible by others.

Rhyme and meter (as in poetry) are ancient methods to support memory. Only by these means narrators were able to recite epics like the Illiad or Odyssey in ancient times; today, many songs still make us of these means, making it easier to sing along or recall song texts.

But the same mechanism also works with pictures or smells and especially emotions instead of music. However, this may be less obvious for most people. I guess you will find that your most intense memories are connected to strong emotions. In my case, I can't recall song texts very well, even from songs I played dozens of times, but find it easier to recall content related to pictures. I guess, it depends on the person.

The mechanism of memorizing through association is well established in science. In fact, learning, memory and recollection are central topics in neuroscience. But since it isn't my field of work i can't give you any more details on your last question. Hope this helps anyway...

Best regards,
Christopher