I’m not quite sure how it all started, but I can pinpoint the location: a cozy coffee shop about two weeks ago. The place has a laid-back vibe, featuring a mix of familiar tunes that blend into the background—a selection of soft rock hits that steer clear of anything too avant-garde. The music is as comforting as a warm cup of coffee, designed to create a pleasant atmosphere.
As I pay for my drink, a familiar tune drifts through the air. It’s one I haven’t heard in years: Brenda Russell’s 1988 soul-rock classic, “Piano in the Dark.” That’s when the madness begins.
Day 1
It starts innocently enough. While loading the washing machine, the song’s catchy intro loops in my mind. The slick, polished sound of the 80s sets the scene for the song’s intriguing narrative—a woman questioning the spark in her relationship, only to be drawn back in by her partner’s mysterious piano playing in the dark. I find myself enjoying the tune so much that I even hum along.
Day 2
With the song stuck in my head, I decide to watch the music video on YouTube. This turns out to be a grave mistake, as it firmly embeds every note into my memory. The absurdity of the video baffles me: Brenda brewing tea in real time, tossing playing cards at a hat, and a colossal harp taking center stage. Why the harp? Why not address it in the lyrics? It’s all so confusing.
Day 3
I start to worry about the narrator’s mental state. What if the mysterious piano player is terrible? Maybe he’s bashing out atonal chords in a fit of madness. As I near the 72-hour mark of this earworm, my subconscious begins to alter the lyrics into something ridiculous, turning “Piano in the Dark” into “Piano up his Ass.” I chuckle at this absurdity, only to realize I’m laughing alone, just like the song’s protagonist. Oh dear.
Day 4
I wake up to a serene morning. The sunlight filters in, promising a great day ahead. But just as I step outside, the song floods my mind again—“And then, just as I walk through the door…” Oh no, not again!
Day 5
I feel like Job, tormented for reasons unknown. I can’t even confide in anyone about this relentless mental strain, for fear of spreading the madness. I go about my daily routine, smiling and nodding while internally I’m trapped in 1988, where Brenda Russell wonders about her love life.
Day 6
Perhaps there’s a deeper meaning buried in the lyrics. The mention of a “riddle” intrigues me. Is this the key to reclaiming my sanity? Who is this enigmatic man playing the piano? The video only shows him vaguely, resembling a rock star. Clearly, there’s a mystery afoot.
Day 7
I believe I’ve figured it out. The piano player represents a dark force—maybe even Satan—sitting at a bone-made piano, playing for lost souls like me, ensnared by a song from the past. I also discover that Brenda received Grammy nominations for this track, complicating my conspiracy theories even further.
Day 8
Despair sets in. I feel like an empty vessel, with my life reduced to the relentless loop of this song. No matter what I do, it’s there, haunting me every four minutes and 28 seconds. I meet a friend for lunch, but I can barely concentrate on his words as I feel like a mere conduit for this relentless melody. In a moment of desperation, I casually ask him if he’s ever had a song stuck in his head and how he deals with it.
“Oh sure,” he replies. “I just sing ‘Kumbaya.’”
“‘Kumbaya’? The campfire song?”
“Yeah, it’s like an eraser for other songs. It doesn’t stick around afterwards.”
I’m stunned. I stay seated long after he’s left, contemplating my newfound hope.
Day 9
It works—thank goodness! Whenever “Piano in the Dark” threatens to resurface, I simply switch to “Kumbaya,” and the haunting melody fades like mist. I read up on “Kumbaya” to discover its origins as a heartfelt plea for divine assistance. Slowly, I regain my mental clarity, with two blissful days free from Brenda Russell’s grip. I might even miss it a little, or perhaps I shed a tear when I think of letting go…
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In summary, this article reflects on the intense experience of having an earworm, particularly a nostalgic song that spirals into obsession. It showcases the mental struggle and eventual relief found in a simple remedy, while also connecting to broader themes of understanding and coping with life’s challenges.