Of Earworms And Rickrolls

I could scarcely get rid of it for an instant. It is quite a common thing to be thus annoyed with the ringing in our ears, or rather in our memories, of the burthen of some ordinary song, or some unimpressive snatches from an opera.

-Edgar Allan Poe, from The Imp of the Perverse, believed to be the first mention of an earworm, defined as “a catchy song that continually runs through a person’s mind”.

There is one thing you never do as a writer. You never quote lyrics. If you do, you are heading into dangerous territory, one that can lead to lawyers and litigation. Fortunately, the song I chose for Darkness Below is such an internet phenomenon, I didn’t need to use the lyrics. All I needed to do was drop a name.

Rick Astley in 1987

 I’m referring to the Rickroll.

The whole thing started in 1987 when English singer Rick Astley released “Never Gonna Give You Up.” The single hit number one in 25 countries. Not everyone was a fan. VH1 proclaimed it one of the 50 Most Awesomely Bad Songs...Ever. Whatever their opinion of the song, there was one thing listeners couldn’t deny. “Never Gonna Give You Up” was a damn catchy song. Damn catchy.

What exactly is a Rickroll?

It’s the Internet’s version of the classic bait-and-switch. It starts when someone posts a link that seems relevant to whatever topic is being discussed. Then, when the link is clicked, up pops the video for “Never Gonna Give You Up”. And the song, like any good earworm, is planted in your head. And it stays there. You hear it over and over again. For days. It basically derails any situation and demands you sing along. Or scream. The decision is up to you.

In 2007, the song was turned into a political weapon. Protesters blasted the song in front of the Church of Scientology, drowning out the drone of religious officials. And in 2016, the band Foo Fighters and their fans rickrolled the Westboro Baptist Church, disrupting a group infamous for their hateful protests.

So when my character, Ellen Logan, needed something to distract a villain, it seemed only appropriate that she use “Never Gonna Give You Up”. I won’t give away how she did it. You’ll just have to read it : )

I also have no intention of rickrolling you, dear readers, but I’ve included a link to the video below. Also included is the top twenty list of the ultimate earworm songs, which includes one of my favorites, “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars.

Want to Rickroll? You have no one to blame but yourself if you click on the Rick Astley poster.

Click here if you want to learn more about the top 20 earworms of all time.