Why Love Songs Are Badass

I spent ten years researching and writing a book about love songs.

I learned many things, but two facts stand out:

1. Everybody knows hundreds of romantic love songs, and can even sing along—because the words are deeply embedded in our memory.

2. Most people are extremely embarrassed about this, and don’t want anyone to know.

You can’t deny it. Every one of you knows the words to a bunch of sentimental, icky-sweet songs—but would hate to admit it to your friends.

By the way, you will probably retain these lyrics in your memory at the very end of your life, even after you have forgotten so many other things. That’s how powerfully we are attached to this music.