The Secret to Making a Catchy Song

By Genevieve Blandin de Chalain

ABC New England

Music

Sunday, 2 Aug 2026, 9:13 am

Short version:

Experts say a song called Eastern Rosellas is catchy because it has a part that repeats.

A 7-year-old boy named Miles thought of the song while feeding birds.

The song has been covered by many musicians, including Meg Washington and Ben Lee.

There is a song about a bird that you can't stop thinking about.

What makes the song Eastern Rosellas so catchy?

The song is very popular and has been covered by many musicians.

Experts think there is a formula that makes the song stick in your head.

Musicians think the song is popular because it is happy and fun.

Childhood fun

Ben Lee covered the song Eastern Rosellas.

Ben Lee thinks the song is popular because people want happy music.

Ben Lee said music has become too corporate.

The song Eastern Rosellas reminds us of why we love music.

Miles said he thought of the song while feeding birds.

Miles was inspired by the birds at his grandparents' house.

Ben Lee said the song is special because it is made by humans.

The song is unpredictable.

Repetition helps

A music expert said repetition is key to making a catchy song.

The expert said many songs use repetition.

The expert said contiguous repetition is important.

The expert said repetition helps a song get stuck in your head.

The song repeats a part, which makes it catchy.

The repetition makes the song stick in your head.

Color in darkness

Ben Lee said the song's timing and authenticity make it special.

Ben Lee said the song's innocence is what people love.

Ben Lee said the world is a dark place right now.

Things are scary for people.

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