Dear Cyril Column

Dear Yahoo!:

What is it about the shower that makes people want to sing?

Barney


Dear Barney:

Much like "How does Paris Hilton live with herself," this is one mystery that may never be solved. (emphasis mine) Although there's no definitive reason why so many love to sing amid the steam and soap, we can offer up a few theories.

As we learned from the San Francisco Exploratorium, the sound of a person's voice actually improves in the small, confined space of the shower. When you sing in an open area, you "basically only hear your voice as it is produced." However, in the shower, the sound waves reflect off the walls, producing a much richer sound, improved bass, and more volume. Goodbye, William Hung. Hello, Bette Midler.

Some theories are less scientific. The book "Sounding the Silence" believes people are inclined to sing in the shower because they feel safe and relaxed. "The quiet solitude creates a space in which our spirit can freely express itself." Or, to put it another way, a shower's privacy allows people to relax and let loose.

In the end, we suspect it's a combination of the improved vocals and the relaxation that comes with being completely alone. It's a comfort to know that once you pull that mildew-stained curtain shut, not only will you sound better, no one's going to laugh if you don't.

[First seen posted by Cryil repost as is][Creative Writing]