"Just this morning, out of a large memory for songs, and having been obsessed by them since childhood, suddenly, at the age of 84, I thought of a song I hadn't thought of in over 50 years. It came into my head unbidden"

In this quote, Tom Glazer assesses the profound and mysterious nature of memory, especially in relation to music. At the age of 84, he experiences the spontaneous resurfacing of a song he hasn't thought about in over half a century. This moment highlights the enduring and often surprising nature of our memories, how they can lie inactive for years and yet resurface with vivid clarity.

Glazer, a guy with a long-lasting passion for songs, highlights the richness of his psychological archive ("a large memory for tunes"), recommending that tunes are pivotal to his identity and cognition. His usage of the word "obsessed" suggests that music has been a main and enduring focus in his life. It underscores the depth of his connection to tunes, reflecting how elaborately woven they enjoy the material of his individual history.

The spontaneity with which the song re-emerges ("suddenly") speaks with the involuntary nature of memory. It highlights how memories can be activated without conscious effort or objective. The expression "entered my head unbidden" reinforces this, suggesting an organic, nearly magical process where the mind recovers details apparently of its own volition.

Moreover, this experience at 84 represents that age does not reduce the capacity for recall; instead, it may enrich it with the weight of collected life experiences. This revival of a long-forgotten tune functions as a poignant suggestion of the mind's flexibility and the ways in which it can surprise and delight even in later years.

Glazer's reflection invites more comprehensive consideration on the power of music as a mnemonic device, capable of anchoring memories and emotions that can stand up to the passage of time. It highlights how integral music is to our lived experiences, resonating through the years and serving as a bridge to our previous selves.