Singing in the Shower

Why are the acoustics in a shower so damn good? It’s not like I’m a professional singer – far from it – but I can hold a tune in an amateurish sort of way. But get me in the shower and I turn into a combination of Freddy Mercury, Pavarotti, and Brad Delp (Boston). I turn the volume up on the little shower radio hanging in the corner and howl.

Maybe it’s the way the tiles are arranged, or maybe the way the water coats them that makes me sound like I should be on stage. Someone should do a study on this. I can see the results now: “A combination of bar soap, shampoo, hot water, and ceramic tile can make even the most tone-deaf individual sound like an opera star.” You’d think the shower industry would be backing this.

And it’s not just me, even my partner sounds good when she’s belting it out while bathing. I can hear her from across the house and wonder, “who is that velvet-voiced vixen?”

I’ve considered whether or not we should try a duet, but then I remember she tends to hog the hot water.

For what it’s worth, singing in the shower is a great self-esteem booster. You’ve got the hot water splashing over you, you’re all soaped up and getting clean, there’s great music playing, and you’re all alone, no judgement, just you and whatever you use as a faux microphone. I tend to roll up the washcloth and use that as my mic. I tried using the bar of soap but it kept popping out of my hand and I ended up chasing it around the bottom of the tub.

And I have to assume I’m not the only one who does this. I figured this was a universal experience, that everyone sings in the shower. You may not do it as often as I do, or maybe you only do it when no one else is at home, but still, you let it all out when the opportunity arises, right? Right?

If not, then you’re missing out on an amazing acoustic experience. And spirit-lifting. I think singing in the shower is one of life’s special moments. The only downside is that my water bill is sort of high. But that’s the price one pays for the ability to sing like a superstar.

And I’m willing to pay it.

RB