When your brain absorbs information its kinda picky
So what makes a piece of information sticky?
Sticky-icky Sticky-icky-icky-icky
Repetition helps a little bit, definitely
Plus ideas spread when they're counterintuitive
But minimally, 'cause you don't wanna ruin it
It's not gonna get caught in your brain if it's mundane
Just think about what they say in church on Sunday
A virgin gives birth, your sins are forgiven
A horse with wings carries a rider into heaven
A jealous god demands a human sacrifice
Water into wine, the dead coming back to life
Standard categories minimally violated
One step away from profane is the sacred
That's why a rapper tells you he's millionaire
With twenty mistresses,
But not a trillionaire
With twenty thousand –
See, it's gotta be plausible
We instinctively reject whatever's blatantly impossible
And if you want to spread ideas like a virus
Add a little dash of spice, sex and violence
Spread it,
Spread it spread it spread it
If it gets big enough you get credit
Spread it,
Post it on reddit
Spread it!
Or else let it die and forget it
Spread it,
Spread it spread it spread it
If it gets big enough you get credit
Spread it,
Post it on reddit
Spread it!
Or else let it die and forget it
Some ideas catch on 'cause they're adaptive
Others spread 'cause the source is high status
A concept endorsed by somebody prestigious
Has a greater chance that other people will believe it
Justin Bieber get young girls into Jesus
And I tend to believe whatever Jay-Z says
Another factor is popular endorsement
When in Rome,
Do what the Romans do with their horses
And plus,
People follow trustworthiness
But how can you tell if someone's just a dirty snitch?
We follow people who can prove their commitment
To their belief system with costly investment
Actions speak louder than words,
Can ya feel me?
If not, maybe I'll get it tattooed on my belly
Religions are the same,
They demand demonstrations
Of faith,
Such a costly waste
Bodily mutilations and food taboos
You can use those cues to deduce the truth
And finally, well, it's a controversial issue
But some ideas spread 'cause they're actually beneficial
Spread it,
Spread it spread it spread it
If it gets big enough you get credit
Spread it,
Post it on reddit
Spread it!
Or else let it die and forget it