At the crack of dawn, Gyaltsen Moktan found himself jerked awake by Apple’s infamous “By the Seaside” alarm. The jaunty tune, often described as polarizing and nerve-wracking, was supposed to ease Moktan into the day as he readied himself for his job as an English teacher in Tokyo, Japan.
In contrast to Moktan’s experience, Utah high school student Boston Flake swears by the effectiveness of the same alarm in getting him out of bed each morning. Flake, not a morning person, has tried various other sounds and songs to no avail, ultimately finding solace in “By the Seaside.”
The debate over the alarm’s impact on users’ emotional well-being is a heated one. Some claim it induces a fight-or-flight response, while others report heart palpitations and feelings of dread. Despite the mixed opinions, “By the Seaside” has even become the subject of internet rumors, with some speculating that singer Adele composed the tune.
Music theory expert Carlos Xavier Rodriguez sheds light on the discord surrounding the alarm. Rodriguez explains that the song lacks a discernible key and fails to provide a sense of resolution, leading to a range of emotional responses from listeners. Additionally, the electronic and computerized sound of the tune contributes to its unsettling effect on some individuals.
Although “By the Seaside” has its fair share of detractors, there are those who champion its merits. Krystal Roxas, a quality systems specialist in California, expresses her love for the alarm and even enjoys a little dance in bed when it plays. Meanwhile, Moktan reflects on his unsuccessful attempts to find an alarm that suits his preferences, suggesting that perhaps people simply come to dislike whatever jolts them awake in the morning.
As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear: the impact of a simple melody on individuals’ morning routines is a topic worth exploring further.
