I reckon the popular songs with the best longevity are the ones which people break into from a particular line contained within.
For example, Hot In Herre still comes up semi-occasionally when someone comments on the temperature saying “it’s getting hot in here” or even slight variations thereof. Similarly, Rihanna has found a way to solidify her immortality through the medium of umbrellas, a device frequently used when it rains.
However a song like “Rhythm Of The Night” will never achieve this longevity due to the infrequency that someone will use that phrase. As a result the song gradually disappears from the social consciousness.
What other songs have achieved immortality through this specific form of banality?
I don’t know if this strictly qualifies, but I know I’m not alone. If anyone, in any situation, begins a query by saying “Question.” and then leaving a pause, that pause is getting filled by me saying “TellmewhatyouthinkaboutmeIbuymyowndiamondsandIbuymyownrings”.
(you have to say it quite fast otherwise they might have started asking the actual question)
Whenever I have to inform someone that the forecast is for inclement weather, I always find myself humming “I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today” by Randy Newman.