I learned about a popular song played at all party conferences.

As the next event on the conference circuit approached, I couldn't help but reflect on the catchy tune that seemed to be following me everywhere. "Where it began, I can't begin to know when..." The lyrics of Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" had been on a constant loop in my head, and it wasn't just a coincidence. It all started at the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton last month, when Sir Ed Davey's passionate speech ended with the iconic song playing in the background.

I must admit, when I first heard the familiar horn introduction, it wasn't a complete surprise. After all, there was a video of Davey singing the song in pure elation on election night, as the Liberal Democrats celebrated their historic number of seats. But what I didn't expect was to hear "Sweet Caroline" three more times at every conference I attended.

It seemed to be the unofficial anthem of conference season, making appearances at the Reform UK afterparty, Dawn Butler MP's famous Jamaica Party at the Labour conference, and even at the GB News "Big British Bash" at the Conservative Party conference. And as far as I could tell, it was the only song played at all four events.

But why was this particular song being played at conferences across the political spectrum? According to Dr. Adam Behr of Newcastle University, who studies the relationship between music and politics, there is a difference between the deliberate use of the song by the Liberal Democrats and its appearance at the other conferences.

He explained that there was most likely a discussion or even an agenda item about Davey's walk-off music, and "Sweet Caroline" was the perfect fit for the celebratory mood of the conference after their successful election. "It's a song that's ingrained in our culture as a celebration song," Dr. Behr noted.

At the Reform, Labour, and Conservative conferences, the song made its appearance in afterparty sets, but that doesn't mean it didn't serve a specific purpose. As Dr. Behr pointed out, "It's one of those songs that brings people together and encourages unity. Everyone knows the words, it's a part of our cultural experience."

And that sense of togetherness is exactly what party conferences aim to foster. But there's another reason why politicians may be drawn to using "Sweet Caroline" in their events. After several high-profile controversies involving artists and their music being used without permission, Neil Diamond's beloved hit is a safer choice.

"Your odds are better that the artist won't turn around and say, 'I absolutely refuse to endorse this,'" Dr. Behr explained. "Neil Diamond is a lot less likely than Mike Pickering from M People to even notice or care that his song was played at a British political party's conference."

So as the conference season continues, it's safe to say that "Sweet Caroline" will continue to make its appearances, bringing people together and adding a touch of celebration to the political atmosphere. And who knows, maybe it will become the unofficial anthem of all future conferences.

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