What can I do about my tone-deaf co-worker?

I share an office with a co-worker who usually doesn't annoy me, except that lately he's constantly singing wrong and off-key lyrics to songs in an irritating high-pitched voice.

Example: He'll repeat the same (incorrect) lyrics to Prince's "Kiss" and songs by Milli Vanilli in a high, squealing, non-falsetto voice to the point where it makes rejects from "American Idol" look like Grammy winners.

I used to sing out loud too (on pitch and within my natural vocal register, but I've had years of training). However, I stopped singing in our office a long time ago because it cut down our productivity, plus I noticed it embarrasses the rest of the office and doesn't look good to our guests.

I've politely and seriously asked him to stop, but he thinks I'm joking. How can I get him to follow my lead without going directly to our supervisor? (I'd prefer not to take it to that level if possible.)

You just have to ask this person flat out not to sing. You don't have to be rude, just say that the singing is messing with your concentration making it harder to work - and say please. You don't have to mention the off-key part. If it continues, go to HR.

If you have politely asked him to stop and it is annoying your co-workers and you are serious about the affect on productivity, then you need to approach your superior about the singing. If it is handled in the proper way the message may not cause that bad a riff between you and he. However, I wouldn't count on it. He is likely to take it badly. Although, if he is singing Prince and Milli Vanilli he is probably a Fag.

Accept it has Karma.You're being rewarded I guess for your past sing song. I think once you've been fully paid back, he'll get bored and stop, just like you did. Only God knows how many people you may have offended (just joking :)