When creating a story, you get involved with your characters and their lives and in a way you give birth to them and they are your children.  Just like all the important people in your 'real life' you see things everyday that makes you think of them or an occasion. 

More and more people are recommending songs that they were listening to whilst writing and drew inspiration from or that they have heard and think are suitable for their story - soundtracks to novels.  In fact, I have just read the first two books of The Weather Warden series and Rachel Vincent recommends songs for her readers to listen to.

Personally, I have had simialr experiences.  Just recently, I finished my final edit of 'Drift', sent my first query to an agent whilst listening to 'Starry Eyed' by Ellie Goulding.  I hope my story gets published so you can see how this song communicates Murray and Fern's relationship so perfectly - it's like it was written for the pool scene!