diff --git a/src/sdl/mixer_sound.c b/src/sdl/mixer_sound.c
index b220178f3..30ddbd275 100644
--- a/src/sdl/mixer_sound.c
+++ b/src/sdl/mixer_sound.c
@@ -1114,7 +1114,7 @@ boolean I_PlaySong(boolean looping)
 		CONS_Alert(CONS_ERROR, "Mix_PlayMusic: %s\n", Mix_GetError());
 		return false;
 	}
-	else if ((I_SongType() == MU_MOD || I_SongType() == MU_MID) && Mix_PlayMusic(music, -1) == -1) // if MOD, loop forever
+	else if ((I_SongType() == MU_MOD || I_SongType() == MU_MID) && Mix_PlayMusic(music, looping ? -1 : 0) == -1) // if MOD, loop forever
 	{
 		CONS_Alert(CONS_ERROR, "Mix_PlayMusic: %s\n", Mix_GetError());
 		return false;