Ask HN: Do you have an inner monologue while programming?

Someone on a thread here the other day mentioned that loud music is good to listen to while programming as it drowns out the inner monologue. I found this odd, as this is the last thing I would want to do. I think constantly in words when I'm programming, coaching myself through what I'm doing. I prefer, then, silence, for working. If there is music on in the office it annoys the hell out of me and stops me focussing.

So I was wondering what other - much better - programmers do. Do you let the voice switch off and do it by feel? Is not doing this what is holding me back?