The Meaning Behind The Song: Drops Of Jupiter (Tell Me) by Train

Introduction

Music has the power to inspire, heal, and move us in ways that words alone cannot. Train’s “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” is a timeless classic that has inspired millions of people around the world. It’s a song that transcends borders, cultures, and generations, and its message is just as relevant today as it was when it was first released in 2001. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the song and why it continues to resonate with so many people.

Table of Contents

The Inspiration behind “Drops of Jupiter”

“Drops of Jupiter” was inspired by the loss of lead singer Pat Monahan’s mother, who passed away in 1995 from cancer. Monahan took a hiatus from the band in 1998 to deal with his grief and the band’s future was uncertain. However, during that time, Monahan took a train trip from Los Angeles to New Orleans where he was struck by the beauty of the American landscape. He was also struck by a dream he had that night, where his mother appeared and told him that she was sailing through the universe on a train named after the famous planet.

The following day, Monahan met songwriter and producer Brendan O’Brien in Atlanta, and together they wrote “Drops of Jupiter” in just two weeks. Monahan says the song is about searching for the spirit of someone who has passed away and trying to find a way to move on and stay connected with them.

The Lyrics of “Drops of Jupiter”

The lyrics of “Drops of Jupiter” are open to interpretation, but at their core, they’re about loss, love, and the beauty of life. The opening lines of the song set the tone:

“Now that she’s back in the atmosphere
With drops of Jupiter in her hair”

These lines refer to the narrator’s search for the spirit of someone he’s lost, who has returned to the cosmos and is now sailing through the universe. The drops of Jupiter in her hair symbolize the magic and mystery of the universe.

The chorus of the song is perhaps the most iconic part of “Drops of Jupiter”:

“But tell me, did you sail across the sun?
Did you make it to the Milky Way to see the lights all faded
And that heaven is overrated?
Tell me, did you fall from a shooting star,
One without a permanent scar
And did you miss me while you were looking for yourself out there?”

These lines are an outpouring of emotion and questions, as the narrator tries to connect with his lost loved one. He wonders if she’s seen the beauty of the universe, the Milky Way, and if she’s decided that heaven is overrated. He also asks if she’s fallen from a shooting star, which symbolizes the idea of chasing a dream or a desire. The last line of the chorus is hauntingly beautiful, as the narrator expresses how much he’s been missed.

The rest of the song explores the narrator’s feelings of grief, love, and the memories he has of his loved one. The following lines are particularly poignant:

“But that someday you’ll find
That there ain’t nothin’ to be sad about
When a stranger’s eye is
Making me feel like I belong”

These lines speak to the idea that despite the loss, life goes on and eventually, we all find our place in the world.

The Legacy of “Drops of Jupiter”

“Drops of Jupiter” was a massive hit for Train, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy for Best Rock Song in 2002. The song has since been covered by numerous artists and is a mainstay on radio stations around the world.

The legacy of “Drops of Jupiter” is a testament to its power to connect with people on a deep and emotional level. The song’s themes of loss, love, and the beauty of life are universal and timeless. For anyone who has experienced the pain of losing a loved one, “Drops of Jupiter” is a reminder that they’re never truly gone and that their spirit lives on.

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, “Drops of Jupiter” is an iconic song with a powerful message that continues to inspire and connect with people around the world. Its lyrics are open to interpretation, but at their core, they’re about the beauty of life and the connections we make with each other. As Train’s Pat Monahan said, “music is medicine,” and “Drops of Jupiter” is a reminder of the healing power of music.

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