"Drops of Jupiter" is an iconic song by the American rock band Train, released in February 2001.
The masterpiece is often considered Train's breakthrough hit. Before its release, Train was relatively unknown on the international music scene. "Drops of Jupiter" helped propel them to major fame, and the album of the same name went on to become certified double platinum in the United States.
One of the distinguishing features of "Drops of Jupiter" is its lush string arrangement, which was arranged by Paul Buckmaster. Buckmaster was a well-known arranger who had previously worked with artists such as David Bowie and Elton John.
The other element that stands out to most people in this song is its emotional depth, memorable melody, and universal themes of love, loss, and rediscovery. But what do all the abstract lyrics really mean, and what inspired it?
It took several years for the lead singer, Pat Monahan, to share the inspiration behind this song. Originally, many people thought it was about a woman who leaves her partner to explore whether their relationship is truly meant to be.
He wrote it after a difficult period in his life when his mother passed away after a struggle with cancer. The lyrics reflect his feelings of loss and the profound effect it had on him, imagined through the metaphor of someone traveling through the universe and experiencing all its wonders.
He said in an interview:
"It was an obvious connection between me and my mother. 'Drops of Jupiter' was as much about me being on a voyage and trying to find out who I am. The best thing we can do about loss of love is find ourselves through it."
The song's lyrics include a variety of abstract and somewhat cryptic references, such as "Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken?" This line, among others, has sparked much fan discussion and analysis over the years, but it really just points to the wild journey that grieving puts you through.
Later, he also shared the thought, "Loss of the most important person in my life was heavy on my mind, and the thought of 'what if no one ever really leaves? What if she's here but different. The idea was, she's back here in the atmosphere."
The title "Drops of Jupiter" itself hints at cosmic and astronomical themes. The lyrics mention celestial bodies like Venus and the Milky Way, adding to the expansive, universal feel of the song.
Monahan made a demo of the song and a week later played it for Donnie Ienner, the president of Columbia, their record label. Although Monahan was uncertain about the song's reception, Ienner was impressed and confidently declared it a potential Grammy-winning track.
Now that she's back in the atmosphereWith drops of Jupiter in her hair
Pat Monahan said the following in an interview with Buzzfeed:
"[In my vision] My mother was able to swim through planets and turn them into whatever she wanted - they didn't have to be what we know them to be. So she actually had Jupiter in her hair, when she was talking to me."
The mention of "the atmosphere" and "drops of Jupiter" suggests that her experiences were profound and cosmic in nature, as if she has traveled through space and absorbed some of its mystical and otherworldly qualities.
And tell me, did you fall for a shooting star?One without a permanent scar, and did you miss meWhile you were looking for yourself out there?
These lines connect deeply to Monahan's personal feelings of loss and detachment. It reflects his emotional struggle, wondering if his mother, in her spiritual or metaphorical journey, still held a place for him in her heart or if she was entirely absorbed in her own transformative experience.
She checks out Mozart while she does Tae-BoReminds me that there's a room to grow, hey, yeah
In the context of the song, where Monahan reflects on his mother's impact and the metaphorical journey she undertakes, it could be seen as an acknowledgment of her ongoing influence on his perspective on personal growth—even in her absence.
This man he worries about becoming never achieves his potential or experiences the fulfillment of reaching new destinations, mirroring a common fear among many: the dread of disappointing one's parents by failing to embrace life's opportunities or to fully develop one’s abilities.
While the song has a very personal origin, the themes of searching, transformation, and self-discovery are universal. It speaks to the journey of finding oneself and questioning life's experiences, themes that are applicable to a wide audience across different backgrounds and ages.
This hir combines elements of rock and pop with a memorable piano riff and a dynamic string arrangement, which helps it stand out musically.
Its catchy chorus and the emotional delivery of the vocals also make it a song that people want to sing along to, ensuring its longevity on radio playlists.
The lyrics of "Drops of Jupiter" are also filled with striking imagery and metaphors that capture the imagination of listeners.
'Drops of Jupiter' won two Grammy Awards in 2002: one for Best Rock Song and another for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s). The song also achieved significant chart success, hitting the top 5 in several countries and reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the USA.
"Drops of Jupiter" has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, further embedding it into popular culture. This repeated exposure has kept the song relevant even years after its initial release.
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