Learning to Love Train: "Drops of Jupiter" is back in the atmosphere

Learning to Love Train: "Drops of Jupiter" is back in the atmosphere

From Switched on Pop by Switched on Pop

April 14, 2026 · 47 min

About this episode

The episode explores the song 'Drops of Jupiter' by Train with lead singer Pat Monahan, discussing its origins and cultural impact.

Train is the kind of band that some people love to hate. Songs like "Meet Virginia" and "Hey Soul Sister" gave the band huge hits, and no small amount of snark. And then there's "Drops of Jupiter." Released in 2001, the song is almost impossible not to love, no matter how many lyrics about soy lattes and Tae Bo it includes. "Drops of Jupiter" was released 25 years ago, so there's no more perfect time to plumb the secrets of this celestial smash, and there's no more perfect guest than Train's lead singer and songwriter, Pat Monahan. Pat breaks down the origin of the song, why he thought it would flop, how Train is like a rom com, and why he'd rather his songs be more famous than him. By the end of our conversation, you might find yourself learning to love Train. Songs Discussed Train - Drops of Jupiter, Meet Virginia, Hey Soul Sister Taylor Swift - Drops of Jupiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Switched on Pop

Guest: Pat Monahan

Topics covered

  • Train
  • Drops of Jupiter
  • music analysis
  • songwriting
  • celebrity
  • pop culture

Keywords

  • Train
  • Drops of Jupiter
  • Pat Monahan
  • music
  • songwriting
  • pop culture
  • interview

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Train

Books & works: Drops of Jupiter, Meet Virginia, Hey Soul Sister

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