Student Question

What poetic elements are present in Train's "Drops of Jupiter"?

Quick answer:

"Drops of Jupiter" by Train incorporates several poetic elements such as rhyme, rhythm, repetition, figurative language, and metaphor. The song uses end rhyme to create a musical quality and repetition in its chorus for emphasis and continuity. Figurative language includes similes, like comparing the woman's actions to summer and rain, and metaphors, such as the extended metaphor of her journey through space, highlighting her mystical and elusive nature. Hyperbole is also present, exaggerating her cosmic exploration.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Poetic elements are how a poet uses sound and literary devices to create meaning in a poem.

As with most songs, there is a careful use of rhyme and rhythm.  End rhyme is where the ends of lines rhyme, as in this case.

Since the return from her stay on the moon
She listens like spring and she talks like June

Another tool that is also common in songs is repetition.  In most songs there is a chorus, which is repeated at regular intervals to reinforce the meaning of the song and give it some continuity.  For example, part of the chorus is this:

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

The emphasis is on the metaphor of describing the mystical woman. who is a a bit of a mystery to the narrator.

Figurative language, such as a simile, allows the poet or songwriter to make colorful comparisons.  Using “like” or “as” is an indirect comparison.

She acts like summer and walks like rain

A metaphor, on the other hand, is a direct comparison.  You describe something as if it were something else.  The poem uses an extended metaphor of a woman running around in space.  This allows the songwriter to describe her as elusive and mystical.  This is also hyperbole, which is an exaggeration.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial