Train’s song “Hey, Soul Sister” employs several literary elements in order to grab the attention of the listener
to a loving, yet innocent, relationship. It is possible to create imagery and feel free by using eloquent words. This is demonstrated through the themes of memory and sweet romance. The first verse is a picture of a love kiss that draws listeners in. “Your lipstick stained my left side brains front lobes,” (Monahan). This implies that you kissed your forehead. The line “I knew you wouldn’t remember me” draws from the concept of memory (Monahan). This works well because memory is stored in the brain’s frontal lobe, which is also where we can remember who or what we are. Monahan says that the “smell of you” is present in every one of my dreams (Monahan). This creates a fantastic image and continues with the play of memory. Of all the five senses that are connected to memory, smell is the most. Songs themselves can be used to aid in memory. A song’s lyrics either create a memory or bring back memories. Finally, the listener will hit the chorus which links the two ideas of love/infatuation with “Soul Sister”. Instead of jumping to a creepy viewpoint, the song’s title gives it an innocent, friendly feel. The relationship between the girl and the boy in the song is more that a feeling.
to a loving, yet innocent, relationship. It is possible to create imagery and feel free by using eloquent words. This is demonstrated through the themes of memory and sweet romance. With the image that a kiss draws you in, the first verse pulls you in. “Your lipstick stained my left side brains front lobes,” (Monahan). This suggests that you should kiss your forehead. The line “I knew you wouldn’t remember me” draws from the concept of memory (Monahan). This works well because memory is stored in the brain’s frontal lobe, which is also where we can remember who or what we are. Monahan says that the “smell of you” is present in every dream it dreams (Monahan). This creates fantastic imagery and continues the play on memory by stating that of all the five senses, the smell is the most closely connected to memory. Songs are also known to aid memory as they can either make a person recall a past time or create a new memory. The chorus connects the previous ideas of love, infatuation, and is called “Soul Sister”. Instead of jumping to an unfavorable view, the song’s title conveys a friendly, innocent quality. The song mentions a relationship between the girl and the boy. But it’s more than a feeling.
Through your heart. She is perfect and compatible. The song demonstrates the freshness of their relationship. Monahan sings, “I don’t want to miss any single thing you do this evening.” As if they are meant to be together, but each one wants to keep the other in check as they get closer. The piece ends with a common theme of love. Monahan introduces the concept of different organs as instruments for love, beginning with the first line. The second verse introduces the idea of a mind that connects back into the brain. In the second verse, the line “my heart will beat out my untrimmed chest” (Monahan) is also included. The heart is generally considered to be the epitome and embodiment of love. Monahan also suggests that the song could be interpreted as a connection to the soul, since it refers to a sister in “soul”. You could view the entire body as a collection of parts, including the brains and chest. This blends heart, brain, mind, as well as soul. The world believes that anyone can love or be loved by another. “Hey, Soul Sister”, a collection of thoughts and images, brings together memories, pure romance, as well as love in all forms.
