Let’s be real for a second. Pat Monahan has a very specific way of writing songs that makes you either want to roll your windows down and scream-sing or cringe into the nearest sofa cushion. It’s a gift. When Train released "50 Ways to Say You Died" back in 2012 as part of the California 37 album, it felt like a weird, energetic fever dream. It’s upbeat. It’s bouncy. But if you actually listen to the 50 Ways to Say You Died lyrics, you realize you’re listening to a song about someone getting absolutely roasted—metaphorically and literally—after a breakup.
It’s catchy. It’s also kinda dark if you think about it too hard.
The song serves as a spiritual successor—or maybe a parody—of Paul Simon’s legendary "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover." But where Simon was subtle and sleek, Train went for the jugular with a tuba. Honestly, the track is a masterclass in how to use "death" as a punchline for romantic resentment. It’s not about actual mortality, obviously. It’s about that feeling when you realize your ex was a "tragedy" and you’d rather imagine them being eaten by a shark than have to grab coffee and "catch up."
What’s Actually Happening in those 50 Ways to Say You Died Lyrics?
The song doesn’t actually list fifty ways. That’s the first thing people usually notice. If you sit there with a notepad trying to count them, you’re going to end up disappointed or just really bad at math. It’s more like a dozen or so creative "departures."
The lyrics kick off with a scenario that feels very 2010s: a guy realizing his girlfriend is a "vanilla" nightmare who doesn't understand his jokes or his heart. The central hook relies on the idea that telling her "it’s over" isn't enough. He needs a more permanent, albeit fictional, exit strategy.
"She’s a tragedy / But she’s over now / I can finally / Get some rest."
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That’s the core of the sentiment. It’s about the exhaustion of a bad match. When Monahan sings about her being "hit by a bus" or "fried in a chair," it’s not a threat. It’s a venting mechanism. We’ve all been there—that relationship where you’re so drained that the only way out feels like a total erasure of the timeline.
The Specific "Ways" They Mention
- The Lion: There's a line about being eaten by a lion in the canyon. It’s very California-centric, fitting for the album title.
- The Bus: A classic trope. Short, simple, effective.
- The Electric Chair: This is where the lyrics get a bit "edgy" for a pop-rock band.
- The Deep Sea: Suggestions of drowning or being lost at sea.
The rhyme scheme is what makes it work. Monahan is known for these "moon/June" style rhymes that feel effortless, even if they're a bit goofy. "She was a catch / But I had to let her go / She was a match / But I didn't want the glow." It’s punchy.
The Paul Simon Connection and the "Rip-off" Debate
You can’t talk about these lyrics without mentioning Paul Simon. When the song dropped, critics were split. Some felt it was a fun homage; others thought it was a cheap imitation of a classic. But here’s the thing: Simon’s song was about the process of leaving. "Slip out the back, Jack." Train’s song is about the aftermath of the person already being gone from your heart.
Simon used a slick, military-style drum beat (shoutout to Steve Gadd). Train used a literal marching band vibe. It’s loud. It’s brassy. It’s the sound of a man who is finally free and wants the whole world to know he’s over it.
Honestly, the 50 Ways to Say You Died lyrics work because they don’t take themselves seriously. If this were a ballad, it would be creepy. Because it’s a mid-tempo pop track with a bright melody, it feels like a shrug of the shoulders. It’s the musical version of saying, "Yeah, that happened. Moving on."
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Why the Song Became a Polarizing Hit
Train has always been a "love 'em or hate 'em" band. People who love them point to the hooks. People who hate them point to lines like the one in "Drive By" about the "hefty bag" or the "soul sister" wordplay.
In this track, the lyrics are polarizing because they lean into a sort of "mean-spirited" joy. There’s a certain subset of listeners who find the imagery of an ex dying—even jokingly—to be in poor taste. But if you look at the Billboard charts from that era, it’s clear the "fun" factor won out. People like singing about their problems in a way that makes them feel small. That’s what this song does. It takes a big, messy breakup and turns it into a cartoon.
The Production Nuance
Listen to the background vocals. There’s a lot of "hey!" and "ho!" energy that was very popular in the early 2010s (thanks, The Lumineers). This production choice actually masks some of the darker lyrics. If you stripped the instruments away and just read the words, it sounds like a horror movie. With the ukelele-adjacent vibes? It’s a summer anthem.
Common Misconceptions About the Meaning
A lot of people think the song is about a literal death. I've seen forum posts from years ago asking if Pat Monahan actually lost someone. No. The song is entirely metaphorical. It’s about the death of a relationship.
Another misconception is that it was a direct sequel to "Drops of Jupiter." While both songs deal with themes of "space" and "distance," they couldn't be more different. "Drops of Jupiter" is an odyssey of self-discovery and grief. "50 Ways to Say You Died" is a petty, hilarious vent session. It’s okay for a band to have both.
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The Legacy of California 37
When California 37 came out, Train was at a weird crossroads. They had just come off the massive success of "Hey, Soul Sister" and were trying to prove they weren't one-hit wonders (even though they already had "Drops of Jupiter" and "Meet Virginia" in the bag).
The 50 Ways to Say You Died lyrics helped solidify their brand as the kings of "Adult Contemporary with a Smirk." They aren't trying to be Radiohead. They aren't trying to be Kendrick Lamar. They are writing songs for people who want to sing along in their minivans while feeling a little bit rebellious.
How to Analyze the Lyrics Yourself
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the track, look at the bridge. The bridge is where the emotion usually hides in a Train song. Here, it’s about the relief of the "quiet."
"And now I'm finally free / To be me."
It’s simple. Maybe too simple for some. But in the context of a messy breakup, "simple" is a luxury.
Actionable Steps for Music Fans
If you’re digging back into this era of pop-rock, here’s how to get the most out of the experience without getting lost in the "mean" vibes:
- Listen for the "Easter Eggs": Check out how many times Monahan references previous pop culture tropes about breakups. He’s very aware of the history of "kiss-off" songs.
- Compare the Covers: There are several acoustic covers on YouTube that change the tone of the lyrics entirely. It’s a great exercise in how arrangement changes meaning.
- Check the Credits: Look at the songwriting partners. Monahan often collaborates with high-level pop songwriters (like Espionage) to sharpen those hooks.
- Contextualize the Era: Listen to this alongside "Drive By" and "Bruises." You’ll start to see the narrative arc of the California 37 album—it’s all about the messiness of being a "grown-up" in love.
Ultimately, the song isn't about dying at all. It's about living after someone else has made your life miserable. It's about the "death" of the person they wanted you to be. It’s snarky, it’s a bit rude, and it’s undeniably catchy. That's the Train formula, and for better or worse, it works.