The Department of Homeland Security recently announced news of a new Disinformation Governance Board. When an old Tiktok video of the individual selected to oversee this board surfaced, the credibility of this Disinformation Board was immediately put into question. Meanwhile, a tweet by Jeff Bezos called out President Biden for his own disinformation about a false statement on Covid-19 vaccines.
I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my [spiritual] children are living their lives in the Truth, 3 John 1:4.
According to one of Jesus’ former disciples, the Bible has its own plan for dealing with disinformation. At the beginning of one of his last recorded letters, John’s greatest joy as a Christian is to see people, he spiritually mentored to live their lives in the truth of the Bible. Since the Bible contains supernatural power as a living document, Hebrews 4:12, disinformation is exposed by the light of God’s Word.
So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free, John 8:31-32.
Years earlier, John was present when Jesus told his disciples that spiritual truth will set you free. While disinformation, gossip, and rumors continue today, Christians who shine the light and love of Jesus will convict the hearts of those trying to control your speech. Despite the algorithms designed by social media sites that favor progressive ideas, living your life in the Truth will expose disinformation as its espoused.
The original version of Drift Away was released in 1972 by Dobie Gray. Thirty years later, Uncle Kracker felt inspired to create a modern interpretation of this classic. The lyrics of Drift Away explore escapism, healing and the transformative power of music In this month dedicated to mental health awareness, sometimes all you need is a little solitude and a special song to snap you out of depression as friends wait for you to heal.
Biblical Application:
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him, Colossians 3:16-17.
Exegesis of Drift Away:
Day after day I’m more confused Yet, I look for the light through the pourin’ rain You know, that’s a game that I hate to lose And I’m feeling the strain, ain’t it a shame
When you are going through a difficult time in life, healing comes from focusing on the positive aspects of your life. Unfortunate; confusion, depression and hopelessness can lead individuals to withdraw.
Oh, give me the beat boys and free my soul I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away Give me the beat boys and free my soul I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away
Won’t you take me away
Some find healing through music. This is how God soothed King Saul’s soul in the Bible. Certain beats, lyrics and melodies help people take their minds off of ongoing problems.
Beginnin’ to think that I’m wastin’ time I don’t understand the things I do The world outside looks so unkind And I’m countin’ on you, you can carry me through
This stanza appears to reference the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 7:7=20, entangled by some sort of an addiction, bad habit or unwholesome craving. When you find yourself bound by bad decisions, it’s hard to see any good going on in the world. This is when music can provide a message of hope.
Oh, give me the beat boys and free my soul I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away Give me the beat boys and free my soul I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away
Won’t you take me away
This chorus is like a prayer to be set free from the troubles of life. Listening to music has a way of easing this pain.
And when my mind is free You know your melody can move me And when I’m feelin’ blue The guitar’s coming through to soothe me
Uncle Kracker is using music as a form of meditation, to uplift and renew his soul.
Thanks for the joy that you’ve given me The joy that you’ve given me I want you to know that I believe in your song Rhythm, and rhyme, and harmony You helped me along, you’re makin’ me strong Oh, you’re makin’ me strong
This stanza is a reflection of how this song spoke to Uncle Kracker. When you put every aspect of this song together, it revitalized and strengthened his soul.
Give me the beat boys and free my soul I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away Drift away Give me the beat boys and free my soul I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away Drift away
Repeating this chorus is like getting lost in music, freeing his mind from all anxieties, concerns and worries.
Give me the beat boys and free my soul I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away Drift away Just give me the beat boys and free my soul I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away
Repeating a desire to get lost in rock music.
Oh, won’t you take me Oh, won’t you take me I wanna drift away Won’t you take me away I wanna drift away I wanna drift away Won’t you take me Take me home Let me drift away Won’t you take me away
A request to release all of his stress by coming absorbed by this song.
Final Thoughts:
Certain songs speak to your heart, soul and mind when the timing is right. I turned to music when girlfriends broke up with me in high school. When I lost a dear friend in college, I turned to Christian music for answers. Finally, when I most my teaching job, FM Static was there to lift me up when my future seemed bleak. This is how music can sooth souls like Drift Away.
The front man for Blue Oyster Cult, Donald Roeser, wrote the Reaper at 28 after being diagnosed with heart arrhythmia. Donald used this life crisis as a way to confront his own mortality. Blue Oyster Cult wanted to create something more than a pop song in 1976, using Donald’s personal experience and literary influences to craft the lyrics to the Reaper. Tired of being just a top 40 band. Donald channeled his inner Jethro Tull to shape the sound of the Reaper.
Biblical Application:
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes, James 4:13-14.
Exegesis of the Reaper:
All our times have come Here, but now they’re gone
Life flies by as time, clocks, keep ticking.
Seasons don’t fear the Reaper Nor do the wind, the sun, or the rain (We can be like they are) come on, baby (Don’t fear the Reaper) baby, take my hand (Don’t fear the Reaper) we’ll be able to fly (Don’t fear the Reaper) baby, I’m your man
La, la-la-la-la La, la-la-la-la
Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, the weather, isn’t influenced or impacted by the Reaper. However, the Reaper will use global crisis’s, national disasters, and severe storms to spread fear throughout mankind. Upon hearing his diagnosis, Donald didn’t want his medical condition to influence his relationship at this time.
Valentine is done Here, but now they’re gone
Donald appears to reference St. Valentine who was martyred for trying to protect sacred marriage in his day. Valentine faced the Reaper, willing to die for his faith.
Romeo and Juliet are together in eternity (Romeo and Juliet) Forty thousand men and women every day (like Romeo and Juliet) Forty thousand men and women every day (redefine happiness) Another forty thousand coming every day
In this stanza, Donald uses Shakespear to illustrate his point, willing to die if their parents didn’t let them marry. History is filled with countless individuals who couldn’t escape the Reaper.
(We can be like they are) come on, baby
Donald is trying to convince the love of his life to not be afraid.
(Don’t fear the Reaper) baby, take my hand (Don’t fear the Reaper) we’ll be able to fly (Don’t fear the Reaper) baby, I’m your man
We can make it if we stick together.
La, la-la-la-la La, la-la-la-la
A subtle transition.
Love of two is one Here, but now they’re gone
Perhaps a reference to the unity of a strong marriage as a couple becomes one.
Came the last night of sadness And it was clear she couldn’t go on The door was open and the wind appeared The candles blew and then disappeared The curtains flew and then he appeared
A poetic stanza which highlights that human life is short, like a mist that suddenly disappears.
(Saying, “Don’t be afraid”) come on, baby (And she had no fear) and she ran to him (Then they started to fly) they looked backward and said goodbye (She might become like they are) she had taken his hand (She had become like they are) come on, baby (Don’t fear the Reaper)
The last stanza serves as a final call to face your fears, stand together and live life to its fullest.
Final Thoughts:
The Reaper appeared in the 1978 horror film Halloween. However, it was one of the opening scenes in Stephen King’s The Stand which helped me appreciate the Reaper. The melody and lyrics combine to create a timeless classic. As someone who has faced a series of life altering events, my faith in Christ has removed most of my fear of dying. As a recent grandfather, there are several events that I would like to be around to witness, but only God knows when I will breathe my last breath.
Sheryl Crow and Jeff Trout were on a flight from Portland, Oregon to New York City. On this particular day, it was pouring upon takeoff and sunny when they arrived. This concept of soaking up the sun provided a dual meaning for Cheryl who was recovering from surgery at the time this song was created. The composition of the lyrics to Soak Up the Sun included a discussion on real life issues like the Columbine high school shooting. These current events led to themes of resilience and gratitude with Soak Up the Sun.
Biblical Application:
Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. 3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised, Psalm 113:2-3.
This stanza is about gratitude Instead of thinking about what other people have in life, be thankful for the blessings you do have in life.
[Chorus] I’m gonna soak up the sun I’m gonna tell everyone to lighten up I’m gonna tell ’em that I’ve got no one to blame For every time I feel lame, I’m lookin’ up
Use sunny days as to recreate. Leave any anxieties, concerns or worries at the front door as you Soak Up the Sun outside.
[Post-Chorus] I’m gonna soak up the sun I’m gonna soak up the sun
Focusing on a stage in life where many people find themselves, not satisfied with their income or occupation. This impacts your social status and ability to attract others who make more money than you.
A powerful stanza about a reality in life. Everyone has a backstory which influences how you act and behave. Unless you get to know someone, you’ll never truly understand why they act the way that they do.
[Chorus] I’m, I’m gonna soak up the sun I’m gonna tell everyone to lighten up I’m gonna tell ’em that I’ve got no one to blame For every time I feel lame, I’m lookin’ up
The sun can be relaxing if you take your mind off of the stressful aspects in your life. This is the call to lighten up. The last 2 lines provides an important life lesson. Don’t blame others for your lack of progress or success in life. When you are having a bad day, go outside and soak up the sun.
People are different and respond differently. One person may be soaking up the sun on a beach and the person next to them is focused on social media and texting. These differences conceived judgments that may be accurate or wrong.
[Chorus] I’m gonna soak up the sun I’m gonna tell everyone to lighten up I’m gonna tell ’em that I’ve got no one to blame For every time I feel lame, I’m lookin’ up I’m gonna soak up the sun I’m gonna tell everyone to lighten up (To lighten up) I’m gonna tell ’em that I’ve got no one to blame For every time I feel lame, I’m lookin’ up (I’m lookin’ up)
Let a sunny day serve as a form of healing. Don’t bring your personal baggage as a way to play the victim card. Take responsibility for your actions, lighten up and enjoy every summer day in your future.
Sheryl is pleased with the outcome of Soak up the Sun.
Final Thoughts:
Bringing politics into music has ruined my enjoyment of several artists and bands that I once adored in college. If these musicians would have simply saved their political views for debates and discussions with friends, people like me would be more into music. However, Soak Up the Sun provides an important life lesson if you are open minded. The next time you are out soaking up the sun, allow good weather to unite, not divide. Seek to find a common ground or things you share in common. This mindset and perspective would make this world a better place to live.
Guitarist Kimberley Rew’s original idea for Walking on Sunshine was for this to be a ballad. However, after writing the lyrics, it was apparent that this fun song needed to be more up-tempo. The overriding theme for Walking on Sunshine is joy, passionate about the life you are about to live. You are not just walking, you are floating in the air, fueled by a beautiful day.
Biblical Application:
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly[a] with your God, Micah 6:7-8.
Kimberley thought that someone she was interested in her loved her. She is waiting for him to ask her out, She is also waiting for a letter from him as well.
The potential of this future relationship is boosting her morale.
[Chorus] I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh-oh And don’t it feel good? Hey, alright now And don’t it feel good? Yeah, oh, yeah, now And don’t it feel good?
[Bridge] Walking on sunshine Walking on sunshine I feel alive, I feel a love I feel a love that’s really real I feel alive, I feel a love I feel a love that’s really real I’m on sunshine, baby, oh, oh, yeah I’m on sunshine, baby, oh
She is on an emotional high with love on her mind,
[Chorus] I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh-oh And don’t it feel good? Hey, alright now And don’t it feel good?
This repetitive chorus points to a positive state of mind, feeling great.
[Outro] I’ll say it, I’ll say it, I’ll say it again now And don’t it feel good? Ho, yeah, now And don’t it feel good? Now don’t it, don’t it, don’t it, don’t it, don’t it Don’t it feel good? I’ll say it, I’ll say it, I’ll say it again now And don’t it feel good? Oh, don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t And don’t it feel good? Now tell me, tell me, tell me again now And don’t it feel good? Ho, yeah, now And don’t it feel good? Oh, don’t it feel good, don’t it feel good? Now don’t it feel good? Oh, yeah, oh, yeah, oh, yeah (And don’t it feel good?) Oh, yeah-yeah-yeah Oh, yeah, oh, yeah Oh, yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah (And don’t it feel good?) Oh, yeah-yeah Oh, yeah-yeah (And don’t it feel good?) Oh, yeah-yeah-yeah, woo (And don’t it feel good?)
This final stanza reminds me of a high school girl who is in love, telling all of our friends how great this guy is.
Final Thoughts:
I would live in die with sports and relationships in high school. When I was in love, I was the happiest boy in school. When I got dumped, this joy turned into misery. This emotional roller coaster sucked the joy out of my life. As I matured in college, I began to become even keel, trying to avoid getting my hopes up. Yet when you find the right person, I understand the excitement that Kimberley expresses in Walking on Sunshine,
The concept for A Beautiful Morning began with a specific focus. Starting each day with gratitude, hope and intention. The lyrics are filled with timeless philosophies and personal reflections designed to value each new day of the week. Core inspirations include new beginnings, nature’s beauty, human connection and inner motivation. Thoughts like these make every day a Beautiful Morning.
Biblical Application:
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:16-17.
Exegesis of A Beautiful Morning:
It’s a beautiful morning, ah I think I’ll go outside a while And just smile Just take in some clean, fresh air, boy
Having a beautiful morning is a state of mind, establishing a resolve to focus on the positive aspects of life.
Ain’t no sense in staying inside If the weather’s fine and you’ve got the time It’s your chance to wake up and plan another brand new day Either way
This mindset is eager to seize each new day, making the most of the weather.
It’s a beautiful morning, ah Each bird keeps singing his own song So long I’ve got to be on my way now
Looking for a reason to be thankful.
Ain’t no fun just hanging around I’ve got to cover ground, you couldn’t keep me down It just ain’t no good if the sun shines when you’re still inside Shouldn’t hide, still inside, shouldn’t hide Still inside, shouldn’t hide, still inside, oh, oh, oh
Progress, plans and passion prevent you from taking a day off. Action leads to results.
Ooh, ooh-ah-ah Ooh, ooh-ah-ah
Agreeing that you need to go outside and seize each new day.
There will be children with robins and flowers Sunshine caresses each new waking hour Seems to me that people keep seeing more and more each day Gotta say, lead the way, it’s okay, brand new day Gotta say, it’s okay, brand new day, gotta say, lead the way, oh
Be a leader, make the most of each hour of sunlight and stay positive.
There is no doubt as this will be a beautiful day.
Final Thoughts:
Positive people make homes, neighborhoods and schools a fun place to be. While this enthusiasm often wears off in adults, it doesn’t have to. When a leader sets a certain positive tone, others want to feed off of this energy. Developing a Beautiful Day mentality can transform a workplace into a great environment to be part of and join.
Jeff Lynne was in the Swiss Alps, staying in a chalet when the concept of Nr. Blue Sky came to him. The week prior to the sun appearing was a combination of dark clouds with a slight mist. Thinking the weather might not change, a clear and sunny blue sky was a refreshing sight for Jeff. This instant change in weather transformed Jeff’s creativity, writing an additional 13 songs in rapid succession.
Biblical Application:
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse, Romans 1:20.
Exegesis of Mr. Blue Sky:
Morning! Today’s forecast calls for blue skies
A sudden change in the weather calls for a celebration.
The sun is shining in the sky There ain’t a cloud in sight It’s stopped raining Everybody’s in the play And don’t you know, it’s a beautiful new day Hey, hey, hey!
A song highlighting a beautiful day. After days of rain, locals are coming out of their homes to enjoy this day.
Running down the avenue See how the sun shines brightly in the city All the streets where once was pity Mr. Blue Sky is living here today! Hey, hey, hey!
A glimpse of Spring has uplifted the spirits of the people living in the Alps. A sunny day made a huge difference in Jeff’s attitude about visiting Switzerland.
Mr. Blue Sky Please tell us why You had to hide away for so long (so long) Where did we go wrong? Mr. Blue Sky Please tell us why You had to hide away for so long (so long) Where did we go wrong?
Jeff suggests that bad weather may serve as punishment for something done in the past. Meanwhile, Jeff treats the sun like a person, asking questions about why he has been gone for so long. Was it our fault?
Hey, you with the pretty face Welcome to the human race! A celebration Mr. Blue Sky’s up there waiting And today is the day we’ve waited for Ah, ah, ah
Jeff sees the sunshine on a pretty face, This calls for a celebration, what Jeff has been waiting to see.
Oh, Mr. Blue Sky Please tell us why You had to hide away for so long (so long) Where did we go wrong? Hey there Mr. Blue! We’re so pleased to be with you Look around, see what you do Everybody smiles at you
Weather affects how people act. Long winters or extended days of clouds and rain wear on a human’s psyche. Yet when the weather improves, allowing individuals to go outside, people tend to be happier.
Hey there Mr. Blue! We’re so pleased to be with you Look around, see what you do Everybody smiles at you!
A repetitive chorus reminds Jeff of the sun’s impact of people’s moods.
Mr. Blue Sky Mr. Blue Sky Mr. Blue Sky
Human beings often love sunny days.
Mr. Blue, you did it right But soon comes Mr. Night Creeping over, now his hand is on your shoulder Never mind, I’ll remember you this I’ll remember you this way!
This day is coming to an end. As the sun is about to set behind the mountains, darkness replaces Mr. Blue with Mr, Night.
Mr. Blue Sky Please tell us why You had to hide away for so long (so long) Where did we go wrong? Hey there Mr. Blue (sky) We’re so pleased to be with you (sky) Look around see what you do (blue) Everybody smiles at you
Jeff uses logic and reason, hoping for another sunny day tomorrow.
Please turn me over
Either a reference to tanning or wanting another visit from Mr. Blue Sky in the morning.
Final Thoughts:
During my last 2 years of living in Delaware before moving to South Carolina, Newark had become the Seattle of the East Coast, raining almost every Saturday for over a month. This bad weather made it easy to leave, without many reasons to stay. As families make plans to travel this summer, the weather will shape how much you like or disliked an area. This is what Mr. Blue Sky helped remind me.
Created for the Scorpions’ Crazy World album, Send Me an Angel is not a typical song associated with this rock group. However, when faced with desperation, unlikely individuals crave, desire and want divine intervention. Send Me an Angel was a team effort with Klaus Meine writing the lyrics, Adolf Schenker composing the melody and the band members adding their insight to complete Send Me an Angel.
Biblical Application:
If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; Psalm 91:9-11,
Exegesis of Send Me an Angel:
Wise man said just walk this way To the dawn of the light Wind will blow into your face As the years pass you by Hear this voice from deep inside It’s the call of your heart Close your eyes and you will find Passage out of the dark
Klaus isn’t clear on who this wise man is or perhaps an ode to Aerosmith. This opening stanza begins with a specific time when the wind will blow in passing years. Klaus is either referring to a conscience or the tugging on your soul. The final 2 lines suggest a form of meditation or visualization.
Here I am (Here I am) Will you send me an angel? Here I am (Here I am) In the land of the morning star
This changes to a request, asking God to send him an angel. The last 2 lines suggest looking out into the heavens.
Wise man said just find your place In the eye of the storm Seek the roses along the way Just beware of the thorns
A combination of metaphors and perspective wjile in the middle of a storm. Look for the good things in life, but be careful of the thorns, the rough edges of human beings.
Here I am (Here I am) Will you send me an angel? Here I am (Here I am) In the land of the morning star
A resilient cry for help, seeking an angel to guide him.
Wise man said just raise your hand And reach out for the spell Find the door to the promised land Just believe in yourself Hear this voice from deep inside It’s the call of your heart Close your eyes and you will find The way out of the dark
A combination of poetry, references to the Bible and a commonsense approach of believing in yourself. Listen to your heart to find your way through the darkness.
Here I am (Here I am) Will you send me an angel? Here I am (Here I am) In the land of the morning star (Here I am) Will you send me an angel? Here I am (Here I am) In the land of the morning star (Here I am)
This man is ready for divine intervention, desperately seeking an angel.
Will you send me an angel? Here I am (Here I am) In the land of the morning star (Here I am) Will you send me an angel? Here I am (Here I am) In the land of the morning star
A persistent call for divine intervention in the form of an angel.
Final Thoughts:
At some point in life, we all hit rock bottom, unable to escape the spiritual rut human beings are stuck in. Subsequently, why not cry out to God for help. Part of the healing process is recognizing that you can’t do it or make it on your own. Angel are real entities, servants of God sent to help the lost, lonely or forgotten. Don’t take no for an answer. Wrestle with God until an angel arrives.
Lead singer Bret Michaels experienced the heartbreak of discovering that his partner was unfaithful while out on tour with Poison. Out of this emotional experience in Dallas, Texas, Michaels strummed on his guitar late that night. Using music as a vessel for healing, raw emotions spawned the lyrics to Every Rose Has it’s Thorn. This life experience conceived this 1988 classic metal ballad.
Biblical Application:
In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body, Ephesians 5:28-30.
Exegesis of Every Rose Has It’s Thorn:
We both lie silently still in the dead of the night Although we both lie close together We feel miles apart, inside Was it somethin’ I said or something I did Did my words not come out right Tho’ I tried not to hurt you Tho’ I tried But I guess that’s why they say
Bret is reflecting upon what went wrong in this relationship, unsure what happened which drove each other apart.
Every rose has its thorn Just like every night has its dawn Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song Every rose has its thorn
Yea it does
Bret uses a metaphor to explain how he is feeling inside. The longer you hold a rose, the more likely you’ll get cut or pricked.
I listen to our favorite song playin’ on the radio Hear the dj say love’s a game of Easy come and easy go But I wonder does he know Has he ever felt like this And I know that you’d be here right now If I could have let you know somehow I guess
Listening to the special song they shared brought back a wave of emotions. Yet as Bret does a deep dive of the lyrics, there are certain things not dealt with or expressed.
Every rose has its thorn Just like every night has its dawn Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song Every rose has its thorn
This chorus seeks to lay out certain realities in life.
Though it’s been a while now I still feel so much pain Like the knife that cuts you the wound heals, But the scar, that scar remains.
Time hasn’t healed Bret’s broken heart. The Bible refers to this as wounds to your soul.
I know I could have saved our love that night If I’d know what to say Instead of making love We both made our separate ways
Unexpected situations are hard to plan for. Looking back, Bret knows he could have saved their relationship if he just knew what to say.
Now I hear you’ve found somebody new And that I never meant that much to you To hear that tears me up inside And to see you cuts me like a knife, i guess
Bret received news of his ex, doing well and her lack of appreciation for him.
Every rose has its thorn Just like every night has its dawn Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song Every rose has its thorn
This rose and this latest update stuck with Bret, hurting more than he realized.
Final Thoughts:
Depending upon how stable someone is, relationships can be dicey. I once dated a girl in college who was ready to move on from me if our date didn’t go well. The pressure eventually got too great for me to handle, going our separate ways like Bret and his girlfriend. However, when you meet someone who is mature and stable, you won’t have as many thorns on this rose. Since all human beings are flawed, love takes a will to overlook the thorns we possess.
In terms of months, the annual bloom of perennial flowers ranges from a few weeks to a couple of months, with certain wildflowers lasting as long as the weather allows. The lyrics of Roxette’s song Fading Like a Flower explores emotional decay and the struggle with love and loss. A flower is used to demonstrate the fragile nature of love. When the season of flowers blooming ends, the passion of love can also fade away.
Biblical Application:
The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; 16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more, Psalm 103:15-16.
Exegesis of Fading Like a Flower:
In a time Where the sun descends alone I ran a long, long way from home To find a heart that’s made of stone
Roxette appears to refer to the changing of a season, perhaps in Alaska where the sun doesn’t rise until Spring. Meanwhile, she left home, searching for a heart that doesn’t hurt.
I will try I just need a little time To get your face right out of my mind To see the world through different eyes
Roxette is recovering from a failed relationship. Needing time to heal of get this person out of her mind. This bad experience has left a bad taste, hoping to see the world through a different set of eyes.
Every time I see you, oh, I try to hide away But when we meet, it seems I can’t let go Every time you leave the room I feel I’m fading like a flower
This man has a grip on Roxette’s heart. While she tries to hide from him, when they are together she can’t let him out of her mind. Every time he leaves a room, she feel like a fading flower.
Tell me why When I scream, there’s no reply When I reach out, there’s nothing to find When I sleep, I break down and cry (cry), yeah
Yet when she screams, he doesn’t react. When she reaches out, he’s not there. Subsequently, she spends each night crying herself to sleep/
Every time I see you, oh, I try to hide away But when we meet, it seems I can’t let go (can’t let go) Every time you leave the room I feel I’m fading like a flower Fading like a rose Fading like a rose
This chorus reveals the emotions going on within Roxette.
Beaten by the storm Talking to myself Getting washed by the rain It’s such a cold, cold town Oh, it’s such a cold town
Roxette is now referring to a cold place, filled with storms, heavy rain and cold winds.
Every time I see you, oh, I try to hide away But when we meet, it seems I can’t let go Every time you leave the room I feel I’m fading like a flower
The wave of emotions that Roxette is experiencing.
Every time I see you, oh, I try to hide away But when we meet, it seems I can’t let go Every time you leave the room I feel I’m fading like a-
This repetitive chorus suggest that Roxette can’t get this man off her mind.
Every time I see you, oh, I try to hide away But when we meet, it seems I can’t let go Every time you leave the room I feel I’m fading like a flower
This relationship is exhausting.
Every time you leave the room (I feel I’m fading like a flower) Every time I see you (Fading like a rose) Every time you leave the room (Every time I see you) Every time I see you
Either Roxette needs to change or this relationship needs to be altered to avoid being emotionally worn out.
Final Thoughts:
I was extremely emotion for most of high school. I would live and die with each relationship. As I matured in college, I began to accept when it was time for a relationship to end. While I still had a few relationships that we hard to recover from, I did my best to move on. I learned that if a relationship was meant to be, it would last. Although some took a shocking turn, I’ve learned that God makes everything beautiful in His time.
Marilyn Bergman told a story about a couple drifting apart at a songwriter’s workshop with Neil Diamond in attendance. Television producer Norman Lear was looking for a theme song for Glitters, asking Neil to write one. Diamond took the idea from this workshop and crafted You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, asking Barbara Streisand to sing this duet. Since Glitter was about the reversal of roles; this concept led Diamond to craft lyrics of a couple sharing their true feelings.
Biblical Application:
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. 14 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble, Proverbs 28:13-14.
Exegesis of You Don’t Bring Me Flowers:
You don’t bring me flowers You don’t sing me love songs You hardly talk to me anymore When you come through the door At the end of the day
The excitement and joy of this relationship is fading away. Conversation has ceased.
I remember when You couldn’t wait to love me Used to hate to leave me
Where is the passion that once kept you with me as long as you could stay.
Now after lovin’ me late at night When it’s good for you And you’re feeling alright Well, you just roll over And you turn out the light
Making love together has all but stopped except when the timing is right.
You don’t bring me flowers anymore
The love that you once clearly displayed is missing.
It used to be so natural To talk about forever But ‘used to be’s’ don’t count anymore They just lay on the floor ‘Til we sweep them away
This relationship is falling apart as this couple seems to be drifting in different direfctions.
And baby, I remember All the things you taught me I learned how to laugh And I learned how to cry Well I learned how to love Even learned how to lie
There was a time when this couple invested their time and energy into this relationship. Now they have learned to lie to one another.
You’d think I could learn How to tell you goodbye ‘Cause you don’t bring me flowers Anymore
Each is afraid of ending this relationship, but their actions, a lack of love, have clearly spoken.
Well, you’d think I could learn How to tell you goodbye ‘Cause you don’t bring me flowers Anymore
There is still hope for love and passion, but thoughts of ending this relationship have become prevalent.
Final Thoughts:
Relationships built on physical attraction often come to an abrupt ending. However, relationships built upon common goals and interests, have a much better chance of surviving. This is where having a will to love someone comes into play. Despite what you experience, feel or see, I won’t stop loving. When couples learn to meet and please the needs of their partners, love only intensifies. This is what is missing from You Don’t Bring Me Flowers where love is all about what have you done for me lately. While all relationships become stale from time to time, helping and serving those whom you love will keep passion alive.
ExpressYourself4Him 