There’s No Need for Disinformation

Posted on June 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

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.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-July 14

Posted on July 14, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Johnny Cash – Ragged Old Flag (Official Audio)

Inspiration Behind Ragged Old Flag:

The lyrics to Ragged Old Flag were conceived during the Vietnam War when political tensions reached a peak due to President Nixon’s Watergate scandal. After supporting Nixon, Johnny Cash reflected upon how this war and presidency was tearing America apart. Subsequently, Cash used Ragged Old Flag as a history lesson with the hope of reigniting faith in the country and flag that he loved. This song reads like a story about past battles and wars.

Biblical Application:

The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! – Acts 5:27-29.

Exegesis of Ragged Old Flag:

I walked through a county courthouse square
On a park bench, an old man was sittin’ there.
I said, “Your old court house is kinda run down,
He said, “Naw, it’ll do for our little town”.
I said, “Your old flag pole is leaned a little bit,
And that’s a ragged old flag you got hangin’ on it”.
He said, “Have a seat”, and I sat down,
“Is this the first time you’ve been to our little town”
I said, “I think it is”
He said “I don’t like to brag, but we’re kinda proud of that ragged old flag”

While on vacation Johnny notices a local sitting on a park bench. After making an initial observation, the local explains that old isn’t necessarily run down. Johnny makes another comment about an old flag hanging from a leaning pole. This local asks Johnny to sit down, wanting to explain the history about this town and flag.

You see, we got a little hole in that flag there
When Washington took it across the Delaware.
And It got powder burned the night Francis Scott Key sat watching it
Writing “Say Can You See”
It got a bad rip in New Orleans, with Packingham & Jackson
Tugging at it’s seams.
And it almost fell at the Alamo
Beside the Texas flag,
But she waved on though.
She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville,
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.
There was Robert E. Lee and Beauregard and Bragg,
And the south wind blew hard on that ragged old flag

This man turns into a historian, using past events to reveal how this ragged old flag got in this current condition. From the Revolutionary to Civil War, this flag has seen significant battles waged. When you add the windy conditions, this is the how this flag has become ragged.

On Flanders Field in World War I
She got a big hole from a Bertha Gun
She turned blood red in World War II
She hung limp, and low, a time or two
She was in Korea, Vietnam, she went where she was sent
By her Uncle Sam
She waved from our ships upon the briny foam
And now they’ve about quit wavin’ back here at home
In her own good land here She’s been abused
She’s been burned, dishonored, denied an’ refused
And the government for which she stands
Has scandalized throughout out the land
And she’s getting thread bare, and she’s wearin’ thin
But she’s in good shape, for the shape she’s in
Cause she’s been through the fire before
And I believe she can take a whole lot more

The American flag is used as a background for World War I and II. From Korea to Vietnam, American soldiers have been sent to defend and support freedom. This serves as an introduction to modern times as people have lost faith in the leaders of this country. The Ragged Old Flag is symbolic of American values which have been challenged and tested over the last 200 years when this was written. The old man believes that America still has a bright future.

So we raise her up every morning
And we take her down every night,
We don’t let her touch the ground,
And we fold her up right.
On a second thought
I do like to brag
‘Cause I’m mighty proud of that ragged old flag

This is why this old local flag is raised every morning to remind citizens of what we’ve been through to obtain freedom. Meanwhile, the locals take her down every evening and don’t let her touch the ground, folding this flag up with respect, just as she deserves. This is what has led this town to be become proud of their Ragged Old Flag.

Final Thoughts:

I was a Boy Scout until high school when sports became a bigger priority in my life. Yet, I learned to respect the American flag as a scout. At ballgames I learned to rise for the National Anthem and place my hand over my chest. Although I have gone through the motions many times when I sing the Star-Spangled Banner, certain moments I was stuck with the same appreciation as the local man in this song. Instead of airing your grievances, it’s time to start thanking God for being born and or living in the greatest country in the world.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-July 13

Posted on July 13, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa

Inspiration Behind Stars and Stripes Forever:

John Philip Sousa is an American composer known for his instrumental marches. Stars and Stripes Forever is hit most famous speech. The inspiration behind this composition is the symbolism of the American flag. Following the death of his band manager David Blakely, John Philip wrote Stars and Stripes Forever on a boat while returning from a vacation in Europe. The combination of returning to America and mourning of a good friend conceived this song.

Biblical Application:

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!You have set your glory in the heavens. 2 Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies to silence the foe and the avenger.3 When I consider your heavens,the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them, Psalm 8:1-4.

Exegesis of Stars and Stripes Forever:

Let martial note in triumph float
And liberty extend its mighty hand
A flag appears ‘mid thunderous cheers,
The banner of the Western land.
The emblem of the brave and true
Its folds protect no tyrant crew;
The red and white and starry blue
Is freedom’s shield and hope.
Other nations may deem their flags the best
And cheer them with fervid elation
But the flag of the North and South and West
Is the flag of flags, the flag of Freedom’s nation.

A country that fights for liberty. This flag serves as a banner and emblem for bravery, courage and nation not afraid to protect the world from tyrants. The colors of the flag are like a shield of hope. No flag compares to the freedom that America is will to defend.

Hurrah for the flag of the free!
May it wave as our standard forever,
The gem of the land and the sea,
The banner of the right.
Let despots remember the day
When our fathers with mighty endeavor
Proclaimed as they marched to the fray
That by their might and by their right
It waves forever.

This is the reason for celebrating this gem of a nation. Let the march begin to defend this land from despots. This is all in the name of doing what is right.

Let eagle shriek from lofty peak
The never-ending watchword of our land;
Let summer breeze waft through the trees
The echo of the chorus grand.
Sing out for liberty and light,
Sing out for freedom and the right.
Sing out for Union and its might,
O patriotic sons.
Other nations may deem their flags the best
And cheer them with fervid elation,
But the flag of the North and South and West
Is the flag of flags, the flag of Freedom’s nation.

The eagle is like a guardian, watching and waiting for an enemy. Let the chorus sing out for the liberty and freedom this nation represents. Come together as one with a common goal to defend freedom.

Hurrah for the flag of the free.
May it wave as our standard forever
The gem of the land and the sea,
The banner of the right.
Let despots remember the day
When our fathers with might endeavor
Proclaimed as they marched to the fray,
That by their might and by their right
It waves forever.

The American flag represents all that is good and right. This is why we march as one, to fight for what is right.

Final Thoughts:

The instrumental version is usually played during parades as well as presidential introductions. However, the lyrics reflect the foundational truths and values that America was built upon. Freedom is what drew immigrants to form the colonies. Freedom is what soldiers laid down their lives for and freedom is like the heartbeat of America, what keeps future leaders eager to uphold for future generations.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-July 12

Posted on July 12, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Dolly Parton – Color Me America (Audio)

Inspiration Behind Color Me America:

Dolly Parton wrote Color Me America the day after September 11th, 2001. The horrific events of 9/11 filled Dolly with a spirit of patriotism. The lyrics reflect the aspirations and values that Americans shared at this moment in time. Dolly waited until June 2003 before releasing Color Me America on her For God and Country album.

Biblical Application:

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself, Matthew 22:34-39.

Exegesis of Color Me America:

I am red and white and blue
These are colors that ring true
To all I am and feel and love and do
I stand proud and brave and tall
I want justice for us all
Color me America, red, white and blue

Dolly compares how she is feeling to the colors of the American flag. Dolly is proud of her country, appreciating all that America stands for.

I see red when evil speaks
Spilling red blood on our streets
And I feel blue from grief and sorrow that it brings
But the white, the light of love
God’s own Spirit like a dove
Lifts us up and hands to us an olive branch

Dolly tries to put the attack on America into words. Evil prevailed on this day resulting in death. Dolly is grieving with the families of Americans who lost loved ones. Dolly leans on God in the aftermath of 9/11, seeking help from above.

Oh, sweet freedom, may you stay
In our land and lives always
And may peace and beauty fill our hearts anew
And may we all stand up for you
May our thoughts and deeds be true
And be worthy of your stripes
Red, white and blue (red, white and blue)

Dolly clings to the freedom in America. Hoping for peace and healing. Followed by a call to stand up for American values. Praying for the proper response in deeds and thoughts, based upon American values.

I am red and white and blue
These are colors that ring true
To all I love and feel and see and do
Oh, I stand proud and brave and tall
I want justice for us all
So, color me America, red, white and blue

The chorus reflect the colors of the flag. Dolly has learned to love what this flag represents. Full of pride which makes her stand tall for American values.

Oh, sweet America (America, America…)
God won’t you shed, won’t you shed your grace on Thee
And crown Thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea
Oh, color me, color me America
Red, white and blue, color me America

Dolly senses a blessing from God upon this nation. Leaning on God’s grace. This final stanza touches on America the Beautiful before touching on the colors in the American flag. This is Dolly’s heart felt response to 9/11/2001.

Final Thoughts:

I serviced a bank across the street from the Liberty Bell on September 11th. Before the Twin Towers fell, I received a call not to report to work as their area was closed for security reasons. This one event altered my career path, going into teaching a few months later. When one door closed, another opened, providing a decade to pour my heart and soul into teaching high school students. Color Me America became a song which reflected my own appreciation for this country. Although no nation is perfect, it’s still an amazing place to live.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-July 11

Posted on July 11, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Lenny Kravitz – American Woman (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind American Woman:

The original version of American Woman was written by the Guess. Since the band members were against the Vietnam War, the American Woman was seen as a distraction. Lead singer Burton Cummings initially composed the lyrics to be a metaphor for Canadian woman. Yet the lyrics sought to present an anti-war message indirectly while maintaining a positive tone. Lenny Kravitz’s version used Austin’s Powers the Spy that Shagged Me to spice up this album cover.

Biblical Application:

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[b][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’[d] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell, Matthew 5:21-22.

Exegesis of American Woman:

American woman
Stay away from me
American woman
Mama, let me be

The lyrics appear to have multiple meanings. Does the Guess see American woman as a distraction? Or is Burton’s mother trying to find him a wife, wanting grandchildren.

Don’t come hangin’ ’round my door
I don’t wanna see your face no more
I got more important things to do
Than spend my time growin’ old with you

This stanza suggests that woman are seen as an obstacle to freedom and independence.

Now woman, stay away
American woman, listen what I say

Band members weren’t ready to settle down.

American woman
Get away from me
American woman
Mama, let me be

These men wanted tp remain single.

Don’t come knockin’ ’round my door
I don’t wanna see your shadow no more
Colored lights can hypnotize
Sparkle someone else’s eyes

Settling down was seen as a sign of weakness,

Now woman, get away
American woman, listen what I say

A blunt way of saying I’m not interested.

American woman
I said, get away
American woman
Listen what I say

: Leave me alone. I’m content with my current life.

Don’t come hangin’ ’round my door
Don’t want to see your face no more
I don’t need your war machines
I don’t need your ghetto scenes
Colored lights can hypnotize
Sparkle someone else’s eyes

An anti-war stanza. Women are described as distractions and nuisances. Meanwhile Vietnam veterans didn’t need to be lectured by people who didn’t understand this war.

Now woman, get away
American woman, listen what I say

Perhaps some women were encouraging young men to enlist.

American woman
Stay away from me
American woman
Mama, let me be

A call to be free from distractions.

I gotta go, I gotta get away
Babe, I gotta go, I wanna fly away
I’m gonna leave you, woman
I’m gonna leave you, woman
I’m gonna leave you, woman
I’m gonna leave you, woman

A reference to going off to war or a plea to be free again.

Bye-bye, bye-bye
Bye-bye, bye-bye
(American woman) you’re no good for me, and I’m no good for you
(American woman) I look you right straight in the eye
I tell you what I’m gonna do
(American woman) I’m gonna leave you woman, you know I gotta go
(American woman) I’m gonna leave you woman, I gotta go
(American woman) I gotta go
I gotta go, American woman Yeah

Either a goodbye, going off to war or a call for freedom, to become single again. Fleeing any form of commitment.

Final Thoughts:

Before my senior year, I broke up with my high school sweetheart. At this time, I cared more about winning a state championship in cross country rather than being in a relationship. Girls distracted me as a sophomore and junior so I made thus rash decision. Perhaps, this was part of the mentality that went into the lyrics of American Woman.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-July 10

Posted on July 10, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Brooks & Dunn – Only In America (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Only in America:

Brooks and Dunn share a deep appreciation for America as well as it’s blend of cultures. Don Cook and Ronnie Rodgers collaborated with Brooks and Dunn on Only in America. The patriotic lyrics fit well into their 2001 album Steers and Stripes. After the events of September 11th, Only in America became a unifying message for a mourning nation in need of a hope and positivity.

Biblical Application:

The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, Colossians 1:26-27.

Exegesis of Only in America:

Sun coming up over New York city
School bus driver in a traffic jam
Starin’ at the faces in her rearview mirror
Looking at the promise of the Promised land
A one kid dreams of fame and fortune
One kid helps pay the rent
One could end up going to prison
One just might be president

Another day begins in a big city when a New York bus driver glances in her mirror to check out what is going on behind her. What she sees is future leaders of America filled with aspirations, dreams and goals. This driver thinks about the paths that each might take.

Only in America
Dreaming in red, white, and blue
Only in America
Where we dream as big as we want to
We all get a chance
Everybody gets to dance
Only in America

These dreams could come true in America. Everyone has a chance to pursue their ideal life.

Sun going down on an L.A. freeway
Newlyweds in the back of a limousine
A welder’s son and a banker’s daughter
All they want is everything
She came out here to be an actress
He was a singer in a band
They just might go back to Oklahoma
And talk about the stars they could have been

On the other side of the coast, there is a newly married couple. Sons and daughters begin to carve their own path in life. All they want is a chance for success, as soon as possible, risking failure to chase after their dreams. Instead of wondering what might have been, they gave it a shot.

Only in America
Dreaming in red, white, and blue
Only in America
Where we dream as big as we want to
We all get a chance
Everybody gets to dance
Only in America

This can happen in America. Where dreaming big is encouraged. If you work hard enough, you can make this a reality.

Only in America
Where we dream in red, white, and blue
Only in America
Where we dream as big as we want to
We all get a chance
Everybody gets to dance
Only in America

The chorus repeats itself serving as a reminder that the American dream is still alive.

Yeah, only in America
Only in America
Yeah, they dream in red, white, and blue
Yeah, we dream as big as we want to
Only in America

Like Disney World, America is where dreams can come true.

America
Only in America

Unlike any nation in the world.

Final Thoughts:

As the son of an immigrant, I have seen great things happen. I went from living paycheck to paycheck to fulfilling some of my dreams in life. While life is full of challenges, you have to be willing to take chances by risking failure to see if you have what it takes to succeed. When failure does occur, you can always reinvent yourself by changing direction. As you evolve, you may not like what you are doing but you can always change course if necessary. Since you only live once, keep chasing after your dreams.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-July 9

Posted on July 9, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Bruce Springsteen – Born in the U.S.A. (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Born in the USA:

The context of Born in the USA is written from the perspective of a soldier who served in the Vietnam War. Upon arriving home safely, unlike many of his fellow soldiers, he was met with economic hardship. Despite the overwhelming popularity of Born in the USA, Bruce attacks the American government as it failed to help veterans reintegrate back into the work force. The lyrics also warns Americans that being born in this country doesn’t guarantee success in realizing the American Dream. Since the Vietnam War was the first to have nearly unlimited media access like the film Good Morning Vietnam, journalists back in America began to label Vietnam vets as baby killers. Films like Rambo depict how Bruce Springsteen felt about how the government let Vietnam vets down.

Biblical Application:

A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8  a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace, Ecclesiastes 3:7-8.

Exegesis of Born in the USA:

Born down in a dead man’s town
The first kick I took was when I hit the ground
End up like a dog that’s been beat too much
‘Til you spend half your life just to cover it up now

This individual came back from war to return to a dying town. This was like a gut punch to this soldier. Human beings can only take so much before they crack. The transition from soldier to worker took half of his life.

Born in the USA
I was born in the USA
I was born in the USA
Born in the USA, now

This soldier was born in the USA, but his life was far from the American dream.

Got in a little hometown jam
So they put a rifle in my hands
Send me off to a foreign land
To go and kill the yellow man

This man turned to the military for direction in life. He was trained to shoot and kill the enemy in the Vietnam War.

Born in the USA
I was born in the USA
Born in the USA
I was born in the USA

This was the dilemma for this soldier born in America,

Come back home to the refinery
Hiring man said, “Son, if it was up to me”
Went down to see my V.A. man
He said, “Son, don’t you understand, now?”

This journey led to working at a refinery. However, the hiring manager referred him to the VA to see what other military options were available. No one is being straight with this soldier.

Oh, yeah
No, no
No, no, no

This is the frustration of this veteran.

I had a brother at Khe Sanh
Fightin’ off them Viet Cong
They’re still there, he’s all gone
He had a woman he loved in Saigon
I got a picture of him in her arms now

Perhaps this song is about Bruce’s brother. The people he was fighting are still alive, but he died. This soldier left behind a woman that he loved.

Down in the shadow of the penitentiary
Out by the gas fires of the refinery
I’m ten years burnin’ down the road
Nowhere to run, ain’t got nowhere to go

Bruce feels for the former veterans who have lost their way. Down on their luck with nowhere to turn.

Born in the USA
I was born in the USA, oh
Born in the USA
I’m a long-gone daddy in the USA, now

This is the sad story of a forgotten US veteran.

Born in the USA
Born in the USA
Born in the USA
I’m a cool rocking daddy in the USA, now

Bruce ends with a positive spin.

Final Thoughts:

Mixing politics with music usually doesn’t have a positive ending. The lyrics remind me of the Rambo series of movies based upon the John Rambo character who is the lone survivor of an elite squadron. Those who didn’t die in Vietnam died or cancer from the chemicals of war they were exposed to. While Born in the USA remains a popular song today, the lyrics reveal a sad story about the casualties of war.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-July 8

Posted on July 8, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Faith Hill – American Heart (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind American Heart:

This song was conceived from Faith Hill’s personal experiences of being around optimistic people from the United States. American Heart was co-written by Jonathon Singleton and Jim Beavers who drew inspiration from resilience and determination from Americans facing challenging times in life. The lyrics reflect personal struggles and triumphs that human beings face daily in life. This perseverance is the backbone of American Heart.

Biblical Application:

For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him, James 1:11-12.

Exegesis of American Heart:

She’s up before the sun, on the run
Another dollar, another day, another cup of coffee
Thank you Lord for giving me one more
She still leans on her dreams but it seems
Sometimes she’s the only one who still believes
That life is hard, so she takes it on
With an American heart

The opening 2 lines highlights anyone trying to get ahead in life. God is credited for providing another day with a glimmer of hope to keep the American Dream alive. As others lose hope, she still believes this is possible.

And it beats like a drum down in New Orleans
Sings like a Motown melody
It dreams like California
Bigger than the Texas sky
It bleeds
It scars
But it shines when times get hard
And you can’t break an American heart

Music keeps her going, singing positive songs. Dreams aren’t compromised, but continue to grow with optimism. Despite disappointment, obstacles and setbacks, the American Heart is still beating as hard as ever.

From the small town Friday night lights
To the Broadway neon burning up bright
We’re all the same and it’s in our veins
A spirit that you can’t keep down
A fire inside that’ll never burn out
If you are the owner of
An American heart

Wherever you are and whatever you do, hearts filled with hope keep dreams alive. This spirit refuses to quit like a fire that never dies. This is what is possible with an American Heart.

‘Cause it beats like a drum down in New Orleans
Sings like a Motown melody
It dreams like California
Bigger than the Texas sky
It bleeds
It scars
But it shines when times get hard
And you can’t break an American heart
An American heart

The chorus repeats itself like great music that never goes out of style. Music can soothe your soul when life gets tough. However, American Hearts are like the energizer bunny which never stops moving forward.

And it beats like a drum down in New Orleans
Sings like a Motown melody
It dreams like California
Bigger than the Texas sky
It bleeds
It scars
But it shines when times get hard
You can’t break
You can’t break an American heart
An American heart

Consecutive chorus hints that the end of this song is near. Yet, resiliency and determination are characteristics of an American Heart. This may bleed and scar, but these people shine when perseverance enters their lives. This is why you can’t break an American Heart.

An American heart
God bless America
Land of the free
God bless America

An American Heart is a gift from God in the form of a blessing. America remains a special place today fueled by God’s blessing.

Final Thoughts:

One thing that I have learned over the years is to be content with where you are in life. It’s easy to become jealous by looking at more successful people. However, if you view success as [art of your own personal journey in life, you’ll become like the woman in the opening stanza eager to make the most of the day in front of her. Taking one day at a time can propel you toward seizing the moments that each new day provides. If you fail or fall short of your expectations, you’ll have another chance tomorrow to shine, This is the resilience of an American Heart.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-July 7

Posted on July 7, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Neil Diamond’s America

Inspiration Behind America:

Neil Diamond’s America was spawn from real-life immigration stories of his grandparents. The storm mentioned in the lyrics are symbolic of persecution and hardship in Eastern Europe they faced which conceived a desire to seek a better life in the United States. In a world of darkness, despite the negative remarks from politicians seeking to divide this nation. America remains a beacon of hope to the less fortunate scattered throughout the globe.

Biblical Application:

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea[b] were hushed.30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven, Psalm 107:28-30.

Exegesis of America:

Far,
We’ve been traveling far
Without a home
But not without a star

Diamond appears to be referring to World War II in Europe when families fled to displaced persons’ zones to seek refuge. The star was the hope of migrating to America.

Free,
Only want to be free
We huddle close
Hang on to a dream

Freedom fueled this journey, Families stuck together as they hung onto this dream of coming to America.

On the boats and on the planes
They’re coming to America
Never looking back again,
They’re coming to America

This dream was about to become a reality.

Home
Don’t it seem so far away
Oh, we’re traveling light today
In the eye of the storm
In the eye of the storm

This quest for a new home wasn’t easy, facing trials along the way.

Home
To a new and a shiny place
Make our bed and we’ll say our grace
Freedom’s light burning warm
Freedom’s light burning warm

This home was the beginning of the American dream. God is thanked for having a place to rest. This is the experience of freedom, far different from the lives they left behind.

Everywhere around the world
They’re coming to America
Ev’ry time that flag’s unfurled
They’re coming to America

The American dream is not dead. People around the world view America as a beacon of hope. This is why they come.

Got a dream to take them there
They’re coming to America
Got a dream they’ve come to share
They’re coming to America

When a member of one family arrived in America, this inspired other relatives to follow them.

They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America
Today, Today,
Today, Today, Today

Immigrants come to America searching for a better life, even now 45 years after this songs’ release.

My country ’tis of thee (today)
Sweet land of liberty (today)
Of thee I sing (today)
Of thee I sing
Today, Today, Today
Today, today, today….

Using a snippet of a patriot song to drive home why people still want to come to America.

Final Thoughts:

In the last 2 years of my father’s life, he began to tell me how my grandfather helped him escape Lithuanian during World War II. This improbable journey coincides with struggles of Neil Diamond’s grandparents. When you have nothing as you flee for your life, freedom is a driving force to keep you going. This is the power of America, a dream that still exists throughout the world.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-July 6

Posted on July 6, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Ray Charles performs “America the Beautiful”

Inspiration Behind America the Beautiful:

Professor Katharine Lee Bates traveled to Colorado Springs to teach a summer course. This time away from Wellesley College enabled Bates to explore Pike’s Peak. Blown away by the amazing scenery, the words of America the Beautiful were conceived However, this initial piece was in the form of a poem entitled Pikes Peak, first published on July 4, 1895. This poem was later set to music by Samuel A. Ward. After several revisions by Gates, the final version of America the Beautiful was completed in 1913.

Biblical Application:

In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land, Psalm 95:4-5.

Exegesis of America the Beautiful: (original version)

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

Bates is moved by her view from the Colorado Rockies.  Her eyes focus on the different transitions of the landscape.  Perhaps the amber waves of grain and fruited plains refer to her gradual ascension up Pile's Peak.  These amazing views fill Bates with a deep appreciation for America.  The final 3 lines of this opening stanza point to a different time in America where a biblical worldview was held by a majority of Americans.

O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

Bates transitions to history, reflecting upon the colonization of America.  Europeans made this trek west in a search for freedom.  Bates points to a time in America where the local church was the center of the community.  Despite human imperfections, the daily goal was to pursue self-control while daily examining the Bible as a guide for life.

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain divine!

Bates points to the mindset shared by many Americans at the turn of the 20th century.  The good of this country was placed as a higher priority than selfish ambition.  The end of this stanza appears to address the fact that human beings are a work in progress, refined by the trials we all face in life.

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

Our founding fathers had a vision for America.  This dream was for future generations.  A place where all the citizens were proud to call home.  The expression God, family and country can be extracted from the end of the final stanza.  By God's grace and a commitment to the golden rule, treat others as you want to be treated.  This is the prayer from the east to the west coast.

Final Thoughts:

Modern college professors would steer clear from discussing faith in their classroom.  However, when someone is moved by God or influenced by the Holy Spirit, great things can be accomplished.  Subsequently, a poem reflecting upon a beautiful view has turned into a patriotic song that Americans have sung for more than a century.  This is the impact and powerful message of America the Beautiful.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-July 5

Posted on July 5, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Kate Smith from the Flyers vs Bruins Stanley Cup Playoffs May 19th 1974

Inspiration Behind God Bless America:

Irving Berlin wrote the original version of God Bless America while serving in the United States Army. The initial title was named after the base where Irving was training, Yip Yip Yaphank. After wanting to craft a fun song, Irving realized that this was too solemn for this initial name. The lyrics were revised in 1938 during the rise of Nazi Germany. Irving was searching for peace as well as God’s divine protection with a second World War looming. This new version debuted on the Kate Smith Hour, part of Armistice Day programming. In the years that followed, Kate Smith was invited to sing God Bless America before special sporting events like the Stanley Cup Finals.

Biblical Application:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, Ephesians 1:3-4.

Exegesis of God Bless America:

God bless America, land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above;
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America, my home, sweet home.
God bless America, my home, sweet home.

A request to God inspired by a love for his country.  A call to stand by this nation.  The belief that God is shining down on this country, from coast to coast.  Irving reveals his deep appreciation for America, seeking God's blessing.

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free.
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer:

Despite what pending storms may be seen on the horizon, Irving asks the allegiance of his fellow citizens.  Focusing on the positive as well as being grateful.  Singing this song as a unified prayer.

God bless America, my home, sweet home.
God bless America, my home, sweet home.

The chorus asks God to watch over their homes with favor and protection from above.

Final Thoughts:

My father’s sales promotion in Delaware included season tickets to the Philadelphia Flyers of the NHL. When games were on the weekends. my dad was able to take 3 members of the family. Subsequently, I was able to attend a few games every year for a decade. When the Flyers invited Kate Smith to sing God Bless America, their winning percentage was over 900. I was fortunate to hear Kate Smith sing in person at the Spectrum. When the fans joined Kate, the building would shake. These are the memories of hearing God Bless America for the first time.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
→