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

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The Message Behind the Music-May 20

Posted on May 20, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Katrina & The Waves – Walking On Sunshine (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind Walking on Sunshine:

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.

Exegesis of Walking on Sunshine:

[Intro]
Ow
Mmm, yeah

Setting the tone with excitement and enthusiasm.

[Verse 1]
I used to think maybe you loved me, now, baby, I’m sure
And I just can’t wait ’til the day when you knock on my door
Now every time I go for the mailbox, I’ve gotta hold myself down
‘Cause I just can’t wait ’til you write me you’re coming around

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.

[Chorus]
Now I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh
I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh
I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh
And don’t it feel good?
Hey, alright now
And don’t it feel good?
Hey, yeah

She is in a great mood, excited about the future while celebrating today.

[Verse 2]
I used to think maybe you loved me, now I know that it’s true
And I don’t want to spend my whole life just awaiting for you
Now, I don’t want you back for the weekend, not back for a day, ah-no-no
I said, baby, I just want you back, and I want you to stay, oh, yeah, now

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?

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This chorus points to a positive state of mind.

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[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,

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 19

Posted on May 19, 2026 by expressyourself4him

The Rascals – A Beautiful Morning (Official Audio)

Inspiration Behind A Beautiful Morning:

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.

Ooh, ooh-ah-ah (oh, oh, oh)
Ooh, ooh-ah-ah (whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh)
Ooh, ooh-ah-ah (oh)
Ooh, ooh-ah-ah (oh, oh, oh)

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.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 18

Posted on May 18, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Electric Light Orchestra – Mr. Blue Sky (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Mr. Blue Sky:

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.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 17

Posted on May 17, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Scorpions – Send me an angel (Lyrics) – YouTube

Inspiration Behind Send Me an Angel:

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.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 16

Posted on May 16, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Poison – Every Rose Has Its Thorn (Lyrics)

Inspiration Behind Every Rose Has It’s Thorn:

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.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 15

Posted on May 15, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Roxette – Fading Like A Flower

Inspiration Behind Fading Like a Flower:

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.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 14

Posted on May 14, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Barbra Streisand Neil Diamond – You Don’t Bring Me Flowers

Inspiration Behind You Don’t Bring Me Flowers:

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.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 13

Posted on May 13, 2026 by expressyourself4him

The Foundations – Build Me Up Buttercup (Lyric Video)

Inspiration Behind Build Me Up Buttercup:

The Foundations wanted to explore unrequited love and tension that exists within a relationship. Mike d’Abo and Tony Macaulay co-wrote Build Me Up Buttercup about a lover who is strung along by someone who is not interested in him. The Buttercup is symbolic of the flower and candy which highlights the complexities of affections and the desire to be connected with someone that you love.

Biblical Application:

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness, Colossians 2:6-7.

Exegesis of Build Me Up Buttercup:

Oh, why do you build me up (build me up)
Buttercup, baby, just to let me down (let me down)
And mess me around and then worst of all (worst of all)
You never call, baby when you say you will (say you will)
But I love you still, I need you (I need you)
More than anyone, darlin’
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up)
Buttercup, don’t break my heart

This man wants to be encouraged, not let down. Don’t play mind games with me. Especially when you don’t call. Yet this man still loves her, wanting to be uplifted without being dumped.

“I’ll be over at ten”, you told me time and again
But you’re late, I wait around and then (bah-dah-dah)
I went to the door, I can’t take anymore
Without you, you let me down again

This woman is stringing him along, not really caring about their relationship. This emotional strain is wearing this man out.

(Hey, hey, hey!) Baby, baby, try to find
(Hey, hey, hey!) A little time and I’ll make you mine
(Hey, hey, hey!) I’ll be home
I’ll be beside the phone waiting for you

This man proclaims his dedication in this stanza.

Oh, why do you build me up (build me up)
Buttercup, baby, just to let me down (let me down)
And mess me around and then worst of all (worst of all)
You never call, baby when you say you will (say you will)
But I love you still, I need you (I need you)
More than anyone, darlin’
You know that I have from the start
Build me up (build me up)
Buttercup, don’t break my heart

Despite this verbal commitment, he wonders why she doesn’t build him up. This stanza highlights the complexities of their relationship. His greatest wish is not to have his heart broken.

You were my toy, but I could be the boy you adore
If you’d just let me know (bah-dah-dah)
Although you’re untrue, I’m attracted to you all the more
Why do I need you so

This man is fighting for the woman that he loves despite how she treats him.

(Hey, hey, hey!) Baby, baby, try to find
(Hey, hey, hey!) A little time and I’ll make you mine
(Hey, hey, hey!) I’ll be home
I’ll be beside the phone waiting for you

Just give me a chance and I’ll prove my worth to you.

Why do you build me up (build me up)
Buttercup, baby, just to let me down (let me down)
And mess me around and then worst of all (worst of all)
You never call, baby when you say you will (say you will)
But I love you still, I need you (I need you)
More than anyone, darlin’
You know that I have from the start
Build me up (build me up)
Buttercup, don’t break my heart

His only request is to be affirmed and encouraged.

I-I-I need you (I need you)
More than anyone, baby
You know that I have from the start
Build me up (build me up)
Buttercup, don’t break my heart

This man believes that she will make him complete. He has done everything in his power to make this relationship work. Just don’t break my heart.

Final Thoughts:

When I was in junior high, hardly any girls knew that I existed. There was one girl who pretended to like me, flirting with me at the mall until I overheard her laughing with her friends about me. This continued for about a month until I finally stopped going to the mall. When I think of Build Me Up Buttercup, these are the emotions and feelings that hit home. The disappointments of junior high would be quickly forgotten by my final 2 years of high school. Facing adversity helps produce maturity, allowing me to recover and develop meaningful relationships a few years later.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 12

Posted on May 12, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Tommy James and the Shondells – Crimson & Clover

Inspiration Behind Crimson and Clover:

Tommy James woke up one morning thinking about his favorite color and flower. Upon combining crimson with clover, Tommy used poetry to blend these 2 elements together. Crimson and Clover contain themes of love and passion, fueled by deep emotions and natural beauty. While the remake of Crimson and Clover by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts in 1982 received more attention in the music world, Tommy James and the Shondells crafted this song.

Biblical Application:

The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” – Isaiah 40:7-8

Exegesis of Crimson and Clover:

Ah, now I don’t hardly know her
But I think I can love her
Crimson and clover

The poetry portion of this song kept the lyrics to 4 stanzas. However, the actual song repeats these stanzas several times. From afar, Crimson and Clover are compared to a woman. The more you stare, there is a belief that you can love this woman.

Ah, now when she comes walkin’ over
Now I’ve been waitin’ to show her
Crimson and clover
Over and over

As this woman approaches, you have been waiting to show her something, a red flower and some clovers.

Yeah, if I’m not such a sweet thing
I wanna do everything
What a beautiful feelin’
Crimson and clover
Over and over

This man reveals his flaw but is eager to do whatever it takes to impress her. Perhaps there is a sexual innuendo behind crimson and clover.

Crimson and clover, over and over
Crimson and clover, over and over
Crimson and clover, over and over
Crimson and clover, over and ove

Either this is simply Tommy jamming to his favorite color and flower or the over and over has some sort of infatuation built into the lyrics. The more you gaze upon this natural beauty or a specific woman, the greater your attraction becomes.

Final Thoughts:

As someone who went to college to study golf course design and maintenance, I am big into flowers and fauna. As I build a 9-hole disc golf course on my property, I love adding elements of ornamental grasses, shrubs and wildflowers. Although this property is void of crimson at the present, when the flowers start to blossom this spring, there will be some crimson and random patches of clover to pop up. To me Crimson and Clover are part of this color spectrum, brightening up landscapes across the country.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 11

Posted on May 11, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Ashley Monroe – Like a Rose [Lyric Video]

Inspiration Behind Like a Rose:

Ashley Monroe reflects upon how the death of her father at a young age impacted her life and family. Like a Rose was co-written by Guy Clark and Jon Randall conveying Ashley’s journey from hardship to resilience. One of the themes of Like a Rose is that despite Ashley’s world falling apart around her, somehow God enabled her to turn out like a rose.

Biblical Application:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j] 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 8:35-39.

Exegesis of Like a Rose:

I was onlu 13 when daddy died
Mama started drinking and my brother just quit trying
I’m still bouncing back, heaven only knows
How I came out like a rose

Ashley was a teenager when her father passed away. Her mom tried to numb this pain by drinking and her brother stopped trying. Yet Ashley kept bouncing back like a thriving rose bush.

Ran off with what’s his name when I turned 18
Got me out of North Dakota, but it did not change a thing
I left it in the yard, all covered up with snow
And I came out like a rose

Leaving didn’t make the pain of her father’s death go away. Seems like Ashley left behind a special plant or bush that thrived in her absence.

Sitting in this diner with a coffee in my hand
Waiting on a bus to some promise land
I got a one way ticket as far as it goes
And I came out like a rose

Ashley went years without having a home. Desperate this lonely journey, God took care of Ashley.

So I’m headed south to anywhere that ain’t so damn cold
Where I can warm my heart and shake the chills from my bones
It took a while to get here, it’s been a long hard road
And I came out like a rose

Ashley finally decided to leave the cold of the north for a warm state in the south. While this move took longer than expected, Ashley’s life was still blessed.

Sitting in this diner with a coffee in my hand
Waiting on a bus to some promise land
I got a one way ticket as far as it goes
And I came out like a rose

This chorus suggests that God is in control despite how bad the present may seem.

It took a while to get here, it’s been a long hard road
And I came out like a rose

Although this journey has been long and hard, Ashley feels blessed like a flourishing rose.

Final Thoughts:

As a manager with Amazon, I’ve learned that everyone has a story that explains how they have turned out and why they act the way that they do. The hard part is taking the time to peel back the layers which help you understand individuals like Ashley. If you have the patience, you’ll be able to find the best way to reach this individual. While you won’t reach everyone, you will find common ground to help rebuild crushed spirits and hurting souls.

by Jay Mankus

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