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.
Hold On by Wilson Phillips provides an inside scoop of what was going on behind the scenes of her band. Lead singer Chyanna was battling substance abuse and a difficult relationship. The lyrics of Hold On serves as words of encouragement to hang in there until this tumultuous stage of life ends. The theme of Hold On urges listeners in a similar situation to make a change to avoid falling into a cycle of pain.
Biblical Application:
Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21.
Exegesis of Hold On:
I know there’s pain (I know there’s pain) Why do you lock yourself up in these chains? (These chains) No one can change your life except for you Don’t ever let anyone step all over you
Pain is a natural aspect of life. Yet how you respond to pain will dictate how quickly you recover. You need to take responsibility for your life and stop playing the victim. If you want to change, stop letting others walk all over you.
Just open your heart and your mind Mmm Is it really fair to feel, this way inside? Whoa-oh-oh
If the human heart is your well spring to life, guard your heart as you open your mind to a new future free from pain. Don’t let the past drag you down.
Someday, somebody’s gonna make you want to Turn around and say goodbye Until then, baby, are you going to let ’em Hold you down and make you cry? Don’t you know? Don’t you know, things can change? Things will go your way If you hold on for one more day Can you hold on for one more day? Things will go your wayHold on for one more day
Change is possible, but your need to develop perseverance to press on. While you are waiting for circumstances in your life to change, hold on for dear life until things start to go your way again.
You could sustain (Hmm) or are you comfortable with the pain? You’ve got no one to blame for your unhappiness (no, baby) You got yourself into your own mess (ooh)
Don’t let pain consume your life. You’ve got to be proactive in breaking free from your current situation. Don’t let these negative patterns continue.
Lettin’ your worries pass you by (lettin’ your worries), baby, (pass you by) Don’t you think it’s worth your time To change your mind? No, no
Doubt and depression are holding Chyanna back. Once her mind believes that change is possible, healing can begin.
Someday, somebody’s gonna make you want to Turn around and say goodbye Until then, baby, are you going to let ’em Hold you down and make you cry? Don’t you know? Don’t you know, things can change? Things will go your way If you hold on for one more day Can you hold on for one more day? Things will go your way (all things will go your way) Hold on for one more day
Breaking free from self-destructive patterns can be extremely difficult. Yet until you truly want to change how you are living, you’ll continue down this painful road. Some people just need a spark of hope or a positive influence to usher in a season of change.
I know that there is pain But you hold on for one more day And you break free from the chains Yeah, I know that there is pain But you hold on for one more day and you Break free, break from the chains
I know you are hurting, but you have to hang in there. Press on.
Someday, somebody’s gonna make you want to Turn around and say goodbye (say goodbye) Until then, baby, are you going to let ’em Hold you down and make you cry? Don’t you know? Don’t you know (know), things can change? (No?) Things will go your way If you hold on for one more day, yeah If you hold on Don’t you know, things can change Things will go your way If you hold on for one more day
Wilson is encouraging Chyanna that she will see light at the end of the tunnel. Yet, for now, hang in there just one more day.
Can you hold on? Can you hold on? Mmm, can you hold on, baby Won’t you tell me now Hold on for one more day ‘Cause it’s gonna go your way Don’t you know, things can change Things will go your way If you hold on for one more day, yeah Can’t you change it this time Make up your mind Hold on Hold on
This final chorus is like a prayer for a good friend. A glimpse of hope is better than the reality of pain and suffering.
Final Thoughts:
As a former youth pastor, teenagers can place themselves into difficult situations similar to Chyanna. All I could do was be an agent for change, providing words of hope. In the end, human beings have to want to change before hope has the opportunity to become a reality.
What About Love was conceived out of a longing for an emotional connection and desire for unreciprocated love. The lyrics were spawn from band members who felt unappreciated by their former partners. The concept of love has become merely a word in many relationships, void of genuine acts of romance. Subsequently, once in a relationship, these women band members wanted to know what happened to love, where did it go?
Biblical Application:
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b]15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other, Galatians 5:13-15.
Exegesis of What About Love:
I’ve been lonely, I’ve been waitin’ for you I’m pretending and that’s all I can do The love I’m sendin’ Ain’t makin’ it through to your heart
This woman doesn’t like being lonely. When she finds someone, she is trying to get his attention. Yet, despite her attempts at affection, he either doesn’t notice or have mutual feelings.
You’ve been hidin’, never lettin’ it show Always tryin’ to keep it under control You got it down and you’re well on your way to the top But there’s somethin’ that you forgot
Some guys try to hide their feelings in an attempt to remain cool. Instead, the man she has her eye on is focused on their career, seeking to reach new heights. However, he is missing out on love.
What about love? Don’t you want someone to care about you? And what about love? Don’t let it slip away
The chorus is an open-ended question. God designed human beings to leave their parents and start their own family. This is what this woman asks, “don’t you want to share your life with someone you love?
What about love? I only want to share it with you You might need it someday
This opens the door to an intimate encounter. You are the one who I want to share my life with.
I can’t tell you what you’re feelin’ inside And I can’t sell you what you don’t want to buy Something’s missing, you got to look back on your life You know something here just ain’t right
She is trying to break through to uncover what he is feeling. She refuses to give up, urging this man to consider what he is missing.
What about love? Don’t you want someone to care about you? What about love? Don’t let it slip away What about love? I only want to share it with you
This chorus makes a convincing argument about love and the need for this to be shared.
What about love? Don’t you want someone to care about you? What about love? Don’t let it slip away
Let me know. I know you have feelings of love. What are you afraid of? Act now or love will slip away.
But what about love? I only want to share it with you Oh no Ohh ohh, oh what about love?
This woman is fighting to express her love, eager to convince the person she cares about.
Yeah Ooh ooh hoo What about love? Love, love, love What about, what about love? Ooh hoo hoo hoo
Love is a driving force, especially when you meet the person you want to spend the rest of your life with.
Final Thoughts:
One of the aspects not addressed in what about love is timing. Both individuals aren’t always ready for love. When the timing is off, love is not manifested. However, when the time is right, love between 2 people is conceived. This is the key element of love, where desire and timing co-exist.
This song was inspired by Hollyn’s search for divine love. Unfortunately, this invisible force comes and goes like the wind. As Hollyn struggles to find clarity and direction in life, she realizes that she can’t live without God. Despite being a contestant on American Idol season 12, Hollyn has remained grounded in her faith as she searches for a spiritual connection with God.
Biblical Application:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me, John 15:1-4.
Exegesis of Can’t Live Without:
California drivin’ had to get out Distance got me wonderin’ where you are right now One-way conversations got me worn down Pouring out my heart wish you would speak a sound
Hollyn appears to reach a breaking point due to the traffic in California. Hollyn feels lost without a nearby support group or family. The people she does see on a regular basis are so self-absorbed that she is ready for a change. These are the circumstances which led her to reach out to God for help.
I don’t know what I’m after I don’t know what I’m doin’-doin’ I don’t know what I’m after All I know is I’m lost I don’t know what I’m after I don’t know what I’m doin’-doin’ I don’t know what I’m after All I know is I’m lost
Hollyn’s is searching for clarity, direction and vision for her future. Everything that Hollyn is currently doing seems pointless, losing her way in life.
Without your love There’s no point in even wakin’ up No, no, no, no Without your love Nothing’s ever gonna be enough No, no, no, no, no, no I can’t, I can’t get you outta my head And I don’t, I don’t wanna ever forget You give me what the world could never give I can’t live without your love
What Hollyn realizes is that she is lost without the love of God. Hollyn is experiencing a void in her life, something that she tried to fill with earthly pleasures, but nothing satisfied her spiritual longing.
I can’t live without your love I can’t live without your-
Perhaps Hollyn is referencing the words of one of Jesus; disciples in 2 Peter 1:3-4. Missing the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Starin’ at the ceiling after midnight Over-thinkin’ everything in my whole life All of these regrets are clouding my mind Lord, I need the strength to try it one more time
Hollyn appears to be overanalyzing her day. Instead of focusing on the positive, she is beating herself up internally, filled with regret. During these sleepless nights, she is asking God for help in prayer.
‘Cause now I know what I’m after Now I know what I’m doin’-doin’ Now I know what I’m after Now I know that I’m lost Now I know what I’m after Now I know what I’m doin’-doin’ Now I know what I’m after Now I know that I’m lost
This plea for God’s help has cleared her mind. Now Hollyn is back on the right track after experiencing her own prodigal daughter journey.
Without your love There’s no point in even wakin’ up No, no, no, no Without your love Nothing’s ever gonna be enough No, no, no, no, no, no I can’t, I can’t get you outta my head And I don’t, I don’t wanna ever forget You give me what the world could never give I can’t live without your love
Hollyn can sense the difference in her life when God is a priority and when other things become more important in life.
I can’t live without your love I can’t live without your-
Hollyn’s life is empty without a personal relationship with God.
Some people gotta lose it all To find out what they really want Some people gotta lose it all To find out what they really want What I want is you
Like the prodigal son who squandered all of his inherited wealth, you have to rock bottom until you realize what you really want in life.
Some people gotta lose it all (what I want is you) Some people gotta lose it all (what I want is you) Some people gotta lose it all (what I want is you) Some people gotta lose it all (what I want is you) What I want is you What I want is you I can’t live without your- What I want is you I can’t live without your- Can’t live without it
When your family and friends are no longer close, God is still there. Hollyn had to learn this life lesson the hard way.
Final Thoughts:
Can’t Live Without is Hollyn’s redemption story. Life is filled with countless distractions that led individuals down the highway to hell. Yet, when you come to your senses, no longer under the chains of addiction or depression, restoration is made possible. This is what Hollyn discovered on her spiritual journey.
Back in the days when My Space was one of the top social media platforms, Lacey Sturm sent out a poll to her followers. This question asked who they would like to meet the most in life? The number one response was surprisingly God. Subsequently, Lacey wrote a song to capture the feeling of God’s omnipresence on earth. All Around Me highlights how meeting God in person would become a transformational event.
Biblical Application:
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” 38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons, Mark 1:35-39.
Exegesis of All Around Me:
My hands are searching for you My arms are outstretched towards you I feel you on my fingertips My tongue dances behind my lips for you This fire runs in through my being Burning, I’m not used to seeing you
Lacey appears to begin her search for God in prayer. Although she doesn’t seem to be on her knees, Lacey is reaching out to the heavens, hoping to be touched by God. The lyrics at the end of this opening stanza expresses Lacey’s hunger and passion to meet God.
I’m still alive I’m still alive
Either Lacey is talking about being alive or God declares that He is alive.
I can feel you all around me Thickening the air I’m breathing Holding on to all I’m feeling Savoring this heart that’s healing
Lacey reveals the reason for this search for God, to heal her heart from a painful event in the past.
My hands float up above me And you whisper you love me And I begin to fade Into our secret place The music makes me sway The angels singing say “We are alone with you” I am alone and they are too with you
Lacey reveals a spiritual encounter with God. After hearing a small still voice, a chorus of angels enter with a message of assurance that God’s presence is all around Lacey.
I’m still alive I’m still alive We’re still alive
Lacey, God and the angels are alive and well.
And I can feel you all around me Thickening the air I’m breathing Holding on to what I’m feeling Savoring this heart that’s healing
Lacey can know feel and sense God’s presence after her encounter with an invisible God.
So I cry, holy The light is white, holy And I see you, holy
Lacey is overwhelmed with joy.
I’m alive I’m still alive We’re still alive
Excited to know the angels and God are all around her.
And I can feel you all around me Thickening the air I’m breathing Holding on to all I’m feeling Savoring this heart that’s healing
Lacey is starting to experience a spiritual transformation as her heart is healing.
Take my hand, I give it to you Now you own me all I am You said you would never leave me I believe you, I believe
Lacey is now placing her faith and trust in God.
I can feel you all around me Thickening the air I’m breathing Holding on to all I’m feeling Savoring this heart that’s healed
Lacey believes that God will heal her heart and continue to watch over her life.
Final Thoughts:
My high school swim coach gave me an extra ticket to hear professional athletes from Philadelphia share about their faith. Like Lacey’s encounter with God, I was waiting to hear something earth shattering. Unfortunately, no one moved my soul until a man rolled up to the microphone in a wheelchair. After initially thinking, “what can this man share with me,” I began to be filled with the same burning passion that consumed Lacey. Skip spoke with a maturity that was foreign to me. Despite losing thousands of full scholarships to college following a water-skiing accident in high school, Skip had something inside of him that was missing from my life. Subsequently, before this night was over, I had my first encounter with God, asking Jesus to come into my heart. This is my testimony that God is all around me.
Madonna’s Material Girl was inspired by the rapid spread of materialism in the 1980’s. Although Madonna possessed an internal desire for luxury and wealth, she addresses the superficial nature of people giving expensive gifts for something in return. After graduating from high school in Rochester, Michigan, Madonna moved to New York City to follow her dreams. The success of Material Girl propelled Madonna to become a legendary female singer.
Biblical Application:
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you,” Hebrews 13:4-5.
Exegesis of Material Girl:
Some boys kiss me, some boys hug me I think they’re okay If they don’t give me proper credit I just walk away
Madonna doesn’t mind attention from the opposite sex. However, when she doesn’t receive a certain level of respect, she simply walks away.
They can beg and they can plead But they can’t see the light, that’s right, that’s right ‘Cause the boy with the cold hard cash Is always Mister Right
Madonna isn’t bothered by flattery or gifts. Yet someone with financial stability in his bank account is what Madonna is searching for.
‘Cause we are living in a material world And I am a material girl You know that we are living in a material world And I am a material girl
Living in New York City as an aspiring singer wasn’t easy for Madonna. Subsequently, she became a material girl living in a world full of materialism.
Some boys romance, some boys slow dance That’s alright with me If they can’t raise my interest then I Have to let them be
Madonna enjoys dancing and romance. However, the guy she is looking for must be impressive or else she’ll lose interest quickly.
Some boys try and some boys lie but I don’t let them play, no way, no way Only boys that save their pennies Make my rainy day
Madonna doesn’t have any patience for liars and players. She is looking for prudent and shrewd individuals who possess a vision for the future.
‘Cause they are living in a material world And I am a material girl You know that we are living in a material world And I am a material girl
Madonna had an intuition that material possessions would continue to climb in value, making this lifestyle hard to sustain.
Living in a material world (Material) Living in a material world Living in a material world (Material) Living in a material world
This chorus drives home the foresight of being financially responsible.
Boys may come and boys may go And that’s alright you see Experience has made me rich And now they’re after me
Life experiences have made Madonna popular and wealthy.
‘Cause everybody’s living in a material world And I am a material girl You know that we are living in a material world And I am a material girl
This journey as a material girl elevated Madonna into the category of rich and famous.
Living in a material world And I am a material girl You know that we are living in a material world And I am a material girl
Perhaps this repetitive chorus is meant to reinforce Madonna rise in pop culture.
A material, a material A material, a material world
Once you reach this status of a material girl, the world expects you to stay here.
Living in a material world (Material) Living in a material world Living in a material world (Material) Living in a material world
This became Madonna’s mindset.
Living in a material world (Material) Living in a material world Living in a material world (Material) Living in a material world
Fame and fortune changed Madonna.
Final Thoughts:
As I entered high school, Madonna was seeking to become to next great female singer. Along the way to the top, Madonna continued to push the envelope in her lyrics and music videos. By the time I graduated from college, Madonna had gone off the deep end, losing touch with the Catholic girl growing up in Michigan. God gives human beings free will to do and live as they choose. Maybe, God willing, this prodigal daughter will come to her senses at some time before her singing career ends. As for now, Madonna has become the material girl from this song.
The lyrics to Wasting Away would have fit into making New Year Resolutions, but this song addresses how people put off following their dreams. Instead of taking a chance to risk failure, fear is preventing action causing individuals to become idle. Tonight Alive attempts to inspire listeners to press beyond their emotional struggles to make their dreams comes true. This journey begins by setting daily goals that will lead an individual toward the desires on their heart.
Biblical Application:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will, Romans 12:1-2.
Exegesis of Wasting Away:
And so the sky becomes a dream I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy Waiting for nothing and wasting away
The lyrics begin with a moment of reflection. This quickly vanishes as the fast pace of life is preventing time to dream. But the reality of this situation is the act of procrastinating.
Don’t tell me it’s too hard You were never there from the start I’m not about to give this up Giving up was never enough, no
Excuses aren’t productive. You can’t say it’s too hard as you just got here. I’m not listening to your negativity. Giving up my dreams was never an option.
And so the sky becomes a dream I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy Waiting for nothing and wasting away And so the sky, it watched my dreams Fall to pieces right in front of me ‘Cause I’m just too busy Waiting for nothing and wasting away
This extended chorus urges listeners to stop standing around and start following your dreams.
And I never wished for anything more Than to find what I’ve been looking for And I swore to myself, I wouldn’t lie to myself How could I let this happen? So I pull myself aside Take the time you tell myself it’s alright ‘Cause you weren’t there to dry my eyes
Dallas is talking about a friend, family member or partner who hasn’t been with her as she has tried to follow her dreams.
And so the sky becomes a dream I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy Waiting for nothing and wasting away And so the sky, it watched my dreams Fall to pieces right in front of me ‘Cause I’m just too busy Waiting for nothing and wasting away
Don’t just watch as your dreams are falling apart. Do something now, get involved and avoid useless excuses.
Talking about wasting time isn’t helping your situation.
And so the sky becomes a dream I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy Waiting for nothing and wasting away
Slow down, set goals and start facing your fear of failure.
And so the sky becomes a dream I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy Waiting for nothing and wasting away And so the sky it watched my dreams Fall to pieces right in front of me ‘Cause I’m just too busy Waiting for nothing and wasting away Wasting, wasting away, away
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again yet expecting a different result. Wasting away in idleness isn’t going to make your dreams come true. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and start taking action.
Final Thoughts:
I am a big believer in following your dreams. I’ve written 4 screen plays and have an outline for a fifth. Meanwhile, I am creating an outline to turn one of these movies into a book. While I may not find a producer or publisher in my lifetime, at least I can say I accomplished these works of art. Don’t be an observer; be an active participate.
Love is a Battlefield was inspired by the complexities of entering into a relationship when you are young. Pat describes love as a conflicting journey. Love is a Battlefield challenges traditional romantic beliefs about love. Pat refuses to paint a rosy picture about living happily ever after once falling in love. This song serves as a warning, detailing the struggles of two different people coming together as one. Love isn’t easy as emotional scars from your past can represent love as a battlefield for control, enter at your own risk.
Biblical Application:
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! – Hebrews 12:7-9
Exegesis of Love is a Battlefield:
(We are young, we are young) We are young (heartache to heartache) Heartache to heartache we stand (we stand) (No promises) no promises, (no demands) no demands (Love is a battlefield) love is a battlefield
This music video features a runaway teenager searching for love. Young people tend to struggle with heartache moving from one broken relationship to another. To avoid getting your heart broken over and over again, Pat provides advice on avoiding making demands and promises. If you don’t listen to her advice, you’ll discover that love is a battlefield.
We are strong No one can tell us we’re wrong Searchin’ our hearts for so long Both of us knowing Love is a battlefield
Young people think they are indestructible. Unfortunately, the trial and error of searching your heart results in pain.
You’re beggin’ me to go, then makin’ me stay Why do you hurt me so bad? It would help me to know, do I stand in your way Or am I the best thing you’ve had?
Love can make you emotional. Especially when the person you are with doesn’t know what they are looking for or want in a partner.
Believe me, believe me, I can’t tell you why But I’m trapped by your love And I’m chained to your side
Love can make you blinded in certain areas that you don’t realize that you are chained by their side.
We are young Heartache to heartache we stand No promises, no demands Love is a battlefield
Pat is playing the role of a realist, trying to warn young girls what love truly involves.
We are strong No one can tell us we’re wrong Searchin’ our hearts for so long Both of us knowing Love is a battlefield
You can be strong and stubborn, but if you are not careful, love can break you.
When I’m losing control, will you turn me away Or touch me deep inside? And when all this gets old, will it still feel the same? There’s no way this will die
When you are young, love is a feeling that goes up and down daily. Once you become mature, love is a way of life. The key to love is developing a will to love someone so that love never dies.
But if we get much closer, I could lose control And if your heart surrenders, you’ll need me to hold
Pat touches on intimacy and support.
We are young Heartache to heartache we stand No promises, no demands Love is a battlefield
True love takes time and effort, enduring emotional scars from your past.
We are strong No one can tell us we’re wrong Searchin’ our hearts for so long Both of us knowing Love is a battlefield
Love can be messy as a couple brings their emotional garbage into a new relationship. When these issues are swept under the preverbal rug, love does become a battlefield for survival.
Final Thoughts:
If Pat was a preacher, Love is a Battlefield would be the anti-Joel Osteen sermon. Instead of focusing on the positive, Pat doesn’t hold anything back. Love is complicated, painful and unexplainable at times. Love requires effort from two people or else arguments and battles for control will ensue. Finding a soul mate can be great, but it takes time, patience and persistence.
As an adult, every day can be like being in a pressure cooker. Paramore wanted to capture this image within a song to help individuals struggling and suffocated by the pressure of time. The man and woman in Pressure’s music video each face emotional stress and societal strain. The young man is being micromanaged at a local fast-food restaurant while the other is a model with agents always watching their figure and weight. The lyrics convey a message of self-discovery where 2 people realize leaving a career or job would be better off for their future sanity and success.
Biblical Application:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything, James 1:2-4.
Exegesis of Pressure:
Well, tell me where our time went And if it was time well spent Just don’t let me fall asleep Feelin’ empty again
From the time you wake up, to the time you go to sleep, you are on the clock. Whether it’s a day off or you are working, Hayley Williams doesn’t want to get stuck in an endless cycle of feeling empty.
‘Cause I fear I might break And I fear I can’t take it Tonight I’ll lie awake, feeling empty
The pressure inside is mounting on the verge of emotionally breaking. This is what Hayley is thinking about which leads to emptiness.
I can feel the pressure, it’s getting closer now We’re better off without you I can feel the pressure, it’s getting closer now We’re better off without you
Sometimes employers can treat people like robots instead of human beings. Hayley gets the sense that she is replaceable.
(Now that I’m losing hope) (And there’s nothing else to show) (For all of the days that we spent) (Carried away from home)
Countless individuals strive to live the American dream, but never to obtain it. This couple is living paycheck to paycheck, trying their best to stay out of debt. Yet working is keeping them from spending time together.
Some things I’ll never know ‘Cause I had to let them go Well, I’m sitting all alone, feeling empty
Hayley is either referring to managers having to let workers go or breaking up with a boyfriend. Either way, this act results in loneliness.
I can feel the pressure, it’s getting closer now We’re better off without you I can feel the pressure, it’s getting closer now We’re better off without you Come on! Without you
The pressure to perform can lead to exhaustion. Hayley appears to be about to make a decision about a job or person. She comes to the realization that she’ll be better off without this job or person.
Well, some things I’ll never know And I had to let them go, go, go, go Well, some things I’ll never know ‘Cause I had to let them go Well, I’m sitting all alone, feeling empty
It’s hard to be the one in charge, to make the difficult decisions.
Set it off!
Perhaps this is referring to the music video where the emergency sprinklers are triggered.
Feel the pressure, it’s getting closer now We’re better off without you The pressure, well, it’s getting closer now We’re better off without me
Tough decisions have to be made daily. Some are put off, but when you finally make a decision, you are better off in the future.
Final Thoughts:
No one likes to be the bad guy by enforcing the rules or telling someone no. Without clear and defined boundaries, chaos will reign. Instead of waiting around for someone else to lead, take a stand now by putting out some fires today so that they don’t ignite into social wildfires tomorrow.
In a documentary entitled “Let the Canary Sing,” Cyndi Lauper initially rejected a request from her producer to sing Girl’s Just Want to Have Fun. This song was too masculine in its original version. Subsequently, Lauper refused to perform this song as is, leaning on her team of musicians to alter Girls Just Want to Have Fun. After recording a demo, Cyndi still wasn’t happy as she felt this song was missing something. Once Lauper realized this song’s arrangement could be made unique, she used her voice to hit different keys to take on a totally different sound. This alteration enabled Cyndi Lauper to become who she really is as a singer.
Biblical Application:
A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? – Ecclesiastes 2:24-25
Exegesis of Girls Just Want to Have Fun:
I come home, in the mornin’ light My mother says, “When you gonna live your life right?” Oh momma dear, we’re not the fortunate ones And girls, they wanna have fun Oh girls just wanna have fun
Cyndi was fighting the stereotypes of woman back in the 1980’s. There was a time in America where woman were expected to get married, have children and stay home to raise them. This is the mindset her mother was coming from. However, Cyndi was simply looking for a good time each day.
The phone rings, in the middle of the night My father yells, “What you gonna do with your life?” Oh daddy dear, you know you’re still number one But girls, they wanna have fun Oh girls just wanna have
Cyndi’s father shared at similar worldview of the role of women in society. Cyndi still loves and respects her father, but she isn’t afraid to express what she is feeling.
That’s all they really want Some fun When the workin’ day is done Oh girls, they wanna have fun Oh girls just wanna have fun (girls, they want) (Wanna have fun, girls) (Wanna have)
Following societal expectations for women may be fine for most, but Cyndi was a rebel, wanting to unwind after work. Spending time in some form of recreation helps renew your soul.
Some boys take a beautiful girl And hide her away from the rest o’ the world I wanna be the one to walk in the sun Oh girls, they wanna have fun Oh girls just wanna have
Cyndi doesn’t want to spend most of her life at home in a kitchen. She enjoys being outside, doing something fun in the sun.
That’s all they really want Is some fun When the workin’ day is done Oh girls, they wanna have fun Oh girls just wanna have fun (girls, they want) (Wanna have fun, girls) (Wanna have)
Cyndi is attempting to vocalize what many women think but are afraid to verbalize it.
They just want, they just wanna (girls) They just want, they just wanna (girls just wanna have fun) Oh girls, girls just wanna have fun (Just want, they just wanna) They just wanna, they just wanna (girls) They just want, they just wanna (girls just wanna have fun) Oh girls, girls just wanna have fun
The thought of working a typical 9-5 job bored Cyndi. She wanted to do something that would be fun and exciting. Cyndi was a visionary before social media existed.
When the workin’ When the workin’ day is done Oh, when the workin’ day is done Oh, girls, girls just wanna have fun Everybody Huh, huh
Going out to a bar or club dancing after worked seemed fun to Cyndi.
They just want, they just wanna (girls) They just want, they just wanna (girls just wanna have fun) Oh, girls, girls just wanna have fun (They just wanna, they just wanna) when the workin’ When the working day is done (they just want, they just wanna) Oh, when the working day is done (girls, girls just wanna have fun) Oh girls, girls just wanna have fun
Women aren’t wired like men. Subsequently, what is fun for women may not be enjoyable for men.
(They just want, they just wanna) (They just want, they just wanna)
Still, the girl inside of every woman just wants to have fun.
Final Thoughts:
My mother sacrificed the first 20 years of marriage raising 3 children, with me being the last. Once I reached high school, my mom began to excel in Real Estate. Meanwhile, she also could have been a professor bowler, averaging 165 per game bowling twice a week when the top women in the world were averaging 175 per game. Human beings make sacrifices throughout life to help family, friends and members of their community. However, when you find an occupation that you enjoy and excel in, you can have fun every day doing what you love.
Lead singer Jason Wade leans on his own personal experiences from past relationships to write Whatever It Takes. Whether you’re still young or older, most people learn via trial and error, trying to avoid making the same mistakes in future relationships. Whatever It Takes provides hope to individuals searching for redemption, following the mantra to do whatever it takes to save a relationship.
Biblical Application:
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you, Ephesians 4:29-32.
Exegesis of Whatever It Takes:
A strangled smile fell from your face It kills me that I hurt you this way The worst part is that I didn’t even know Now, there’s a million reasons for you to go But if you can find a reason to stay
Jason hurt someone special in his life. Perhaps Jason wasn’t mature enough at this time to realize what he was doing was wrong. Now he is scrambling, humble and begging for her to stay.
I’ll do whatever it takes to turn this around I know what’s at stake, I know that I’ve let you down And if you give me a chance, believe that I can change I’ll keep us together whatever it takes
Jason is asking for a second chance, willing to do whatever it takes to save this relationship.
She said, “If we’re gonna make this work You gotta let me inside even though it hurts Don’t hide the broken parts that I need to see” She said, “Like it or not, it’s the way it’s gotta be You gotta love yourself if you can ever love me”
Jason was holding his feelings inside. She is asking Jason to become vulnerable. Jason appears to be struggling to forgive himself for something he did in the past. She realizes that Jason needs to learn to forgive himself before he can learn to love.
I’ll do whatever it takes to turn this around I know what’s at stake, I know that I’ve let you down And if you give me a chance and give me a break I’ll keep us together, I know you deserve much better
Jason is willing to change. By learning to forgive and love himself, he’ll be better prepared to love others.
But remember the time I told you the way that I felt That I’d be lost without you and never find myself Let’s hold on to each other above everything else Start over, start over
Jason wants to start over, to love each other like the beginning of their relationship.
I’ll do whatever it takes to turn this around I know what’s at stake, I know that I’ve let you down And if you give me a chance, believe that I can change I’ll keep us together whatever it takes
Jason doesn’t what this to end like previous relationships. He is all in, eager to do whatever it takes if given a second chance.
Final Thoughts:
There is an apathy that exists in current relationships with few individuals willing to go the extra mile to save a relationship on the rocks. However, when people become open to loving others like Jesus, you’ll be given a second chance to make love last this time. When you develop a whatever it takes mentality, marriages can survive and blossom today.
ExpressYourself4Him 