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-August 9

Posted on August 9, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Phoebe Bridgers – Kyoto (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Kyoto:

Phoebe Bridgers’ first trip to Japan and her complex relationship with her father inspired the song Kyoto. The lyrics are about the impostor syndrome, living someone else’s’ life in the process of achieving a lifelong dream. Phoebe describes this portion of her life as exploration of dissociation due to her father divorcing her mom resulting in built up anger and resentment. Writing this song served as a distraction as well a form of healing to express her pain.

Biblical Application:

To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool. 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones, Proverbs 17:21-22.

Exegesis of Kyoto:

Day off in Kyoto
Got bored at the temple
Looked around at the 7-Eleven
The band took the speed train
Went to the arcade
I wanted to go, but I didn’t
You called me from a payphone
They still got payphones
It cost a dollar a minute
To tell me you’re getting sober
And you wrote me a letter
But I don’t have to read it

While on tour in Japan, Phoebe had a day off. Phoebe lists the places that she visited. Her father interrupted this day of sightseeing with a phone call. A quick summary of their conversation.

I’m gonna kill you
If you don’t beat me to it
Dreaming through Tokyo skies
I wanted to see the world
Then I flew over the ocean
And I changed my mind (woo)

This call got Phoebe upset and frustrated. Suggesting Phoeve is living the life her father wanted her to live.

Sunset’s been a freak show
On the weekend, so

Large crowds ruined Phoebe’s ideal sunset, using poetry to try to rhyme.

I’ve been driving out to the suburbs
To park at the Goodwill
And stare at the chemtrails
With my little brother
He said you called on his birthday
You were off by like ten days
But you get a few points for tryin’
Remember getting the truck fixed
When you let us drive it
Twenty-five felt like flying

Phoebe seems bored of Japan, not what she expected. Phoebe brought her brother to Japan while on tour. Phoebe shares the conversation between her brother and father.

I don’t forgive you
But please don’t hold me to it
Born under Scorpio skies
I wanted to see the world
Through your eyes until it happened
Then I changed my mind

Phoebe is still mad at her father’s decision to divorce her mom. unwilling to forgive at the moment. Phoebe shares her birth horoscope, then realized that she has been living her father’s dream, not her own.

Guess I lied
I’m a liar
Who lies
‘Cause I’m a liar

She lied to her father to make him happy.

Final Thoughts:

As a coach for more than 15 years, I’ve witnessed plenty of parents living their lives through their children. In the end, none of these athletes ever reached their full potential, burning out early or never able to satisfy their parents expectations. While I wanted the best for my children, I tried my best to let my 3 kids leave their own legacy. While I’m far from perfect, sometimes you have to let children fail on their own to see what they truly want in life. The rest is in God’s hands.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 8

Posted on August 8, 2026 by expressyourself4him

The New Basement Tapes – Kansas City

Inspiration Behind Kansas City:

Bob Dylan’s 1967 handwritten lyrics from the Basement Tapes era inspired the song Kansas City 47 years later. These resurfaced notes led producer T Bone Burnett to recruit 5 musicians to create the melody for the lyrics to Kansas City. This recording is now known as the New Basement Tapes.  In 1967, Bob Dylan had transformed from an obscure folk singer into a global rock icon in just five years of performing.

Biblical Application:

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus, Philippians 1:7-8.

Exegesis of Kansas City:

I listen to you time and time again
While you tell me just what’s right
And you tell me a thousand things a day
Then sleep somewhere’s else in the night
I’m going back to Kansas City

Listening to a song. the band or combination of fans/producer to get this sound right. Confiding in a friend while Dyfan had a desire to return to Kansas City.

And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song
And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song
I’m going back to Kansas City

Kansas City is either where he lived in the 1960’s or its where his girlfriend or wife resided at this time. Bob felt tired of his folk style, wanting to go in a different direction. Deep inside his heart and soul, Bob knew it was time for a change. Perhaps Kansas City could be a recording studio or a place where his creative side exceled.

And you called me to come, then I do
Then you say you’ve made some mistake
You invite me into your house
Then you say gotta to pay for what you break
Going back to Kansas City

Dylan appears to be referring to a former band member or record producer. This house is so nice that the owner expects any visitors to pay for anything that is damaged.

And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song
And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song

I’m going back to Kansas City

While Bob initially enjoyed his folk style of music, 4 plus years was enough. Something new was on the horizon. Lets find this new sound in Kansas City.

Gypsy woman, you know every place I go
Even a thousand miles away from home
And you don’t care if I’m asleep or I’m awake
This fickle heart just turned to stone
Going back to Kansas City

Bob developed a cult following, with some women following him from city to city. However, Dylan wasn’t pleased with his current genre, feeling dead inside. This spawned a desire for change with the answer in a Kansas City studio.

And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song
And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song
I’m going back to Kansas City

The lyrics conclude with back-to-back choruses. Bob wanted to go in a different direction.

And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song
And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song
I’m going back to Kansas City

This conviction led to the New Basement Tapes, bringing Bob’s music back to life.

Final Thoughts:

As the years of my life grow old, I feel the need to redefine who I am every decade or so. The first twenty years of my life were dedicated to sports. The next decade to becoming a father. From here, I transitioned into a coach and a teacher. The last 15 years of my life evolved into becoming a leader for Amazon. While I still have aspirations to become an author and screen writer, only God knows where I’ll end up. Yet, for now, my home is in Virginia. As fpr success. C.S. :ewis once described this as the process of arriving. Those who think they have arrived stop growing, become complacent and never reach their full potential. This is the journey that Bob Dylan took from a folk singer into becoming a rock icon.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 7

Posted on August 7, 2026 by expressyourself4him

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

Inspiration Behind I Left My Heart in San Franciso:

George Cory was living on the east coast when he began to miss the weather from his hometown of San Francisco. While working with lyricist Douglass Cross in Brooklyn, New York, early in 1950, both noticed the stark difference between New York and San Francisco. After receiving a letter from his sister, Cross painted a vivid picture in his mind of San Francisco’s culture and landmarks, weaving this into the lyrics of today’s featured song,

Biblical Application:

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. 12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy, Psalm 96:11-12.

Exegesis of I Left My Heart in San Franciso:

[Verse 1]
The loveliness of Paris seems somehow sadly gay
The glory that was Rome is of another day
I’ve been terribly alone and forgotten in Manhattan
I’m going home to my city by the Bay

A song inspired by a conversation about weather. As beautiful as Paris is, the weather doesn’t compare to California. While Rome has its glory, rich in history, San Francisco is better. During a horrible cold winter, images of the Bay keep returning to Cross’ mind.

[Verse 2]
I left my heart in San Francisco
High on a hill, it calls to me
To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars
The morning fog may chill the air, I don’t care

Nothing compares to his hometown. Thinking of the cable cars, scenic hills and morning fog that dissipates brings back fond memories.

[Verse 3]
My love waits there in San Francisco
Above the blue and windy sea
When I come home to you, San Francisco
Your golden sun will shine for me

When you love a certain place, no one can convince you of your opinion. This connection with San Francesco can’t be denied. The Pacific Ocean, bay breeze and Golden Gate Bridge has led to a lifelong love of this city.

Final Thoughts:

While I have been to California on a few trips, times have changed. When a social media app was created to make visitors aware of where piles of human poop are located, local leaders have failed. While there are still beautiful places to visit, San Francisco is not as safe and scenic as it once was in the 1950;s.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 6

Posted on August 6, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Hoover Dam

Inspiration Behind Hoover Dam:

During a period of personal and professional crisis, Bob Mould had a breakthrough. The concept for Hoover Dam suddenly came to Bob, fully formed in 1991. Mould’s former band had broken up in 1987, released a solo album before firing his entire team. While living in a loft, Bob couldn’t get the image of the Hoover Dam out of his mind. This imagine became the song shortly thereafter.

Biblical Application:

Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald[b] may run with it.3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it[c] will certainly come and will not delay, Habakkuk 2:2-3.

Exegesis of Hoover Dam:

Standing on the edge
Of the hoover dam
I’m on the centerline
Right between two states of mind
And if the wind from the traffic
Should blow me away

Visualizing standing on the edge of this dam. Stuck, frozen between two thoughts. Imagining the worse, being blown away by the wind.

From this altitude
It will come back to you
And do you know the time
All that’s left of me is slight insanity
What’s on the right I don’t know

A moment of crisis, perhaps from a lack of success in life. Unsure of what to do or where to go next.

If the mississippi should wash me away
Down to new orleans
Maybe someday in my dreams
I’d wake feeling the sweat
From the gulf in my mouth

A worst-case scenario, when a dream becomes a nightmare. Waking up sweating, so real but a thought.

On a carousel I can never tell
My direction home
Spinning down a hole

Someone going in circles without making any progress in life. Like being stuck in a strong whirlpool.

I’m losing all control
I’m down to the center of the earth

Losing your mind, about to make a bad decision.

Covered up with lava and I feel fine
It washes over me
Keeps me feeling warm at night
And if you’ve made a deal with
The guy with the horns and the cape
I’ll see you later later

Either a warped dream after staring at a lava lamp or a reference about making a deal with the Devil to be successful in life.

Standing on the edge
Of the hoover dam
Standing on the edge
Of the hoover dam I am

Not sure if Bob is thinking about jumping or he is simply in awe of this view.

Final Thoughts:

As a fellow writer, you never know you’ll receive your next big idea. If you don’t write these thoughts immediately down, they’ll likely vanish. Upon receiving an idea, Prince would wake up his production crew, working all night sometimes, afraid that Michael Jackson would beat him to this song idea. I recently had an idea for a book just getting out of the shower. God willing, this vision will soon become a self-help book in the next year,

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 5

Posted on August 5, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Ray Charles – Georgia On My Mind (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Georgia on my Mind:

Georgia on My Mind was written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell as a sentimental ballad inspired by a woman named Georgia. Thirty years later, Ray Charles’s soulful rendition transformed it into a personal and cultural anthem for residents of this state. This song is played annually during the airing of the first major golf tournament of the season held in Augusta, Georgia at the Masters.

Biblical Application:

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11.

Exegesis of Georgia on My MInd:

Georgia, Georgia
The whole day through (the whole day through)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)

The woman who inspired this initial song must have been a special person.

I said, Georgia, Georgia
A song of you (a song of you)
Comes as sweet and clear
As moonlight through the pines

Even in the darkness, Georgia’s presence resonates by the moonlight.

Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams, I see
The road leads back to you

Georgia was unlike any woman that Hoagy and Stuart had ever met. Ray sings this with an emphasis on the state.

I said Georgia, oh Georgia
No peace I find (no peace I find)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)

A song that captures memories of living in and near this state.

Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly

Other women may show interest in the writers of this song.

Still in peaceful dreams, I see
The road leads back to you

But Georgia was the peach of them all.

Whoa-whoa, Georgia, Georgia
No peace, no peace I find
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)

Ray Charles influence of reflecting upon peaceful memories of Georgia.

I said, just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind

Music has a way of keeping special places and people in our hearts and minds.

Final Thoughts:

As a child, Georgia was always the last state before my family reached Florida for a special Spring Break trip. However, as an adult, I spent nearly 3 years living just east of Georgia in Aiken, South Carolina. The rolling hills and pines etch this landscape. Now when I think of Georgia, I think of the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 4

Posted on August 4, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Kiss – Detroit Rock City (official Video)

Inspiration Behind Detroit Rock City:

Paul Stanley and producer Bob Ezrin originally conceived Detroit Rock City to celebrate this American city. However, the lyrics evolved when a fan was killed in a car accident on the way to a Kiss concert in Charlotte, North Carolina. Subsequently, Detroit Rock City was transformed into a story blending celebration of life with a stark tragedy.

Biblical Application:

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins, James 5:19-20.

Exegesis of Detroit Rock City:

Controversial deal in another show of congressional reports
President Ford says that he’s disappointed with Congress’s performance
In Detroit, a Pontiac, Michigan youth was reported dead
At the scene of a head-on collision on Grand Avenue this morning
The youth was reportedly driving on the wrong side of the boulevard
When he struck a delivery truck and was catapulted through the windshield of his car
The driver of the truck is reported to be uninjured
The identities of both men are being withheld by local police
County legislatives today are expected to rally to the aid of striking Longshoremen
In hopes of ending the nine month deadlock

This story begins with breaking news about a controversial report by Congress. Like the beginning of local news in Detroit, headlines are read to grab your attention. The car accident death was likely altered since the KISS fan who died was going to a concert in North Carolina. The news ends with a story about port workers on the Great Lakes.

Roll all night and party every day
I wanna rock and roll all night and party every day

Breaking the levity and seriousness of the news with a call to have fun.

I feel uptight on a Saturday night
Nine o’clock, the radio’s the only light
I hear my song and it pulls me through
Comes on strong, tells me what I got to do
I got to

This stanza speaks of an era in radio that no longer exists. Radio stations in the 1970-1980’s played the same songs every hour, often in the same order. Subsequently, the band is waiting for their song to be played.

(Get up) everybody’s gonna move their feet
(Get down) everybody’s gonna leave their seat

A call to get into this concert, be an active participant.

You gotta lose your mind in Detroit Rock City
(Get up) everybody’s gonna move their feet
(Get down) everybody’s gonna leave their seat

Get into this music and let your body take over as you dance the night away.

Getting late, I just can’t wait
Ten o’clock and I know I gotta hit the road
First I drink, then I smoke
Start up the car, and I try to make the midnight show

Perhaps a reference to the fan who died on their way to see KISS live.

(Get up) everybody’s gonna move their feet
(Get down) everybody’s gonna leave their seat

Live life to its fullest.

Movin’ fast, doin’ 95
Hit top speed but I’m still movin’ much too slow
I feel so good, I’m so alive
I hear my song playin’ on the radio
It goes

Music, especially hearing your favorite song has a tendency to make drivers go faster.

(Get up) everybody’s gonna move their feet
(Get down) everybody’s gonna leave their seat

The chorus is repeated. First a story then a chorus.

12 o’clock, I gotta rock
There’s a truck ahead, lights starin’ at my eyes
Oh, my God, no time to turn
I got to laugh ’cause I know I’m gonna die
Why?

A warning to not drink and drive. KISS reached out to authorities or had a reporter collect as much information as possible to sing about this tragic death.

(Get up) everybody’s gonna move their feet

(Get up) everybody’s gonna move their feet

Since life is fragile, get up and dance while you can.

Final Thoughts:

Between 5th grade through college, I lost a dozen classmates to car accidents. My senior year of high school, I was supposed to play a golfer who passed away the night before. When I was a youth pastor, the only time one of my students drove drunk, he passed away. Anyone not paying careful attention while driving puts their vehicle and passengers at risk. Sometimes a stupid mistake results in death. God gives all human beings free will, how you handle this is up to you. Be smart and sober when you drive.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 3

Posted on August 3, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Lucero – Back in Ohio (Official Lyric Video)

Inspiration Behind Back in Ohio:

Back in Ohio was inspired by the true story of William Morgan. This former paratrooper from Toledo, Ohio, went on to become a Cuban freedom fighter. Following a stint in prison, William wanted to free Cuba from its communist dictator, Fidel Castro. After Ben Nichols watched the 2015 PBS documentary American Comandante about William’s life and execution, he wanted to honor the life of a very interesting character.

Biblical Application:

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them, James 4:17.

Exegesis of Back in Ohio:

On the open ocean
Sailing down to Cuba
Guns are in the galley
Someone’s gotta shoot ’em

William Morgan’s journey to become a freedom fighter in Cuba.

Away-away, oh
Destiny awaits
Sailing to redemption
They’ll miss you
Back home in Ohio
Back in Ohio

Morgan likely sailed to Cuba as commercial flights were prohibited. William was consumed by redemption. Perhaps, a going away party was thrown in Toledo, Ohio.

You threw knives in the circus
Now you’re fighting in the jungle
You’ve got babies in Miami
A rebel for a lover

One of William’s odd jobs in life. Fighting in the jungles of Cuba while his children and lover wait, living in Miami.

Away-away, oh
Destiny awaits
Sailing to redemption
But they’ll miss you
Back home in Ohio

Back in Ohio

The chorus is repeated. The way Lucero sings Ohio, the chorus only needs to be one line.

Looking down the barrel’s
Of 20 loaded guns
All the letters written
All the fighting’s been done
A man without a country
Ain’t getting out alive
They never collected the bounty
You’re still left to pay the price

Using what was learned in the PBS documentary to create an entire stanza about William Morgan.

Away-away, oh
Destiny awaits
Sailing to redemption
But they’ll miss you
Back home in-

Family and friends missed William, especially after receiving news of his death.

Away-away, oh
Your destiny awaits
You’re sailing to redemption
But they’ll miss you
Back home in Ohio

Redemption for Cuba is why he got on this sailboat.

Back in Ohio
Back in Ohio
Back in Ohio

Now he is back in Ohio.

Final Thoughts:

Since my parents spent ten years living in Ohio, I ended up doing my college internship just outside of Cleveland. I was informed of the Cuyahoga River fires but never heard about William Morgan. When you are passionate about a specific cause, you’ll lay down your life for what you believe in. This is the legacy of William from Ohio.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 2

Posted on August 2, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Jason Isbell, The 400 Unit – Alabama Pines

Inspiration Behind Alabama Pines:

Jason writes about the unique native pine species that define Alabama’s natural landscape and cultural identity. While Alabama is home to several specifies, the Longleaf Pine is the state tree. The symbolism behind the Alabama Pines is that despite the warm climate and various soil types, these trees are enduring and resilient. From Jason’s perspective, if these trees can survive over the years, so can I.

Biblical Application:

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers, Psalm 1:1-3.

Exegesis of Alabama Pines:

[Verse 1]
Well, I moved into this room
If you could call it that, a week ago
I never do what I’m supposed to do
Hardly even know my name anymore
When no one calls it out, it kinda vanishes away

Sounds like Jason is referring to a room in his house that he now calls his office. The songs which once naturally flowed out of his mind and onto a paper have stopped. This lack of progress has impacted his career.

[Verse 2]
I can’t get to sleep at night
The parking lot’s so loud and bright
The A/C hasn’t worked in twenty years
Probably never made a single person cold
But I can’t say the same for me, I’ve done it many times

Jason writes about the barriers and obstacles in his life. While he can’t ever get cold enough, he’s made plenty of people cold and unwelcomed.

[Chorus]
Somebody take me home
Through those Alabama pines

This is why Jason feels the need to return home to Alabama.

[Verse 3]
You can’t drive through Talladega
On a weekend in October
Just head up north to Jacksonville, cut around and over
Watch your speed in Boiling Springs
They ain’t got a thing to do, they’ll get you every time

Jason details his life experiences of living in Alabama, especially where not to speed.

[Chorus]
Somebody take me home
Through those Alabama pines
Somebody take me home
Through those Alabama pines

Alabama holds a special place in Jason’s heart, especially the distinct pines back home.

[Verse 4]
If we pass through on a Sunday
Better make a stop at Wayne’s
It’s the only open liquor store north
And I can’t stand the pain
Of being by myself without a little help on a Sunday afternoon

Jason has turned to alcohol to numb his pain of being alone without any help.

[Verse 5]
Well, I needed that damn woman like a dream needs gasoline
And I tried to be some ancient kind of man
One that’s never seen the beauty in the world
But I tried to chase it down
Tried to make the whole thing mine

Jason hasn’t had much success finding the right woman. Jason has even changed who he is to make things work.

[Chorus]
Somebody take me home
Through those Alabama pines
Somebody take me home
Through those Alabama pines

This rough stretch in life makes Jason want to return home.

[Verse 6]
I’ve been stuck here in this town
If you could call it that, a year or two
I never do what I’m supposed to do
I don’t even need a name anymore
When no one calls it out, it kinda vanishes away

Jason’s career and life is quickly disappearing as the fame he once enjoyed as a country singer has vanished.

[Outro]
No one gives a damn about the things I give a damn about
The liberties that we can’t do without
Seem to disappear like ghosts in the air
When we don’t even care, it truly vanishes away

Society has grown cold, not caring about issues Jason is passionate about. As freedom and liberties slowly disappear, most Americans are distracted, becoming ghosts stuck in their own world. When people stop caring, life falls apart.

Final Thoughts:

There are some sad realities to Jason’s song. People have become so self-absorbed that they are unable to notice what is going on in this country and throughout the world. If you want to endure and be resilient, you have to become deeply rooted and grounded in faith, Colossians 2:6-7, like Alabama Pines.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 1: A Season of Travel

Posted on August 1, 2026 by expressyourself4him

John Parr – St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion) (Official Music Video)

Monthly Theme:

While some states start school in August, this is the final month of summer. The last time families can spend time together before another school year is set in motion. Travel may take you to visit relatives, return home to reconnect with old friends or make new memories in your favorite vacation destination. This season of travel is your last shot at rejuvenating a tired and weary soul, boosting your moral to finish 2026 off strong. Subsequently, August will feature songs with places in the title.

Inspiration Behind St. Elmo’s Fire:

 John Parr co-wrote Man in Motion with producer David Foster. While the initial inspiration came from the 1985 film St. Elmo’s Fire, the man in the lyrics is Canadian athlete Rick Hansen. After a spinal cord injury left Hansen paralyzed from the waist down, Rick began his own tour, a 26‑month wheelchair journey across 34 countries to raise awareness and funds for this cause. Subsequently, part of this song is about the movie and the other is about Rick’s recovery.

Biblical Application:

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you,” Deuteronomy 31:6.

Exegesis of St. Elmo’s Fire:

Growin’ up, you don’t see the writin’ on the wall
Passin’ by, movin’ straight ahead, you knew it all
But maybe sometime if you feel the pain
You’ll find you’re all alone, everythin’ has changed

“St. Elmo’s Fire” follows seven recent college graduates navigating their way through life. These seven individuals confront realities of post-college such as career pressures, relationships and maturity issues. These growing pains result in loneliness, pain and uncertainty.

Play the game, you know you can’t quit until it’s won
Soldier on, only you can do what must be done
You know in some way you’re a lot like me
You’re just a prisoner and you’re tryna break free

While this stanza could apply to the movie, the game suggests this is about Rick Hansen and his road to recovery. Getting used to life in a wheelchair is like a soldier coming back from war with permanent injuries. Rick’s wheelchair tour likely served as a way to help the paralyzed see that they weren’t a prisoner to a wheelchair..

I can see a new horizon underneath the blazin’ sky
I’ll be where the eagle’s flyin’ higher and higher
Gonna be your man in motion, all I need is a pair of wheels
Take me where my future’s lyin’, St. Elmo’s fire

A duel purpose stanza that touches on Rick’s journey to one day walk again as well as the characters within the movie as they mature from students to adults.

Burnin’ up, don’t know just how far that I can go (just how far I go)
Soon be home, only just a few miles down the road
I can make it, I know I can
You broke the boy in me but you won’t break the man

The lyrics suggest this is referring to Rick, broken after his life altering injury. Yet Rick’s wheelchair tour pushed his physical limits, helping him realize that living in a wheelchair for the rest of his life won’t break him.

I can see a new horizon underneath the blazin’ sky
I’ll be where the eagle’s flyin’ higher and higher

An introduction to the chorus relates to the characters in St. Elmo’s Fire as they reach for their dreams in life.

Gonna be your man in motion, all I need is a pair of wheels
Take me where my future’s lyin’, St. Elmo’s fire

Pair of wheels could refer to a new car, but is focused on Rick’s wheelchair and how he now rolls on with life.

I can climb the highest mountain, cross the wildest sea
I can feel St. Elmo’s fire burnin’ in me, burnin’ in me

St. Elmo’s is a bar where these college friends try to catch up on life. After meeting together, some conversations ignite fire and passion to keep pursuing specific goals in life.

Just once in his life a man has his time
And my time is now, I’m comin’ alive

A motivational stanza to come alive by seizing the moment.

I can hear the music playin’, I can see the banners fly
Feel like a man again, I’ll hold my head high
Gonna be your man in motion, all I need is a pair of wheels
Take me where my future’s lyin’, St. Elmo’s fire

Rejuvenated spirits after a night out at the bar. The final portion of this chorus speaks to Rick Hansen’s recovering from his spinal cord injury, giving hope to those who feel their life is over after not being able to walk.

I can see a new horizon underneath the blazin’ sky
I’ll be where the eagle’s flyin’ higher and higher
Gonna be your man in motion, all I need is a pair of wheels
Take me where my future’s lyin’, St. Elmo’s fire

Repeating the chorus as if to reignite hope into those on the verge of giving up on life.

I can climb the highest mountain, cross the wildest sea
I can feel St. Elmo’s fire burnin’ in me
Burnin’, burnin’ in me, I can feel it burnin’
Ooh, burnin’ inside of me

Life isn;t over until you quit. If you keep fighting, you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

Final Thoughts:

I was in high school when I watched St. Elmo’s Fire. I recall the ending being disappointing, America’s version of Rick Hansen was Chucky Mullins, a defensive back for Ole Miss football. After being paralyzed like Rick, Chucky became a motivational speaker until his death. I once served as a Chaplin, giving a pregame speech at a University of Delaware football game. I spoke about Chucky is his new life motto after being bound to a wheelchair. “Don’t quit! Don’t ever quit! And never give it! I adopted this in my final years as an athlete fighting back after doctors told me my athletic career was over. This is the fire that still drives me today.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-July 31

Posted on July 31, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Alan Jackson – Amazing Grace (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind Amazing Grace:

After his devout Christian mother passed away, John Newton became a prodigal, becoming a ship captain in the slave trade. During one of his trips, a massive a violent North Atlantic storm, was about to sink his ship. crying out to God in an act of desperation. After surviving, John’s life was transformed, eventually quitting the slave trade to become a minister. As Newton began to lose his sight, conviction, guilt and remorse consumed his soul. Writing Amazing Grace was like an act of penance, deeply grieved by his role in the English Slave Trade.

Biblical Application:

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace, Romans 6:11-14.

Exegesis of Amazing Grace:

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see

John Newton realized that he didn’t deserve God’s grace. Yet, upon becoming a minister in the Church of England, John realized that this grace was for him too, despite the sinful live he lived. This is great news of being lost in the past but now having purpose and meaning in life. Although blind in his last days on earth, John was now able to see the Good News inside the Bible.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

This amazing grace, Romans 6:23, transformed John’s life. Relieving his fears of his eternal destiny. This grace appeared to John as soon as he rededicated his life to Jesus, Romans 10:9-11.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun

A glimpse of heaven, praising God because of this amazing grace. John is eternally grateful to God.

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see

This final chorus is a reflection of John’s testimony, how God’s grace transformed his life on earth.

Final Thoughts:

Watching Amazing Grace, the 2006 movie, opened my eyes and mind to the meaning of this song. Understanding the role that William Wilberforce played in ending the British transatlantic slave trade, helped me realize how hard it is to make changes in any government when power and wealth are on the line. You have to be relentless, playing the long game before your dreams and goals can finally be realized. When a Christian faith is on fire, ignited by the Holy Spirit, anything is possible with God.

by Jay Mankus

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