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-April 8

Posted on April 8, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Rain

Inspiration Behind Rain:

Breaking Benjamin’s song rain references a 17th century song sung by childhood to make the rain go away. The first printed reference to “Rain, rain go away, come back another day” is a rhyme from the Collections of James Howell in 1659. However, when a Spanish fleet was bombarded by storms in 1588, a similar prayer was spoken to clear the skies from a never-ending storm. Breaking Benjamin provides a modern-day version of Rain.

Biblical Application:

Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, Lord our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this, Jeremiah 14:22.

Exegesis of Rain:

Take a photograph
It’ll be the last
Not a dollar or a crowd could ever keep me here
I don’t have a past
I just have a chance
Not a family or honest plea remains to say

Extended periods of bad weather filled with rain can take an emotional toll on human beings. This opening stanza paints a picture of someone struggling with addiction, depression or mental health concerns.

Rain, rain, go away
Come again another day
All the world is waiting for the sun

The weather is having a negative impact on their behavior, turning to a childhood song to alter the weather.

Is it you I want
Or just the notion of a heart to wrap around
So I can find my way around
Safe to say from here
You’re getting closer now
We are never sad ’cause we are not allowed to be

Breaking Benjamin is referencing a relationship where an individual is expected to put on a happy face despite the pain deep inside their heart,

Rain, rain, go away
Come again another day
All the world is waiting for the sun
Rain, rain, go away
Come again another day
All the world is waiting for the sun

All the world is waiting for the sun points to sunlight, rays of hope and good news. This is what people are waiting for.

To lie here under you
Is all that I could ever do
To lie here under you is all
To lie here under you
Is all that I could ever do
To lie here under you is all

Breaking Benajmin is either referring to God who controls the weather or a significant other lying next to them.

Rain, rain, go away
Come again another day
All the world is waiting for the sun
Rain, rain, go away
Come again another day
All the world is waiting for the sun

Some people are looking for signs from God that everything will be okay. For some, a sunny day is good enough for now.

All the world is waiting for the sun
All the world is waiting for the sun

In the darkness of this world, physically and spiritually, the light of hope goes a long way.

Final Thoughts:

I spent 8 years working overnight. Subsequently, I went months without seeing the sun. After day light savings, falling back an hour, I drove to work in the dark, drove home in the dark and rarely got up when it the sun was out. On the flip side, I was much happier each summer. Being able to recreate in the sun made a world of difference to my mental health.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-April 7

Posted on April 7, 2026 by expressyourself4him

I Love a Rainy Night (2009 Remaster)

Inspiration Behind I Love a Rainy Night:

Eddie Rabbit’s fondness of nature set the stage for I Love a Rainy Night. The lyrics depict observing a storm from the comforts of being inside at night. As the rain splashes down on a roof, lightning lights up the evening sky before thunder shakes the ground around you. When and if the power goes out, you don’t need a television to entertain you. When you add the finger snapping and hand clapping melody, I Love a Rainy Night has remained relevant today..

Biblical Application:

Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his[a] holiness. 3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, Psalm 29:1-3.

Exegesis of I Love s Rainy Night:

Well, I love a rainy night
I love a rainy night
I love to hear the thunder
Watch the lightning when it lights up the sky
You know it makes me feel good

This opening stanza suggests that watching thunderstorms at night is something that he became fascinated with as a boy growing up. These visual images provide great lyrics.

Well, I love a rainy night, such a beautiful sight
I love to feel the rain on my face
Taste the rain on my lips
In the moonlight shadow

Eddie again points that his childhood, opening his mouth to taste the falling rain. Perhaps, leaving the safety of a front porch to do this under a moonlit sky.

Showers wash all my cares away
I wake up to a sunny day

The morning after a heavy shower makes everything so clean washing cars and streets. Perhaps, this is the analogy Eddie is referring to.

‘Cause I love a rainy night
Yeah, I love a rainy night
Well, I love a rainy night
Well, I love a rainy night, ooh, ooh

Eddie is fascinated by the power and wonder of a rainstorm.

I love a rainy night
I love a rainy night
I love to hear the thunder
Watch the lightning when it lights up the sky
You know it makes me feel good

From a boy’s perspective, this is cool to watch.

Well, I love a rainy night, it’s such a beautiful sight
I love to feel the rain on my face
Taste the rain on my lips
In the moonlight shadow

Since you don’t see many adults acting like this, these lyrics are likely a byproduct of Eddie’s childhood memories.

Puts a song in this heart of mine
Puts a smile on my face every time

Rain at night often means that any plans for the following day of being outside are still on.

‘Cause I love a rainy night
Yeah, I love a rainy night
Ooh, I love a rainy night
Yeah, I love a rainy night, ooh, ooh

The storm chaser in Eddie enjoys watching rain clouds blow through at night.

Showers wash all my cares away
I wake up to a sunny day

These overnight showers provide a cleansing of the earth, like taking a long shower after a hard day at work.

‘Cause I love a rainy night
Yeah, I love a rainy night
Well, I love a rainy night
I love a rainy night

These repetitive chorus lines suggest that Eddie got a little too carried away with this song.

Well, I love a rainy night (you can see it in my eyes)
Yeah, I love a rainy night (’cause it makes me high)
Ooh, I love a rainy night (you know I do)
Yeah, yeah, I love a rainy night

Eddie recognizes the importance of rain.

I love a rainy night (you can see it in my eyes)
I love a rainy night (makes me high)
Well, I love a rainy night (and I love you, too)
Yeah, I love a rainy night

Eddie appears to like sharing rainy nights with his family.

Well, I love a rainy night
Well, I love a rainy night
I love a rainy night
I love a rainy night

This song reaffirms that Eddie is a avid lover of nature.

Final Thoughts:

While on vacation in Maine as a child, I was playing Kick the Can with neighbors just before dark. The winds suddenly picked up, rain began falling, quickly turning to hail as the sky became green. Holding my hands over my head, I ran inside our cabin, finding the safest inner room to hunker down. Moments later a tornado formed over the lake, flattening anything that got in its way. In the morning, we looked in awe at the powerful winds that destroyed a home and split the woods in two. While I don’t mind a rainy night, I have a healthy respect of the power of nature.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-April 6

Posted on April 6, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Kenny Chesney – Save It for a Rainy Day (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Save It for a Rainy Day:

The vision for Save It for a Rainy Day appeared while Matthew Ramsey was in the shower. Matthew took this idea, shared it with Andrew Dorff and Brad Tursi who completed this song in less than an hour. Kenny Chesney was so impressed by Save It for a Rainy Day that this served as a wake-up song for Kenny and his fans on his album the Big Revival.

Biblical Application:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened, Matthew 7:7-8.

Exegesis of Save it for a Rainy Day:

It’s no secret that lately there ain’t no escape
And that I’ve been waking up alone
Just me and the TV, and a sinking feeling
That you ain’t ever coming home

Kenny is going through a tough time in his life. Either his girlfriend or wife has left him.

But today, the tears ain’t gonna hit the floor
‘Cause the boat’s in the bay
And it’s calling my name
So I’m heading on out the door

Rather than stay home and sulk, being depressed, Kenny has a desire to go fishing.

‘Cause the sun’s too bright, the sky’s too blue
Beer’s too cold to be thinking about you
Gonna take this heartbreak and tuck it away
Save it for a rainy day

While the pain in Kenny’s heart is still there, he’s going to take advantage of this beautiful day, put this on hold for a rainy day.

When I turned the ignition, I knew I’d be missing
The feel of the wind on my face
I was stuck in a habit, wondering what happened
Two days of taking all the blame

While driving his boat out to his favorite spot, he starts to reflect about what went wrong.

Got a drink, or two
That’s as foolproof as what it will be
It’s a beautiful world with a beautiful girl
Kind of making eyes at me

After a few drinks, an attractive woman starts to look over at Kenny.

‘Cause the sun’s too bright, the sky’s too blue
Beer’s too cold to be thinking about you
Gonna take this heartbreak and tuck it away
Save it for a rainy day

Fishing is an excuse to stop thinking about what went wrong in the past.

Yeah, the music’s too good, my friends are all out
And they’re all too high to be bringing them down
If they ask about you, I’ve got nothing to say
I’ll save it for a rainy day

Kenny appears to be out with friends, possibly at a bar when others ask about his woman. Kenny plays it cool, changing the topic of conversation.

They’ll be plenty of time for ones and why’s
And how’d I let you get away
But the lying in bed all stuck in my head
Is just gonna have to wait

Sometimes you’ll have to wait for the real reasons a relationship didn’t work out. You can guess all you want, but it’s better to put these thoughts away for a rainy day.

‘Cause the sun’s too bright, the sky’s too blue
Beer’s too cold to be thinking about you
Gonna take this heartbreak and tuck it away
Save it for a rainy day

Healing takes time, but human beings need some sort of recreation to get their minds off the worries of this world.

Yeah, the music’s too good, my friends are all out
And they’re all too high to be bringing them down
If they ask about you, I’ve got nothing to say
I’ll save it for a rainy day

Kenny is not ready to talk about this yet.

Gonna take this heartbreak and tuck it away
Save it for a rainy day
Save it for a rainy day

Enjoy the weather while its nice. You can save contemplation for a rainy day.

Final Thoughts:

People grieve in different ways. Some enjoy being alone initially, others find comfort taking a walk with a friend and a few may seek distractions to get their mind off of their heart break. When I was in high school, I would go on long runs to clear my mind. In college, I took long walks with a friend or two. Kenny Chesney went fishing or that’s how this song was written. The next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, find something productive to do so that you’re not overwhelmed by a failed relationship.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-April 5

Posted on April 5, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Thank God I’m Not Jesus

Inspiration Behind Thank God I’m Jesus:

On Easter Sunday, I’m taking a break from April’s theme to provide a unique perspective of this sacred religious holiday. Crossway’s Thank God I’m Not Jesus gives a realistic outlook if one of the band members was Jesus. The lyrics remind me of portions of the Bruce Almighty and Evan Almighty movie series. When placed into a position of power, it’s not as easy as it appears. Rather, playing God is complicated, with anyone from human history failing to come close to this first century carpenter.

Biblical Application:

Some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted,” Luke 18:9-14.

Exegesis of Thank God I’m Not Jesus:

Thank God I’m Not Jesus Cause if I were You ‘be walking around guilty Still under the curse

The members of Crossway have given into human nature, unable to resist temptation or save mankind like Jesus.

And if I were Him, I’d never let anyone put me down I’d broadcast my healings all over town make sure my name was getting around but Thank God I’m not Jesus

Crossway would use social media to seek praise from human beings. Seeking self-promotion rather than humility.

Cause I would claim my rights protest the stable and manager with a scream and a whine

Instead of pursuing right and wrong from the Bible, they would protest and seek higher courts for justification.

And if I were Him, I’d point out my mother’s smallest mistakes and sit as I watch her heart break knowing that there is nothing that she can say thank God I’m not Jesus Oh thank God

Crossway would remind their own family of God’s supreme power instead of expressing forgiveness and grace.

Thank God I’m not Jesus cause I’d choose the twelve turn away all of those fishermen for those with power and wealth

Crossway would select political leaders instead of spiritual ones.

And if I were Him I’d probably make friends with the Pharisees turn a blind eye to the least of these cast the first stone on the guilty thank God I’m not Jesus.

Crossway would make friends with people in high places, avoid the poor and act quickly to punish the guilty.

Cause if they said that I’d sinned I plead my case in the courtroom and make sure I’d win and if on that cross I’d call down a legion of angels do anything just to save myself let the whole world go to hell

Crossway would fail miserably as the Messiah, resulting in a world in desperate need of redemption.

Thank God I’m not Jesus

The members of Crossway realize that they’d never be able to walk in or fill Jesus’ shoes.

Final Thoughts:

The words in the Bible highlighting the events of Good Friday, that day that Jesus died are excruciating, Luke 23:1-49. Yet as the apostle Paul states in Colossians 2:13-15, Jesus died for all of our sins, nailing them to the cross. This is the miracle of Resurrection Sunday, 1 Corinthians 15:56-57.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-April 4

Posted on April 4, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Eurythmics, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart – Here Comes The Rain Again (Remastered)

Inspiration Behind Here Comes the Rain Again:

The Eurythmics use rain to explore the human emotions of sadness and love. The saying “when it rains it pours” dates back to the 18th century. This analogy applies to sadness and love as well. The lyrics to Here Comes the Rain Again explores a desire for being connected to someone, longing for intimacy. The act of “wanting to dive into your ocean” highlights a yearning for emotional depth despite the daily turbulence of life.

Biblical Application:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin, Psalm 51:1-2.

Exegesis of Here Comes the Rain Again:

Here comes the rain again
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like a new emotion

This stanza begins like a Deja vu experience. The falling rain triggers a new emotion.

I want to walk in the open wind
I want to talk like lovers do
Want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you?

This new emotion is a desire for intimacy, walking hand in hand in the open wind. Sharing deep conversations, eager to know the other, asking do you have similar feelings.

So baby, talk to me
Like lovers do
Walk with me
Like lovers do
Talk to me
Like lovers do

Open up to me. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.

Here comes the rain again
Raining in my hand like a tragedy
Tearing me apart like a new emotion

This next shower is a rainstorm that points to a trial, cutting like a knife

I want to breathe in the open wind
I want to kiss like lovers do
Want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you?

She wants to take this relationship to the next level, asking, “do you feel like I do?”

So baby, talk to me
Like lovers do
Walk with me
Like lovers do
Talk to me
Like lovers do

She is looking for a deeper commitment.

So baby, talk to me
Like lovers do

Tell me how you feel. Open up.

Ooh, yeah
Here it comes again
Ooh-ooh
Rain, rain, rain, rain, rain

This short stanza has a sexual tone. Not sure if this rain draws them together.

Here comes the rain again
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like a new emotion
Here it goes again, here it goes again

Like the opening of this song, this woman is smitten by love, wanting more.

I want to walk in the open wind
I want to talk like lovers do
Want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you? (Ooh, here it comes again)

She is honest about how she feels, waiting for a response.

Here comes the rain again (I said)
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like e new emotion (ooh, ooh yeah)

The more it rains, the greater her desire for intimacy.

I want to walk in the open wind
I want to talk like lovers do
Want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you?

Do you feel what I feel?

Here comes the rain again
Falling on my hand like a memory
Falling on my hand like a new emotion (hey)

If the timing is off in a relationship, she may move on before he realizes what he had.

Final Thoughts:

From my life experiences, the best relationships happen naturally. Whether it’s friendships that immediately emerge or people you click with, forcing the issue has never worked out for me. While people do change over time, leaning back on common interests can help maintain a relationship. Yet, when you do take a risk by becoming vulnerable as this song suggests, the end result may conceive a bond that lasts a lifetime.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-April 3

Posted on April 3, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Creedence Clearwater Revival – Have You Ever Seen The Rain (Official)

Inspiration Behind Have You Seen the Rain:

Have You Seen the Rain was inspired by the internal struggles facing John Fogerty as lead singer of Creedance Clearwater Revival. Rain is used as a metaphor for an impending storm, tied to Fogerty’s desire to begin a solo career. The lyrics contain imagery of rain on a bright day suggesting that everything is fine on the surface, but conflicts exist deep inside. Have You Seen the Rain is a common tale bands undergone as fame and fortune force people apart.

Biblical Application:

What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”[b] 8 But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead. 9 Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died, Romans 7:7-9.

Exegesis of Have You Seen the Rain:

Someone told me long ago
There’s a calm before the storm
I know, it’s been comin’ for some time

Fogerty looks to the past to help with the impending trial he foresees in his future.

When it’s over, so they say
It’ll rain on a sunny day
I know, shining down like water

Sometimes life doesn’t make sense, like rain on a sunny day.

I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain?
I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain
Comin’ down on a sunny day?

Is it just me or have you experienced this strange weather pattern before as well?

Yesterday and days before
Sun is cold and rain is hard
I know, been that way for all my time
‘Til forever on it goes
Through the circle, fast and slow
I know, it can’t stop, I wonder

Fogerty uses weather to compare with the emotions going on deep inside his soul, thinking about leaving the band.

I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain?
I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain

Comin’ down on a sunny day?

This odd weather experience has stuck in Fogerty’s mind.

Yeah!
I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain?
I wanna know, have you ever seen the rain
Comin’ down on a sunny day?

When human beings face tough decisions in life, you try to find similar comparisons in life. Before leaving Creedance Clearwater Revival, Fogerty was struggling to figure out if and when the timing would be right. In this case, only on a bright sunny day with rain.

Final Thoughts:

When I think of rain, I compare this with crying. While men are supposed to cry, sometimes healing comes from letting all of your piled up emotions come out all at once by crying. When crying becomes a habit, you might want to consider a career change to bring joy to your heart. For John Fogerty, starting a solo career led to a flourishing career in music. When you feel stuck in life, don’t be afraid to make a change.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-April 2

Posted on April 2, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Toto – Africa (Official HD Video)

Inspiration Behind Africa:

David Paich became fascinated with Africa at an early age from articles in National Geographic Magazine. As the front man for Toto and main song writer, watching documentaries conceived a heartfelt desire for the African continent. Growing up in a Catholic school opened the door for David to become a missionary to Africa before his musical career took off. All of these elements help spawn the lyrics to Africa. Recognizing the arid climate and poverty in Africa, David points to any rain that occurs as a blessing from God.

Biblical Application:

Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone, Zechariah 10:1.

Exegesis of Africa:

I hear the drums echoing tonight
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
She’s coming in, twelve-thirty flight
The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
I stopped an old man along the way
Hoping to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies
He turned to me as if to say, “Hurry boy, it’s waiting there for you”

This opening stanza is mixed with past and present life experiences in Africa. David is at an airport, waiting to pick a woman up while talking to strangers. Perhaps, David is simply sorting through his thought process on how to write a song that encapsulates Africa.

It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

Either David is referring to a woman or the continent of Africa. Nothing is going to stop him from blessing the rain in Africa. Perhaps, doing missionary work kept David from doing things that he always wanted to do.

The wild dogs cry out in the night
As they grow restless, longing for some solitary company
I know that I must do what’s right
As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti
I seek to cure what’s deep inside, frightened of this thing that I’ve become

David paints the picture of a night living in the wilderness. In a struggle to do what’s right, David is frustrated by the person he has become.

It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

Either David doesn’t want to leave his missionary work in Africa, or he has met someone special. David feels called to bless the rain in Africa but also wants to spend time with this individual.

Hurry boy, she’s waiting there for you

This is a call to action, seize this day.

It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
I bless the rains down in Africa
(I bless the rain)
I bless the rains down in Africa
(I bless the rain)
I bless the rains down in Africa
I bless the rains down in Africa
(Ah, gonna take the time)
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

David has a special connection with Africa. He realizes how important rain is and prays for rain to come. This final line is either about Africa or a relationship that was sacrificed due to his missionary work in Africa.

Final Thoughts:

Human beings are drawn to certain destinations and locations. While some of my friends went on mission trips in college during spring break to tropical islands, I spent my week in inner city Philadelphia with City Team Missions. Growing up 30 minutes from south Philadelphia, God gave me a heart for large cities. Areas filled with crime, drugs and poverty breaks my heart. Unfortunately, not many churches are willing to reach dangerous cities. When other Christians develop hearts for mission work like David, cities can become spiritually transformed.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-April 1 – Monthly Theme: A Season of Rain, Storms and Trials

Posted on April 1, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Prince – Purple Rain (Official Video)

April’s Theme:

The old saying April showers bring May flowers resonates with me. As the temperature slowly transitions from winter to spring, rain and warm weather are necessary to bring dormant grass, plants and trees back to life. However, with dramatic rises in temperature come hail, heavy rain and severe storms. Whether in the form of flash floods or tornados, these sudden events bring communities together as they cope with trials and tribulations. As families face adversity together, opportunities to grow and mature are provided like the words of James 1:2-4.

Inspiration Behind Purple Rain:

Prince was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, home of the National Football League’s Vikings. Whether Prince’s fascination with purple began by watching his hometown team’s purple uniforms or some other significant event, Purple Rain was dedicated to his father. Written by Prince and the Revolution, the lyrics of Purple Rain references the end of this world. This sudden climax provides a brief moment in time to reconcile with loved ones. This purple rain is symbolic of hope and tears that reconciliation will occur before your li is over,

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! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:16-19.

Exegesis of Purple Rain:

I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted one time to see you laughing
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain

Based upon the opening dedication in the attached video, Prince is apologizing to his father.

Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only wanted to see you bathing in the purple rain

The purple rain appears to reference the end of this world, possibly after a nuclear war.

I never wanted to be your weekend lover
I only wanted to be some kind of friend, hey
Baby, I could never steal you from another
It’s such a shame our friendship had to end

Prince turns his attention to other people that he has hurt in life. Either this is an old girlfriend or someone he grew up with. She has moved on and doesn’t want to ruin her current relationship.

Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only wanted to see you underneath the purple rain

Prince is seeking reconciliation with this woman.

Honey, I know, I know, I know times are changin’
It’s time we all reach out for something new, that means you too
You say you want a leader, but you can’t seem to make up your mind
And I think you better close it and let me guide you to the purple rain

Prince experiences a call to action, to lead people during this hypothetical end of the world situation. He urges this individual to follow his lead, guiding her toward the purple rain.

Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain (ooh!)
If you know what I’m singin’ about up here, come on, raise your hand
Purple rain, purple rain
I only want to see you, only want to see you in the purple rain

This final stanza speaks to need to bring others toward reconciliation. Prince wants to lead others, to put aside their differences by apologizing and reuniting.

Final Thoughts:

At the end of Purple Rain, Prince seeks to be a peace maker. In this age of political division and hatred, America needs more leaders to focus on what people have in common instead of what divides. Rather than participating in an endless cycle of trashing other people, it’s time to forgive and forget. May the closing words of Purple Rain inspire you to become a peace maker, mending broken relationships from your past.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-March 31

Posted on March 31, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”

Inspiration Behind It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing:

Duke Ellington composed It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing in 1931 when Swing music was the dominant sound. This song was written by Bubber Miley where words were selected to encourage listeners to get on the dance floor. While the overall lyrics are repetitive, the essence of jazz combined with rhythmic propulsion still keep It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing in the rotation of songs on classical radio stations. During a reboot of this song on the Ed Sullivan Show, Ella Fitzgerald joined Duke Ellington to bring It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing back to life in 1965.

Biblical Application:

Praise the Lord.[a] Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people. 2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King.3 Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp, Psalm 149:1-3.

Exegesis of It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing:

What good is melody, what good is music
If it ain’t possessin’ something sweet?
Nah, it ain’t the melody and it ain’t the music
There’s something else that makes this tune complete

This is the original lyrics when Duke teamed up with Louis Armstrong. From Duke’s perspective of music, its goal is to elicit a response from listeners to dance. Perhaps Duke is referring to the emotion, jazz and soul put into a song by musicians which makes one song stand out from another.

Yes, it don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing
Well, it don’t mean a thing, all you got to do is sing
It makes no difference if it’s sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm everything you got

This song was designed to make listeners swing, dancing to the beat and melody. When rhythm is fueled by passion, It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing comes alive.

Yes, it don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing
It don’t mean a thing, don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing
I said, it don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing
Nah, it makes no difference if it’s sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm everything you got
Don’t mean a thing, boy, if it ain’t that a swing

Artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington were not only entertainers but they wanted their audiences to have fun while dancing the night away.

Final Thoughts:

It’s important not to glance over different eras of music. I grew up in an age where punk rock was king, until the next style took center stage. As artists continue to express their feelings through songs, swing music is still worth pursuing in ballroom dancing classes offered throughout the country. This concludes a month dedicated to famous female bands and women in music.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-March 30

Posted on March 30, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Flashdance • What a Feeling • Irene Cara

Inspiration Behind What a Feeling:

The lyrics to What a Feeling come from a metaphor that compares dancing to aspirations for fulfilling your dreams in life. What a Feeling was the theme song for the film Flashdance. Alex Owens wants to pursue dancing as a professional ballerina, but has to put this on hold, working in a steel mill until this goal becomes a reality. What a Feeling was composed by Giorgio Moroder and co-written by Keith Forsey and Irena Cara who sings this song.

Biblical Application:

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds, Daniel 1:17.

Exegesis of What a Feeling:

First, when there’s nothing but a slow glowing dream
That your fear seems to hide deep inside your mind
All alone I have cried, silent tears full of pride
In a world made of steel, made of stone

Initially, Alex Owens wasn’t good enough to become a professional ballerina and didn’t have the money to make this happen. Despite being frustrated, she took a full-time job at a steel mill to make a living for herself.

Well, I hear the music close my eyes, feel the rhythm
Wrap around, take a hold of my heart

Alex never stopped dreaming, taking music with her every day in the steel mill, playing in her head.

What a feeling, being’s believin’
I can have it all, now I’m dancing for my life

Dancing is Alex’s true passion, what makes her get up every morning.

Take your passion and make it happen
Pictures come alive, you can dance right through your life

Alex used positive thoughts, seeing herself fulfilling this lifelong dream.

Now, I hear the music, close my eyes, I am rhythm
In a flash it takes hold of my heart

This enabled Alex to move with the rhythm of each song.

What a feeling, being’s believin’
I can have it all, now I’m dancing for my life
Take your passion and make it happen
Pictures come alive, now I’m dancing through my life
What a feeling

Alex is like a motivational speaker, using passion to make her dream come true.

What a feeling (I am music now)
Being’s believin’ (I am rhythm now)
Pictures come alive, you can dance right through your life

This technique of visualization is what modern-day sports psychologists use to help professional athletes reach their full potential.

What a feeling (I can really have it all)
What a feeling (pictures come alive when I call)
I can have it all (I can really have it all)m
Have it all (pictures come alive when I call)

This is the passion and perseverance needed to make your dreams come true.

(Call, call, call, call, what a feeling)
I can have it all (being’s believin’)
Being’s believin’ (take your passion, make it happen)
Make it happen (what a feeling)
What a feeling

What a feeling is played as the credits roll where Alex has reached the mountain top as a professional dancer.

Final Thoughts:

While you may have the same passion as Alex, sometimes your dreams don’t come true. My quest to become a professional golfer ended on Vancouver Island, failing to make it through Q-School on the Canadian PGA Tour. Despite this set back, I ended up pursuing a career in writing. While writing blogs, books and screen plays is simply a hobby for now, perhaps the passion of Alex will be ignited in me during retirement to make this dream come true.

by Jay Mankus

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