Inspiration Behind Soak Up the Sun:
Sheryl Crow and Jeff Trout were on a flight from Portland, Oregon to New York City. On this particular day, it was pouring upon takeoff and sunny when they arrived. This concept of soaking up the sun provided a dual meaning for Cheryl who was recovering from surgery at the time this song was created. The composition of the lyrics to Soak Up the Sun included a discussion on real life issues like the Columbine high school shooting. These current events led to themes of resilience and gratitude with Soak Up the Sun.
Biblical Application:
Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. 3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised, Psalm 113:2-3.
Exegesis of Soak Up the Sun:
My friend the communist
Holds meetings in his RV
I can’t afford his gas
So I’m stuck here watching TV
Despite your political leanings and how this belief impacts local economies, a sunny day can bring different people together.
This stanza is about gratitude Instead of thinking about what other people have in life, be thankful for the blessings you do have in life.
[Chorus]
I’m gonna soak up the sun
I’m gonna tell everyone to lighten up
I’m gonna tell ’em that I’ve got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame, I’m lookin’ up
Use sunny days as to recreate. Leave any anxieties, concerns or worries at the front door as you Soak Up the Sun outside.
[Post-Chorus]
I’m gonna soak up the sun
I’m gonna soak up the sun
Seize any sunny days that the good Lord provides.
[Verse 3]
I’ve got a crummy job
It don’t pay near enough
To buy the things it’d take
To win me some of your love
Focusing on a stage in life where many people find themselves, not satisfied with their income or occupation. This impacts your social status and ability to attract others who make more money than you.
A powerful stanza about a reality in life. Everyone has a backstory which influences how you act and behave. Unless you get to know someone, you’ll never truly understand why they act the way that they do.
[Chorus]
I’m, I’m gonna soak up the sun
I’m gonna tell everyone to lighten up
I’m gonna tell ’em that I’ve got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame, I’m lookin’ up
The sun can be relaxing if you take your mind off of the stressful aspects in your life. This is the call to lighten up. The last 2 lines provides an important life lesson. Don’t blame others for your lack of progress or success in life. When you are having a bad day, go outside and soak up the sun.
[Bridge]
I’m gonna soak up the sun
While it’s still free
I’m gonna soak up the sun
Before it goes out on me
Having fun in the sun is still free unless you have to pay for beach parking or beach tags. Seize each sunny day.
A stanza about wealth and perspectives as you go through life.
[Pre-Chorus]
Every time I turn around
I’m lookin’ up, you’re lookin’ down
Maybe something’s wrong with you
That makes you act the way you do May I am crazy too
People are different and respond differently. One person may be soaking up the sun on a beach and the person next to them is focused on social media and texting. These differences conceived judgments that may be accurate or wrong.
[Chorus]
I’m gonna soak up the sun
I’m gonna tell everyone to lighten up
I’m gonna tell ’em that I’ve got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame, I’m lookin’ up
I’m gonna soak up the sun
I’m gonna tell everyone to lighten up (To lighten up)
I’m gonna tell ’em that I’ve got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame, I’m lookin’ up (I’m lookin’ up)
Let a sunny day serve as a form of healing. Don’t bring your personal baggage as a way to play the victim card. Take responsibility for your actions, lighten up and enjoy every summer day in your future.
[Outro]
I’m gonna soak up the sun
I got my 45 on
So I can rock on
Sheryl is pleased with the outcome of Soak up the Sun.
Final Thoughts:
Bringing politics into music has ruined my enjoyment of several artists and bands that I once adored in college. If these musicians would have simply saved their political views for debates and discussions with friends, people like me would be more into music. However, Soak Up the Sun provides an important life lesson if you are open minded. The next time you are out soaking up the sun, allow good weather to unite, not divide. Seek to find a common ground or things you share in common. This mindset and perspective would make this world a better place to live.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 