Monthly Theme:
As a former high school teacher, by the end of May, you are emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted. The summertime which followed final exams in early June was the season that students and teachers alike were waiting for. Since my school didn’t begin until the Tuesday after Labor Day weekend, June commenced a time for recreation. As human beings begin to recreate, restoration and revitalization is a byproduct of having fun in the sun.
Inspiration Behind Vacation:
Kathy Velentine was visiting her mother who lived in Austin, Texas back in 1980. This trip from Los Angeles, California allowed her to meet a charming man. On the plane ride back to Los Angeles, Kathy started writing on napkins as the words to Vacation began to flow. As the lead singer of Boy Problems, Kathy completed the melody and chords when she got back home. Upon joining the Go-Go’s later on in the year, members Jane Wiedlen and Charlotte Caffey loved it as Vacation became a reality.
Biblical Application:
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth,” Psalm 46:10.
Exegesis of Vacation:
Can’t seem to get my mind off of you
Back here at home, there’s nothin’ to do
Now that I’m away, I wish I’d stayed
Tomorrow’s a day of mine that you won’t be in
Kathy can’t stop thinking about this charming man that she just met. Upon arriving back home in Los Angeles, it’s back to reality. Kathy wished her vacation didn’t end, knowing that this man won’t be a part of her tomorrow.
When you looked at me, I should have run
But I thought it was just for fun
I see I was wrong, and I’m not so strong
I should have known all along that time would tell
Kathy wishes that she didn’t get involved, thinking she’d just have fun. Unfortunately, there is nothing she can do now as this fun in the sun has ended.
A week without you
Thought I’d forget
Two weeks without you and I
Still haven’t gotten over you yet
One week later, Kathy still can’t get this man out of her mind. Kathy seems like she wished her vacation never ended.
Vacation, all I ever wanted
Vacation, had to get away
Vacation, meant to be spent all alone
Time away from Los Angeles on vacation was great, something she longed for. However, her initial plans were to be all alone.
Vacation, all I ever wanted
Vacation, had to get away
Vacation, meant to be spent all alone
Repeating this chorus may point to frustration, perhaps getting emotionally involved.
A week without you
Thought I’d forget
Two weeks without you and I
Still haven’t gotten over you yet
Despite being back home, Kathy can’t get this charming man off her mind.
Vacation, all I ever wanted
Vacation, had to get away
Vacation, meant to be spent all alone
The trip served its purpose except for becoming emotionally involved.
Vacation, all I ever wanted
Vacation, had to get away
Vacation, meant to be spent all alone
Finishing with 3 straight choruses suggests that Kathy is frustrated with herself.
Vacation, all I ever wanted
Vacation, had to get away
Vacation, meant to be spent all alone
The one thing about any vacation is that you never know who you are going to meet.
Final Thoughts:
My father took the month of August off, traveling to Maine to refresh his body, mind and spirit from work. This is the one time every summer that my father had time for his children due to his busy work schedule. This is where I caught my first fish, went swimming for the first time and hung out with the same kids’ year after year. Maine became a refreshing time as I got older, training for cross-country in the mountains, playing golf on sunny days and fishing in the rain. This time of restoration and revitalization prepared me for the upcoming school year. Now as a father and grandfather, I try to make myself available to my family so we could enjoy memorable trips like going to the Grand Canyon. This is what vacation means to me.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 