Author Archives: expressyourself4him

The Message Behind the Music-May 13

Posted on May 13, 2026 by expressyourself4him

The Foundations – Build Me Up Buttercup (Lyric Video)

Inspiration Behind Build Me Up Buttercup:

The Foundations wanted to explore unrequited love and tension that exists within a relationship. Mike d’Abo and Tony Macaulay co-wrote Build Me Up Buttercup about a lover who is strung along by someone who is not interested in him. The Buttercup is symbolic of the flower and candy which highlights the complexities of affections and the desire to be connected with someone that you love.

Biblical Application:

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness, Colossians 2:6-7.

Exegesis of Build Me Up Buttercup:

Oh, why do you build me up (build me up)
Buttercup, baby, just to let me down (let me down)
And mess me around and then worst of all (worst of all)
You never call, baby when you say you will (say you will)
But I love you still, I need you (I need you)
More than anyone, darlin’
You know that I have from the start
So build me up (build me up)
Buttercup, don’t break my heart

This man wants to be encouraged, not let down. Don’t play mind games with me. Especially when you don’t call. Yet this man still loves her, wanting to be uplifted without being dumped.

“I’ll be over at ten”, you told me time and again
But you’re late, I wait around and then (bah-dah-dah)
I went to the door, I can’t take anymore
Without you, you let me down again

This woman is stringing him along, not really caring about their relationship. This emotional strain is wearing this man out.

(Hey, hey, hey!) Baby, baby, try to find
(Hey, hey, hey!) A little time and I’ll make you mine
(Hey, hey, hey!) I’ll be home
I’ll be beside the phone waiting for you

This man proclaims his dedication in this stanza.

Oh, why do you build me up (build me up)
Buttercup, baby, just to let me down (let me down)
And mess me around and then worst of all (worst of all)
You never call, baby when you say you will (say you will)
But I love you still, I need you (I need you)
More than anyone, darlin’
You know that I have from the start
Build me up (build me up)
Buttercup, don’t break my heart

Despite this verbal commitment, he wonders why she doesn’t build him up. This stanza highlights the complexities of their relationship. His greatest wish is not to have his heart broken.

You were my toy, but I could be the boy you adore
If you’d just let me know (bah-dah-dah)
Although you’re untrue, I’m attracted to you all the more
Why do I need you so

This man is fighting for the woman that he loves despite how she treats him.

(Hey, hey, hey!) Baby, baby, try to find
(Hey, hey, hey!) A little time and I’ll make you mine
(Hey, hey, hey!) I’ll be home
I’ll be beside the phone waiting for you

Just give me a chance and I’ll prove my worth to you.

Why do you build me up (build me up)
Buttercup, baby, just to let me down (let me down)
And mess me around and then worst of all (worst of all)
You never call, baby when you say you will (say you will)
But I love you still, I need you (I need you)
More than anyone, darlin’
You know that I have from the start
Build me up (build me up)
Buttercup, don’t break my heart

His only request is to be affirmed and encouraged.

I-I-I need you (I need you)
More than anyone, baby
You know that I have from the start
Build me up (build me up)
Buttercup, don’t break my heart

This man believes that she will make him complete. He has done everything in his power to make this relationship work. Just don’t break my heart.

Final Thoughts:

When I was in junior high, hardly any girls knew that I existed. There was one girl who pretended to like me, flirting with me at the mall until I overheard her laughing with her friends about me. This continued for about a month until I finally stopped going to the mall. When I think of Build Me Up Buttercup, these are the emotions and feelings that hit home. The disappointments of junior high would be quickly forgotten by my final 2 years of high school. Facing adversity helps produce maturity, allowing me to recover and develop meaningful relationships a few years later.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 12

Posted on May 12, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Tommy James and the Shondells – Crimson & Clover

Inspiration Behind Crimson and Clover:

Tommy James woke up one morning thinking about his favorite color and flower. Upon combining crimson with clover, Tommy used poetry to blend these 2 elements together. Crimson and Clover contain themes of love and passion, fueled by deep emotions and natural beauty. While the remake of Crimson and Clover by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts in 1982 received more attention in the music world, Tommy James and the Shondells crafted this song.

Biblical Application:

The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” – Isaiah 40:7-8

Exegesis of Crimson and Clover:

Ah, now I don’t hardly know her
But I think I can love her
Crimson and clover

The poetry portion of this song kept the lyrics to 4 stanzas. However, the actual song repeats these stanzas several times. From afar, Crimson and Clover are compared to a woman. The more you stare, there is a belief that you can love this woman.

Ah, now when she comes walkin’ over
Now I’ve been waitin’ to show her
Crimson and clover
Over and over

As this woman approaches, you have been waiting to show her something, a red flower and some clovers.

Yeah, if I’m not such a sweet thing
I wanna do everything
What a beautiful feelin’
Crimson and clover
Over and over

This man reveals his flaw but is eager to do whatever it takes to impress her. Perhaps there is a sexual innuendo behind crimson and clover.

Crimson and clover, over and over
Crimson and clover, over and over
Crimson and clover, over and over
Crimson and clover, over and ove

Either this is simply Tommy jamming to his favorite color and flower or the over and over has some sort of infatuation built into the lyrics. The more you gaze upon this natural beauty or a specific woman, the greater your attraction becomes.

Final Thoughts:

As someone who went to college to study golf course design and maintenance, I am big into flowers and fauna. As I build a 9-hole disc golf course on my property, I love adding elements of ornamental grasses, shrubs and wildflowers. Although this property is void of crimson at the present, when the flowers start to blossom this spring, there will be some crimson and random patches of clover to pop up. To me Crimson and Clover are part of this color spectrum, brightening up landscapes across the country.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 11

Posted on May 11, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Ashley Monroe – Like a Rose [Lyric Video]

Inspiration Behind Like a Rose:

Ashley Monroe reflects upon how the death of her father at a young age impacted her life and family. Like a Rose was co-written by Guy Clark and Jon Randall conveying Ashley’s journey from hardship to resilience. One of the themes of Like a Rose is that despite Ashley’s world falling apart around her, somehow God enabled her to turn out like a rose.

Biblical Application:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j] 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 8:35-39.

Exegesis of Like a Rose:

I was onlu 13 when daddy died
Mama started drinking and my brother just quit trying
I’m still bouncing back, heaven only knows
How I came out like a rose

Ashley was a teenager when her father passed away. Her mom tried to numb this pain by drinking and her brother stopped trying. Yet Ashley kept bouncing back like a thriving rose bush.

Ran off with what’s his name when I turned 18
Got me out of North Dakota, but it did not change a thing
I left it in the yard, all covered up with snow
And I came out like a rose

Leaving didn’t make the pain of her father’s death go away. Seems like Ashley left behind a special plant or bush that thrived in her absence.

Sitting in this diner with a coffee in my hand
Waiting on a bus to some promise land
I got a one way ticket as far as it goes
And I came out like a rose

Ashley went years without having a home. Desperate this lonely journey, God took care of Ashley.

So I’m headed south to anywhere that ain’t so damn cold
Where I can warm my heart and shake the chills from my bones
It took a while to get here, it’s been a long hard road
And I came out like a rose

Ashley finally decided to leave the cold of the north for a warm state in the south. While this move took longer than expected, Ashley’s life was still blessed.

Sitting in this diner with a coffee in my hand
Waiting on a bus to some promise land
I got a one way ticket as far as it goes
And I came out like a rose

This chorus suggests that God is in control despite how bad the present may seem.

It took a while to get here, it’s been a long hard road
And I came out like a rose

Although this journey has been long and hard, Ashley feels blessed like a flourishing rose.

Final Thoughts:

As a manager with Amazon, I’ve learned that everyone has a story that explains how they have turned out and why they act the way that they do. The hard part is taking the time to peel back the layers which help you understand individuals like Ashley. If you have the patience, you’ll be able to find the best way to reach this individual. While you won’t reach everyone, you will find common ground to help rebuild crushed spirits and hurting souls.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 10

Posted on May 10, 2026 by expressyourself4him

The Outfield – Your Love (Official HD Video)

Inspiration Behind Your Love:

The Outfield had the unique ability to craft songs that resonated with a teenage audience. Guitarist John Spinks wrote Your Love in 20 minutes. John sought to capture the essence of longing and desire within a teen who is in love. Although the lyrics of Your Love are vague in certain portions, there is a sense of urgency to act upon your feelings. Your Love is one of the hit songs from the Outfield’s album Play Deep, suggesting don’t let anything get over your head.

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 Your Love:

Josie’s on a vacation far away
Come around and talk it over
So many things that I want to say
You know I like my girls a little bit older?

The lyrics start with a couple separated by distance. Thoughts are racing with a comment about dating older girls.

I just want to use your love tonight
I don’t want to lose your love tonight

The initial portion of this chorus is selfish and then turns to a fear of losing this love.

I ain’t got many friends left to talk to
Nowhere to run when I’m in trouble
You know I’d do anything for you
Stay the night but keep it under cover

This relationship has left this boy without many friends to talk to. There’s a comment about commitment and offer to spend the night, keeping this confidential.

I just want to use your love tonight, whoa
I don’t want to lose your love tonight

There is a sense of urgency to take advantage of this moment together.

Try to stop my hands from shaking
But something in my mind’s not making sense
It’s been a while since we were all alone
But I can’t hide the way I’m feeling

The awkwardness between two teenagers. There is a sense of excitement, confusion and uncertainty.

As you’re leaving, please would you close the door?
And don’t forget what I told you
Just ’cause you’re right, that don’t mean I’m wrong
Another shoulder to cry upon

There is an agreement to keep this one night together secret. There is a disagreement, but an future offer to have a shoulder to lean on in times of need.

I just want to use your love tonight, yeah
I don’t want to lose your love tonight, yeah
I just want to use your love tonight
I don’t want to lose your love tonight
I just want to use your love tonight
I don’t want to lose your love tonight

This extended chorus is like a call to seize this moment together.

Use your love, lose your love (your love), use your love
(I don’t wanna lose) lose your, tonight
(I don’t wanna, I don’t wanna, I don’t wanna lose)
Lose your, tonight (your love)
Lose your, tonight (your love, your love, ah)
Lose your, tonight (your love)
I don’t want to lose your love tonight
(Your love) use your, tonight

There is a degree of second guessing, unsure if this is the right thing to do.

Final Thoughts:

This song serves as a reminder that distance makes the heart grow fonder. Unfortunately, when you are a young teenager, temptation leads human beings into making bad choices. When you have friends that hold you accountable, you’ll have a better chance from escaping temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13. The key is keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, by fleeing the passions of your flesh.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 9

Posted on May 9, 2026 by expressyourself4him

John Fogerty – Centerfield

Inspiration Behind Centerfield:

As John Fogerty watched Joe Dimaggio and Mickey Mantle as a child, the concept for Centerfield was conceived. These childhood memories led Fogerty to craft the lyrics. While growing up in San Franciso, Fogerty viewed the position of Centerfield as the king, leader of a baseball team. This likely explains the mention of Willie Mays who played centerfield for the Giants. John mixes his own personal experiences playing baseball with the legends that he watched as a child.

Biblical Application:

 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do, Ephesians 2:8-10,

Exegesis of Centerfield:

Well, I beat the drum and hold the phone
The sun came out today
We’re born again, there’s new grass on the field
A-roundin’ third and headed for home
It’s a brown-eyed handsome man
Anyone can understand the way I feel

Perhaps a reference to excitement for a baseball team, checking the weather to see if the game is on or not. This is either a reference to a newly sodded field or how a facility looks after adults work on the field before opening day. Born again could refer to the first game of the year where everyone is tied for first or a new day and game. John is either referring to Joe Dimaggio or Willie Mays about to score a run.

Oh, put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Look at me, I can be centerfield

John is sitting on the bench, eager to get into this game. Placing thoughts into his coaches’ mind about being able to handle the position of centerfield.

Well, I spent some time in the Mudville Nine
Watching it from the bench
You know I took some lumps
When the Mighty Casey struck out
So say, “Hey Willie, tell Ty Cobb and Joe DiMaggio”
Don’t say it ain’t so you, know the time is now

John was on a baseball team, but not part of the starting nine. Beside watching from a dugout, John actively followed the Giants and Yankees of Major League Baseball. This explains the name dropping and baseball lingo.

Oh, put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Look at me, I can be centerfield

John thinks he belongs, that he is good enough to play centerfield.

You got a beat up glove, a homemade bat
And a brand new pair of shoes
You know I think it’s time to give this game a ride
Just to hit the ball and touch ’em all, a moment in the sun
It’s a-gone and you can tell that one goodbye

Most people couldn’t afford top quality baseball gear, often playing with hand me downs, The best John’s family could do was a brand new pair of cleats. John is dreaming of what it would feel like to hit a home run.

Oh, put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Look at me, I can be centerfield (yeah)

John is waiting on the bench, eager, persuasive and vocal about being able to handle centerfield.

Oh, put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Look at me, gotta be centerfield

This is like a prayer, begging his coach to call his name after batting to enter this game.

Final Thoughts:

I played baseball for a decade and spent another 7 years playing on a competitive softball team with 7 guys who played college ball. I started my initial softball season batting 10th, trying to prove my worth as a left centerfielder. At the end of my final season, I batted third, sticking to what I was good at, hitting line drives into the outfield gaps and using my speed to hit doubles and triples. Baseball is a thinking man’s game so the more I played, the greater my knowledge and skills developed. Anticipating, positioning and technique enabled me to hold my own until I started coaching my own sons in my early 40’s. Once I learned to enjoy baseball instead of being consumed with winning, I reached my full potential.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 8

Posted on May 8, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Stellar Kart: Ones and Zeros (Audio)

Inspiration Behind Ones and Zeros:

The Ones and Zeros represent an anthem for unity and the value of human life despite the flaws, imperfections and weaknesses that exist within every human being. Not everyone is a gifted athlete who can shine on a ballfield. We are all created differently, diverse with special gifts and talents that either go unappreciated or unrecognized until later on in life. The opening lyrics point to human fragility, falling down time after time. Despite whatever failures you may endure in life, Ones and Zeros speak to being incomplete, living and learning via trial and errors.

Biblical Application:

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully, Romans 12:3-8.

Exegesis of Ones and Zeros:

Ashes to ashes, we all fall down
Dust to dust, scattered on the ground
Living in the shadows
Where fear can’t fight
A hope of redemption
None left behind
A voice for those who can’t say a word
To the ears of those who never have heard
It’s the sound that echoes through the night

This song starts with a childhood song about making mistakes in life. Failure and humility often lead human beings to withdraw, living in the shadows of the gifted and talented. To those who rarely succeed, fear may keep you from taking chances in life. While there may be hope for redemption, doubt and unbelief can erode any glimpses of hope. The final 3 lines leading up to the chorus serve as a call that you are not alone.

We are the ones
We are the ones and zeros
The beautiful incomplete
We are the ones
We are the future heroes
A colorful symphony
We are the ones

While it’s never pleasant to fail, the chorus encourages the individuals labeled as ones and zeros to come together. Don’t view this as a permeant status. Rather, as a work in progress. While you may currently be incomplete, you have a bright future.

The dawn or the twilight
It’s all the same
Clear eyes at midnight
We’re all to blame
Chosen for freedom with undue worth
Standing for something that can’t be earned
A voice for those who can’t say a word
To the ears of those who never have heard
It’s the sound that echoes through the night

This stanza serves as a reminder that life is hard as human beings are flawed, fallen creatures with a tendency to fail. Although it’s one thing to accept this reality, you don’t have to live in this humbled state your entire life. There is a message of hope that exists.

We are the ones
We are the ones and zeros
The beautiful incomplete
We are the ones
We are the future heroes
A colorful symphony
We are the ones

Don’t look at yourself as who you are. Begin to see the person that you will become. This positive mindset opens the door to be elevated to the status of future hero. Don’t let failure hold you down. Rise above the ashes of defeat.

Final Thoughts:

After starting my baseball coaching career with 3 straight championships, my 4th year was a complete and total disaster. Injuries and lost players sent this team into a long losing streak to start the season. Every week we found new ways to lose a game. It was during this season that I stumbled upon Ones and Zeros by Stellar Kart. I created a mix for practices, adding this song to my playlist. Although the message of Ones and Zeros may not have resonated with every player, this team improved immensely, battling to the final out. While we were offensively challenged, we did sniff out a few wins before losing in the first round of the playoffs. Whenever I feel defeated today, I play Ones and Zeros to remind me that life is a journey, as human beings are a work in progress.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 7

Posted on May 7, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Geoff Moore and the Distance Home Run with Lyrics

Inspiration Behind Home Run:

This song combines Geoff’s passion for sports with the daily grind of life, influenced by the spiritual war going on behind the scenes detailed in Ephesians 6:12. The lyrics point to a repentant player serving as a narrative who looks back at missed opportunities in his life. Using baseball as a playing field, life is filled with tension as individuals pursue success while risking failure. As C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity, “success is the process of arriving.” Subsequently, life is a journey where a home run is the goal, but you have to be thankful for the singles and doubles in life before you develop the power for greater things.

Biblical Application:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, Ephesians 6:10-12.

Exegesis of Home Run:

Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to the Dan Brock Memorial Stadium
Are you ready for an afternoon of baseball?
I hope you are
Because it’s Geoff Moore and The Distance
Going up against the big guy, the Prince of Darkness(Darkness)
It’s been quiet on evolution with Geoff Moore and The Distance
That’s why it’s brought them to the game today
So I want you to kick back and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of Baseball(Baseball)
The teams are assembled
Are you ready?

Like a WWE wrestling match, a Christian band faces the Prince of Darkness, the Undertaker.

PLAY BALL!!

Once you wake up each morning, the action never stops as you can’t call time up in life as time keeps ticking.

The lights go on
Another game day
I grabbed my bat
And headed for the plate
But the first pitch was a curve
And I was done!

This is what is called pitching backwards in baseball, starting a batter out with a pitch usually used for a strikeout pitch.

(umpire) STRIKE ONE!

The Devil maybe somewhat predicable but will throw you a curve from time to time to keep you guessing in life.

I stepped out of the box
Looked the pitcher in the eye
You could read his lips
“Hey, punk, you’re mine!”
So I gave him a wink and said
“Let’s see what you can do”

A glimpse of the mental portion of baseball, the game within a game.

(umpire) STRIKE TWO!

Taking pitches in baseball allows you to see what a given strike zone will be by an umpire.

Gotta keep my eye on the ball
Swing straight and true and follow through
Don’t be afraid, what-ever the call!
Because we’re never alone
Our coach is there to cheer us on
Well, it’s the wind-up
Here comes that ball
You gotta pray and swing
Watch it till, it’s goin, goin, it’s gone!

Basic hitting fundamentals fill this stanza. While baseball is a game a failure, getting out more than hits, you have to keep your head in a game. The moment doubt creeps into your mind, you’ll get yourself out before stepping up to the plate.

Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, we need a home run

Large scoreboards at stadiums will always let a team know what they need to do in order to win a game.

Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, we need a home run!

A repetitive chorus could refer to chatter in a dugout during a rally.

You know life can be
Like a baseball game
We’re on the same team
But were not all the same
That’s why we’ve got to learn
To play together

There are too many ME players on a team, self-absorbed and only concerned with themselves. Sometimes you have to lose bad so everyone can get on the same page.

I didn’t join this team to sit on the bench
I’m goin deep, swingin’ for the fence
I got some friends on base, I gotta get home!

Reminds me of the saying, “ducks on a pond,” wanting to come through for your team.

Gotta keep your eye on the ball
Swing straight and true, and follow through
Don’t be afraid, what-ever the call
Because we’re never alone
Our coach is there to cheer us on

Sometimes you have to go back to basic fundamentals in life before you can be successful.

Well it’s the wind-up
Here comes that ball
You gotta pray and swing
Watch it till it’s goin goin, it’s gone!

For confident players, hitting a baseball comes naturally. Yet for the doubters struggling to hit, you need prayer and good technique to break out of a slump.

Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, home run!
I want a home run

Visualization can help a batter.

Ho, ohho, ohh, oh
Ho, ohho, ohh, oh
Ho, ohho, i want a home run!

Confidence and visualization can lead to big hits.

We are not the first to play this game
Or stand over this plate
We are surrounded by the legacy
I can see them in the stands
I can see them wavin their hands
Sayin, “go, go all the way!”

Geoff is referring to the Bible Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. Learn from their example.

(umpire) it’s goin, it’s going it’s going
Oh my!
It’s outta here!
That baby is gone (gone)

Come on now

Typically, an umpire will only make this call for homeruns down the lines.

Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, home run

While you don’t need a homerun to score, most major league teams are too reliant on homeruns.

Hey it’s gone,gone now

Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, home run

Hey it’s a homerun

This repetitive chorus echoes the excitement of hometown fans after a homerun.

Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, home run

Since not everyone has the power for a homerun, enjoy every time you get on base.

Final Thoughts:

Decades ago, ESPN ran a series of commercials entitled Chicks Dig the Long Ball. This successful advertisement inspired baseball players to swing for the fences. While homeruns did increase, strikeouts rose as well. This is the age of baseball where players swing for the fences but usually strikeout. This is not the game that I grew up playing where speed could get you on base and eventually home, manufacturing the game winning run. Maybe this style of baseball will return. Yet for now, the home run reigns.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 6

Posted on May 6, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Peter, Paul and Mary – Right Field (25th Anniversary Concert)

Inspiration Behind Right Field:

This song was written by a former right fielder, Wayne Welch. Right Field was recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary in 1987. Wayne was inspired by his childhood days standing in right field, more concerned with his surroundings than the actual game going on. Always being the last one selected for a team led Welch to appeal to individuals who are overlooked and undervalued in life. When metrics are applied strictly to baseball, certain players are never given the opportunity to play the position of their choice.

Biblical Application:

“Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?” 30 He then turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter, and the men answered him as before. 31 What David said was overheard and reported to Saul, and Saul sent for him. 32 David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” 33 Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth,” 1 Samuel 17:29-33,

Exegesis of Right Field:

Saturday summers, when I was a kid
We’d run to the schoolyard and here’s what we did
We’d pick out the captains and we’d choose up the teams
It was always a measure of my self esteem
‘Cause the fastest, the strongest, played shortstop and first
The last ones they picked were the worst
I never needed to ask, it was sealed,
I just took up my place in right field
Playing

Before you were old enough for Little League, neighborhood kids would play pickup games at the local ball field similar to the film Sandlot. Since Wayne wasn’t fast, strong or tall, he was always one of the last 2 selected and was assigned right field every time.

Right field, it’s easy, you know
You can be awkward and you can be slow
That’s why I’m here in right field
Just watching the dandelions grow

This stanza is true in professional baseball as well as the least athletic player is assigned right field today.

Playing right field can be lonely and dull
Little Leagues never have lefties that pull
I’d dream of the day they’d hit one my way
They never did, but still I would pray
That I’d make a fantastic catch on the run
And not lose the ball in the sun
And then I’d awake from this long reverie
And pray that the ball never came out to me, here in

Right field is the last place someone would hit a ball. Subsequently, managers would try to hide their worst player in this position. Parents and players in right field were nervous of a ball hit in their direction..

Right field, it’s easy, you know
You can be awkward and you can be slow
That’s why I’m here in right field
Just watching the dandelions grow

Without much action, bored players would lose focus by checking out the different types of weeds in this section of the outfield.

Off in the distance, the game’s dragging on
There’s strikes on the batter, some runners are on
I don’t know the inning, I’ve forgotten the score
The whole team is yelling and I don’t know what for

Right fielders are so far away from the action, that they aren’t mentally into a game like the infielders.

Then suddenly everyone’s looking at me
My mind has been wandering; what could it be?
They point to the sky and I look up above
And a baseball falls into my glove

Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.

Here in right field, it’s important you know
You gotta know how to catch, you gotta know how to throw
That’s why I’m here in right field, just watching the dandelions grow

It’s hard to have your head into the game when you might get a ball hit to you once or twice in a six-inning game.

Final Thoughts:

I stopped playing baseball in high school when I wasn’t tall enough or strong enough to throw a ball 80 miles an hour. While I was always 10 miles slower than most pitchers, I had great command. I was the ace pitcher on my Junior High team, going 2-0 with a near no hitter in the final game of the season. Yet, I wasn’t allowed to try out for a pitcher in high school. Despite batting 400 on the freshman team, I made a mental error in the season opener and rode the bench the rest of the season. The use of metrics in baseball today is preventing young boys like me from advancing to a higher level in baseball. Right fielders in Little League often quit after turning 13, not interested in baseball anymore.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 5

Posted on May 5, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Trace Adkins – Swing (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind Swing:

Trace Adkins uses baseball as a metaphor for picking up dates at a bar or nightclub. As a group of men are sitting at a table, one guy gets up, looking to mingle with a woman, hoping to get her number. Failing to achieve this feat is like striking out in baseball. Just as baseball players have their ups and downs during a season, the same principle applies to life filled with disappointment, heartbreak and success.

Biblical Application:

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.15 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ – Matthew 13:14-15.

Exegesis of Swing:

Take me out to the ball game

A desire to go to a game in person instead of watching on television.

Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing

Once you go out where you have a chance to meet people, don’t be afraid to ask or fail.

(Strike one)
Hey baby, do you do come here often?
(Strike two)
Hey baby, now what’s your sign?
(Strike three)
Hold on now where you goin’? (He is out)
Jimmy’s out, next in line

Jimmy is the first one to introduce himself to a person he is interested in. He fails miserably as another guy at his table gets up to try.

Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing

Swing is symbolic of taking a risk and missing completely.

(First Base)
Why yes, I went to Harvard (safe)
(Big league)
I majored in pre-med (he’s got a big lead)
(Picked off)
Just stayed for one semester (it’s gonna be crazy)


Tom’s out, who’s next?

While Tom made an instant connection, his lies to impress this woman were quickly exposed.

Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing

The next guy at the table shakes off his nerves and approaches a woman.

Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing it now

Perhaps Trace is suggesting that they’ll never know if you don’t ask or try.

Everybody strikes out nine times out of ten
But you got to step up to the plate son
‘Cause every now and then

Don’t let failure keep you from pursuing another relationship.

(Fast ball)
She walked right up to me (here’s the pitch)
Said, could I take you home? (There is a drive)
(Could be)
Hey boys, I’ll see you later (it could be, it… it is!)
Goin’, goin’, goin’, gone

The fourth guy is finally successful, driving a girl home.

Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing

Don’t be shy, get up and try.

Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing

Don’t let rejection prevent you from introducing yourself.

Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing

Holy cow!

Keep on trying as you never know who you will meet next.

Final Thoughts:

When my parents moved to Ohio, I spent a few summers there in college. When I wasn’t working, I was either playing sand volleyball at Geauga Lake, singing karaoke or going dancing on the Flats in Cleveland. While I had the time of my life, I met more girls on Christian conferences and retreats than clubs. I didn’t have to pretend to be somebody else, I could just be me. However, Trace is right about keeping trying. If you don’t ask someone that you like, you’ll never know how things could have turned out.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 4

Posted on May 4, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Les Brown & His Orch. – Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio (1941) HD

Inspiration Behind Joltin’ Joe Dimaggio:

When Joe DiMaggio made his Major League Baseball debut for the New York Yankees in 1936, fans immediately could tell that a baseball sounded different after making contact with his bat. This jolt of power combined with Joe’s flair that he demonstrated with each swing of a bat made DiMaggio an instant fan favorite. As World War II began to intensify, Les Brown and His Orchestra debuted this song in 1941, serving as a distraction to what was going on outside the United States. It wasn’t until the bombing at Pearl Harbor when MLB began to consider cancelling until this war was over. Ultimately, Dimaggio’s record setting 56 game hitting streak which still stands today took place in the summer of 1941. This is the true inspiration behind Joltin’ Joe.

Biblical Application:

A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span.[a] 5 He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels[b]; 6 on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. 7 His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels.[c] His shield bearer went ahead of him, 1 Samuel 17:4-7.

Exegesis of Joltin’ Joe Dimaggio:

[Intro]
Hello Joe, whatta you know?
We need a hit so here I go
Ball one (Yea!)
Ball two (Yea!)
Strike one (Booo!)
Strike two (Kill that umpire!)
A case of Wheaties

The one hit refers to keeping Joe’s hitting streak alive.

[Verse 1: Betty Ronney]
He started baseball’s famous streak
That’s got us all aglow
He’s just a man and not a freak
Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio

This streak kept fans on the edge of their seats, hoping it didn’t end while they were in attendance.

[Hook: Les Brown Orchestra]
Joe, Joe DiMaggio
We want you on our side

Opposing pitchers feared Joe.

[Verse 2: Betty Ronney]
He tied the mark at forty-four
July the 1st you know
Since then he’s hit a good twelve more
Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio

Every day at the ballpark was buzzing, wondering how many more games this streak will continue.

[Hook: Les Brown Orchestra]

[Verse 3: Betty Ronney]
From coast to coast that’s all you’ll hear
Of Joe the one man show
He’s glorified the horsehide sphere
Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio

Joe also had a flair with how he ran and slid safely into second or third for an extra base hit.

[Hook: Les Brown Orchestra]

[Verse 4: Betty Ronney]
He’ll live in baseball’s Hall of Fame
He got there blow by blow
Our kids will tell their kids his name
Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio

These lyrics have come true as no player has come close to Joe’s hitting streak.

[Verse 5: Betty Ronney & Les Brown Orchestra]
We dream of Joey with the light brown bat
Joe, Joe DiMaggio
We want you on our side

When a player is this great, every fan wants him on their team.

[Verse 6: Betty Ronney]
And now they speak in whispers low
Of how they stopped our Joe
One night in Cleveland Oh Oh Oh
Goodbye streak DiMaggio
Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio

This song ends with a history lesson, where Joe’s hitting streak ended.

Final Thoughts:

As a former baseball coach, the average hitter experiences cold and hot streaks. When filled with confidence, hitting can be easy. However, once players fall into an extended slump, going hitless, just making contact is difficult. Hand to eye coordination, shortening your swing and fouling off tough pitches all play a role in a batter getting on base. While a modern-day player could possibly come close to Joe’s record, most don’t have the discipline and patience to get at least 1 hit in two consecutive months of playing game after game.

by Jay Mankus

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