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The Message Behind the Music-August 27

I Found Jesus in All the Wrong Places | Powerful Christian Country Song of Redemption | Lyric Video

Inspiration Behind I Found Jesus in All the Wrong Places:

I found Jesus in All the Wrong Places was written by Katy Nichole. The lyrics combine biblical themes with a real-life testimony to tell the story of finding faith in the most unexpected places. Like a modern-day prodigal parable, I Found Jesus in All the Wrong Places addresses specific encounters in life that result in personal redemption. Don’t be surprised by when God appears and who the Lord speaks to in life.

Biblical Application:

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ 13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. 18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas[b] and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. 21 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me, Galatians 1:11-24.

Exegesis of I Found Jesus in All the Wrong Places:

I can’t say how and I don’t know why
But God has saved me ’bout a million times
From ruining me, myself, and I
Told me the truth when all I knew was lies
Everybody wants to find their peace
And I found mine down on my knees
Praying and laying at Jesus’ feet
Bringing me strength when I was weak

The mystery of how God works in life. Saved time after time from self-destruction. Even when you are faithless and undeserving, peace is found by crying out in prayer, providing strength in times of weakness.

Every time I thought my world had reached an end
He picked me up and we started all over again
Second chances turned into hundreds
‘Cause He never gave up on me
I thought that I would never be worth the fight
But He showed up and loved me time after time
I thought that I didn’t want to be alive
But I found my reason to breathe
When I found Jesus

When you think your life is over, God picks you up to help you begin again. These second chances are too numerous to remember, but God never gave up on me. Despite being worthless, God’s love is extended time after time. When I was about to quit on life, Jesus gave me a reason to breathe.

I found joy in the midst of pain
A rainbow shinin’ through a sky of rain
I see color instead of gray

I found healin’ in my heartbreak

Finding joy in the middle of turmoil like a rainbow after a storm. My perspective is no longer gray, able to see colors. This mindset brought healing to my broken heart.

Every time I thought my world had reached an end
He picked me up and we started all over again
Second chances turned into hundreds
‘Cause He never gave up on me
I thought that I would never be worth the fight
But He showed up and loved me time after time
I thought that I didn’t want to be alive
But I found my reason to breathe
When I found Jesus
When I found Jesus

The chorus is repeated with a different ending. Encountering a God of second chances. On the verge of giving up on life, Jesus gave Katy a reason to live.

After all the hurt that I’ve been through
And everything I’ve lost
I am grateful for it all somehow
‘Cause it led me to the cross

Through the pain and suffering, God provided a spirit of thanksgiving. These life experiences led to being introduced to a Savior who laid down his life, Romans 5:7-8.

I can’t say how and I don’t know why
But God has saved me ’bout a million times
Buried the past and let my old ways die
Opened the grave and brought me back to life

Everyone else would have given up on me, but God helped me find Jesus in the least likely place. The final 2 lines seem to highlight Colossians 3:1-4.

Every time I thought my world had reached an end
He picked me up and we started all over again
Second chances turned into hundreds
‘Cause He never gave up on me
I thought that I would never be worth the fight
But He showed up and loved me time after time
I thought that I didn’t want to be alive
But I found my reason to breathe
When I found Jesus
When I found Jesus

This final stanza provides a glimpse of God’s agape love. From a human standpoint, this doesn’t make sense. Yet God showed up when everyone else gave up on me. This is when Katy found Jesus.

Final Thoughts:

This song highlights the saying “God works in mysterious ways.” Like a runaway train destined for destruction, God stepped in at the last second to save me when I gave up on life early in high school. A classmate’s suicide provided a spiritual wakeup call which made me open to the supernatural. I began searching for answers to life on earth like “why are we here?” I few months after this search began, I found Jesus at an event in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Since this moment, I’ve ridden the roller coaster of life. When I was thinking about quitting once again, I found Jesus in the least likely places like Katy.

by Jay Mankus

The Message Behind the Music-August 26

The Smashing Pumpkins – Tonight, Tonight (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind Tonight, Tonight:

Billy Corgan writes about escaping an abusive childhood. Tonight, Tonight is addressed to himself, as Billy reflects upon growing up in Chicago. The lyrics blend themes of hope, change, and self-empowerment. This personal encounter of escaping conceived self-belief which became the emotional core of Tonight, Tonight.

Biblical Application:

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it, John 14:12-14.

Exegesis of Tonight, Tonight:

Time
Is never time at all
You can never ever leave
Without leaving a piece of youth
And our lives are forever changed
We will never be the same
The more you change, the less you feel

Billy waited longer than he wanted to escape the abuse he endured as a child. However, leaving this situation didn’t remove the soul spirits hurts that lingered deep inside. This transition was difficult, not meant for a child.

Believe
Believe in me

Like a prayer, hope that things will get better.

Believe
That life can change
That you’re not stuck in vain
We’re not the same, we’re different
Tonight

Like a mental struggle, speaking belief into existence. This was Billy’s road to healing and recovery.

Tonight
So bright
Tonight

Things have to change tonight. Believe that life can get better.

And you know you’re never sure
But you’re sure you could be right
If you held yourself up to the light
And the embers never fade
In your city by the lake
The place where you were born

There is always inner doubt lurking. Subtle reflections of growing up in Chicago, searching for what is right with a flicker of hope that refuses to die.

Believe
Believe in me

This is where belief is essential.

Believe
In the resolute urgency of now
And if you believe there’s not a chance tonight

Looking for an opportunity to escape. Believing freedom is possible.

Tonight
So bright
Tonight

May tonight is the night.

We’ll crucify the insincere tonight
We’ll make things right
We’ll feel it all tonight
We’ll find a way to offer up the night
Tonight
The indescribable moments of your life
Tonight
The impossible is possible
Tonight
Believe in me as I believe in you
Tonight

This is the struggle that Billy fought through to escape abuse as a child.

Final Thoughts:

Part of growing up is finding friends that you can lean on during trials that you experience. As someone helps you through a different situation, pay it forward by helping someone who faces a similar ordeal. Some of my closest friends in high school and college are the ones I poured out my heart and soul to. In our separate brokenness, we leaned on each other to get through these painful hardships. Tonight, Tonight now serves as an anthem for any children trying to escape abusive homes today.

by Jay Mankus

The Message Behind the Music-August 25

Taylor Swift – Change

Inspirations Behind Change:

Change was co‑written by Nathan Chapman, part of Taylor’s second album Fearless. This song is symbolic of Taylor’s initial struggles with the smallest record label in Nashville. Taylor played the role of the underdog early in her career, facing an uphill climb toward her rise to stardom. Writing new songs became a call to action to reach Taylor’s aspirations as an artist.

Biblical Application:

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus, Philippians 3:12-14.

Exegesis of Change:

And it’s a sad picture, the final blow hits you
Somebody else gets what you wanted again
You know it’s all the same, another time and place
Repeating history and you’re getting sick of it

The disappointment of someone else getting what you what. The competitor inside of Taylor is tired of playing second fiddle.

But I believe in whatever you do
And I’ll do anything to see it through

Taylor is determined to succeed.

Because these things will change, can you feel it now?
These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down
This revolution, the time will come for us to finally win
And we’ll sing hallelujah
We’ll sing hallelujah, oh

Taylor is either referring to a movement or playing the role of the underdog who will eventually come out on top.

So we’ve been outnumbered, raided and now cornered
It’s hard to fight when the fight ain’t fair
We’re getting stronger now, find things they never found
They might be bigger, but we’re faster and never scared

Being with the smallest record label in Nashville is hard to overcome. Yet Taylor is more determined than ever to reach new heights.

You can walk away, say we don’t need this
But there’s something in your eyes, says we can beat this

The easy thing to do is quit. However, winners never give up with an eye of the tiger mentality.

‘Cause these things will change, can you feel it now?
These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down
This revolution, the time will come for us to finally win
And we’ll sing hallelujah
We’ll sing hallelujah, oh

Taylor reached a point in her life that she believed success was within reach. The underdog will start a new revolution.

Tonight we’ll stand, get off our knees
Fight for what we’ve worked for all these years
And the battle was long, it’s the fight of our lives
But we’ll stand up, champions tonight

Perhaps a suggestion that after praying, we stand tonight to celebrate. All the hard work has finally paid off. Standing together as a team or for a specific cause.

It was the night things changed, can you see it now?
These walls that they put up to hold us back fell down
It’s a revolution, throw your hands up ’cause we never gave in
And we’ll sing hallelujah
We sang hallelujah
Hallelujah

Looking back, this was the night, performance, that everything changed. The obstacles that held us back have been removed. This is why we celebrate as if praising God in church.

Final Thoughts:

There have been many defining moments in my own life. Giving my first sermon in Friendship, Maryland, getting married, having 3 children and blessed with many athletic achievements. Yet the friendships in high school, college and while in youth ministry have touched my life. All I can do is to continue to press on, looking ahead to the future to see where God can use me. As I struggle with the present, I look forward to spiritual victories in the future.

At the end of the summer, there were years that I was eager to return to school. There were certain people that I wanted to touch base with, reunite and work out together as fall practices began. Subsequently, the final week of August will feature songs that encourage, inspire and motivate individuals to change for the better.

by Jay Mankus

The Message Behind the Music-August 24

Brooks & Dunn – Red Dirt Road (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Red Dirt Road:

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn relied on their childhood experiences to write Red Dirt Road. The idea was conceived during a 2002 tour when each brought up memories of growing up in Arkansas. The East Main highway out of El Dorado was their main drag, the place where they cruised around town as teenagers. These life encounters helped conceive the lyrics of Red Dirt Road.

Biblical Application:

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete,” Luke 6:46-49.

Exegesis of Red Dirt Road:

I was raised off of Rural Route 3
Out past where the blacktop ends
We’d walk to church on Sunday morning
Race barefoot back to Johnson’s fence
That’s where I first saw Mary
On that roadside, pickin’ blackberries
That summer, I turned a corner in my soul
Down that red dirt road

Reflections from the past, vivid images. Walking to church, competitions, and his first love. Picking berries, likely with Mary and his spiritual maturity.

It’s where I drank my first beer
It’s where I found Jesus
Where I wrecked my first car
I tore it all to pieces
I learned the path to Heaven
Is full of sinners and believers
Learned that happiness on Earth
Ain’t just for high achievers
I’ve learned, I’ve come to know
There’s life at both ends of that red dirt road

Quick snapshots of growing up. These ups and down led Brooks and Dunn toward Jesus. This maturity led to a new perspective about life.

Her daddy didn’t like me much
In my shackled up GTO

Mary’s parents didn’t like a guy who liked to drive fast.

I’d sneak out in the middle of the night
Throw rocks at her bedroom window
We’d turn out the headlights
And drive by the moonlight
Talk about what the future might hold
Down that red dirt road

Memories of his first serious girlfriend.

It’s where I drank my first beer
It’s where I found Jesus
Where I wrecked my first car
I tore it all to pieces
I learned the path to Heaven
Is full of sinners and believers
Learned that happiness on Earth
Ain’t just for high achievers
I’ve learned, I’ve come to know
There’s life at both ends of that red dirt road

Repeating the chorus detailing firsts in life. This search led to what the Bible refers to as the narrow path.

I went out into the world
And I came back in
I lost Mary
Oh, I got her back again
And driving home tonight
Feels like I found a long lost friend

Filling in the gaps. Losing your way in life. Breaking and mending a relationship. A glimpse of the ups and downs in life.

It’s where I drank my first beer
It’s where I found Jesus
Where I wrecked my first car
I tore it all to pieces
I learned the path to Heaven
Is full of sinners and believers
Learned that happiness on Earth
Ain’t just for high achievers
I’ve learned, I’ve come to know
There’s life at both ends of that red dirt road

Growing up can be hard, but when you start turning your life around, peace can be found.

Yes, I’ve learned, I’ve come to know
There’s life at both ends of that red dirt road

These are the life lessons learned while growing up.

Final Thoughts:

Playing sports was one of the best parts of my life growing up. The relationships that I developed with teammates hold a special place in my heart. While I have lost touch with many of these individuals, I still hear from some of them from time to time. Hanging out with my cross-country teammates was always memorable, especially when we met up on dates at the Charcoal Pit. Yet the most special memories occurred on Lay Mission Witness weekends, often with friends from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. These life changing retreats helped shape who I have become as an adult. These are my own Delaware moments like Red Dirt Road.

by Jay Mankus

The Message Behind the Music-August 23

JAŸ-Z – Empire State Of Mind ft. Alicia Keys

Inspiration Behind Empire State of Mind:

Empire State of Mind was spawn from the city that shaped Jay-Z’s life and career. Following the release of Empire State of Mind, this song has evolved into a universal anthem for ambition, resilience, and the American Dream. The original version of Empire State of Mind was co-written by Angela Hunte and Janet “Jnay” Sewell-Ulepic. After submitting their song to Jay-Z, it was edited to its current form and lyrics.

Biblical Application:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God, Colossians 3:1-3.

Exegesis of Empire State of Mind:

[Intro: JAY-Z]
Yeah

He’s ready to do this.

[Verse 1: JAY-Z & Alicia Keys]
Yeah, I’m out that Brooklyn, now I’m down in Tribeca
Right next to De Niro,
 but I’ll be hood forever
I’m the new Sinatra, and since I made it here
I can make it anywhere, yeah, they love me everywhere

I used to cop in Harlem, hola, my Dominicanos (Dímelo)
Right there up on Broadway, brought me back to that McDonald’s

Took it to my stash spot, 560 State Street
Catch me in the kitchen, like a Simmons whippin’ pastry
Cruisin’ down 8th Street, off-white Lexus
Drivin’ so slow, but BK is from Texas
Me? I’m out that Bed-Stuy, home of that boy Biggie
Now I live on Billboard and I brought my boys with me
Say “What up?” to Ty Ty, still sippin’ Mai Tais
Sittin’ courtside, Knicks and Nets give me high fives
Nigga, I be spiked out (Come on), I could trip a referee (Come on)

Tell by my attitude (Come on) that I’m most definitely from

Jay-Z using this opening stanza to provide a brief bio of his life as well as memories and reflections of New York City.

[Chorus: Alicia Keys & JAY-Z]
In New York (Ayy, uh, yeah; aha)
Concrete jungle (Yeah) where dreams are made of
There’s nothin’ you can’t do (Yeah, okay)
Now you’re in New York (Aha, aha, aha; uh, yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand-new (New)
Big lights will inspire you (Come on, okay)
Let’s hear it for New York
 (You welcome, OG; uh)
New York (Yeah), New York (Uh, I made you hot, nigga)

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New York City is described as a concrete jungle, vast and dense. In this place, everything is possible. The atmosphere on these streets with the lights made Jay-Z feel brand new.

Shawn MendesWatch the Party DieKendrick LamarThe Tortured Poets DepartmentTaylor SwiftVerse 2: JAY-Z & Alicia Keys]
Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game
Shit, I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can
You should know I bleed blue, but I ain’t a Crip though
But I got a gang of niggas walkin’ with my clique though

Welcome to the meltin’ pot, corners where we sellin’ rock
Afrika Bambaataa shit, home of the hip-hop
Yellow cab, gypsy cab, dollar cab, holla back
For foreigners, it ain’t fair, they act like they forgot how to add
Eight million stories out there in the naked
City, it’s a pity half of y’all won’t make it
Me? I gotta plug Special Ed, “I Got It Made”

If Jeezy’s payin’ LeBron, I’m payin’ Dwyane Wade
Three dice, Cee-lo, Three Card Monte
Labor Day Parade, rest in peace, Bob Marley
Statue of Liberty, long live the World Trade (Come on, come on)
Long live the king, yo (Come on)I’m from the Empire State, that’s

Jay-Z takes credit for the popularity of wearing Yankees hats in public. Meanwhile, Jay-Z sees New York as a melting pot of people. Giving a glimpse of what it’s like to get anywhere in New York. Meanwhile, there are a series of name drops of famous people who have performed in New York at the Garden. From the Stature of Liberty to the World Trade Center and King Kong, this helps comprise an Empire State of mind.

[Chorus: Alicia Keys & JAY-Z]
In New York (Ayy; uh, yeah)
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There’s nothin’ you can’t do (That boy good, okay)
Now you’re in New York (Uh, yeah, welcome to the bright lights, baby)
These streets will make you feel brand-new
Big lights will inspire you (Okay)
Let’s hear it for New York (Uh)
New York (Yeah), New York (Uh)

The chorus is repeated with a different ending. Likely an ode to Frank Sinatra’s song about New York.

[Verse 3: JAY-Z & Alicia Keys], girls need blinders
Or they could step out of bounds quick, the side lines is
Lined with casualties who sip the life casually
Then gradually become worse
don’t bite the apple, Eve
Caught up in the in-crowd, now you’re in-style
Into the winter gets cold, en vogue with your skin out

City of sin is a pity on a whim
Good girls gone bad, the city’s filled with them
Mami took a bus trip, now she got her bust out
Everybody ride her, just like a bus route

“Hail Mary” to the city, you’re a virgin
And Jesus can’t save you, life starts when the church end
Came here for school, graduated to the high life
Ball players, rap stars, addicted to the limelight
MDMA (Come on) got you feelin’ like a champion (Come on)
The city never sleeps (Come on), better slip you a Ambien

There are certain aspects of New York that isn’t pretty, needing blinders. Crime, murder and cold winters. Meanwhile, success makes some of the famous lose their way, breaking bad with a couple of examples. A call for penance and new plea to turn to God for help from a Catholic perspective. The local basketball playground has developed stars and rappers who have become addicted to fame.

[Chorus: Alicia Keys & JAY-Z]
In New York (Ayy, ow, uh, yeah)
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There’s nothin’ you can’t do (Okay)
Now you’re in New York (Uh, yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand-new
Big lights will inspire you (Okay)
Let’s hear it for New York (Uh)
New York (Yeah), New York (Uh)

Another chorus with slight changes. New York is a special place.

[Bridge: Alicia Keys]
One hand in the air for the big city (Oh)
Street lights, big dreams, all lookin’ pretty (Oh)
No place in the world that could compare (Nah)
Put your lighters in the air, everybody say
“Yeah, yeah” (Come on, come on)
“Yeah, yeah” (Come on)

No city in America compares to New York. This is what draws dreamers to this place.

[Chorus: Alicia Keys]
In New York (Uh, yeah, oh)
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There’s nothin’ you can’t do (Okay)
Now you’re in New York (Uh, yeah, yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand-new
Big lights will inspire you (Okay)
Let’s hear it for New York (Uh)
New York (Yeah), New York (Uh)

What New York can do for you.

Final Thoughts:

I visited New York City once as a child and once in college. While the expenses to travel to New York have continued to increase, there are many special sites that are worth it. The food is amazing if you know where to eat. The Empire State Building still provides breathtaking views. Yet now that I live in the country, I don’t miss the congestion, crowds and traffic.

by Jay Mankus

The Message Behind the Music-August 22

Larry Fleet – Where I Find God (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind Where I Find God:

Larry Fleet began a social media series entitled Gospel Song Sunday. Larry’s personal posts touched Nashville songwriter Connie Harrington. After setting up a meeting, this initial conversation conceived Where I Find God. The lyrics refer to various places in life where people have encounters with God. Some individuals search all over the world until realizing that God is omnipresent, waiting for an invitation.

Biblical Application:

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. 21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches,” Revelation 3:19-22.

Exegesis of Where I Find God:

The night I hit rock bottom, sittin’ on an old bar stool
He paid my tab and put me in a cab, he didn’t have to
But he could see I was hurtin’, oh I wish I’d got his name
‘Cause I didn’t feel worth savin’, but he saved me just the same

Larry was drowning his sorrows, numbing his pain with alcohol one evening. A good Samaritan saw that Larry needed help, making sure that he got home that evening alive.

That day out on the water when the fish just wouldn’t bite
I put my pole down, floated around, it was just so quiet
And I could hear my old man sayin’, “Son, just be still
‘Cause you can’t find peace like this in a bottle or a pill”

During an unsuccessful fishing trip, Larry stopped for a moment, listening to nature. This time of reflection triggered a memory of advice given to him by his dad.

From a bar stool to that Evinrude
Sunday mornin’ in a church pew
In a deer stand or a hay field
An interstate back to Nashville
In a Chevrolet with the windows down
Me and Him just ridin’ around
Sometimes, whether I’m lookin’ for Him or not
That’s where I find God

Connie and Larry create a list of where God speaks to them in a still small voice.

Sometimes late at night, I lie there and listen
To the sound of her heart beatin’ and that song the crickets are singin’
And I don’t know what they’re sayin’

Larry is either referring to his wife or daughter. Being outside on a summer night, listening to the sounds of nature.

But it sounds like a hymn to me
No, I ain’t too good at prayin’
But thanks for everything

Another time of reflection reminded Larry of an old church hymn. While he may not be religious, he sure is thankful.

From a bar stool to that Evinrude
Sunday mornin’ in a church pew
In a deer stand or a hay field
An interstate back to Nashville
In a Chevrolet with the windows down
Me and Him just ridin’ around
Sometimes, whether I’m lookin’ for Him or not
That’s where I find God

The chorus repeats with places where you may have an encounter with God.

From a bar stool to that Evinrude
Sunday mornin’ in a church pew
In a deer stand or a hay field
An interstate back to Nashville
In a Chevrolet with the windows down
Me and Him just ridin’ around talkin’

Places where you may find God.

Well, I do that a lot
Well, I do that a lot
That’s where I find God

Larry enjoys riding around, talking to God with his eyes open.

Final Thoughts:

Most of the retreats that I have attended have either been in the mountains, on a lake or river and in a tranquil setting. During a late-night walk-in Johnson City, Tennessee with two friends, each of us revealed a dark secret from our past. This hour-long conversation set the tone for an amazing mission trip. When you become vulnerable like Larry, God has a way of moving others to pour out their hearts and souls as well. This is where I find God.

by Jay Mankus

The Message Behind the Music-August 21

Johnny Be Goode

Inspiration Behind Johnny Be Goode:

Johnny B. Goode serves as an autobiography, painting the picture of a country boy who has dreams of becoming a famous guitar player. Chuck Berry grew up in St. Louis during a time when African Americans were limited in their career paths. Subsequently, upon fulfilling his dream, Chuck wrote Johnny B. Goode to celebrate this genre of rock and roll.

Biblical Application:

You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments, Amos 6:5.

Exegesis of Johnny B. Goode:

Deep down in Louisiana, close to New Orleans
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Who never ever learned to read or write so well
But he could play the guitar just a-ringin’ a bell

The introduction of Johnny B. Goode, a country boy who grew up in the deep woods. While education never excited Johnny, picking up a guitar felt just right, able to naturally play.

Go, go
Go, Johnny, go, go
Go, Johnny, go, go
Go, Johnny, go, go
Go, Johnny, go, go
Johnny B. Goode

A call to encourage Johnny to follow his dream.

He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Go sit beneath the trees by the railroad track
Oh, the engineers would see him sittin’ in the shade
Strummin’ with the rhythm that the drivers made
People passing by, they would stop and say
“Oh my, but that little country boy could play”

Once Johnny could play a collection of songs, he would go out in public to perform as passersby’s marveled at his musical abilities.

Go, go

Go, Johnny, go, go
Go, Johnny, go, go
Go, Johnny, go, go
Go, Johnny, go, go
Johnny B. Goode

Keep playing Johnny. Keep it up.

His mother told him, “Someday you will be a man
And you will be the leader of a big ol’ band
Many people coming from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun go down
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight”

Chuck is likely referring to his own mother who believed in her son and had a clear vision for his life. However, if you stay out of trouble, you’ll be successful in the future.

Go, go
Go, Johnny, go
Go, go, go, Johnny, go
Go, go, go, Johnny, go
Go, go, go, Johnny, go
Go
Johnny B. Goode

A final call for Johnny to follow his dream to be a musician.

Final Thoughts:

Passions can come and go in life. If you don’t nurture or pursue your passions, some talents will simply fade away. In elementary school, I played an alto saxophone and could play the piano by reading music. Once sports took over as my main passion, these musical abilities quickly vanished. Being great at one thing takes years of mastery and practice. However, when you only have one main interest and passion, this usually gives birth to future phenoms. If you are dedicated from an early age like Chuch Berry, anything is possible.

by Jay Mankus

The Message Behind the Music-August 20

Kokomo

Inspiration Behind Kokomo:

The name Kokomo came from John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas who used this place in previous song lyrics. Lead vocalist Mike Lowe describes Kokomo as a mysterious island somewhere in the Caribbean, near the Florida Keys. Kokomo was commissioned for the Cocktail soundtrack, starring Tom Cruise and Elisabeth Shue. While Kokomo began as a demo by Phillips and Scott McKenzie, Love’s chorus transformed the tone from melancholic to an inviting song.

Biblical Application:

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord, Acts 11:19-21.

Exegesis of Kokomo:

[Intro: Mike Love]
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take ya
Bermuda, Bahama, come on, pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego, baby, why don’t we go?
Jamaica

A man wants to take his girlfriend, wife or significant other to a special place in the Caribbean.

[Verse 1: Mike Love]
Off the Florida Keys
There’s a place called Kokomo

That’s where you wanna go
To get away from it all
Bodies in the sand

Tropical drink melting in your hand
We’ll be falling in love
To the rhythm of a steel drum band
Down in Kokomo

As this man talks to this woman, he is explaining where they will be going. Let’s go to the beach, relax and forget about all the pressure and stress in life. This man paints the picture of an ideal vacation getaway to set a romantic mood.

[Chorus: All, Carl Wilson]
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take you
To Bermuda, Bahama, come on, pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego, Ooh, baby why don’t we go?

I wanna take you down to Kokomo
We’ll get there fast
And then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we wanna go
Way down in Kokomo

This man is selling this trip, going a little overboard. Mentioning as many scenic tropical destinations as possible.

[Post-Chorus]
Martinique, that Montserrat mystique

Another selling point.

[Verse 2: Mike Love]
We’ll put out to sea
And we’ll perfect our chemistry
By and by, we’ll defy
A little bit of gravity
Afternoon delight
Cocktails and moonlit nights

That dreamy look in your eye
Give me a tropical contact high
Way down in Kokomo

This man is working hard, as if he wants to propose at some point during this trip. Setting the scene of all that Kokomo has to offer.

[Chorus: All, Carl Wilson]
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take you
To Bermuda, Bahama, come on, pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego, Ooh baby, why don’t we go?

Ooh, I wanna take you down to Kokomo
We’ll get there fast
And then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we wanna go
Way down in Kokomo

This chorus suggests that this is a spur of the moment, spontaneous trip, eager to get there as fast as possible before slowing down to enjoy all that this resort has to offer.

[Post-Chorus]
Port au Prince, I want to catch a glimpse

Look at what we can experience together.

[Verse 3: Mike Love]
Everybody knows
A little place like Kokomo
Now if you wanna go
To get away from it all
Go down to Kokomo

Kokomo is the ideal setting if you want to get away.

[Outro: All, Carl Wilson]
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take you
To Bermuda, Bahama, come on, pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego, baby, why don’t we go?

Ooh, I wanna take you down to Kokomo
We’ll get there fast
And then we’ll take it slow
That’s where we wanna go
Way down in Kokomo

Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take you
To Bermuda, Bahama, come on, pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego, baby, why don’t we go?

I wanna take you down to Kokomo…

The final selling point for Kokomo. This is what you’re missing if you don’t go with me.

Final Thoughts:

I was living in Columbus, Indiana when Kokomo became a summer classic, on the hourly radio rotation. About an hour north of Columbus is Kokomo Indiana. Visitors would inquire, is this the legendary city from the Beachboys song? While this is a wealthy town, it’s far from the Caribbean. As someone who has gone snorkeling in the Caribbean, it is an amazing place to relax, swim and have fun in the sun.

by Jay Mankus

The Message Behind the Music-August 19

Lipps Inc. – Funkytown (1980)

Inspiration Behind Funkytown:

Steven Greenberg ran a mobile disco system and produced records for Twin/Tone. This inspiration for Funkytown came in the late 1970’s during the disco era when Steven was living in Minneapolis. Since Steven considered the Minneapolis’ music market as very vanilla, this city was in desperate need of some funk. Subsequently, Funkytown was Steven’s contribution to infuse soul and Motown influences into Minnesota.

Biblical Application:

I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long, Psalm 71:7-8.

Exegesis of Funkytown:

Gotta make a move to a town that’s right for me
Town to keep me movin’, keep me groovin’ with some energy

Living in a vanilla town for one with funk and soul. A place with energy, grooves and moves.

Well, I talk about it, talk about it
Talk about it, talk about it
Talk about, talk about
Talk about movin’

Spread the word to find a place like Motown.

Gotta move on
Gotta move on
Gotta move on

This place is holding me back. I need to move on where I find my own beat.

I want you take me to Funkytown
Won’t you take me to Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to Funkytown?

Opening chorus that highlights the goal for this search: Funkytown.

Won’t you take me to Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to Funkytown?

The desire to find this state of mind.

Gotta make a move to a town that’s right for me
Town to keep me movin’, keep me groovin’ with some energy

Searching for the ideal atmosphere to dance.

Well, I talk about it, talk about it
Talk about it, talk about it
Talk about, talk about
Talk about movin’

Where is this location? I need to know.

Gotta move on
Gotta move on
Gotta move on

I have to experience this fictional place.

I want you take me to Funkytown
Won’t you take me to Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to Funkytown?

A series of choruses. Expressing the desire to experience Funkytown.

Won’t you take me to Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to Funkytown?
Won’t you take me to Funkytown? Yeah

Show me how to get there.

Won’t you take me down to Funkytown?
Won’t you take me down to Funkytown?
Won’t you take me down to Funkytown?
Won’t you take me down to Funkytown?

I need to know what it is really like.

(Won’t you take me to) Funkytown?
(Won’t you take me to) Funkytown?
(Won’t you take me to) Funkytown?
(Won’t you take me to) Funkytown?

Lead me there.

Take me, won’t you take me?
Take me, won’t you take me?
Take me (won’t you take me to) won’t you take me?
Take me (won’t you take me to) won’t you take me?

This request doesn’t stop until reaching Funkytown.

I wanna go (won’t you take me to) to Funkytown
I wanna go (won’t you take me to) to Funkytown
I wanna go (won’t you take me to) to Funkytown, now
I wanna go (won’t you take me to) to Funkytown

Funkytown is a state of mind when you reach the dance floor.

Final Thoughts:

From my sophomore year of high school til my senior year of college, dancing at nightclubs became one of my favorite pastimes. I usually went with a few friends or on a date, but I loved losing myself into the song playing. Depending upon the sound, I would be transition, shifting my moves from song to song. While I’ve never been to a physical Funkytown, I have enjoyed hours of dancing in this state of mind.

by Jay Mankus

The Message Behind the Music-August 18

Styx – Come Sail Away

Inspiration Behind Come Sail Away:

The concept for Come Sail Away came during a band trip to Hawaii in April 1977. Styx was performing at the Crater Festival when founding member Dennis DeYoung composed this song. While on the beach, DeYoung was looking out at boats in the ocean and began imagining a journey toward something bigger. The lyrics are a metaphor chasing dreams as well as finding a better place in life.

Biblical Application:

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm, Mark 4:35-39.

Exegesis of Come Sail Away:

I’m sailing away
Set an open course for the Virgin Sea
‘Cause I’ve got to be free
Free to face the life that’s ahead of me

While observing ships from the beach, Dennis uses Virgin Sea as a metaphor to illustrate a fresh start, freedom, and the unknown. This clean slate leads to a sense of freedom as he thinks about his future.

On board, I’m the captain
So climb aboard
We’ll search for tomorrow
On every shore
And I’ll try, oh Lord, I’ll try
To carry on

Dennis is now the captain of his own boat, inviting others to come aboard as he leads the way. Before this search for tomorrow begins, Dennis offers up to pray to God tor strength to carry on in life.

I look to the sea
Reflections in the waves, spark my memory
Some happy, some sad
I think of childhood friends and the dreams we had

The waters from this beach are like a mirror, able to reflect memories from the past. This time of reflection triggers childhood dreams that Dennis may have given up on.

We lived happily forever
So the story goes
But somehow we missed out
On the pot of gold
But we’ll try, best that we can

To carry on

Story book endings sound good but are far from reality. Missing out on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, Dennis musters up the strength to press on in life.

A gathering of angels
Appeared above my head
They sang to me this song of hope
And this is what they said

Whether part of a dream or some sort of angelic encounter, Dennis received a song of hope within his mind with the chorus listed below.

They said come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me, lads
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me, baby
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me

A call to begin again by sailing away to chart out a new path in life.

I thought that they were angels
But to my surprise
We climbed aboard their starship
We headed for the skies

An image inside of Dennis’ dreams, referring to an alien encounter, A friendly one like ET.

Singing “Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me, lads
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me

The chorus serves as an invitation, to come aboard to begin a new journey in life.

Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me”
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me

The chorus is repeated like a final call before this ship takes off.

Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me

Join me on this new adventure.

Final Thoughts:

Human beings all come to a crossroads in life where you have to decide if you keep going on your current path or you decide to stop for a moment of reflection. Sometime your current financial state may limit your options. However, if your mental health is worsening, drastic changes must be made. Change is never easy but as C.S, Lewis once wrote, “success is the process of arriving.” As you set sail for your next phase in life, never stop learning to avoid complacency. Go with God and God will go with you.

by Jay Mankus