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The Message Behind the Music-August 23

Posted on August 23, 2026 by expressyourself4him

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. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 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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Why Why Why

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

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The Message Behind the Music-August 21

Posted on August 21, 2026 by expressyourself4him

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

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The Message Behind the Music-August 16

Posted on August 16, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Norah Jones – Come Away With Me

Inspiration Behind Come Away with Me:

Early in her career, Norah Jones developed an intimate musical environment. By instilling this type of discipline within her personal life, Norah experienced creative reawakening that helped spawn Come Away with Me. After a late-night performance at the Living Room in Manhattan, Norah wrote this song thanks to musical mentors like Jesse Harris and Richard Julian.

Biblical Application:

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil, Psalm 37:7-8.

Exegesis of Come Away with Me:

Come away with me in the night
Come away with me
And I will write you a song

Norah had gotten home after midnight and felt inspired. Perhaps she was longing for companionship for an artist who just turned 20. Prior to Come Away with Me, Norah had gone years without writing a song.

Come away with me on a bus
Come away where they can’t tempt us
With their lies

Being in public together, they could just talk. Nor would there be peer pressure from friends or peers.

I want to walk with you
On a cloudy day
In fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high
So won’t you try to come

Norah appears to be longing for someone that she can open up to. The final two lines could have multiple meanings as if Norah is trying to set boundaries to protect herself.

Come away with me and we’ll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And I’ll never stop loving you

She’s in a romantic mood, waiting for just the right person to come around. This stanza is clear that Norah is searching for love.

And I want to wake up with the rain
Falling on a tin roof
While I’m safe there in your arms
So all I ask is for you
To come away with me in the night
Come away with me

Perhaps, Norah is tired to being alone, wanting the security of waking up in someone’s arms. This is what Norah desires, to have a man answer her invitation.

Final Thoughts:

When you are young and you are not in a relationship, life can be lonely. However, if you force the issue, you’ll likely end up with the wrong person. Love can’t be forced. However, when you patiently wait, sometimes love can happen in an instant. The next time you feel lonely, don’t pull a Hagar, Genesis 16. Rather focus on what matters the most to you like a career, faith or hobby and love will arrive when you least expect it.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 14

Posted on August 14, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Billy Joel – Allentown (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Allentown:

Allentown was conceived from Billy’s personal experiences living on the East Coast, a regional observation, and a deep empathy for working-class struggles. Located in the Rust Belt of America, Allentown was impacted by closing steel mills due to America shipping manufacturing jobs overseas. While the entire he Lehigh Valley was impacted by mill closures, the city of Allentown was selected as the name felt well into the lyrics.

Biblical Application:

To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life.18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return,” Genesis 3:17-19.

Exegesis of Allentown:

Well, we’re living here in Allentown
And they’re closing all the factories down
Out in Bethlehem, they’re killing time
Filling out forms, standing in line

A second about current events, how the closure of steel mills throughout the cities within the Lehigh Valley was impacting some towns like Allentown.

Well, our fathers fought the Second World War
Spent their weekends on the Jersey Shore
Met our mothers in the USO
Asked them to dance, danced with them slow

Billy speaks to his generation in this stanza. How most fathers served in World War II, where families spent their summer vacations, where their parents met and how they fell in love.

And we’re living here in Allentown
But the restlessness was handed down
And it’s getting very hard to stay

This oasis in the mountains was greatly impacted by shipping manufacturing jobs overseas. Finding a good paying job outside the steel mill was getting harder and harder.

Well, we’re waiting here in Allentown
For the Pennsylvania we never found
For the promises our teachers gave
If we worked hard, if we behaved

This economic situation began to impact students as children began to lose hope, likely taking a toll on grades.

So the graduations hang on the wall
But they never really helped us at all
No, they never taught us what was real

Billy’s teachers were never fully transparent with teachers. Giving the company line which wasn’t real or helpful.

Iron and coke, chromium steel

Contents inside the mills.

And we’re waiting here in Allentown
But they’ve taken all the coal from the ground
And the union people crawled away

Natural resources were starting to dry up. People were waiting for change, but even the Unions struggled.

Every child had a pretty good shot
To get at least as far as their old man got
But something happened on the way to that place
They threw an American flag in our face
Whoa-oh-oh

The America Dream took a hit, lowering the standard for future generations. If you can’t get a job, go serve in the military.

Well, I’m living here in Allentown
And it’s hard to keep a good man down
But I won’t be getting up today

The economic situation was rough, even for the highly motivated.

And it’s getting very hard to stay
And we’re living here in Allentown

While some stayed, many had to move to find a good paying job.

Final Thoughts:

Since today is my birthday, I wanted to write about a town that I grew up 2 hours away from. Just north of Allentown is the Pocono Mountains where I first learned to ski. Blue Mountain is where I took my children where they first learned to ski and snowboard. On one of my birthdays, I took the family to Dorney Park, an amusement and water park. This was one of my more memorable days at a park as we rode all the coasters early and spent the afternoon at the waterpark. This is what Allentown has to offer today.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 13

Posted on August 13, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Bastille – Pompeii (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind Pompeii:

This song was inspired by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which buried the ancient Roman city of Pompeii under volcanic ash. Lead singer and songwriter Dan Smith recalls reading a book, forever impacted and touched by images of the victims of the famous eruption. The lyrics use an imaginary conversation between two victims of Pompeii trapped next to one another as they speak their last words.

Biblical Application:

By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. 24 Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land. 26 But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt, Genesis 19:23-26.

Exegesis of Pompeii:

Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o

Something you’d find in an introduction to a dramatic movie, often in the form of a prelude instrumental.

I was left to my own devices
Many days fell away with nothing to show

Perhaps a time of reflection leading up to this song’s creation.

And the walls kept tumbling down
In the city that we love
Grey clouds roll over the hills
Bringing darkness from above

Dan Smith puts himself back in time as if he was an eyewitness of this natural disaster.

But if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
You’ve been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?

The images of the book that Dan recently read enabled him to visualize what happened in 79AD. Yet Dan is torn, unsure of how he can put a positive spin on this event.

We were caught up and lost in all of our vices
In your pose as the dust settles around us

Two individuals who survived the initial eruption.

And the walls kept tumbling down
In the city that we love
Grey clouds roll over the hills
Bringing darkness from above

Yet these 2 were trapped under the ash, unable to be rescued.

But if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
You’ve been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?

The chorus is repeated. An attempt to visualize what initial survivors endured until breathing their last breath’.

Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o

Musical transition.

Oh where do we begin?
The rubble or our sins?
Oh where do we begin?
The rubble or our sins?

Dan struggles to put this tragedy into words.

And the walls kept tumbling down
In the city that we love
Grey clouds roll over the hills
Bringing darkness from above

Trying to imagine what this was like based upon the book that Dan read.

But if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
You’ve been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
But if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?

Final chorus where Dan wants his listeners to not forget this historic event.

Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o

Ending with how this song began.

Final Thoughts:

A little less that 20 years ago, I visited Fire and Ice in New Mexico. The fire portion of this sightseeing tour was a partially collapsed volcano that you could hike through and up to the rim. From the top, you could see more than a dozen dormant volcanoes in the distance. Before my hike, I never realized the size and amount of ash a volcano could generate. This experience helps me better understand what happened to Pompeii on the day Mt. Vesuvius erupted.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 9

Posted on August 9, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Phoebe Bridgers – Kyoto (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Kyoto:

Phoebe Bridgers’ first trip to Japan and her complex relationship with her father inspired the song Kyoto. The lyrics are about the impostor syndrome, living someone else’s’ life in the process of achieving a lifelong dream. Phoebe describes this portion of her life as exploration of dissociation due to her father divorcing her mom resulting in built up anger and resentment. Writing this song served as a distraction as well a form of healing to express her pain.

Biblical Application:

To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool. 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones, Proverbs 17:21-22.

Exegesis of Kyoto:

Day off in Kyoto
Got bored at the temple
Looked around at the 7-Eleven
The band took the speed train
Went to the arcade
I wanted to go, but I didn’t
You called me from a payphone
They still got payphones
It cost a dollar a minute
To tell me you’re getting sober
And you wrote me a letter
But I don’t have to read it

While on tour in Japan, Phoebe had a day off. Phoebe lists the places that she visited. Her father interrupted this day of sightseeing with a phone call. A quick summary of their conversation.

I’m gonna kill you
If you don’t beat me to it
Dreaming through Tokyo skies
I wanted to see the world
Then I flew over the ocean
And I changed my mind (woo)

This call got Phoebe upset and frustrated. Suggesting Phoeve is living the life her father wanted her to live.

Sunset’s been a freak show
On the weekend, so

Large crowds ruined Phoebe’s ideal sunset, using poetry to try to rhyme.

I’ve been driving out to the suburbs
To park at the Goodwill
And stare at the chemtrails
With my little brother
He said you called on his birthday
You were off by like ten days
But you get a few points for tryin’
Remember getting the truck fixed
When you let us drive it
Twenty-five felt like flying

Phoebe seems bored of Japan, not what she expected. Phoebe brought her brother to Japan while on tour. Phoebe shares the conversation between her brother and father.

I don’t forgive you
But please don’t hold me to it
Born under Scorpio skies
I wanted to see the world
Through your eyes until it happened
Then I changed my mind

Phoebe is still mad at her father’s decision to divorce her mom. unwilling to forgive at the moment. Phoebe shares her birth horoscope, then realized that she has been living her father’s dream, not her own.

Guess I lied
I’m a liar
Who lies
‘Cause I’m a liar

She lied to her father to make him happy.

Final Thoughts:

As a coach for more than 15 years, I’ve witnessed plenty of parents living their lives through their children. In the end, none of these athletes ever reached their full potential, burning out early or never able to satisfy their parents expectations. While I wanted the best for my children, I tried my best to let my 3 kids leave their own legacy. While I’m far from perfect, sometimes you have to let children fail on their own to see what they truly want in life. The rest is in God’s hands.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 3

Posted on August 3, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Lucero – Back in Ohio (Official Lyric Video)

Inspiration Behind Back in Ohio:

Back in Ohio was inspired by the true story of William Morgan. This former paratrooper from Toledo, Ohio, went on to become a Cuban freedom fighter. Following a stint in prison, William wanted to free Cuba from its communist dictator, Fidel Castro. After Ben Nichols watched the 2015 PBS documentary American Comandante about William’s life and execution, he wanted to honor the life of a very interesting character.

Biblical Application:

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them, James 4:17.

Exegesis of Back in Ohio:

On the open ocean
Sailing down to Cuba
Guns are in the galley
Someone’s gotta shoot ’em

William Morgan’s journey to become a freedom fighter in Cuba.

Away-away, oh
Destiny awaits
Sailing to redemption
They’ll miss you
Back home in Ohio
Back in Ohio

Morgan likely sailed to Cuba as commercial flights were prohibited. William was consumed by redemption. Perhaps, a going away party was thrown in Toledo, Ohio.

You threw knives in the circus
Now you’re fighting in the jungle
You’ve got babies in Miami
A rebel for a lover

One of William’s odd jobs in life. Fighting in the jungles of Cuba while his children and lover wait, living in Miami.

Away-away, oh
Destiny awaits
Sailing to redemption
But they’ll miss you
Back home in Ohio

Back in Ohio

The chorus is repeated. The way Lucero sings Ohio, the chorus only needs to be one line.

Looking down the barrel’s
Of 20 loaded guns
All the letters written
All the fighting’s been done
A man without a country
Ain’t getting out alive
They never collected the bounty
You’re still left to pay the price

Using what was learned in the PBS documentary to create an entire stanza about William Morgan.

Away-away, oh
Destiny awaits
Sailing to redemption
But they’ll miss you
Back home in-

Family and friends missed William, especially after receiving news of his death.

Away-away, oh
Your destiny awaits
You’re sailing to redemption
But they’ll miss you
Back home in Ohio

Redemption for Cuba is why he got on this sailboat.

Back in Ohio
Back in Ohio
Back in Ohio

Now he is back in Ohio.

Final Thoughts:

Since my parents spent ten years living in Ohio, I ended up doing my college internship just outside of Cleveland. I was informed of the Cuyahoga River fires but never heard about William Morgan. When you are passionate about a specific cause, you’ll lay down your life for what you believe in. This is the legacy of William from Ohio.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 2

Posted on August 2, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Jason Isbell, The 400 Unit – Alabama Pines

Inspiration Behind Alabama Pines:

Jason writes about the unique native pine species that define Alabama’s natural landscape and cultural identity. While Alabama is home to several specifies, the Longleaf Pine is the state tree. The symbolism behind the Alabama Pines is that despite the warm climate and various soil types, these trees are enduring and resilient. From Jason’s perspective, if these trees can survive over the years, so can I.

Biblical Application:

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers, Psalm 1:1-3.

Exegesis of Alabama Pines:

[Verse 1]
Well, I moved into this room
If you could call it that, a week ago
I never do what I’m supposed to do
Hardly even know my name anymore
When no one calls it out, it kinda vanishes away

Sounds like Jason is referring to a room in his house that he now calls his office. The songs which once naturally flowed out of his mind and onto a paper have stopped. This lack of progress has impacted his career.

[Verse 2]
I can’t get to sleep at night
The parking lot’s so loud and bright
The A/C hasn’t worked in twenty years
Probably never made a single person cold
But I can’t say the same for me, I’ve done it many times

Jason writes about the barriers and obstacles in his life. While he can’t ever get cold enough, he’s made plenty of people cold and unwelcomed.

[Chorus]
Somebody take me home
Through those Alabama pines

This is why Jason feels the need to return home to Alabama.

[Verse 3]
You can’t drive through Talladega
On a weekend in October
Just head up north to Jacksonville, cut around and over
Watch your speed in Boiling Springs
They ain’t got a thing to do, they’ll get you every time

Jason details his life experiences of living in Alabama, especially where not to speed.

[Chorus]
Somebody take me home
Through those Alabama pines
Somebody take me home
Through those Alabama pines

Alabama holds a special place in Jason’s heart, especially the distinct pines back home.

[Verse 4]
If we pass through on a Sunday
Better make a stop at Wayne’s
It’s the only open liquor store north
And I can’t stand the pain
Of being by myself without a little help on a Sunday afternoon

Jason has turned to alcohol to numb his pain of being alone without any help.

[Verse 5]
Well, I needed that damn woman like a dream needs gasoline
And I tried to be some ancient kind of man
One that’s never seen the beauty in the world
But I tried to chase it down
Tried to make the whole thing mine

Jason hasn’t had much success finding the right woman. Jason has even changed who he is to make things work.

[Chorus]
Somebody take me home
Through those Alabama pines
Somebody take me home
Through those Alabama pines

This rough stretch in life makes Jason want to return home.

[Verse 6]
I’ve been stuck here in this town
If you could call it that, a year or two
I never do what I’m supposed to do
I don’t even need a name anymore
When no one calls it out, it kinda vanishes away

Jason’s career and life is quickly disappearing as the fame he once enjoyed as a country singer has vanished.

[Outro]
No one gives a damn about the things I give a damn about
The liberties that we can’t do without
Seem to disappear like ghosts in the air
When we don’t even care, it truly vanishes away

Society has grown cold, not caring about issues Jason is passionate about. As freedom and liberties slowly disappear, most Americans are distracted, becoming ghosts stuck in their own world. When people stop caring, life falls apart.

Final Thoughts:

There are some sad realities to Jason’s song. People have become so self-absorbed that they are unable to notice what is going on in this country and throughout the world. If you want to endure and be resilient, you have to become deeply rooted and grounded in faith, Colossians 2:6-7, like Alabama Pines.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-July 29

Posted on July 29, 2026 by expressyourself4him

George Michael – Freedom! ’90 (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Freedom:

Freedom was conceived from George Michael’s deep personal reckoning with fame, identity, and creative control. After the success of Faith in 1987, Michael’s felt trapped by the expectations of having to produce another hit song. Subsequently, Freedom served as a confession and a declaration, reaching a point in his life where he could create content, perform and just be himself.

Biblical Application:

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed, John 8:34-35.

Exegesis of Freedom:

I won’t let you down
I will not give you up
Gotta have some faith in the sound
It’s the one good thing that I’ve got
I won’t let you down
So please don’t give me up
Because I would really, really love to stick around
Oh, yeah

George is feeling pressure to perform. Previous success has instilled faith within George that he won’t let his agent, producer and record company down. George isn’t ready to retire, wanting to keep his singing career going.

Heaven knows I was just a young boy
Didn’t know what I wanted to be (Didn’t know what I wanted to be)
I was every little hungry schoolgirl’s pride and joy
And I guess it was enough for me (And I guess it was enough for me)

Looking back to his past to see where he came from. Being a heartthrob was good enough for George.

To win the race, a prettier face
Brand new clothes and a big fat place
On your rock and roll TV (Rock and roll TV)
But today the way I play the game is not the same, no way
Think I’m gonna get me some happy

As you get older, it’s harder to maintain your image. George has become wiser with age, content with who he is now.

I think there’s something you should know
(I think it’s time I told you so)
There’s something deep inside of me
(There’s someone else I’ve got to be)
Take back your picture in a frame
(Take back your singing in the rain)
I just hope you understand
Sometimes the clothes do not make the man

This is the confessional part of the lyrics. George reached a point in his life where he stopped carrying about his image. He is trying to explain that there is more to a person than the clothes you wear.

All we have to do now
Is take these lies and make them true somehow
All we have to see
Is that I don’t belong to you and you don’t belong to me, yeah yeah

Image isn’t what you think it is. While George was and may still be viewed as a sex symbol, he is trying to explain that I don’t belong to you and you don’t belong to me.

Freedom (I won’t let you down)
Freedom (I will not give you up)
Freedom (Gotta have some faith in the sound)
You’ve got to give what you take (It’s the one good thing that I’ve got)
Freedom (I won’t let you down)
Freedom (So please don’t give me up)
Freedom (‘Cause I would really)
You’ve got to give what you take (really love to stick around)

The opening chorus is another confession. Meanwhile, this also reads like a self-help pep talk. Freedom is the spark which will enable George to maintain his stardom.

Heaven knows we sure had some fun, boy
What a kick just a buddy and me (What a kick just a buddy and me)
We had every big-shot goodtime band on the run, boy
We were living in a fantasy (We were living in a fantasy)

George looks back at his start as the lead singer of Wham. Looking back, this was like living a dream.

We won the race, got out of the place
Went back home, got a brand new face for the boys on MTV (Boys on MTV)
But today the way I play the game has got to change, oh yeah
Now I’m gonna get myself happy

George was successful with Wham, but the time came for George to leave, starting his solo career. While the days on MTV were great, Goerge does things different now, content with his new life outside of a band,

I think there’s something you should know
(I think it’s time I stopped the show)
There’s something deep inside of me
(There’s someone I forgot to be)
Take back your picture in a frame
(Don’t think that I’ll I be back again)
I just hope you understand
Sometimes the clothes do not make the man

When everyone told George about his great looks and image, it appears that he didn’t have a friend who was real with him, demonstrating tough love. This led to an identity crisis trying to figure out the man behind his clothes.

All we have to do now
Is take these lies and make them true somehow
All we have to see
Is that I don’t belong to you and you don’t belong to me, yeah yeah

George is sorting things out, trying to figure out the truth behind the lies he was told as an artist.

Freedom (I won’t let you down)
Freedom (I will not give you up)
Freedom (Gotta have some faith in the sound)
You got to give what you take
(It’s the one good thing that I’ve got)
Freedom (I won’t let you down)
Freedom (So please don’t give me up)
Freedom (‘Cause I would really)
You got to give what you take (really love to stick around)

Freedom came as George began to figure out who he is and what’s really important in life.

Well, it looks like the road to heaven
But it feels like the road to hell
When I knew which side my bread was buttered
I took the knife as well
Posing for another picture
Everybody’s got to sell
But when you shake your ass
They notice fast
And some mistakes were build to last

George is looking for direction in life, what to do in the future. However, he still hasn’t figured things out. Poor decisions in the past, using his body as a sex symbol, has led to regret. Yet, sex sold his music for years.

(That’s what you get)
That’s what you get
(That’s what you get)
I say that’s what you get
(I say that’s what you get for changing your mind)
That’s what you get for changing your mind
(That’s what you get)
(That’s what you get) And after all this time
I just hope you understand
Sometimes the clothes do not make the man

A stanza about regret, possibly referring to his song I Want Your Sex. George is having image problems, trying to explain to his fans that he is not the man behind his former image.

All we have to do now
Is take these lies and make them true somehow
All we have to see
Is that I don’t belong to you
And you don’t belong to me, yeah yeah

George is trying to sort things out to improve his self-esteem.

Freedom (Oh)
Freedom
(My) Freedom
You’ve gotta give for what you take
Freedom (I’ll hold on to my)
Freedom
(My) Freedom
You got to give what, to give what, give what you take
Yeah!
You got to give what, give to what, to give

Freedom comes from being true to yourself and who you are.

May not be what you want from me
Just the way it’s got to be
Lose the face now
I’ve got to live

George is searching for the type of person that he has to be moving forward in life.

Final Thoughts:

I loved Wham when I was in high school. However, when George Michael began his solo career, he started to push the envelope through his dance moves and lyrics. George was like the Madonna of male artists, not going over the top in his music videos like Madonna. The lyrics of Freedom give me hope that George may be maturing and transforming his life as he grows old.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-July 21

Posted on July 21, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come (Official Lyric Video)

Inspiration Behind Change is Gonna Come:

Change is Gonna Come was a response to the racial tensions and injustices that were prevalent in the United States in 1963. Following the release of Change is Gonna Come, this song has become an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. With the rise of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Sam was full of belief, hope and faith that change will come in the near future.

Biblical Application:

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me, Psalm 51:10-12.

Exegesis of Change is Gonna Come:

I was born by the river
In a little tent
Oh, and just like the river, I’ve been running
Ever since

Sam didn’t have much when she was born. Yet, like a flowing river, she kept moving downstream.

It’s been a long
A long time coming, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will

There were many things that Sam saw or witnessed that she didn’t think was fair. Yet, deep down inside, she believed that change would happen sometime in the future.

It’s been too hard living
But I’m afraid to die
‘Cause I don’t know what’s up there
Beyond the sky

Growing up as a black woman in America has been tough. Yet, she’s not ready to die, unsure of her eternal destiny.

It’s been a long
A long time coming, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will

Sam thought that things would have improved by now, but she hasn’t lost hope for Civil Rights to become a reality.

I go to the movie
And I go downtown

Sam still goes into town to watch movies.

And somebody keep telling me
“Don’t hang around”

Despite comments about being unwanted around town, this didn’t stop her from living.

It’s been a long
A long time coming, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will

There is no doubt in Sam’s mind that Civil Right for African Americans will come soon.

Then, I go to my brother
And I say, “Brother, help me, please”
But he winds up knockin’ me
Back down on my knees, oh

However, maintaining hope wasn’t easy, physically knocked down after asking for help.

There been times that I thought
I couldn’t last for long
But now, I think I’m able
To carry on

Sam also lost hope in the darkest times of uncivil acts against her. But the rise of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was enough to help her tarry on with life.

It’s been a long
A long time coming, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will

The numerous trials and tribulations that Sam endured could not hold her down for long as her belief for change came.

Final Thoughts:

The melody of Change is Gonna Come reminds me of some of the old hymns that I sung in church growing up. Spending 3 years attending public school in inner city Wilmington, Delaware, I came face to face with poverty. Although Sam doesn’t mention being a woman of faith, she persevered like Queen Esther in the Old Testament. Change is Gonna Come serves as a reminder of the past and provides hope that current and future issues will be resolved.

by Jay Mankus

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