Tag Archives: Bruce Springsteen

The Message Behind the Music-July 9

Posted on July 9, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Bruce Springsteen – Born in the U.S.A. (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Born in the USA:

The context of Born in the USA is written from the perspective of a soldier who served in the Vietnam War. Upon arriving home safely, unlike many of his fellow soldiers, he was met with economic hardship. Despite the overwhelming popularity of Born in the USA, Bruce attacks the American government as it failed to help veterans reintegrate back into the work force. The lyrics also warns Americans that being born in this country doesn’t guarantee success in realizing the American Dream. Since the Vietnam War was the first to have nearly unlimited media access like the film Good Morning Vietnam, journalists back in America began to label Vietnam vets as baby killers. Films like Rambo depict how Bruce Springsteen felt about how the government let Vietnam vets down.

Biblical Application:

A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8  a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace, Ecclesiastes 3:7-8.

Exegesis of Born in the USA:

Born down in a dead man’s town
The first kick I took was when I hit the ground
End up like a dog that’s been beat too much
‘Til you spend half your life just to cover it up now

This individual came back from war to return to a dying town. This was like a gut punch to this soldier. Human beings can only take so much before they crack. The transition from soldier to worker took half of his life.

Born in the USA
I was born in the USA
I was born in the USA
Born in the USA, now

This soldier was born in the USA, but his life was far from the American dream.

Got in a little hometown jam
So they put a rifle in my hands
Send me off to a foreign land
To go and kill the yellow man

This man turned to the military for direction in life. He was trained to shoot and kill the enemy in the Vietnam War.

Born in the USA
I was born in the USA
Born in the USA
I was born in the USA

This was the dilemma for this soldier born in America,

Come back home to the refinery
Hiring man said, “Son, if it was up to me”
Went down to see my V.A. man
He said, “Son, don’t you understand, now?”

This journey led to working at a refinery. However, the hiring manager referred him to the VA to see what other military options were available. No one is being straight with this soldier.

Oh, yeah
No, no
No, no, no

This is the frustration of this veteran.

I had a brother at Khe Sanh
Fightin’ off them Viet Cong
They’re still there, he’s all gone
He had a woman he loved in Saigon
I got a picture of him in her arms now

Perhaps this song is about Bruce’s brother. The people he was fighting are still alive, but he died. This soldier left behind a woman that he loved.

Down in the shadow of the penitentiary
Out by the gas fires of the refinery
I’m ten years burnin’ down the road
Nowhere to run, ain’t got nowhere to go

Bruce feels for the former veterans who have lost their way. Down on their luck with nowhere to turn.

Born in the USA
I was born in the USA, oh
Born in the USA
I’m a long-gone daddy in the USA, now

This is the sad story of a forgotten US veteran.

Born in the USA
Born in the USA
Born in the USA
I’m a cool rocking daddy in the USA, now

Bruce ends with a positive spin.

Final Thoughts:

Mixing politics with music usually doesn’t have a positive ending. The lyrics remind me of the Rambo series of movies based upon the John Rambo character who is the lone survivor of an elite squadron. Those who didn’t die in Vietnam died or cancer from the chemicals of war they were exposed to. While Born in the USA remains a popular song today, the lyrics reveal a sad story about the casualties of war.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 30

Posted on May 30, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Bruce Hornsby & The Range – The Way It Is (Video Version)

Inspiration Behind The Way It Is:

Bruce Hornsby wrote The Way It Is in a garage while living in California. Bruce wanted to craft a song that addressed social inequality that he witnessed firsthand. Subsequently, the lyrics address the poor, racism, and complacency with the statis quo. Once the music and piano riff were created, the Way It Is became a smashing success.

Biblical Application:

Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life, but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die. 17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done, Proverbs 19:16-17.

Exegesis of The Way It Is:

Standin’ in line marking time
Waiting for the welfare dime
‘Cause they can’t buy a job
The man in the silk suit hurries by
As he catches the poor old lady’s eyes
Just for fun he says, ‘Get a job’

Bruce provides a glimpse of how the poor and wealthy are worlds apart.

That’s just the way it is
Some things’ll never change
That’s just the way it is
Ha, but don’t you believe them

This is what Bruce witnessed in California. Although he doesn’t like it, this is the way it was at this time.

Said, ‘Hey little boy you can’t go
Where the others go
Cause you don’t look like they do’
Said, ‘Hey, old man how can you stand
To think that way
Did you really think about it
Before you made the rules? ‘
He said, ‘Son

Race relations in the 1960’s or later depending upon the state or town. A similar scene occurred in Remember the Titans.but these students tried to change the social norms.

That’s just the way it is
Some things’ll never change
That’s just the way it is’
Ha, but don’t you believe them

Ooo, yeah (instrumental)

(That’s just the way it is)
(That’s just the way it is)

Some people are afraid to speak out, rebuking others of wrong actions.

Well, they passed a law in ’64
To give those who ain’t got, a little more
But it only goes so far
‘Cause the law don’t change another’s mind
When all it sees at the hiring time
Is the line on the color bar
But who knows

Despite a new law passed into legislation, it took society time to change from its evil racist ways.

That’s just the way it is
Some things’ll never change (right)
That’s just the way it is
That’s just they way it is, it is, when you’re waiting.

People were afraid to push the status quo, following the crowd instead of being a leader. This lack of action frustrated Bruce.

Final Thoughts:

I grew up in the 1980;s with an African American neighbor. Marvin was just a normal teenager beside the color of his skin. One day I ended up getting in a fight to protect. While I tried to de-escalate this situation, I put the safety of my neighbor ahead of my own. Despite receiving bumps and bruises, this one act endeared me to Marvin’s parents until I moved away in college. While society has changed for the better, there is still plenty of room for improvement.

by Jay Mankus

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Necessary Detours and Roadblocks to Redirect You Toward God’s Ultimate Will

Posted on September 1, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The life of Joseph as illustrated by Moses in Genesis unveils how unpredictable your life can be. One day Joseph is on top of the world, telling his brothers and father about a dream where they are bowing down to him. One week later, Joseph’s brothers beat him up, throw him into an abandoned well and sell him into slavery. While Moses doesn’t mention this, I’m sure one of his brothers was thinking, “who’s bowing down now?”

And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain and chief executioner of the [royal] guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. 2 But the Lord was with Joseph, and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that he did to flourish and succeed in his hand. 4 So Joseph pleased [Potiphar] and found favor in his sight, and he served him. And [his master] made him supervisor over his house and he put all that he had in his charge, Genesis 39:1-4.

Perhaps the detour and roadblocks which serve as today’s featured passage provided the boastful Joseph with a crucial life lesson. Despite being sold by his initial Egyptian master, the Lord had a plan for Joseph each and every step of the way. Spending time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit only made Joseph hungrier to serve the Lord. Although I’m sure Joseph was expecting a speedier release from jail, this prepared him for his future position in life.

And when [Joseph’s] master heard the words of his wife, saying to him, This is the way your servant treated me, his wrath was kindled. 20 And Joseph’s master took him and put him in the prison, a place where the state prisoners were confined; so he was there in the prison. 21 But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy and loving-kindness and gave him favor in the sight of the warden of the prison. 22 And the warden of the prison committed to Joseph’s care all the prisoners who were in the prison; and whatsoever was done there, he was in charge of it. 23 The prison warden paid no attention to anything that was in [Joseph’s] charge, for the Lord was with him and made whatever he did to prosper, Genesis 39:19-23.

I haven’t had it nearly as hard as the biblical Joseph, but I bounced around jobs until the Lord molded me into a high school Bible teacher. As Bruce Springsteen once sang, this decade was my “glory days” in the perfect place at an ideal time. More than a decade later, I’m still searching for my next calling. Perhaps, I still need to experience a few more detours, roadblocks and dead ends before I arrive in the place that God desires for me. The hardest part is waiting and the unknown.

by Jay Mankus

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We Need to Talk

Posted on January 22, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Bruce Springsteen refers to the time spent in high school as Glory Days.  While every year has its moments, my time at Concord High are filled with memories I still cherish.  However, there was one phrase I hated to hear, “we need to talk.”  Whether this was a girl friend, parent or teacher, the news was almost always negative.

“Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own, ” Joshua 1:11.

Sometimes these conversations resulted in the end of a relationship.  Others received a bombshell in the form of a divorce or a terminal illness.  Meanwhile, those asked to stay after class were confronted with an accusation or some sort of discipline.  None of these discussions seemed pleasant at the time, but talking about delicate issues prepares people for what lies ahead.

Remember the command that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you after he said, ‘The LORD your God will give you rest by giving you this land, Joshua 1:13.

In the Old Testament, God and Joshua had a “we have to talk” moment.  The purpose of this meeting was to inform Israel what was necessary to do before entering into the Promised Land.  Sometimes God is waiting for people to change their bad habits prior to bestowing blessings.  Until this transformation occurs, mediocrity will reign.  While 2017 is still fresh for many of you, draw near to God so that the Holy Spirit will guide you in the way to go next.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Cave of Contentment

Posted on November 27, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As you walk through various doors in life, you will eventually come across the cave of contentment.  Although this place is not a physical location, the emotions you experience will make you feel at ease, comfortable and perhaps tinkled pink.  Yet, instead of continuing your journey, some refuse to leave, content with who and where you are.

The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites, Judges 6:1.

One of the byproducts of visiting this place is complacency.  Sure, a weekend getaway can recharge your internal batteries.  However, any kind of extended stay will cause you to become stagnant, limiting your options in life.  Bruce Springsteen sings about a similar state in his classic song Glory Days.  Graduates from high school reflect their former life, back in the day, just like visiting the cave of contentment.

Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds, Judges 6:2.

Unfortunately, when Israel decided to stop at the cave of contentment during the reign of Judges, life drastically changed.  This decision allowed evil to creep into their lives.  Subsequently, God humbled Israel through an oppressive ruler.  Anyone who makes an attempt to stop growing today will face a similar fate.  Although resting a while may be beneficial, trusting in previous achievements without moving forward is a step in the wrong direction.  Therefore, follow the leadership of Gideon who the Lord used to rescue Israel from the cave of contentment.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Sizzling Out When Adversity Comes

Posted on May 20, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Whether you’re watching a race horse set a torrid pace in the Triple Crown, a rabbit fade from the front during a mile race or witness a running back get tackled from behind, energy is temporary.  When the body is pushed to its limits, burn out is inevitable.  Thus, high school and college stars often sizzle out when adversity comes.  The real question is will they get back up to tarry on another day?

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9.

Nobody likes facing adversity.  Sure, it builds character, toughens up individuals and separates champions from the mediocre.  Nonetheless, failure is real, around the corner, over the next hill or awaiting you in the future.  How you handle trials will determine the path you choose in life.  Will you become the person in Bruce Springsteen’s song reminiscing about your Glory Days or can you mustard up enough courage to face the giant obstacles standing in your way?

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you, 1 Peter 5:10.

Unfortunately, this generation appears to be soft, throwing in the towel after the first couple of punches life hits you with.  Others take years to get over missed opportunities, rejections and personal tragedy.  Perhaps, this is why the author of Hebrews refers to life as a marathon.  You must be careful to pace yourself, realizing you have a long way to go despite whatever set backs you may encounter.  Therefore, don’t sizzle out when adversity comes.  Rather, keep in step with the Holy Spirit, relying on Christ’s strength to get you through the pain you are enduring, Philippians 4:13.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Moment to Moment

Posted on April 4, 2013 by expressyourself4him

When you reach a certain age, time seems to reach warp speed.  If you blink, you might miss a week, month or year.  Thus, as I approach the big 50, I need to slow down, living moment to moment.

As a high school student, back in the Glory Days, I possessed a vibrant spirit, embracing each second with friends or enjoying special events.  However, along the journey of life, I’ve lost my youthful exuberance.  Instead of cherishing and savoring memories, I’ve turned into a grumpy old man who has lost his joy for living.

From a biblical perspective, all I can do is to develop a James 4:13-15 mindset.  My inner child longs for the days of old, living care free, without any concern or worry for tomorrow.  While change won’t happen over night, I am seeking to revive my soul by living moment to moment!

by Jay Mankus

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