Tag Archives: Christianity

Inspiration Behind There Was Jesus:

Zach Williams wrote There Was Jesus reflecting upon his struggles with addiction and a failing marriage. Before recording this song, Zach sought Dolly Parton’s advice. This led to a joint collaboration of these two, with Dolly wanting to make sure that her part in this duet fit perfectly into There Was Jesus’ theme of faith and redemption.

Biblical Application:

To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. ⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace ⁸ that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, Ephesians 1:6-8.

Exegesis of There Was Jesus:

Every time I tried to make it on my own
Every time I tried to stand and start to fall
And all those lonely roads that I have travelled on
There was Jesus

This opening stanza reminds me of the Christian poem entitled Footprints where an individual going through tough times on earth thinks God abandoned him until looking down and seeing two sets of footprints in the sand. Jesus was right there all the time, walking side by side. This is what Zach realized as well.

When the life I built came crashing to the ground
When the friends I had were nowhere to be found
I couldn’t see it then but I can see it now
There was Jesus

Experiencing disappointment, failure and rejection can be a lonely period. When Zach was going through the difficult trials in his life, he didn’t sense or see God’s presence at the time. Looking back now, Jesus was there.

In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I’ve been and where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus

God gives all human beings free will, to choose as we please daily. Each choice leads to blessing or curses according to Moses in Deuteronomy 28. According to Zach, waiting for answers and being healed was excruciating. Despite being helpless and losing hope, Jesus was by his side.

For this man who needs amazing kind of grace (mm)
For forgiveness at a price I couldn’t pay (mm)
I’m not perfect so I thank God every day
There was Jesus (there was Jesus)

Zach is bearing his soul, reaching out to God for grace and mercy. Jesus was listening.

In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute, every moment
Where I’ve been and where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus

This chorus serves as a reminder that healing occurs in God’s timing, not yours.

On the mountain, in the valleys (there was Jesus)
In the shadows of the alleys (there was Jesus)
In the fire, in the flood (there was Jesus)
Always is and always was
No, I never walk alone (never walk alone)
You are always there

Sometimes human beings are so busy and pressed to get their job done, that they forget to slow down, be still and notice the presence of Jesus in and around their life.

In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute (Every minute), every moment (every moment)
Where I’ve been and where I’m going
Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it
There was Jesus

Zach and Dolly speak of God’s omnipresence. This stanza also highlights God’s providence.

There was Jesus
There was Jesus
There was Jesus

To those who invite Jesus in, Romans 10:9-11, He will abide and walk with you.

Final Thoughts:

Revelation 3:20 provides one of the most fascinating images in the Bible. John writes about a door with only one handle, on our side of the door. While God continues to knock on the door of our heart, only we can let Jesus in. This is what Zach realized after writing There Was There. All human beings need to do is open this door for God to comw into your life.

by Jay Mankus

Inspiration Behind Jesus Take the Wheel:

Carrie Underwood’s song Jesus Take the Wheel was inspired by a childhood memory shared by Gordie Sampson. Gordie recalls a true story about a mom on the verge of experiencing a car accident, crying out to Jesus for help. This moment of complete surrender resonates with individuals seeking divine intervention. Sometimes when your life is spiraling out of control, trusting in a higher power via faith is a last resort, hoping to escape death.

Biblical Application:

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. ¹⁸ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit, Psalm 34:17-18.

Exegesis of Jesus Take the Wheel:

She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati on a snow-white Christmas Eve
Going home to see her mama and her daddy with the baby in the backseat
50 miles to go, and she was running low on faith and gasoline
It’d been a long, hard year

Driving long distances can take a toll on my mind, especially if the weather is bad. This woman appears to be a single mom, recently divorced based upon the hard year comment.

She had a lot on her mind, and she didn’t pay attention
She was going way too fast
Before she knew it, she was spinning on a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn’t even have time to cry
She was so scared
She threw her hands up in the air

Going over bridges while driving in the snow can be difficult. After the fear of driving in the snow vanished, she started driving as if the roads were dry. This lapse in judgement almost led to a car accident. Once a car starts sliding, you’re at the mercy of physics. Losing physical control of her car, she cried out for help.

Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
‘Cause I can’t do this on my own
I’m letting go
So give me one more chance
And save me from this road I’m on
Jesus, take the wheel

Helpless and scared, she cries out to Jesus for divine intervention. Asking God for a second chance at life.

It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder
And the car came to a stop
She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat, sleeping like a rock
And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said, “I’m sorry for the way I’ve been living my life
I know I’ve got to change, so from now on tonight”

Human nature has a way of leading people toward self-reliance until life altering events happen. This is where Jesus becomes a last resort, turning to God in times of trouble.

Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
‘Cause I can’t do this on my own
I’m letting go
So give me one more chance
And save me from this road I’m on
Oh, Jesus, take the wheel

This chorus reinforces the notion that there are moments in life where it’s clear that you can’t do it or make it on your own.

Oh, I’m letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I’m on
From this road I’m on

Despite the disobedience of mankind, Jesus continues to offer desperate human beings second and third chances at life.

Jesus, take the wheel
Oh, take it, take it from me
Oh, whoa, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

The more Christians truly surrender to God, the more Jesus can shine through your life.

Final Thoughts:

I was in a head on collision in college. I could see it happening but had no control. I escaped with banged up knees and a totaled car. While cars can be replaced, human life cannot. Subsequently, make sure you thank Jesus for what you have and for the numerously times in life divine intervention kept you out of an accident.

by Jay Mankus

Inspiration Behind For Those Who Wait:

The music video of For Those Who Wait contains a talented musician seeking to turn a high school passion into a career. The lyrics serve as an anthem for individuals experiencing the emotional anguish of waiting and uncertainty. The longer this period in life continues, the harder it becomes to believe that your lifelong dream is worth pursuing. This is where faith, patience and perseverance are necessary to fight through personal doubts until dreams come true.

Biblical Application:

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers, Galatians 6:9-10.

Exegesis of For Those Who Wait:

This is for those who wait!

A song dedicated to individuals waiting to fulfill dreams and goals in life.

Another day another waiting game
A little different but it’s still the same
I am here
But where’s the one I’m longing for?
I’m having trouble feeling all alone
Will my heart never find a home?
I want to hope but sometimes i just don’t know

Waiting in anticipation for a desired outcome can be excruciating. One day signs can point toward success while others are filled with rock blocks and failure. Fireflight is looking to find their place in life as their hearts search for a place to call home.

I know
I’m not
The only one
So we sing a lullaby
To the lonely hearts tonight
Let it set your heart on fire

Another day has come and gone without knowing. Going to sleep with a song and a prayer for you heart to be set on fire with a passion to never give up hope.

Let it set you free!
When you’re fighting to believe
In a love that you can’t see
Just know there is a purpose
For those who wait
I want to open up my eyes
I know that all I need is time

Seeking freedom to know you are on the right track. Struggling to believe that you were born to fulfill a specific purpose in life. You want to see progress, but you need more time.

I’m growing stronger every single day
God I’m going to lead them to you now
Letting go of all my fear and doubt
I can’t do this on my own
So I’ll give you control
I know
I’m not

Continuing on this journey alone was too much to bear. Subsequently, the violinist turns to God for help. Instead of worrying herself to death, she yields total control over to God, “Jesus take the wheel.”

The only one
So we sing a lullaby
To the lonely hearts tonight
Let it set your heart on fire
Let it set you free!
When you’re fighting to believe

Another day without any news. progress or updates pass. Yet God is holding her together, replacing personal doubts with belief to carry on.

In a love that you can’t see

An invisible God cares for you.

Just know there is a purpose
For those who wait
The pressure makes us stronger
The struggle makes us hunger
The hard lessons make the difference
The pressure makes us stronger
The struggle makes us hunger
The hard lessons make the difference
And the difference
Makes it worth it
So we sing a lullaby
To the lonely hearts tonight
Let it set your heart on fire
Let it set you free!
When you’re fighting to believe
In a love that you can’t see
Just know there is a purpose
For those who wait
(Let it set your heart on fire)
This is for those who wait!

If your live is full of success, you’ll likely start resting on past loreals. However, if you truly want something, failures and setbacks are only going to inspire you more to keep pressing forward toward your dream.

Final Thoughts:

When God becomes part of your life, hungry Christians won’t stop searching and trying until they discover God’s will for their lives, Romans 12:1-2. The violinist in the music video didn’t let her father’s objections stop her from chasing after her dream. When a mentor entered her life, she regained the confidence to face her fears by pursuing a music scholarship in college.

by Jay Mankus

Inspiration Behind Glory of Love:

The inspiration for Glory of Love came to Peter Cetera while working on the soundtrack for Karate Kid II. The producers of this film wanted Peter to write a theme song centered around courage and honor. Peter collaborated with his wife at this time, Diana Nini and producer David Foster. This is how the powerful lyrics of Glory of Love were created.

Biblical Application:

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. ³² Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— ³³ even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved, 1 Corinthians 10:31-33.

Exegesis of Glory of Love:

Tonight, it’s very clear
‘Cause we’re both lyin’ here
There’s so many things I wanna say
I will always love you
I would never leave you alone

There are moments of clarity within a relationship. Sometimes this involves humility, realizing that you haven’t been yourself lately. This clarity might conceive conviction, honesty or inspiration. Yet, before you speak, make sure you are going to carry out and fulfill the words that you speak.

Sometimes I just forget
Say things I might regret
It breaks my heart to see you cryin’
I don’t wanna lose you
I could never make it alone

Peter is reflecting upon the times in his marriage where he wasn’t very loving. Seeing Diana crying consumed Peter’s heart with guilt, wanting to change.

I am a man who will fight for your honor
I’ll be the hero you’re dreamin’ of
We’ll live forever
Knowin’ together
That we did it all for the glory of love

This stanza is geared toward Karate Kid II. If this was focused on Diana, Peter and her wouldn’t have gotten a divorce.

You keep me standing tall
You help me through it all
I’m always strong when you’re beside me
I have always needed you
I could never make it alone

While the lyrics seem to be meant for a couple. Karate Kid II uses these words to highlight the mentorship between Mr. Miyagi and Daniel. Relationships that last are grounded in a mutual desire to be there for another in their time of need.

I am a man who will fight for your honor
I’ll be the hero you’ve been dreamin’ of
We’ll live forever
Knowin’ together
That we did it all for the glory of love

Fighting for honor involves doing the right thing with integrity. In a relationship, fighting to keep love alive can be exhausting, similar to Bruce Willis’ character in the Last Boy Scout. To pursue the glory of love, you must desire greatness, looking beyond the past scars of broken people to find intimacy.

It’s like a knight in shining armor
From a long time ago
Just in time, I will save the day
Take you to my castle far away

This stanza provides old dreams of a man in shining armor who swoops a woman off their feet, living the rest of their lives like a fairy tale, happily ever after.

I am a man who will fight for your honor
I’ll be the hero that you’re dreamin’ of
We’re gonna live forever
Knowin’ together
That we did it all for the glory of love

This is where Hollywood dreams are shattered as many men don’t treat a significant other like she is a queen. Words are useless if they are void of love.

We’ll live forever (we’ll live forever)
Knowin’ together (knowin’ together)
That we did it all for the glory of love
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh
We did it all for love
We did it all for love
We did it all for love
We did it all for love

While Glory of Love was a great addition to the Karate Kid II soundtrack, this song lost it’s true meaning for me when I discovered Peter and Diana got divorced.

Final Thoughts:

The glory of love in the spiritual realm is a shining example of a godly and loving marriage. This marriage is enhanced by children of character, prosperity and taking the torch for the glory of love into their own marriage. Unless vows of marriage are lived out with acts of love, the glory of love turns into shame.

by Jay Mankus

Inspiration Behind Just Once:

James Ingram was searching for a perfect moment in a relationship where love lasts. Based upon the lyrics of Just Once, James never found what he was looking for. James was longing for an emotional connection that endured the test of time, hoping that his love for one woman would move beyond just a feeling. Finally, James conveys the sadness of love where two individuals can’t get on the same page, eventually going their separate ways.

Week 1 Theme:

Although Valentine’s Day is celebrated throughout the world, many people struggle to overcome the heartbreak of a failed relationship. The next 7 days will highlight the barriers, obstacles, and pain associated with falling in and out of love.

Biblical Application:

We love because He first loved us. ²⁰ Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. ²¹ And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister, 1 John 4:19-21.

Exegesis of Just Once:

I did my best
But I guess my best wasn’t good enough
‘Cause here we are back where we were before
Seems nothin’ ever changes
We’re back to bein’ strangers
Wonderin’ if we ought to stay
Or head on out the door

Human effort only takes you so far in a relationship. No matter how hard you try to love someone, the other person must have a mutual interest. While the easy way out is to suggest, “if this was meant to be, we’d still be together.” Yet, love is much more complicated. As individuals change, they either grow closer or further apart. This is how the first stanza ends. When couples don’t share common goals, ideals, and interests, daily conversations become superficial and fade away.

Just once
Can we figure out what we keep doin’ wrong?
Why we never last for very long
What are we doin’ wrong?
Just once
Can we find a way to finally make it right?
To make the magic last for more than just one night?
If we could just get to it
I know we could break through it

James is referring to someone he is dated more than once. This on again off again relationship is taking an emotional toll on James. This connection appears to be built upon the physical. Subsequently, the magic of one date doesn’t last. Perhaps, due to a lack of vision for the future, this couple falls into the same unhealthy patterns that led to their initial break up.

Hmm-hmm

I gave my all
But I think my all may have been too much
‘Cause Lord knows we’re not getting anywhere
Seems we’re always blowin’
Whatever we’ve got goin’
And it seems at times with all we’ve got
We haven’t got a prayer

When you want something so badly, you try to become the person whom you love wants you to be. Then when the true you is revealed, there is resistance. If you’re honest with yourself like James, you’ll realize that the two of you aren’t compatible. This may explain the comment “we haven’t got a prayer.”

Just once
Can we figure out what we keep doin’ wrong?
Why the good times never last for long
Where are we goin’ wrong?
Just once
Can’t we find a way to finally make it right?
To make the magic last for more than just one night?
I know we could break through it
If we could just get to it

James is doing everything in his power to save this relationship, hoping for some sort of spark to reignite love. The only question is do both sides want to fight and save this relationship?

Just once
I want to understand
Why it always comes back to goodbye
Why can’t we get ourselves in hand
And admit to one another
We’re no good without each other?
Take the best to make it better
Find a way to stay together

When you are about to get dumped, these are the thoughts of someone who doesn’t want to let go of love. Common sense doesn’t work in relationships when the other person has already made up their mind.

Just once
Can we find a way to finally make it right?
(Whoa!)
Make the magic last for more than just one night?
I know we could break through it
If we could just get to it
Just once

Whoa-oh
We can get through it
Just once

This final portion of the lyrics is like saying a Hail Mary, hoping that God will somehow salvage and save your relationship.

Final Thoughts:

Just Once is part of one of the saddest movie endings. In the final scene of the 1982 film The Last American Virgin, a high school student finds his girlfriend making out with another boy. As he abruptly leaves this party in tears, Just Once plays as he drives home. Unless you’re a rock star or super model, this one scene demonstrates the pain of love that James sings about and most human beings have personally endured.

by Jay Mankus

Inspiration Behind All You Zombies:

Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian were working on a new sound by combining genres. When a vision for All You Zombies came to Rob and Eric, they immediately wrote this in a small studio in Philadelphia. The Zombies in this song are symbolic of people wearing masks, moving without awareness, swayed by invisible forces to conform. Biblical imagery is used to compare the Israelites to Zombies who made irrational decisions by following human nature instead of God. The line “you don’t have to hide anyone” is a call to action for anyone living in shame, fear or silence.

Biblical Application:

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. ⁷ Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. ⁸ Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. ⁹ But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” ¹⁰ He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” ¹¹ And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” – Genesis 3:6-11.

Exegesis of All You Zombies:

Holy Moses met the Pharaoh
Yeah, he tried to set him straight
Looked him in the eye
“Let my people go”

Moses was called by God to confront King Pharaoh, seeking freedom for Israel after living as slaves in Egypt for 400 years.

Holy Moses on the mountain
High above the golden calf
Went to get the Ten Commandments
Yeah, he’s just gonna break ’em in half

After God unleashed 10 plagues upon Egypt, Israel was given their freedom. While living in the wilderness, Moses went up to Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. The longer that Moses was gone, the Israelites began to think that he was dead. Israel then pressured Aaron to create a god that they could see. When Moses received news about the creation of this golden calf, Moses was so angry that he broke the tablet that the Ten Commandments was written on.

All you zombies hide your faces
All you people in the street
All you sittin’ in high places
The pieces gonna fall on you

The chorus speaks to a middle class oppressed by government officials sitting in high places. The proud will eventually be humbled.

No one ever spoke to Noah
They all laughed at him instead
Workin’ on his ark
Workin’ all by himself

According to Genesis 2:5-6, the earth’s initial atmosphere did not include rain. Rather, a system of springs around the world, just underneath the ground sprung up to water the earth. Subsequently, concept of rain was foreign, not invented yet. This is why residents of the earth laughed at Noah.

Only Noah saw it comin’
40 days and 40 nights
Took his sons and daughters with him
Yeah, they were the Israelites

Once the ark was completed, only Noah saw the approaching storm. Noah boarded the ark with his family once all the animals were safely onboard.

All you zombies hide your faces
All you people in the street
All you sittin’ in high places
The rain’s gonna fall on you

This chorus speaks to the masses who are oppressed by the leaders in charge. However, if these officials live by the motto “do as I say, not as I do” will be humbled by God.

Holy Father, what’s the matter?
Where have all your children gone?
Sittin’ in the dark
Livin’ all by themselves
You don’t have to hide anymore

The lyrics fast forward to modern-day, when All You Zombies was written. When faith is lost, people stop going to church, staying home to find a substitute for God. A call to action is sent out to those hiding their beliefs and faith.

All you zombies show your faces
All you people in the street
All you sittin’ in high places
The pieces gonna fall on you

The Bible contains a consistent theme that God humbles the proud and uplifts the meek.

All you zombies show your faces (I saw you out there)
All you people in the street (let’s see you)
All you sittin’ in high places
It’s all gonna fall on you

The time has come to face your fears by leaving this Zombie like malaise.

Final Thoughts:

The Hooters took a chance by creating a song centered around biblical themes. This one hit song vaulted a local band in Philadelphia to become famous internationally. Whenever a person of faith takes a stand spiritually, blessings often follow. May this be your goal for 2026.

by Jay Mankus

Inspiration Behind Bring Me Back to Life:

The origins of Bring Me Back to Life stem from a serious conversation with a friend when lead singer Amy Lee was 19. While talking over a meal Amy was asked by s friend, “are you happy?” This simple question triggered a realization that Amy was hiding behind an emotional facade. This self-reflection conceived the lyrics to Bring Me Back to Life.

Biblical Application:

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. ² He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” ³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.^[a]” ⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” ⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit^[b] gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You^[c] must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit,” John 3:1-8.

Exegesis of Bring Me Back to Life:

How can you see into my eyes like open doors?
Leading you down into my core where I’ve become so numb
Without a soul, my spirit’s sleeping somewhere cold
Until you find it there and lead it back home

Amy reflects upon the conversation where a friend was able to see something inside of her that wasn’t right. At this moment, Amy was comfortably numb. stagnant and slowly dying inside.

(Wake me up) wake me up inside (I can’t wake up), wake me up inside
(Save me) call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up) bid my blood to run (I can’t wake up) before I come undone
(Save me) save me from the nothing I’ve become

Amy sought to break free from being emotionally drained. Any desperately wanted to snap out of this funk, to become alive and excited about life.

Now that I know what I’m without, you can’t just leave me
Breathe into me and make me real, bring (bring) me (me) to life

This is either a cry for help to a friend or a prayer to God to be awakened from this emotional slumber deep inside her soul.

(Wake me up) wake me up inside (I can’t wake up), wake me up inside
(Save me) call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up) bid my blood to run (I can’t wake up) before I come undone
(Save me) save me from the nothing I’ve become

Amy is losing hope that she’ll ever break free from the darkness of her current condition.

Bring me to life
I’ve been livin’ a lie
There’s nothing inside
Bring me to life

Amy is looking for a spark to jump start her life back in the right direction.

Frozen (frozen) inside without your touch, without your love
Darling, only (only) you are the life among the dead
All this time, I can’t believe I couldn’t see
Kept in the dark, but you were there in front of me
I’ve been sleeping a thousand years, it seems
Got to open my eyes to everything
Without a thought, without a voice, without a soul
Don’t let me die here, there must be something more
Bring me to life

Reaching out for help, Amy is ready to be set free from living behind an emotional facade.

(Wake me up) wake me up inside (I can’t wake up), wake me up inside
(Save me) call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up) bid my blood to run (I can’t wake up) before I come undone
(Save me) save me from the nothing I’ve become

Sometimes we need a friend to come to the rescue when nobody notices your pain.

Bring me to life
I’ve been livin’ a lie (bring me to life)
There’s nothing inside
Bring me to life

This is a prayer than many people have for the start of 2026, to feel alive once again.

Final Thoughts:

A first century Pharisee named Nicodemus was going through a similar situation when he reached out to Jesus. Like Amy, Nicodemus felt lost, unsure of himself until their conversation in John 3. Nicodemus uses sarcasm to hide his uncertainty of being brought back to life. Nicodemus suddenly stops talking and listens to one of the most powerful statements in the Bible. Like Amy, Nicodemus was brought back to life by the end of John 20. This is the spiritual solution to emotional problems, Matthew 11:28-30.

by Jay Mankus

Inspiration Behind Pressure:

Back in the early 1980’s, top artists and bands were expected to release a new album every other year after finishing their current tour. Subsequently, as Billy Joel was in the middle of working on The Nylon Curtain album, he experienced an extended period of Writer’s Block. This anxiety and stress become obvious to Billy Joel’s secretary who tried to intervene saying, “wow, you look like you’re under a lot of pressure.” Following this conversation, Billy Joel’s creativity was revitalized, composing a song about the pressure to succeed and psychological turmoil brought on by Writer’s Block.

Biblical Application:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed, 1 Peter 1:3-7.

Exegesis of Pressure:

You have to learn to pace yourself
(Pressure)
You’re just like everybody else
(Pressure)
You’ve only had to run so far, so good
But you will come to a place
Where the only thing you feel
Are loaded guns in your face
And you’ll have to deal with pressure

As deadlines approach, procrastinators often do their best work. However, when you’re suffering from Writer’s Block and your creative ideas have vanished, you sense that time is running out.

You used to call me paranoid
(Pressure)
But even you cannot avoid
(Pressure)
You turn the tap-dance into your crusade
Now here you are with your faith
And your Peter Pan advice
You have no scars on your face
And you cannot handle pressure

When you are the one under a severe time crunch, advice from colleagues usually doesn’t help. Creativity and inspiration take time. Snapping your fingers doesn’t suddenly compose a song. I’ve written 19 songs, but 16 of them came to me in a few months.

All grown up and no place to go
Psych one, psych two
What do you know?
All your life is Channel 13
Sesame Street
What does it mean?

Perhaps Billy Joel is mentioning a selection of ridiculous advice that he received during his Writer’s Block. College friends with a background in psychology didn’t improve his situation.

I’ll tell you what it means
Pressure, pressure

Billy Joel’s friends didn’t understand the pressure of being a song writer. The fear of being a one hit wonder may have crossed Billy Joel’s mind as well.

Don’t ask for help, you’re all alone
(Pressure)
You’ll have to answer to your own
(Pressure)
I’m sure you have some cosmic rationale
Well, here you are, in the ninth
Two men out and three men on
Nowhere to look, but inside
Where we all respond to pressure

With the deadline to complete the Nylon Curtain album looming over his head, Billy Joel is forced to look inside himself. Like a baseball closer trying to finish a game with the bases loaded, all he needs is one out to get the save. In these situations, in life, you have to dig deep to complete your task.

Pressure

All your life is Time Magazine
I read it too
What does it mean?

Billy Joel uses sarcasm to express to others, “you’re not Billy Joel.”

Pressure!

I must meet this challenge and rise above this pressure.

I’m sure you have some cosmic rationale
But here you are with your faith
And your Peter Pan advice
You have no scars on your face
And you cannot handle pressure

Using sarcasm once again, Billy Joel is essentially saying if it was that easy, I’d already be done my album and ready to record the Nylon Curtain in studio.

The pressure

Pressure
One, two, three, four, pressure!

Time is ticking away. Just get ur done.

Final Thoughts:

If you never face any ordeals or trials in life, you wouldn’t be as sharp and toughened up for future events. When the heat is on in pressure packed situations, Tin Cup would say either you define the moment or the moment defines you. Faith is refined by pressure and on the other side when this storm is over, you’ll be equipped to handle greater trials in the future.

by Jay Mankus

Inspiration Behind Carry On Wayward Son:

Lead singer and song writer Kerry Livgren added Carry On Wayward last minute to Kansas’ Leftoverture album. Although band members weren’t pleased that they needed to learn a new song just before heading into the studio to record Leftoverture, there was something special about this tune. When asked if Carry On Wayward Son was inspired by Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son, Kerry referred to the lyrics as his autobiography. This spiritual sojourn that Kerry began in the music industry led him to search for truth and meaning in life. After leaving Kansas, Livgren went on to sing for AD and pursue a solo career where biblical themes inspired many of his songs.

Biblical Application:

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. ¹² The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. ¹³ “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. ¹⁴ After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. ¹⁵ So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶ He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. ¹⁷ “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. ²¹ “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ ²² “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³ Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴ For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate, Luke 15:11-23.

Exegesis of Carry On Wayward Son:

Carry on my wayward son
There’ll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don’t you cry no more

Even if you don’t have any type of religious background, a sense of conviction and guilt will let you know when you are going down the wrong path in life.

Since God doesn’t force human beings to do anything, free will is offered to allow individuals to learn on their own. Whenever a season of rebellion ends, peace can be found through open and honest confession. Livgren appears to quote Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30 about finding rest for a weary soul.

Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion
I was soaring ever higher
But I flew too high

Life as a famous musician can bring amazing highs and lows in life. Perhaps, the words of this stanza were inspired by a few moments of solitude while on tour. During a live performance, emotions can get so high that you lose a sense of reality.

Though my eyes could see, I still was a blind man
Though my mind could think, I still was a mad man
I hear the voices when I’m dreaming
I can hear them say

Kerry appears to be restless when he wrote Carry On Wayward Son. Kerry could see glimpses of who God wanted him to be, but he wasn’t ready to change. The human conscience was gnawing at Kerry when he rested like God’s still small voice Elijah experiences in 1 Kings 19.

Carry on, my wayward son
There’ll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don’t you cry no more

Instead of listening to a nagging adult telling you what you shouldn’t be doing, God trusted Kerry that he would eventually figure out on his that that he was on the wrong path, Matthew 7:13.

Masquerading as a man with a reason
My charade is the event of the season
And if I claim to be a wise man, well
It surely means that I don’t know

People often try to become who others want them to be instead of who they truly are. This charade continues today as many individuals are afraid to ask for advice, direction or help in life.

On a stormy sea of moving emotion
Tossed about, I’m like a ship on the ocean
I set a course for winds of fortune
But I hear the voices say

Like a ship without a rudder, unexpected storms in life result in an emotional roller coaster. If you don’t have a clear vision like the prodigal son, you’ll continue down a path of self-destruction until you finally hit rock bottom, starving for something true and real.

Carry on, my wayward son
There’ll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don’t you cry no more
No!

This stanza is symbolic of an individual who finally comes to their senses. Instead of repeating the same mistakes over and over again, Livgren has decided that enough is enough, no more.

Carry on, you will always remember
Carry on, none can equal the splendor
Now your life’s no longer empty
Surely heaven waits for you

Kerry appears to have had a spiritual breakthrough like the words of Romans 10:9-11. Although there isn’t a clear description of this change, the mention of heaven supports 1 John 5:11-13.

Carry on, my wayward son
There’ll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don’t you cry (don’t you cry no more)

No more

Like the parable of the Prodigal Son, Kerry is finally ready to change for the better. This journey and search for truth came to an end with Jesus, John 3:16-17.

Final Thoughts:

When the CW show Supernatural adopted Carry On Wayward Son as its theme song, the legacy of Kansas continues today. Wherever you are in life, keep searching for the questions in life that you are looking for. Don’t allow others to determine or dictate what you believe. Instead, test and see what is true in the world, always discovering, growing and learning. This is the journey of the wayward son.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1946 movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[e]? ²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own, Matthew 6:25-34.

Biblical Connection:

George Bailey begrudgingly put his dreams on hold whenever a family emergency arose. When George is the one who needs help this time, bitterness consumed his heart. George went out to drink, yelled at a man and wrecked his car. Upon arriving back home following his interaction with a guardian angel, God brings the people of Bedford Falls together to help George in his time of need.

Worry is one thing in life that makes you age. Stress can consume you so much that all you do is focus on the obstacles in front of you rather than the power of God before you, 2 Peter 1:3-4. Jesus teaches a large first century crowd to look up for assistance. If God provides the basic essentials for nature, why wouldn’t God provide for you? This is where faith and trust in God is conceived.

Closing Song:

The last 365 days have been an amazing journey. As I transition to a new series entitled the Message Behind the Music, may the anchor of faith, Jesus, hold you together until the Lord provides daily bread for your life.

by Jay Mankus