Tag Archives: Christianity

Karla Devito – We Are Not Alone (The Breakfast Club) (1985)

Inspiration Behind We Are Not Alone:

Karla Devito is associated with many well-known musicians like Meat Loaf who she toured with. Karla has also worked with Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper, and many other renowned artists. We Are Not Alone was commissioned for the 1985 film the Breakfast Club. The attached video was part of the soundtrack for this popular film.

Biblical Application:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me, John 15:1-4.

Exegesis of We Are Not Alone:

Things are clear in black and white
But living color tends to dull our sight, like dynamite
Just imagine my surprise
When I looked into your eyes and saw through your disguise

The 5 students, each from a different social class have spent enough time together now at this point of the Breakfast Club that they are beginning to realize what they all have in common.

If we dare expose our hearts
And just reveal the purest parts
That’s when strange sensations start to grow

Prior to this scene in the movie, each opened up about the dysfunctional families that each are living in. Each let their guard down just enough to reveal that their lives are far from perfect.

We are not alone
You’ll find out when your cover’s blown
There’ll be somebody there to break your fall
We are not alone
‘Cause when you cut down to the bone
We’re really not so different, after all, after all
Not alone

As each student began to dance, they began to realize that they do share things in common.

Flying high above the sky
The patterns down below look simplified
A good place to hide
But on inspection of the dust
I came upon this thing called trust, it helps us to adjust

When the barriers, preconceptions and stereotypes about each other were slowly removed, trust began to form between this motley crew of 5 teenagers.

Just imagine my surprise
When I looked into your eyes
I knew right then I’d never let you go

These 5 went from not wanting to talk to running around the halls together.

We are not alone
You’ll find out when your cover’s blown
There’ll be somebody there to break your fall
We are not alone
‘Cause when you cut down to the bone
We’re really not so different, after all, after all
We’re not alone, not alone
After all, not alone

When individuals are willing to go outside their comfort zone, reaching out beyond social classes, you’ll realize that you have more in common than you think.

If we dare expose our hearts
And just reveal the purest parts
That’s when strange sensations start to grow

When you become vulnerable, it opens the door for others to follow.

We are not alone
You’ll find out when your cover’s blown
There’ll be somebody there to break your fall
We are not alone
‘Cause when you cut down to the bone
We’re really not so different, after all

This song ends with back-to-back choruses. A call to come together rather than tear one another down.

We are not alone
You’ll find out when your cover’s blown
There’ll be somebody there to break your fall
We are not alone
‘Cause when you cut down to the bone
We’re really not so different, after all, after all

After all, after all, we are not alone

Don’t let peer pressure keep you isolated. Be real and true. Then you won’t be alone.

Final Thoughts:

I was a jock for most of high school until I began to apply the same energy I poured into sports in my classes. My final two years of high school were my best 2 years of grade point average. This coincided with my decision to invite Jesus into my life, Romans 10:9-10. While I was far from perfect, I wasn’t afraid to cross social boundaries. By the time I was a senior, I was friends with a vast amount of people from several social classes. Being part of Homecoming Weekend as a senior was one of my favorite weeks of high school. Spending several hours outside of class building a float enabled me to make friends with students I only knew by name prior to this week. This is when I discovered that I was not alone anymore.

by Jay Mankus

Against My Better Judgment

Inspiration Behind Against My Better Judgement:

This song blends personal introspection, relationship dynamics, and human nature within societal patterns. The lyrics of Against My Better Judgement explores self-sabotage and falling from grace. Like a child told not to eat the cookies in the cookie jar, human nature has a way of doing the opposite of what we are told. Since Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, temptation has a way of planting evil thoughts in minds that are eventually acted upon.

Biblical Application:

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?” ¹² The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” ¹³ Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate,” Genesis 3:9-13.

Exegesis of Against My Better Judgement:

With starving appetites for arguments
you remind me of a secret
I was never supposed to tell.

When you are tired or hungry, you become vulnerable to making irrational decisions. This moment of weakness led to loose lips, revealing something that was supposed to be a secret.

The time is over, the verdicts in: Everybody’s right, everybody wins
The time is over, the verdicts in: Everybody’s right, everybody wins

Suggests that there is justification, cause and reason for any wrong act that you do.

Didn’t you know you were a saint, what a shameful fall from grace
But I’ll catch you, I’ll catch you
Everybody’s waiting for that something they can hold onto
while tripping over our own words to self-dug graves for an excuse to fall
Becuase every failure’s just as sweet as the last

Appears to address a hypocrite or someone addicted to a specific drug. They are unable to stop themselves from a bad habit and or unwholesome craving. This could also refer to a backslidden Christian who knows God is going to forgive them so that they keep indulging their fleshly desires over and over again.

The time is over, the verdicts in: Everybody’s right, everybody wins
The tims is over, the verdicts in: Everybody’s right, everybody wins

This is what happens when there are no absolute truths and when opinions are elevated to fact status.

Didn’t you know you were a saint, what a shameful fall from grace
But I’ll catch you, I’ll catch you
Everybody’s waiting for that something they can hold onto
while tripping over our own words to self-dug graves for an excuse to fall
Becuase every failure’s just as sweet as the last

Not sure if God will catch wayward souls or that a friend when helping this person get back on the right track. Everyone wants to find and hold on to what is true, but human nature causes must individuals to self-destruct.

As a dream comes
when there are many cares
so the speech of a fool
when there are many words
the sun it misses summer in winter.
Didn’t you know we wear
the same pretentious name
lets trade for awhile
i’m so curious

Members of Further Seems Forever is struggling to do the right thing. Perhaps a Christian wants to trade with an atheist so they don’t have to worry about trying to please God.

Everybody’s waiting for that something they can hold onto
while tripping over our own words to self-dug graves for an excuse to fall
Becuase every failure’s just as sweet as the last

Everyone is trying to find something that is real and true to hold on to. Yet human nature continues to lead individuals to do things against their better judgement.

Final Thoughts:

One thing that I have learned in life, once you master one bad habit, there is always another one that arises. Discipline and self-control is a daily struggle for most human beings. While government on the local and national level try to establish rules to quell bad behavior, these regulations are not addressing the core issue: human nature. The apostle Paul reveals his own shortcomings in Romans 7. Only Jesus come help those who continue to do things against their better judgement.

by Jay Mankus

[HQ] Lifehouse – Everything Skit Remastered High Quality

Inspiration Behind Everything:

Jason Wade, the frontman for Lifehouse, wrote Everything during a period of personal struggle and crisis of faith. Drama teams have taken the lyrics to Everything and have created their own spin of this internal war that takes place in the spiritual dimension every day. Everything serves as a transformative phase in Wade’s life, shaped by his strong Christian background and the guiding role faith has played in his spiritual journey on earth.

Biblical Application:

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up, James 4:7-10.

Exegesis of Everything:

[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1]
Find me here and speak to me
I want to feel you, I need to hear you
You are the light that’s leading me
To the place where I find peace again

A cry for help after feeling lost. Desperately wanting to find peace.

[Verse 2]
You are the strength that keeps me walking
You are the hope that keeps me trusting
You are the light to my soul
You are my purpose, you’re everything

Acknowledging a source of strength, where hope and trust resides. Suggesting that their current life is slipping out of control. Wanting to be led back in the right direction, toward the light of truth’ Searching for purpose.

[Refrain]
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me, how could it be any better than this? Yeah

Jason is referring to his relationship with God that has become stale, unmoved by God’s presence and power.

[Verse 3]
You calm the storms and you give me rest
You hold me in your hands, you won’t let me fall
You still my heart and you take my breath away
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now

Jsaon looks back at his life, remembering how God has calmed past storms in his life. Suggests an Old Testament view of God, a hiding place where protection and security can be found. In Jason’s current crisis of faith, he is doing some soul searching, wanting a greater understanding for the current spiritual storm he is enduring.

[Refrain]
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me, how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me, how could it be any better than this?

Jason is questioning his current relationship with God, becoming lukewarm and uninspired. Perhaps Jason is beginning to turn toward worldly insights instead of fully trusting in God Not realizing how good his life is.

[Chorus]
‘Cause you’re all I want, you’re all I need
You’re everything, everything
You’re all I want, you’re all I need
You’re everything, everything
You’re all I want, you’re all I need
You’re everything, everything
You’re all I want, you’re all I need
Everything, everything

An admission that Jesus is the Lord of his life, his purpose and reason for living. Yet like any friendship, if you don’t spend time with one another, the bind which ties you together slowly loosens.

[Refrain]
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me, how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me, how could it be any better, any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me, how could it be any better than this?

Jason comes to his senses like the prodigal son in Luke 15. Despite any previous deviations in his faith, Jason realized that God is everything to him. Since God has provided in the past, Jason should no longer doubt God’s power in the future.. This reality should elicit a vast appreciation, moving his soul. As Lecrae once sang. This is Living.

[Outro]
Would you tell me, how could it be any better than this?

Perhaps a reference to Jesus’ promise of an abundant life in John 10:10.

Final Thoughts:

When I was in youth ministry, a drama team performed for my youth group. While this group used a different song than Everything, the lyrics involved a similar message of a teenager losing hope. Subsequently, when I stumbled upon this dramatization of Everything a few years ago, I was moved to tears. Adults have a habit of trying to hide their pain where teens tend to be much more vulnerable. The lyrics of Everything provide hope to anyone considering suicide with a spiritual alternative. Whenever God saves a lost and lonely heart, He becomes Everything to them.

by Jay Mankus

Always On My Mind – David And The Giants

Inspiration Behind Always on My Mind:

Always on My Mind was written by David Huff and Lloyd Bustard. The lyrics refer to God as a constant companion. This mindset comes from growing up in a Christian home where David was encouraged to share the Gospel, good news about Jesus through music. In an age where human beings are abandoning God, Always on My Mind conveys an unwavering faith as a core theme.

Biblical Application:

n your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in very nature^[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; ⁷ rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature^[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! – Philippians 2:5-8.

Exegesis of Always on My Mind:

In every moment, I know You are there
Caring and sharing Your love
A constant companion, You’re like no one else
That ever has entered my life

Starting to grasp God’s omnipresence on earth. This sense of God being present conceived the mindset of a spiritual constant companion. God has been faithful.

And I wanna tell You, Lord
You’re always, always on my mind
I could never forget You
Always, always in my heart
And that’s the place that I need You
Forever and ever You will stay
Always on my mind

A chorus that serves as a way to thank God for being there in times of trouble throughout life. God has become David’s top priority in life. This heart of gratitude spawned a mindset of thankfulness.

When I first met You, You made me a promise
That You would be with me till the end
Mountains or valleys, stormy or sunshine
Truly I can say that I’m blessed

Likely referring to David’s first encounter with God, likely at a church, spiritual retreat or summer camp. David began reading the Bible to understand who he was praying to. As David began to grasp God’s nature, he felt blessed.

And I wanna tell You, Lord
You’re always, always on my mind
I could never forget You
Always, always in my heart
And that’s the place that I need You
Forever and ever You will stay, always

The chorus is repeated. David was overwhelmed by how much that God has transformed his life.

Life is a song that’s filled with Your love
And it stays with me through all the day long
When the sun’s going down, I know in the night
You’ll be there if anything should go wrong

David developed a solid foundation of faith. Reaching a point where darkness and doubt would not waver his belief.

And I wanna tell You, Lord
You’re always, always on my mind
I could never forget You
Always, always in my heart
And that’s the place that I need You
Forever and ever You will stay
Always on my mind

This chorus serves as a vow. Marking David’s decision to follow Jesus. Turning back isn’t an option.

Final Thoughts:

I saw David and the Giants in concert back in 1994. This was one of the first Christian bands I heard which had a cool, hip sound, but didn’t compromise or water down their lyrics. When I had a vision to start a radio station back in the early 1990’s, David and the Giants was one of the groups on my initial play list of 2700 minutes of music. While I kept this large notebook over the years, this project was too expensive to compete within this new era of digital music. Although my taste of music has changed over the years, David and the Giants holds a special place in my heart as their song Perfect Love was sung at my wedding.

by Jay Mankus

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

Inspiration Behind I Found Jesus in All the Wrong Places:

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

Biblical Application:

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

Exegesis of I Found Jesus in All the Wrong Places:

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

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

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

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

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

I found healin’ in my heartbreak

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts:

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

by Jay Mankus

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

Inspiration Behind Where I Find God:

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

Biblical Application:

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

Exegesis of Where I Find God:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Places where you may find God.

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

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

Final Thoughts:

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

by Jay Mankus

Murray Head – One Night In Bangkok “From CHESS”

Inspiration Behind One Night in Bangkok:

One Night in Bangkok was created as Musical Chess, co-written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. This song was a metaphor for Cold War tensions as if the United States and the USSR were playing a game of chess. The city of Bangkok was chosen to embody the contrasts of Eastern spirituality, tradition, and nightlife with Western materialism.

Biblical Application:

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. ²⁰ Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. ²¹ For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:19-21.

Exegesis of One Night in Bangkok:

Bangkok, Oriental setting
And the city don’t know what the city is getting
The creme de la creme of the chess world
In a show with everything but Yul Brynner

General statement about Bangkok. An unusual setting for the World Chess Championship. Noting one of the top Chess players in the world at the time this song was written.

Time flies, doesn’t seem a minute
Since the Tirolean Spa had the chess boys in it
All change, don’t you know that when you
Play at this level, there’s no ordinary venue

A game of Chess can last for hours. A reference to Russian Grandmaster Mark Taimanov who displayed talent for Chess and music. This is not your typical game of Chess in the park.

It’s Iceland or the Philippines
Or Hastings or, or this place

Former hosts of notable Chess Matches.

One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster
The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free
You’ll find a God in every golden cloister
And if you’re lucky then the God’s a she
I can feel an angel sliding up to me

The first chorus. A place where the locals hang out in temples, searching for enlightenment. Meeting an attractive woman who looks like an angel.

One town’s very like another
When your head’s down over your pieces, brother

Possibly a reference to cities in the US and USSR.

It’s a drag, it’s a bore, it’s really such a pity
To be looking at the board, not looking at the city

Die heart Chess players are so focused on their matches that they don’t take the time to enjoy the cities hosting competitions.

Whaddya mean?
Ya seen one crowded, polluted, stinking town

An excuse for players not to do any sightseeing.

Tea girls, warm and sweet, warm, sweet
Some are set up in the Somerset Maugham Suite

Places you can visit for adult entertainment.

“Get Thai’d”, you’re talking to a tourist
Whose every move’s among the purest
I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine

Locals trying to sell their town to visiting tourists.

One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble
Not much between despair and ecstasy
One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble
Can’t be too careful with your company
I can feel the Devil walking next to me

The second chorus with different lines below. Either a metaphor for how close victory is from defeat or how human nature can easily drag you into temptation by making poor choices.

Siam’s gonna be the witness
To the ultimate test of cerebral fitness
This grips me more than would
A muddy old river or Reclining Buddha
But thank God, I’m only watching the game, controlling it
I don’t see you guys rating
The kind of mate I’m contemplating
I’d let you watch, I would invite you
But the queens we use would not excite you
So you better go back to your bars, your temples
Your massage parlors

A reference to political Chess. Using each move as an defensive response or acts of aggression.

One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster
The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free
You’ll find a God in every golden cloister
A little flesh, a little history
I can feel an angel slidin’ up to me

Ending with back-to-back choruses. The first referring to the night life and temptation.

One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble
Not much between despair and ecstasy
One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble
Can’t be too careful with your company
I can feel the Devil walking next to me

Either a reference that only one goes home a winner or that the nightlife isn’t what you think it is with demonic influences all around you.

Final Thoughts:

Beside playing Chess on a computer, I have never developed a fondness for this game. Yet, in life, mind games are a way of life as you mature into an adult. Some people like to mess with your mind while others simply lash out at others due to the pain deep inside their heart and soul. This is where discipline, self-control and playing the long game are essential in life. The cream of competitors rise to the top by sticking around, hanging in a game until their opponent makes a mistake. This is the game of life which is attainable when you live life to its fullest, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

Alan Jackson – Amazing Grace (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind Amazing Grace:

After his devout Christian mother passed away, John Newton became a prodigal, becoming a ship captain in the slave trade. During one of his trips, a massive a violent North Atlantic storm, was about to sink his ship. crying out to God in an act of desperation. After surviving, John’s life was transformed, eventually quitting the slave trade to become a minister. As Newton began to lose his sight, conviction, guilt and remorse consumed his soul. Writing Amazing Grace was like an act of penance, deeply grieved by his role in the English Slave Trade.

Biblical Application:

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. ¹² Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. ¹³ Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. ¹⁴ For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace, Romans 6:11-14.

Exegesis of Amazing Grace:

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see

John Newton realized that he didn’t deserve God’s grace. Yet, upon becoming a minister in the Church of England, John realized that this grace was for him too, despite the sinful live he lived. This is great news of being lost in the past but now having purpose and meaning in life. Although blind in his last days on earth, John was now able to see the Good News inside the Bible.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

This amazing grace, Romans 6:23, transformed John’s life. Relieving his fears of his eternal destiny. This grace appeared to John as soon as he rededicated his life to Jesus, Romans 10:9-11.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun

A glimpse of heaven, praising God because of this amazing grace. John is eternally grateful to God.

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see

This final chorus is a reflection of John’s testimony, how God’s grace transformed his life on earth.

Final Thoughts:

Watching Amazing Grace, the 2006 movie, opened my eyes and mind to the meaning of this song. Understanding the role that William Wilberforce played in ending the British transatlantic slave trade, helped me realize how hard it is to make changes in any government when power and wealth are on the line. You have to be relentless, playing the long game before your dreams and goals can finally be realized. When a Christian faith is on fire, ignited by the Holy Spirit, anything is possible with God.

by Jay Mankus

Kid Rock – Born Free [Official Music Video]

Inspiration Behind Born Free:

Kid Rock wrote Born Free to celebrate the freedom and the privileges of being born in a country that values liberty. While the lyrics speak to strong patriotic overtones, he intended it to resonate beyond the United States, thinking of soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. “Born Free” became more than just a personal anthem, MLB adopted this song as their Tribute to the Troops.

Biblical Application:

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you^[a] free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,^[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.^[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit, John 8:1-4.

Exegesis of Born Free:

Fast on a rough road riding
High through the mountains climbing
Twistin’, turning, further from my home

The image of troops going into active service, traveling overseas.

Young like a new moon rising
Fierce through the rain and lightning
Wandering out into this great unknown

Metaphor using a lit-up night sky to highlight what a soldier must be thinking before their tour begins.

And I don’t want no one to cry
But tell ’em if I don’t survive

The military know what they sign up for, making it home alive isn’t guaranteed.

I was born free
I was born free
I was born free
Born free

First chorus, referring to the freedom within the United States.

Free like a river raging
Strong as the wind I’m facing
Chasing dreams and racing Father Time

Seize the day as you chase your dreams before your time on earth is up.

Deep like the grandest canyon
Wild like an untamed stallion

Go for it! Dream big while you’re young.

If you can’t see my heart, you must be blind

Soldiers pour out their hearts for their country.

You can knock me down and watch me bleed
But you can’t keep no chains on me

Keep getting back up despite the pain as eager soldiers can’t be restrained.

I was born free
I was born free
I was born free
Born free

This is the freedom of being born in America.

And I’m not good at long goodbyes
But look down deep into my eyes
I was born free

This is what freedom looks like.

Hey, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Ooh, ooh

The joy of being free,

Calm, facin’ danger
Lost like an unknown stranger
Grateful for my time with no regrets

What soldiers face and the mindset necessary to confront war.

Close to my destination
Tired, frail and aching
Waiting patiently for the sun to set

About to finish your goal, tired yet waiting for night to fall.

And when it’s done, believe that I
Will yell it from that mountain high

When your mission is complete, shout it out!

I was born free
I was born free
I was born free
Born free

Serving in the military is not forced, this is a choice due to freedom.

And I will bow to the shining seas
And celebrate God’s grace on thee

Thanking God for the opportunity to serve.

I was born free
I was born free
I was born free
Born free

Fighting to persevere freedom.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, yeah

That’s right.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Fighting to persevere freedom.

Final Thoughts:

Due to reconstructive surgery during my junior year of high school, I wasn’t able to join the military like my two close friends, Carl and Paul. While they were becoming men, I was trying to figure out my major in college. My dad told me stories of being a Captain in the Army at the beginning of Vietnam, but I never was able to serve my country. Instead, I’ve spent the last 30 years serving my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Writing is just one of my calls to action as I wait for the Holy Spirit’s next phase in my life.

by Jay Mankus

Hope For A Broken Heart ~ Kenny Marks ~ lyric video

Inspiration Behind Hope for a Broken Heart:

While there wasn’t a specific event or moment mentioned, hope comes from the belief that even in the deepest pain of heartbreak, there is potential for healing, growth, and renewal.  Kenny writes about a high school student who feels alone, not into the weekly party scene sweeping up teenagers in America. The only hope comes on Sunday, when a message in a church service sparks a glimmer of hope within her soul.

Biblical Application:

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. ²⁵ He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. ²⁶ He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. ²⁷ By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. ²⁸ By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel, Hebrews 11:24-27.

Exegesis of Hope for a Broken Heart:

Another Friday night in America
And everyone’s made their plans
To be partying hard in America
Till the weekend slips through their hands
But it’s hard to laugh when you’re dancing
To the beat of a broken heart

Another weekend rolls around as plans have been made. College and high school students spend their time partying. Unfortunately, alcohol is simply a way to numb the pain inside human hearts. Dancing is a way to hide a broken heart.

Another Saturday night in America
It’s just like the night before
Oh, you search the faces of all your friends
What are they smiling for?
‘Cause it’s hard to laugh when you’re dancing
To the beat of a broken heart

Without much creativity, Saturday night isn’t much different than Friday. What do you see when you look into the eyes and faces of teenagers? Are they having a good time or simply following the crowd, afraid to rock the boat?

Heartaches come and heartaches go
And broken hearts still need to know
That though you may be sinking low
There is hope for a broken heart
Hope for a broken heart

Broken hearts are part of growing up. Although you may be sinking into depression, there is hope for a broken heart.

Sunday morning in America
But it’s not just another day

The last day of the weekend is here, but Sunday is different.

There’s a girl alone who spent the weekend home
She’s come to her church to pray
Yeah, it’s hard to pray when you’re lonely
But there’s hope for a broken heart
Yeah, there’s hope for a broken heart

When you don’t fit in, some teens will opt to stay home all weekend. This girl came to church to pray to heal her broken and lonely heart.

Heartaches come and heartaches go
And broken hearts still need to know
That though you may be sinking low
There is hope for a broken heart
Hope for a broken

When you find yourself struggling with life, the easy thing to do is become depressed. However, there is a cure, hope for a broken heart in the person of Jesus, Romans 10:9-11.

Heartaches come and heartaches go
And broken hearts, they need to know
That though you may be sinking low
There is hope for a broken heart
Hope for a broken heart

The chorus repeats itself, perhaps a reminder that there is hope for the broken, crushed and lonely heart.

Friday night
In America
Friday night
In America
Friday night

Friday night doesn’t have to be an endless cycle of numbing your pain with alcohol. Seek the promise of an abundant life, John 10:10.

Final Thoughts:

I was a social misfit throughout Junior High and the beginning of High School. One night I was invited to a party with a few friends from school who got arrested for public intoxication. For one reason or another, I decided not to go, opting to be a sub in a Friday night bowling league. This was the best I ever bowled in a 3 games series: 551. I had a chance for 200 in 2 games but was unable to get a strike, settling for a 199. The other I failed to convert a spare in the 10th frame. This was God’s way of letting me know that I could spend my time wisely, blessed this Friday night by choosing bowling over drinking.

by Jay Mankus