Tag Archives: classic rock

The Message Behind the Music-January 4

Posted on January 4, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration behind Free Fallin’:

The lyrics of Free Fallin’ coincide with the first time Tom Petty stepped away from his band the Heart Breakers in 1988. As Tom begins his first attempt at a solo career on his own, the words to Free Fallin’ express the emotions of steeping away from the stable structure of the Heartbreakers. Free Fallin’ is the first song completed on Tom’s Full Moon Fever album. Petty viewed Free Fallin’ as a map for everything that follows on this album.

Biblical Application:

For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge, Psalm 51:1-4.

Exegesis of Free Fallin’:

She’s a good girl, loves her mama
Loves Jesus and America too
She’s a good girl, is crazy ’bout Elvis
Loves horses and her boyfriend too

Petty uses symbolism in Free Fallin’ to compare his own actions of leaving the Heart Breakers to a man breaking up with his girlfriend for selfish reasons.

And it’s a long day livin’ in Reseda
There’s a freeway runnin’ through the yard
And I’m a bad boy, ’cause I don’t even miss her
I’m a bad boy for breakin’ her heart

Either Tom is reflecting upon a recent relationship where he broke a woman’s heart or he’s blaming himself, calling himself a bad boy for ditching the Heart Breakers.

And I’m free
Free fallin’
Yeah, I’m free
Free fallin’

Now on his own, Tom doesn’t have his old band members to fall back on for support. Rather, Tom expresses his fears of failure as well as the emotional toll this decision has taken on his soul.

And all the vampires walkin’ through the valley
Move west down Ventura Boulevard (Ventura Boulevard)
And all the bad boys are standin’ in the shadows
And the good girls are home with broken hearts

The Vampires are likely symbolic of the greedy members of the music industry who have a history of feeding on vulnerable band members, singers and songwriters. Whoever these evil indivudals are, they are hiding in the darkness to pounce on their next victim. These actions break the hearts of men and women.

And I’m free
I’m free fallin’
Yeah, I’m free
Free fallin’

Free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m
Free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m

Being in unfamiliar territory as a solo artist, Petty is in a free fall, unsure of the future or where he may land after his first solo album post the Heart Breakers.

I wanna glide down over Mulholland (oh-ah)
I wanna write her name in the sky (oh-ah)
I’m gonna free fall out into nothin’ (oh-ah)
Gonna leave this world for a while (oh-ah)

Tom refers to cities or towns from his past, hoping for a smooth landing. Yet, Tom hints at reuniting with the Heart Breakers sometime in the future.

And I’m free (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
Free fallin’ (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
Yeah, I’m free (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
Free fallin’ (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)

Free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m
Yeah, I’m free, free fallin’

Oh! (Free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
Free fallin’ (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
And I’m free (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’) oh! (Now I’m)

Being on your own can be scary especially when you’re unsure that you made the right decision. These are the emotions that Tom Petty endured as he thought about his future.:

Free fallin’ (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
Free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m
Free fallin’ (free fallin’, now I’m free…)

Like anything in life, sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you change your mind.

Final Thoughts:

If you haven’t seen Tom Petty’s documentary, it’s worth the watch, similar to the ordeals highlighted in Straight Out of Compton. Facing the future can be scary on your own. However, with God in your life, you have an advocate and friend to guide you along the way, 2 Peter 1:3-4. Yet, when you do stumble and fall like today’s Bible lesson, immediately seek reconciliation like David. However, if pride gets in the way, you’ll find yourself free falling like Tom Petty’s chorus.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 49: One of Christian’s Best Attempts at Classic Rock

Posted on January 6, 2024 by expressyourself4him

As I have done several searches on the internet over the years on the best Christian rock music of all time, Disciple has consistently come up as one of the top ten bands and sounds of all time. Songs like Dr. X ( You Don’t Own Me) reminds me of my days of roller skating to classic rock and roll of the 1980’s. In fact, I’ve heard Dr. X played as an intro on a secular radio sports talk show. 

Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them [b]into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you [c]all the days ([d]perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. [e]Amen (so let it be), Matthew 28:19-20.

The classic rock of the 1980’s had some sort of an anthem or instrumental introduction before the singing began. Some of the songs on the attached You Tube remind me of this golden era of classic rock. While not every song may appeal to your musical taste, if you want to start 2024 with a blast of Christian rock, Disciple will provide what you’re thirsting for in this genre.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 95: Rescue Me

Posted on May 6, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s artist screams 1980’s. While I went out to Karaoke every Wednesday night at Rick’s Cafe in Chagrin Falls, Ohio over the summer, I had several college friends who were more musically talented. A couple of them joined bands who possessed a similar feel and sound to the Alarm. My best comparison of the Alarm is more upbeat than John Cougar Mellencamp but softer than Cheap Trick.

Do justice to the weak (poor) and fatherless; maintain the rights of the afflicted and needy. 4 Deliver the poor and needy; rescue them out of the hand of the wicked, Psalm 82:3-4.

When you’re young, old or somewhere in between, you will find yourself in situations that require some sort of rescue. Other people are often their own worst enemy, needing to be rescued from themselves. Whatever the case, remember the words of Jesus in Luke 19:10. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. Romans 10:11 serves as a confirmation to those who call on the name of the Lord.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 70: Something Good Happens

Posted on April 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song comes from a group based upon the travails of a famous Old Testament character. Jacob’s Trouble was formed in Atlanta, Georgia in the 1980’s. Jacob’s Trouble combines that classic 60’s acoustic sound with a blend of the eighties and nineties. Like any group that evolves over time, Jacob’s Trouble sound ranges from a classic rock to modern pop.

Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting, 2 Corinthians 4:18.

Something Good Happens appears on the Let the Truth Run Wild album. The lyrics of Something Good Happens refers to the perspective that you possess in life. If you look at the world through eyes where your glass is half empty, you’ll feel disappointed. However, if you learn to develop a positive outlook on life, something good is bound to come your way.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 68: Reach

Posted on April 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

When it comes to music, I try to be as open minded as possible. Depending upon the type of mood that you are in, there is a specific style of music that will keep you going regardless of how you feel. Even if this means turning to a group called Strange Occurrence, you’ll be surprised to find another song to start your day. While the name of today’s featured artist sounds bizarre, Reach is a song worth listening to.

Whoever says he abides in Him ought [as [d]a personal debt] to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself, 1 John 2:6.

Strange Occurrence has a classic rock sound with biblically based lyrics. Like going dumpster diving for something that you need, I found Strange Occurrence in another bargain bin of a Christian bookstore. This pleasant surprise wasn’t merely a one hit wonder. Rather, the Another Day to Start Again album contains a couple of solid songs that rock and roll fans will enjoy.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 54: Delicate Fade

Posted on March 26, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song comes from the group Common Children. Perhaps using a play on words, children make plenty of mistakes, especially early in life. Subsequently, the lyrics of Delicate Fade refer to the stains of time. From a spiritual perspective, stains come from sin, producing dirty laundry that darkens human souls. The first step toward maturity is recognizing that you can’t live life on your own.

For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [[b]which my moral instinct condemns]. 16 Now if I do [habitually] what is contrary to my desire, [that means that] I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good (morally excellent) and that I take sides with it. 17 However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me, Romans 7:15-17.

Of all the Christian groups that I listen to, Common Children has one of the best classic rock sounds. While the lyrics on their albums aren’t that inspirational, the musicians and singing keep me coming back for more. As for Delicate Fade, the lyrics talks about the scars that occur throughout life. Some of these scars are external while others remain inside our hearts. As you deal with these scars, may you turn to Jesus to find comfort for your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 21: Some Day

Posted on February 24, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As someone who tries to be a connoisseur of Christian music, I appreciate artists who can show range. Some musicians change with the times to give their fans what they want. In the case of Plankeye, their debut album Spill was heavy metal. By 1997, Plankeye transitioned to more of a classic rock feel with a few songs that make you want to snap your fingers to the rhythm of the beat.

For He says, I will declare Your [the Father’s] name to My brethren; in the midst of the [worshiping] congregation I will sing hymns of praise to You, Hebrews 2:12.

Today’s song Some Day is the first song on the One and the Other album. The lyrics of Some Day refer to individuals who don’t see eye to eye on an issue. When new Christians begin to interact with friends from their past, it may be hard to communicate why you decided to give your life to Jesus. Therefore, the prayers of many believers is to wait for the day when a non-believer begins to understand your faith.

by Jay Mankus

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Owner of a Lonely Heart

Posted on March 15, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The classic rock group Yes introduced their song in 1983.  Debuting on the 90125 album, Owner of a Lonely Heart spoke to broken souls, striking a nerve that many experience throughout life.  Prior to its success, this song was turned down by a number of record companies, calling Owner of a Lonely Heart a strange song that would never be a hit.  If Paul Harvey was still here, I’m sure he would say, “and now you know the rest of the story!”

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.- Isaiah 41:10

In recent years, Jon Anderson, the lead singer of Yes teamed up with 4Him, a Christian Contemporary group to sing Where There is Faith.  Whether its coincidence, fate or mere circumstance, but believing you will be set free from a lonely heart takes faith.  If you’re down in the dumps, with little hope of improving, doubt creeps in, opening the door for depression, isolation or suicide.  This is where faith can intervene.

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6

The lyrics of Owner of a Lonely Heart refers to free will on several occasions.  After reading the lyrics, loneliness is a choice, a decision one makes to either dwell in their sorrows or take a chance on tomorrow.  If any of you find yourself to be an owner of a lonely heart today, take some time to read God’s promises in the Bible for those suffering from loneliness.  May the message in these words turn your heart from grief to comfort, trusting in the loving hands of Jesus for healing.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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