Tag Archives: dance

The Message Behind the Music-June 30

Posted on June 30, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Donna Summer – Last Dance [Original Video] (1978)

Inspiration Behind Last Dance:

Last Dance was conceived from a specific creative brief for the film Thank God It’s Friday. This scene was from a fictional disco club in Los Angeles. Last Dance functions as a literal closing moment, like a bar having their last call for buying a drink before closing. The lyrics contain a sense of urgency, to seize this final dance on the night club floor.

Biblical Application:

Now King David was told, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. 13 When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. 14 Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, 15 while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets, 2 Samuel 6:12-15.

Exegesis of Last Dance:

Last dance
Last chance for love
Yes, it’s my last chance
For romance tonight

Final dance of the evening. Your last chance for a slow dance with the person you love.

I need you by me
Beside me, to guide me
To hold me, to scold me
‘Cause when I’m bad, I’m so, so bad

This person is looking for a friend who holds them accountable. Keep them out of trouble.

So let’s dance the last dance
Let’s dance the last dance
Let’s dance this last dance tonight

Not your typical pick-up line.

Last dance
Last chance for love
Yes, it’s my last chance
For romance tonight

Last chance to make a move on the person you are interested in.

Oh, I need you by me
Beside me, to guide me
To hold me, to scold me
‘Cause when I’m bad, I’m so, so bad

This chorus suggests a previous relationship, possibly a good friend.

So let’s dance the last dance
Let’s dance the last dance
Let’s dance the last dance tonight, yeah

Let’s enjoy this final song.

Will you be my Mr. Right
Will you be my apetite?
I can be sure that you’re the one for me
All that I ask is that you dance with me
Dance with me, dance with me, yeah!

A poetic plea to convince someone to dance with you.

Oh, I need you by me
Beside me, to guide me
To hold me and to scold me
‘Cause when I’m bad, I’m so, so bad

This person asking is expecting more than just a dance, a companion and friend.

So let’s dance the last dance
Let’s dance the last dance
Let’s dance the last dance
Let’s dance the last dance tonight, yeah

Let’s enjoy this dance together.

My Mr. Right
He will be my apetite
Now I’m sure that you’re the one for me
Well, well, well, well
All that I ask is that you dance with me
Dance with me, dance with me, yeah!

What this woman is looking for in a dance partner.

Last dance
Last chance for love
Yes it’s my last chance
For romance tonight

Make the most of this romantic moment.

Oh, I need you by me
Beside me, to guide me
Yeah to hold me, to scold me
‘Cause when I’m bad, I’m so, so bad

This is what I want and need.

So let’s dance the last dance
Let’s dance the last dance
Let’s dance the last dance tonight

Let’s do this.

Oh, I need you by me
Beside me, to guide me
When I’m bad, scold me
‘Cause when I’m bad, I’m so, so bad

Protect me from myself.

So, come on baby, dance that dance
Come on baby, dance that dance
Come on baby, dance that dance tonight, yeah

Let’s get down on the dance floor one more time.

Final Thoughts:

I’ve never been a charming person. The fear of stuttering kept my requests to dance short and sweet. While I was rejected many times early in high school, I refused to give up. The better I became as a dancer, the easier it became to ask a girl to slow dance. Last Dance was also featured in a Castle episode, adding to fame and popularity.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-June 26

Posted on June 26, 2026 by expressyourself4him

David Bowie – Let’s Dance (Official Video) [HD]

Inspiration Behind Let’s Dance:

David Bowie made a deliberate shift toward pop accessibility.in 1983. This decision combined with commercial ambition and reinvention laid the foundation for Let’s Dance. After experimenting with rock, Bowe was ready for a change. This coincided with David’s departure from RCA Records, disappointed by his limited success in the United States. To complete his vision for Let’s Dance, Bowe brought in guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan and marketing magic of Niles Rodgers to transform this song into a dance-pop anthem.

Biblical Application:

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, Psalm 150:3-6.

Exegesis of Let’s Dance:

Ah, ah, ah, ah
Yeah, dance all day
Whoo-hoo

Setting the tone with excitement.

Let’s dance
Put on your red shoes and dance the blues
Let’s dance
To the song they’re playing on the radio
Let’s sway
While colour lights up your face
Let’s sway
Sway through the crowd to an empty space

This kind of dancer is serious, needing the right shoes to dance the night away. This song on the radio is going to move you, light up your face and guide you as you sway on the dance floor.

If you say run
I’ll run with you, yes, I will
If you say hide
We’ll hide
Because my love for you
It would break my heart in two
If you should fall into my arms
Trembling like a flower

David refers to be speaking to a woman who he wants to be with, doing whatever she requests.

Whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo
Let’s dance
Or feel your fate as they fall
Let’s dance
Or feel this night is all
Let’s sway
You could look into my eyes
Let’s sway
Under the moonlight, the serious moonlight

The chorus suggests that dancing can become so serious that you can fall into a trance-like state. David wants to person he is dancing with to look into his eyes, moving together as one.

If you say run
I’ll run with you, yes, I will
If you say hide
We’ll hide
Because my love for you
It would break my heart in two
If you should fall into my arms
Trembling like a flower

Dancing is much better with a partner. More fulfilling and intimate.

Let’s sway
Let’s dance
Let’s sway
Put on your red shoes and dance the blues
Let’s dance
Under the moonlight, the serious moonlight

An invitation to move with the beat of this music. Not just for a song or two, but for all night long.

Let’s dance
Let’s dance
Let’s dance, let’s dance, let’s dance, let’s dance, let’s dance

Dancing is the only thing on David’s mind, to become lost in the music.

Let’s dance
Let’s sway
Let’s dance
Let’s dance, let’s dance, let’s dance, let’s dance

This final chorus suggests that dancing is almost like a spiritual act or experience.

Final Thoughts:

I learned to dance in high school as a sophomore so that I could begin to be proficient enough to ask girls to a slow dance. However, the more I begin to lose myself in the music, especially fast paced songs, I found this much more fulfilling and satisfying. The more you dance, the more you’ll develop your own unique moves and style. Songs like Let’s Dance encouraged me to begin dancing, evolving into the dancers that I have become today.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 124: Zero Theme

Posted on June 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured song comes from one of the compilation albums that I picked up at a Christian bookstore more than two decades ago. I think the title was Oxygen, a collection of unknown Christian dance/hip hop artists. Zero was by far my favorite, persuading me to purchase the Ravenous album upon my next visit. The album was okay, but the Zero Theme is a tune that should be played at all nightclubs.

And when he had spent all he had, a [g]mighty famine came upon that country, and he began to fall behind and be in want. 15 So he went and forced (glued) himself upon one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed hogs. 16 And he would gladly have fed on and [h]filled his belly with the [i]carob pods that the hogs were eating, but [they could not satisfy his hunger and] nobody gave him anything [better], Luke 15:14-16.

If you like Push It by Salt-n-Pepa or Shannon’s Let the Music Play, you’ll appreciate the Zero Theme. While the lyrics are designed to make you want to dance, there isn’t anything spiritual involved. To avoid any spoiler alerts, there is a funny remix from an old television show. If your sole desire is to blow off steam on a Friday afternoon, pop in the Zero Theme and you’ll be grooving in a manner of seconds.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 65: Another Alternative

Posted on April 6, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s feature song comes from the former lead singer of Sonic Flood. I met Jeff Deyo while I was a youth pastor in Columbus, Indiana which is Jeff’s hometown. Jeff’s story is similar to what happened to Tom Petty. The film Straight Outta Compton illustrates the fact that agents, producers and record labels use new artists to make themselves wealthy. Meanwhile, talented musicians like Jeff Deyo and Tom Petty barely make anything despite releasing top selling albums.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [b]overflows), John 10:10.

Jeff left Sonic Flood to partner with his wife to make a living as a musician. While I haven’t spoken with Jeff for more than two decades, it’s sad how many talented musicians aren’t able to make a career out of doing what they love. Deyo’s album Another Alternative and song with the same name combines dance, hip hop and rap. As the world continues to evolve, the Bible provides instructions of how to live an alternative life fueled by faith. May today’s song and this album touch your heart and stir your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 59: Overcomer

Posted on March 31, 2022 by expressyourself4him

About five years ago, I discovered a couple of Christian music mixes on You Tube. One collection was Electronic Praise, another Hip Hop, and the final one was Dance. This search on the internet for quality Christian music introduced me to today’s artist. Mandisa followed a song by Capital Kings. As soon as Overcomer started to play, I made an instant connection with the lyrics.

 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you,] John 16:33.

No one likes to endure disappointment and failure. As a former professional athlete, practice doesn’t always result in improvement. If progress is stunted or you start to regress, you need an overcomer spirit that Mandisa sings about in her song. If you ever find yourself down and out, doubting that you will ever achieve your dreams and goals in life, use Mandisa’ Overcomer to ignite and spark hope.

by Jay Mankus

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Dating Nightmares

Posted on February 26, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If Solomon proclaimed there is a time for everything, then its important every now and then to laugh at painful memories from your past.  While I wasn’t laughing at this specific moment, my worst dating nightmare could be a classic comedy movie or at worst a perfect idea for an episode in a sitcom.  This memory began on the first day of school, my senior year in high school.  While trying to memorize my locker combination, an attractive new student wandered down the hall, a couple of lockers away from me.  Before the week was over, I asked her out and she said yes; this was the highlight of my weekend.

A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, Ecclesiastes 3:4.t

Upon arriving at her home to pick her up, I didn’t realize I had asked Marcia Brady out on a date.  Before I knew it, I was being interrogated like a suspect for a crime.  Questions such as “have you had a speeding ticket in the last 6 months” bombarded like a dodge ball game gone bad.  Thirty minutes later, I was set free, but I felt like I was attending a funeral rather than a date.  While everyone in front of me and behind me at the movie theater were cracking up at my jokes, my date never giggled once.  Upon asking if she wanted to go out for ice cream afterward, she replied with another rejection.

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, Proverbs 18:24.

A hand shake later, I thought my nightmare was finally over.  Except in the 1980’s, every teenager went to the mall to socialize and people like me worked at the mall.  Thus, while working Saturday, the next evening, my date from Friday night pranced around the mall with her boyfriend.  Hoping I would see them together, she wouldn’t have to explain her cold reception.  Intervening, my best friend Carl distracted me twice after my shift was over to avoid a confrontation, taking me in a different route around the mall.  Despite experiencing a nightmare at the movies, I did find out what a good friend I had and still have today.  Thus, even in disappointment, God will show you who your true friends are when the nightmare is over.

by Jay Mankus

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A Spiritual Break Dance

Posted on November 18, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Back in the 1970’s, a new movement was born in the inner cities across America.  While theories exist as to whom, where and how this form of expression began, one thing is known.  Rap music was the inspiration behind break dancing.  Although this style has faded in popularity, don’t be surprised if you see intricate footwork, spinning headstands, tumbling and elaborate improvised movements.

Over the weekend, I was listening to music for several hours, trying to find something to fall asleep to.  Before I collapsed into a peaceful state of bliss, the lyrics to one song struck me, Love Break Me by Ocean’s Above.  This song may not lead you to dance, but it will urge curious souls to contemplate a spiritual transformation.  When the love of Jesus enters a human heart, a spiritual break dance commences.

Ravi Zacharias grew up in India.  After unsuccessfully attempting suicide, a Christin hospital worker reached out to him and gave his mother a Bible to read to Ravi out loud before being released.  These words touched his heart, Romans 10:19, leading to a life of service to God.   Now a successful author, motivational speaker and ministry founder, Ravi is performing a spiritual break dance on his way to heaven.  Don’t sit on the sideline.  Rather, get up, go to the dance floor and a bust a new move today!

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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A Jukebox of Memories

Posted on October 22, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Before the days of cell phones and personal computers, a jukebox connected individuals at local restaurants.  Portrayed in sitcoms like Happy Days, placing a coin in the jukebox and selecting a hip song  often inspired young people to join the dance floor.  Thus, music enhanced the life of teens creating jukebox memories.

As technology advanced, diners began to install miniature jukeboxes in each booth, enabling guests to interact while listening to their favorite songs.  Over time, music became associated, linked and tied to special moments in time.  Whether you were traveling somewhere on vacation, going out on a date or enjoying your prom, music etches memories within our minds.

Today, I can be shopping in a local grocery store, driving in my car or walking down Main Street when I hear a song from my past.  Within seconds, my mind takes me back in time, reminiscing about where I was, who I was with and the friends I made along the way.  Through the good and bad, music is like a recipe to cure the blues in life.  Regardless of what you use to access modern music, may these devices provide soothing jukebox memories.

by Jay Mankus

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Shut Up and Dance

Posted on October 28, 2013 by expressyourself4him

My wife and I attended a wedding reception last weekend.  Following the typical bridal party introductions and special dances, the other guests were invited to join the dance floor.  Despite music changing from decade to decade, DJ’s tend to provide the perfect mix of oldies, classics and the best of today.  Thus, when I approached the stage, I felt right at home.

As I began to shake my booty, memories of the past raced through my mind.  Although I was never one for words, the beat of the music created an ideal environment to shut up and dance.  Since going to my first dance, homecoming of my sophomore year of high school, I was good at imitating other people’s movements.  Once my fears of embarrassment subsided, dancing became one of my favorite past times.  Whether it was going to a nightclub like Pulsations, school events or weddings, I found my comfort zone, moving and twisting all night long.

Believe it or not, Psalm 37:7 contains a similar message with a much deeper meaning.  The Hebrew word used to describe rest and be still actually means to shut up.  Meanwhile, the word in Hebrew for wait patiently refers to dancing in a circle, similar to a slow down except own your own.  The context of this passage involves God trying to teach David and current believers a lesson about following directions.  Essentially, the message implies that if life isn’t going the way you expect, hope or wanted, “shut and dance.”  When the dance is over, God will direct, guide and lead you like a dance partner to where you need to go, Psalm 37:23-24.

by Jay Mankus

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