Tag Archives: faith

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

America Again | Music Videos | Carman

Inspiration Behind America Again:

Carman confronts the spiritual decline of the United States in America Again. Carman uses founding fathers of America to provide a historical account of how America came into existence and how it has strayed from a Judea Christian worldview. America Again reads like a narrative where America abandoned the Christian foundation that guided the signers of the Declaration of Independence. This song seeks to return to trusting in God to preserve the future of America.

Biblical Application:

The Lord your God will cut off before you the nations you are about to invade and dispossess. But when you have driven them out and settled in their land, ³⁰ and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.” ³¹ You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods. ³² See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it, Deuteronomy 12:29-32.

Exegesis of America Again:

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson
Samuel Adams, First Chief Justice John Jay
Names synonymous with the spirit of our country
Founding fathers of the U.S.A

Influential leadership of this new country. These founding fathers possessed a common spirit and calling.

Over two hundred years ago, they shook off the chains of tyranny
From Great Britain by divine call
Citing 27 biblical violations, they wrote the Declaration of Independence
With liberty and justice for all

This founding was a spiritual calling, citing biblical violations that served as the framework for the Declaration of Independence.

But something happened since Jefferson called the Bible the cornerstone
For American liberty, then put it in our schools as a light
Or since “Give me liberty or give me death”, Patrick Henry said
Our country was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Recent generations have forgotten why America was founded.

We eliminated God from the equation of American life
Thus eliminating the reason this nation first began
From beyond the grave, I hear the voices of our founding fathers plead
You need God in America again

The Bible and prayer were banned from public education in the 1960’s. If the founding fathers were alive today, they would have spoken up and stood up against these judicial decisions.

Of the 55 men who formed the Constitution
52 were active members of their church
Founding fathers like Noah Webster, who wrote the first dictionary
Could literally quote the Bible, chapter and verse

This is the DNA of our initial leaders, active members of their local church who lived out their faith.

James Madison said, “We’ve staked our future on our ability to follow
The Ten Commandments with all our heart”
These men believed you couldn’t even call yourself an American
If you subvert the Word of God

The Ten Commandments served as a blueprint for our justice system. Meanwhile, taking the Bible out of context was not stood for and greatly frowned upon.

In his farewell address, Washington said, “You can’t have
National morality apart from religious principle”, and it’s true
‘Cause right now we have nearly a hundred and fifty thousand kids carrying guns
To these war zones we call public schools

The dangerous environment within public schools today has a direct correlation of removing the Bible and prayer from classrooms 80 years ago.

In the ’40’s and ’50’s student problems were chewing gum and talking
In the ’90’s, rape and murder are the trend
The only way this nation can even hope to last this decade
Is to put God in America again

Learning in chaotic classrooms is limited at best. Instead of teaching moral absolutes, truth is relative, open to interpretation. This is why America needs to allow God back into our culture.

The only hope for America is Jesus
The only hope for our country is Him
If we repent of our ways, stand firm and say
We need God in America again

Sometimes you have to go back to the start before you can find your way back. Honest confession is the first step toward grace, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Abe Lincoln said, “The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation
Will be the philosophy of the government of the next”
So when you eliminate the Word of God from the classroom and politics
You eliminate the nation that Word protects
America is now number one in teen pregnancy and violent crime
Number one in illiteracy, drug use and divorce
Every day, a new holocaust of five thousand unborn die
While pornography floods our streets like open sewers

In the 30 plus years since America Again was released, American classrooms have gotten worse. Instead of teaching writing, reading and arithmetic, teachers are encouraged to share their own ideologies and worldviews. As a former teacher, students are passed with a D instead of being held back.

America’s dead, and the dying hand is on the threshold of the Church
While the spirit of Sodom and Gomorrah vex us all
When it gets to the point where people would rather come out of the closet than clean it
It’s the sign that the judgement of God is gonna fall

Churches in America are closing or on the verge of dying. Meanwhile, Americans have become like the Judges in the Old Testament, doing what is right in their own eyes. Seeker friendly churches are watering down that Bible so much that there isn’t much difference between a Christian and those who don’t go to church.

If there’s ever been a time to rise up Church, it’s now
And as the blood-bought saints of the living God proclaim
That it’s time to sound the alarm from the Church house to The White House
And say, “We want God in America again”

A wake-up call for Christian churches to pray for God to return to America.

We want in America
We want in America again

Reinvite God back into your life.

I believe it’s time America to stand up and proclaim
That one nation under God is our demand
And send this evil lifestyle back to Satan where it came from
And let the Word of God revive our dying land

It’s time to take a spiritual stand. Turn to the Bible, studying God’s Word to revive your soul.

For Jesus Christ is coming back again in all His glory
And every eye shall see Him on that day
That’s why a new anointing of God’s power’s coming on us
To boldly tell the world, you must be saved

A final plea as Jesus’ return draws near. Lean on the power of the Holy Spirit to reignite your spiritual fire for God. Fulfill the Great Commission by becoming a modern-day disciple of Jesus.

Final Thoughts:

There are pockets of America where faith is still strong. Moving to South Carolina and now Virginia, portions of the Bible belt still exist. Unfortunately, a lack of discipleship, lukewarm faiths and a lack of transformed lives is holding the Christian Church back. If you start with yourself by becoming spiritually renewed, this is a step in the right direction. From here, Pass It On and your spark will hopefully catch on.

by Jay Mankus