Tag Archives: freedom

The Message Behind the Music-July 29

Posted on July 29, 2026 by expressyourself4him

George Michael – Freedom! ’90 (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Freedom:

Freedom was conceived from George Michael’s deep personal reckoning with fame, identity, and creative control. After the success of Faith in 1987, Michael’s felt trapped by the expectations of having to produce another hit song. Subsequently, Freedom served as a confession and a declaration, reaching a point in his life where he could create content, perform and just be himself.

Biblical Application:

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed, John 8:34-35.

Exegesis of Freedom:

I won’t let you down
I will not give you up
Gotta have some faith in the sound
It’s the one good thing that I’ve got
I won’t let you down
So please don’t give me up
Because I would really, really love to stick around
Oh, yeah

George is feeling pressure to perform. Previous success has instilled faith within George that he won’t let his agent, producer and record company down. George isn’t ready to retire, wanting to keep his singing career going.

Heaven knows I was just a young boy
Didn’t know what I wanted to be (Didn’t know what I wanted to be)
I was every little hungry schoolgirl’s pride and joy
And I guess it was enough for me (And I guess it was enough for me)

Looking back to his past to see where he came from. Being a heartthrob was good enough for George.

To win the race, a prettier face
Brand new clothes and a big fat place
On your rock and roll TV (Rock and roll TV)
But today the way I play the game is not the same, no way
Think I’m gonna get me some happy

As you get older, it’s harder to maintain your image. George has become wiser with age, content with who he is now.

I think there’s something you should know
(I think it’s time I told you so)
There’s something deep inside of me
(There’s someone else I’ve got to be)
Take back your picture in a frame
(Take back your singing in the rain)
I just hope you understand
Sometimes the clothes do not make the man

This is the confessional part of the lyrics. George reached a point in his life where he stopped carrying about his image. He is trying to explain that there is more to a person than the clothes you wear.

All we have to do now
Is take these lies and make them true somehow
All we have to see
Is that I don’t belong to you and you don’t belong to me, yeah yeah

Image isn’t what you think it is. While George was and may still be viewed as a sex symbol, he is trying to explain that I don’t belong to you and you don’t belong to me.

Freedom (I won’t let you down)
Freedom (I will not give you up)
Freedom (Gotta have some faith in the sound)
You’ve got to give what you take (It’s the one good thing that I’ve got)
Freedom (I won’t let you down)
Freedom (So please don’t give me up)
Freedom (‘Cause I would really)
You’ve got to give what you take (really love to stick around)

The opening chorus is another confession. Meanwhile, this also reads like a self-help pep talk. Freedom is the spark which will enable George to maintain his stardom.

Heaven knows we sure had some fun, boy
What a kick just a buddy and me (What a kick just a buddy and me)
We had every big-shot goodtime band on the run, boy
We were living in a fantasy (We were living in a fantasy)

George looks back at his start as the lead singer of Wham. Looking back, this was like living a dream.

We won the race, got out of the place
Went back home, got a brand new face for the boys on MTV (Boys on MTV)
But today the way I play the game has got to change, oh yeah
Now I’m gonna get myself happy

George was successful with Wham, but the time came for George to leave, starting his solo career. While the days on MTV were great, Goerge does things different now, content with his new life outside of a band,

I think there’s something you should know
(I think it’s time I stopped the show)
There’s something deep inside of me
(There’s someone I forgot to be)
Take back your picture in a frame
(Don’t think that I’ll I be back again)
I just hope you understand
Sometimes the clothes do not make the man

When everyone told George about his great looks and image, it appears that he didn’t have a friend who was real with him, demonstrating tough love. This led to an identity crisis trying to figure out the man behind his clothes.

All we have to do now
Is take these lies and make them true somehow
All we have to see
Is that I don’t belong to you and you don’t belong to me, yeah yeah

George is sorting things out, trying to figure out the truth behind the lies he was told as an artist.

Freedom (I won’t let you down)
Freedom (I will not give you up)
Freedom (Gotta have some faith in the sound)
You got to give what you take
(It’s the one good thing that I’ve got)
Freedom (I won’t let you down)
Freedom (So please don’t give me up)
Freedom (‘Cause I would really)
You got to give what you take (really love to stick around)

Freedom came as George began to figure out who he is and what’s really important in life.

Well, it looks like the road to heaven
But it feels like the road to hell
When I knew which side my bread was buttered
I took the knife as well
Posing for another picture
Everybody’s got to sell
But when you shake your ass
They notice fast
And some mistakes were build to last

George is looking for direction in life, what to do in the future. However, he still hasn’t figured things out. Poor decisions in the past, using his body as a sex symbol, has led to regret. Yet, sex sold his music for years.

(That’s what you get)
That’s what you get
(That’s what you get)
I say that’s what you get
(I say that’s what you get for changing your mind)
That’s what you get for changing your mind
(That’s what you get)
(That’s what you get) And after all this time
I just hope you understand
Sometimes the clothes do not make the man

A stanza about regret, possibly referring to his song I Want Your Sex. George is having image problems, trying to explain to his fans that he is not the man behind his former image.

All we have to do now
Is take these lies and make them true somehow
All we have to see
Is that I don’t belong to you
And you don’t belong to me, yeah yeah

George is trying to sort things out to improve his self-esteem.

Freedom (Oh)
Freedom
(My) Freedom
You’ve gotta give for what you take
Freedom (I’ll hold on to my)
Freedom
(My) Freedom
You got to give what, to give what, give what you take
Yeah!
You got to give what, give to what, to give

Freedom comes from being true to yourself and who you are.

May not be what you want from me
Just the way it’s got to be
Lose the face now
I’ve got to live

George is searching for the type of person that he has to be moving forward in life.

Final Thoughts:

I loved Wham when I was in high school. However, when George Michael began his solo career, he started to push the envelope through his dance moves and lyrics. George was like the Madonna of male artists, not going over the top in his music videos like Madonna. The lyrics of Freedom give me hope that George may be maturing and transforming his life as he grows old.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-July 23

Posted on July 23, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Pharrell Williams – Freedom (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Freedom:

Freedom emerged in 2015 as part of the Despicable Me 3 soundtrack. However, when you study the lyrics, Freedom is a universal anthem of liberation blending personal empowerment with human rights and equality. Pharell uses nature as a metaphor with the imagery of cheetahs, elephants, and the wild to drive home the untamed nature of freedom.

Biblical Application:

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die,” Genesis 2:15-17.

Exegesis of Freedom:

La, la la la la la, la la la
La, la la la la la, la la la
La, la la la la la, la la la
La, la la la la la, la la la

A fun start for song designed for children, the Despicable Me 3 soundtrack.

Hold on to me
Don’t let me go
Who cares what they see?
Who cares what they know?

A desire to be close to and hold freedom. Don’t worry about what other people think.

Your first name is Free
Last name is Dom
We choose to believe
In where we’re from

A reminder of who you are, where you’re from and what you choose to believe.

Man’s red flower
It’s in every living thing
Mind, use your power
Spirit, use your wings

A reference to the movie. Deep inside this flower is like the original motto of the YMCA: mind, body and spirit.

Freedom!
Freedom!

Freedom!
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom

Flying around to find and catch freedom.

Hold on to me
Don’t let me go
Cheetahs need to eat
Run, antelope

An inner desire to keep freedom near like the primal nature of animals.

Your first name is King
Last name is Dom
‘Cause you still believe
In everyone

The quest for all animals, finding out where they belong on the food chain, with the strongest eager to be on top.

When a baby first breathes
When night sees sunrise
When the whale hunts the sea
When man recognizes

The force of human nature for people as well as natural inclinations within animals.

Freedom!
Freedom!
Freedom!
Freedom
Freedom
Breathe in

Slow down to breathe in freedom.

We are from heat
The electric one
Does it shock you to see
He left us the sun?

Another reference to Despicable Me 3. Viewing the sun as the earth’s heater. The electric one is the Creator God.

Atoms in the air
Organisms in the sea
Sun and yes, night
Are made of the same things

Viewing science from a secular worldview.

Freedom!
Freedom!
Freedom!
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom

All human beings and animals crave freedom.

Final Thoughts:

Freedom means different things to different people. As the United States begins to embrace socialism under the guise of communism, the history of past attempts has been ignored. When you stop to examine the history of most governments throughout the world, the only wealthy people are the leaders. The majority of their citizens are poor, starving to death or struggling each week to put food on the table. To me, freedom is securing your eternal destiny in heaven, 1 John 5:11-13. Everything thing else in life is a bonus.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-July 7

Posted on July 7, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Neil Diamond’s America

Inspiration Behind America:

Neil Diamond’s America was spawn from real-life immigration stories of his grandparents. The storm mentioned in the lyrics are symbolic of persecution and hardship in Eastern Europe they faced which conceived a desire to seek a better life in the United States. In a world of darkness, despite the negative remarks from politicians seeking to divide this nation. America remains a beacon of hope to the less fortunate scattered throughout the globe.

Biblical Application:

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea[b] were hushed.30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven, Psalm 107:28-30.

Exegesis of America:

Far,
We’ve been traveling far
Without a home
But not without a star

Diamond appears to be referring to World War II in Europe when families fled to displaced persons’ zones to seek refuge. The star was the hope of migrating to America.

Free,
Only want to be free
We huddle close
Hang on to a dream

Freedom fueled this journey, Families stuck together as they hung onto this dream of coming to America.

On the boats and on the planes
They’re coming to America
Never looking back again,
They’re coming to America

This dream was about to become a reality.

Home
Don’t it seem so far away
Oh, we’re traveling light today
In the eye of the storm
In the eye of the storm

This quest for a new home wasn’t easy, facing trials along the way.

Home
To a new and a shiny place
Make our bed and we’ll say our grace
Freedom’s light burning warm
Freedom’s light burning warm

This home was the beginning of the American dream. God is thanked for having a place to rest. This is the experience of freedom, far different from the lives they left behind.

Everywhere around the world
They’re coming to America
Ev’ry time that flag’s unfurled
They’re coming to America

The American dream is not dead. People around the world view America as a beacon of hope. This is why they come.

Got a dream to take them there
They’re coming to America
Got a dream they’ve come to share
They’re coming to America

When a member of one family arrived in America, this inspired other relatives to follow them.

They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America
Today, Today,
Today, Today, Today

Immigrants come to America searching for a better life, even now 45 years after this songs’ release.

My country ’tis of thee (today)
Sweet land of liberty (today)
Of thee I sing (today)
Of thee I sing
Today, Today, Today
Today, today, today….

Using a snippet of a patriot song to drive home why people still want to come to America.

Final Thoughts:

In the last 2 years of my father’s life, he began to tell me how my grandfather helped him escape Lithuanian during World War II. This improbable journey coincides with struggles of Neil Diamond’s grandparents. When you have nothing as you flee for your life, freedom is a driving force to keep you going. This is the power of America, a dream that still exists throughout the world.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-July 3

Posted on July 3, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Veterans of the USA – The Goads

Inspiration Behind Veterans of the USA:

This Goads song formed out of a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The goal of Veterans of the USA was to honor the sacrifices, courage, and dedication of veterans, ensuring their stories and contributions are remembered. This inspiration conceived the lyrics which point to the meaning of the American flag as well as the blood that each shed to make freedom and independence possible.

Biblical Application:

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth, 1 John 3:16-18.

Exegesis of Veterans of the USA:

“I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE
REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE
NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH
LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.”

Children recite this pledge as if beginning another day in school.

We haven’t forgot the price you have paid. You have given us the freedom that we enjoy today. And every day I thank my God for sending those like you. You cared for the petty child and for the dreams of me and you.

A reflection of what it means to serve in the United States military. Today’s existence is based upon the sacrifices from men and women in the past. These brave human beings did this for future generations.

The red is for the blood, the blue is for the bruise, white is for the eyes who have fought for me and you. So we lift our hearts today filled with gratitude and praise for the Veterans of the USA.

The America flag is compared to bloodshed and bruises from previous battles. The white stars represent former members of the armed forces. The chorus serves as a call for gratitude and praise for all veterans.

We thank the families who gave their precious gift the cause was greater than all your fears. And when the flag raised high, oh yea, our hearts are filled with pride, you’re the reason that America is still alive.

Military families are often forgotten, especially when a daughter or son dies while serving. Despite the fear of losing a child, the cause was greater. The bravery of these veterans should elicit American pride and thanksgiving.

The red is for the blood, the blue is for the bruise, white is for the eyes who have fought for me and you. So we lift our hearts today filled with gratitude and praise for the Veterans of the USA.

Perhaps, this comparison of the American flag is referring to a military funeral where a family is given a flag by one of the active members of their military branch.

And I know that there are so many of you standing with all of those today so we take this moment to say thank you for freedom in the USA, YEA.

Supporters of the Armed Forces, taking a moment to remember and celebrate the individuals who have made American freedom possible.

The red is for the blood, the blue is for the bruise, white is for the eyes who have fought for me and you. So we lift our hearts today filled with gratitude and praise for the Veterans of the USA.

This song concludes with back-to-back choruses. Expressing gratitude and praise.

The red is for the blood, the blue is for the bruise, white is for the eyes who have fought for me and you. So we lift our hearts today filled with gratitude and praise for the Veterans of the USA.

This chorus gives the American flag a new meaning and appreciation.

Final Thoughts:

I discovered Veterans in the USA while in college. I believe I bought this at a Christian music outlet in Ohio. Since my father was a captain in the Army during the Vietnam War, this song holds a special place in my heart. As America celebrates July 4th tomorrow, may the lyrics of the Veterans of the USA moves you as it has touched my heart.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 19-What You Play For

Posted on January 19, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2008 film “The Express: The Ernie Davis Story”

Bible Verse of the Day:

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery, Galatians 5:1.

Biblical Connection:

Ernie Davis became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. However, the Express focuses on the relationship between Ernie Davis and Ben Schwartzwalder, his football coach at Syracuse University from 1958-1962. While the United States will celebrate Martin Luther King Day tomorrow for his work fighting for Civil Rights, athletes like Ernie Davis became one of the first to break color barrier in football. The attached final scene points to what Ernie Davis played football for: to share his God given talents and to make it easier for black football athletes to play the game that he loved.

Just as Ernie Davis fought for future African American athletes who wanted to play college football, the apostle Paul wanted to see Christians live in freedom from a spiritual yoke of slavery. A religious sect known as the Judaizers infiltrated the Galatian Church. These Jewish Christians sought to alter the teachings of Christ. The Judaizers disregarded Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 4:2, forcing non-Jewish Christians to become circumcised. The Judaizers sought to make Christianity more Jewish by adding rigid practices of Judaism. This is the yoke of slavery that the apostle Paul addresses in today’s Bible verse.

Closing Song:

When you do fail in life, don’t beat yourself up. Rather, lean on the promises of the Bible which will lead you to freedom in Christ, Lamentations 3:21-23.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Comes Looking for You

Posted on March 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

There are 42 parables of Jesus recorded in the Bible. However, when you consider that Jesus spent the last three years of His life on earth preparing 12 disciples to become spiritual leaders of the church, Jesus told many more, John 21:25. One of the most famous parables is found in Luke 15 where 3 separate stories build upon one another. God goes after a lost sheep, searches for a valuable family heirloom and waits on the front porch for a prodigal son to come home.

Then the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves apronlike girdles. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, Where are you? – Genesis 3:7-9

The first two residents on earth lived in paradise, calling a lush garden watered by tropical springs their home. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before Eve pressed her luck, seeking to go beyond the boundaries set by God in Genesis 2:15-17. Having just one rule to abide by sounds like freedom, but a serpent planted a seed within Eve’s mind that God was holding them back. Justification and rationalization led the way to eat from the forbidden tree.

 He said, I heard the sound of You [walking] in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And He said, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom You gave to be with me—she gave me [fruit] from the tree, and I ate, Genesis 3:10-12.

The moment this couple took their first bite, innocence was lost. Conviction, guilt, and shame consumed each of their souls, causing Adam and Eve to hide from God. This is when God comes looking for you, hoping that you may come to your senses quickly. Yet, rebels often learn the hard way, too proud to be seen in their current condition. If you find yourself slip sliding away, drifting further and further from the Lord, God will use others to gather a search party so like the lost sheep and prodigal son, you too will return soon.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 253: Free

Posted on October 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Freedom has been a constant struggle for lower class citizens, peasants and slaves through history. Israel spent 400 years under the oppressive rule of Pharaohs in Egypt. Yet, when Moses finally led Israel out of this state into the wilderness, it didn’t take long for bickering, complaining and grumbling to begin. Ginny Owens sings about joy the freedom brings in her hit song Free,

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off], Galatians 5:1.

Ginny is best known for her song “If You Want Me To.” Meanwhile, she also recorded a song called Blessed with Cindy Morgan which also gained national recognition. Despite these songs, I decided to select Free as all Christians wrestle with some sort of unhealthy addiction, bad habit or sinful craving. May Ginny’s song and the apostle Paul’s advice in Galatians 5:7 help you to finally break free to a better place in life.

by Jay Mankus

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An Eagle’s Perspective on Life

Posted on August 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As someone who grew up 30 minutes from South Philadelphia, whenever an eagle is brought up, I immediately think of the National Football League franchise “the Philadelphia Eagles.” Meanwhile, the bald eagle became the iconic emblem of the United States on June 20th, 1782. While the eagle represents freedom in America, the Bible provides an eagle’s perspective on life.

Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; 31 But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired, Isaiah 40:30-31.

Prior to the invention of drones, eagles would provide a bird’s eye of the earth. One Old Testament prophet compares the Lord to a mature eagle. Although young Christians become exhausted, tired and weak, the power of the Holy Spirit will rise you up by renewing your strength. The above passage serves as a promise from God whenever you feel like you don’t have the energy to take another step in life.

Then I [looked and I] saw a solitary eagle flying in midheaven, and as it flew I heard it crying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the rest of the trumpet blasts which the three angels are about to sound! – Revelation 8:13

Yet, the title of today’s blog comes from a vision from John the Revelator. Following the 4th of seven tribulations in the book of Revelation, John sees an eagle flying solo. After scanning the devastation from the first 4 tribulations, this eagle cries out in a loud voice. Like a news video after a natural disaster, this eagle’s perspective on life serves as a cautionary tale of the troubling times ahead in the end of days.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 179: Freedom

Posted on July 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

In their prime, Mylon & Broken Heart had a little bit of Elvis Pressley in their music, dress and hairdo included. Mylon R. LeFevre was one of the pioneers in Christian music which likely explains his induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. As a teenager in the 1980’s Mylon & Broken Heart served as a good transitional band to go from listening to secular music to Christian artists.

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off], Galatians 5:1.

The attached video is from an old concert where Mylon speaks from his heart about freedom that comes from entering into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. While some of Mylon’s classic tunes haven’t aged well, the biblically based lyrics still speak to my heart. I could have chosen from a dozen songs to share, but freedom in Christ is life altering that everyone needs to experience.

by Jay Mankus

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Not Just a Holiday

Posted on July 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The first official federal holiday in the United States was not enacted until 1870. This initial legislation recognized four holidays: Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Due to secularism and the modern interpretation of the separation of Church and State, these religious holidays have been watered down over the years. July 4th was declared a day of prayer and thanksgiving for being free.

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off], Galatians 5:1.

The Chinese were the first to invent fireworks, sometime between 960 and 1279 AD. The original intent of fireworks was to ward off evil spirits. Yet, the Chinese set off fireworks to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday and other major holidays. This tradition was embraced by the United States on July 8th, 1776, following America’s Declaration of Independence. July 4th, 1777 was the first official Independence Day highlighted by the firing of guns, cannons, bonfires and fireworks in Philadelphia which was America’s first capital.

For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love. 7 You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding and following the Truth? – Galatians 5:6-7

The Bible speaks of a different type of Independence Day in Romans 10:9-11. In the passage above, the apostle Paul writes about the external and internal forces that limits a Christian’s spiritual freedom. Paul goes on to blame this on human nature, pointing the finger on sinful desires of the flesh, Galatians 5:16-18. As you turn out to watch fireworks ceremonies throughout the nation, don’t neglect the freedom that can only be found in Jesus Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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