Tag Archives: life

The Message Behind the Music-June 11

Posted on June 10, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Summer Nights | Grease | CLIP

Summer Nights was written in 1971 by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey for the stage musical Grease. However, when John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John adapted Summer Nights to the movie version of this musical, this song reached its peak in popularity. The lyrics appeal to any teenager who experiences a summer romance. While the summer always ends. fond memories of this relationship may last a lifetime. The lyrics speak to being true to yourself instead of trying to become the person that your significant other wants you to be.

Biblical Application:

Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. 19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. 20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm, Proverbs 13:18-20.

Exegesis of Summer Nights:

Summer loving had me a blast
Summer loving happened so fast
I met a girl crazy for me
Met a boy cute as can be

A quick summer of how having fun, led to a summer romance.

Summer days drifting away
To-ah! Oh, the summer nights
Well-a, well-a, well-a, huh

We spent day and night together.

Tell me more, tell me more
Did you get very far?
Tell me more, tell me more
Like does he have a car?

The stanza illustrates the difference between how boys and girls think.

Uh huh (doo doo)
Uh huh (doo doo)
Uh huh (doo doo doo doo doo)

Harmony that serves as a transition.

She swam by me, she got a cramp
He ran by me, got my suit damp
I saved her life, she nearly drowned
He showed off, splashing around

Another quick summary, this time how they met each other.

Summer sun, something’s begun
But ah! Oh, the summer nights
Well-a, well-a, well-a, huh

Suggests that one thing led to another.

Tell me more, tell me more
Was it love at first sight?
Tell me more, tell me more
Did she put a fight?

Friends wanting to know the details of this summer romance.

Dow, doobie do, doobie do
Doobie, doobie, doobie
Dow, doobie do, doobie do
Doobie, doobie, doobie, dow

Another transition using a play on words.

Took her bowling in the Arcade
We went strolling, drank lemonade
We made out under the dock
We stayed up ’til ten o’clock
Summer fling, don’t mean a thing
But ah! Oh, the summer nights
Whoa, whoa, whoa

Highlights leading up to their first kiss. This fling kept going all summer long.

Tell me more, tell me more
But you don’t gotta brag
Tell me more, tell me more
‘Cause he sounds like a drag

Peer pressure from friends, wanting to know more, but not convinced this was serious.

Shoo bop bop, shoo bop bop
Shoo bop bop, shoo bop bop
Shoo bop bop, shoo bop bop
Shoo bop bop, yeah!

Another musical transition.

He got friendly, holding my hand
Well, she got friendly down in the sand
He was sweet, just turned eighteen
Well, she was good, you know what I mean

Sharing discreet information, unsure of how much more to reveal.

Summer heat, boy and girl meet
But ah! Oh, the summer nights
Whoa, whoa, whoa

Suggesting that play on the beach turned into something more at night.

Tell me more, tell me more
How much dough did he spend?
Tell me more, tell me more
Could she get me a friend?

A superficial question followed by selfish desires, maybe she has a cute friend?

It turned colder, that’s where it ends
So I told her we’d still be friends
Then we made our true love vow
Wonder what she’s doing now

The abrupt end, typical compromise followed by desperate vow. Each wonder how the other is doing.

Summer dreams ripped at the seams
But, oh
Those summer
Nights!
(Tell me more, tell me more, more, more)

The disappointing conclusion to a summer relationship.

Final Thoughts:

I didn’t really have any summer relationships until the end of high school. I met a girl from Maryland with my best friend Carl who stayed with my family that week. Every day we went swimming, threw a frisbee and played volleyball. After meeting these 2 nice gals, they began to impress us by saying they smoked, using slang from their hometown. Sometimes people try too hard to be liked instead of being themselves. If human beings would simply be true to who they are, some summer romances might have continued. Yet, each time I watch Grease the musical, I am reminded to be myself, hold firm to my beliefs and let the chips fall where they may.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-June 10

Posted on June 10, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Black Pumas – (Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding Cover)

Inspiration Behind The Dock of the Bay:

Otis Redding was performing with the Bar-Keys in 1967, playing at the Filmore in San Franciso. When Redding took a break, staying on a houseboat in Sausalito, California, he watched the ships enter and leave the local port. Mesmerized, Redding took out his acoustic guitar and began strumming and humming the opening lines of the Dock of the Bay. Before completing this sound, Otis listened to the Beatles Sargent Pepper, searching for a new sound. When you add the setting of the bay, sunlight and seagulls, Redding found what he was looking for in the Dock of the Bay.

Biblical Application:

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him, Matthew 4:18-22.

Exegesis of the Dock of the Bay

Sittin’ in the mornin’ sun
I’ll be sittin’ when the evenin’ come
Watching the ships roll in
And I watch ’em roll away again, yeah

Otis is enjoying the scenery of his houseboat one morning. He looks forward to watching the sunset. In the meantime, Otis watches the cargo ships enter and exit the nearby port.

I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooh, I’m just sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time

Otis is chilling on the bay. Watching the rising and falling tides.

I left my home in Georgia
Headed for the ‘Frisco bay
‘Cause I’ve had nothing to live for
And look like nothing’s gonna come my way

Otis shares his journey to California, now living on a houseboat in the San Francisco Bay. Since Otis hadn’t started his solo career yet his future seems bleak at the moment.

So I’m just gonna sit on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooh, I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time

This time of solitude provided the idea setting for Otis to write one of the classic summer songs of all time.

Look like nothing’s gonna change
Everything still remains the same

After a few days on this houseboat, everything remains the same.

I can’t do what ten people tell me to do
So I guess I’ll remain the same, yes

Friends are giving ideas of what direction to take in his music career. However, at the time he was writing this song, the status quo remains the same.

Sittin’ here resting my bones
And this loneliness won’t leave me alone
It’s two thousand miles I roamed
Just to make this dock my home

Otis begins to second guess his decision to live on this houseboat. He’s lonely and his music career hasn’t taken off like he dreamed.

Now, I’m just gonna sit at the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooh-wee, sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time

While Otis thought he was wasting time, he was on the verge of completing The Dock of the bay.

Final Thoughts:

The Dock of the Bay is associated with relaxing during the summer months. Unfortunately, as someone who always likes to be on the move unless I am at home, relaxing doesn’t come naturally. Yet in recent years, I am slowly learning what it means to chill. When I first became passionate about music in high school, I recall laying out in the sun, getting a tan as I listened to the local radio station. This is where I first remember hearing The Dock of the Bay. While I wasn’t at the beach, the lyrics paint a picture that I could appreciate and visualize. This is how Otis Redding’s song has impacted my life. Since I already featured one of Otis’ songs, I wanted to include Black Pumas version today.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-June 7

Posted on June 7, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Good Charlotte – The Anthem (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind the Anthem:

Joel and Benji Madden along with help from John Feldmann wrote a song rejecting the conventional path of going to college so that you can acquire a steady job. While the Anthem was initially designed to be part of a soundtrack, this was released as a standalone single from the 2002 album the Young and the Hopeless. However, 3 years later the Anthem was part of the film The Pacifier, played during a driver’s test.

Biblical Application:

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:3-7.

Exegesis of the Anthem:

It’s a new day, but it all feels old
It’s a good life, that’s what I’m told
But everything, it all just feels the same

Band member’s question the status quo, believing that modern education is not what it was created to be.

At my high school, it felt more to me
Like a jail cell, a penitentiary
My time spent there only made me see

As a former teacher, some people do better in vocational schools where you learn to trade, avoiding college debt.

That I don’t ever wanna be like you
I don’t wanna do the things you do
I’m never gonna hear the words you say
And I don’t ever wanna

Joel and Benji went to create their own path in life, seeking to go against the flow.

I don’t ever wanna be you
Don’t wanna be just like you
What I’m sayin’ is, this is the anthem
Throw all your hands up
You, don’t wanna be you

This anthem is a call for change.

Go to college or university
Get a real job, that’s what they said to me
But I could never live the way they want

College isn’t what it used to be. Going into debt doesn’t make sense if you don’t know what you want to do with your life.

I’m gonna get by and just do my time
Out of step, while they all get in line
I’m just a minor threat, so pay no mind

This stanza reminds me of a scene from Dead Poets Society, a lesson on conforming to the social norms in life.

Do you really wanna be like them
Do you really wanna be another trend
Do you wanna be part of their drill
‘Cause I don’t ever wanna

A call to think independently, think for yourself.

I don’t ever wanna be you
Don’t wanna be just like you
What I’m sayin’ is, this is the anthem
Throw all your hands up
You, don’t wanna be you

Seek to blaze a new trail and path in life.

Shake it once, that’s fine
Shake it twice, that’s okay
Shake it three times, you’re playing with yourself again

A call to join this anthem.

You, don’t wanna be just like you
What I’m sayin’ is, this is the anthem
Throw all your hands up
Y’all got to feel me, sing if you’re with me

You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing.

You, don’t wanna be just like you (be just like you)
This is the anthem throw all your hands up
Y’all got to feel me, sing if you’re with me

Be a visionary to charter a new way through life.

Another loser anthem (whoa)
Another loser anthem (whoa)
Another loser anthem (whoa)
Another loser anthem

Either the band is dissing their own song, or their anthem isn’t making an impact on their listeners.

Final Thoughts:

It wasn’t until college that I began to rethink why things are the way that they are. Why I wasn’t a rebel, I just started to follow my convictions instead of the social norms of college. I started to re-evaluate my life, figure out what I truly believed and began to learn what it means to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. This is the anthem that I have learned to live by, based upon Proverbs 3:5-6.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-June 5

Posted on June 5, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl (Official Audio)

Inspiration Behind Brown Eyed Girl:

The concept of Brown Eyed Girl was inspired by a mix of a personal experience, Irish musical influences and Van Morrison’s creative juices early in his career. Growing up in East Belfast, Van Morrison never disclosed the girl from this song, but it is assumed that she was a boyhood love that captured his attention. This special girl led to a classic summer song that still remains relative today.

Biblical Application:

[b]A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life, Proverbs 31:10-12.

Exegesis of Brown Eyed Girl:

Hey, where did we go?
Days when the rains came
Down in the hollow
Playin’ a new game

This girl only came out to play when the weather was good. Van Morrison recalls seeing her while playing games with neighborhood kids.

Laughin’ and a-runnin’, hey-hey
Skippin’ and a-jumpin’
In the misty morning fog with
Our, our hearts a-thumping and you

The energy and joy within this girl got his attention.

My brown-eyed girl
And you, my brown-eyed girl

Since the weather was never great in Ireland, these brown eyes stuck out as the morning fog faded away.

And whatever happened
To Tuesday and so slow?
Going down the old mine with a
Transistor radio

The timeline skips forward now, either to teenage years or slightly older.

Standing in the sunlight laughing
Hiding ‘hind a rainbow’s wall
Slippin’ and slidin’
All along the waterfall with you

Playing and growing up with this girl brought joy to Van Morrison’s life.

My brown-eyed girl
You, my brown-eyed girl

These eyes were special.

Do you remember when we used to sing?
Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la-tee-da
Just like that
Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la-tee-da
La-tee-da

A reference to either singing as children or as a teenager listening to a local radio statiion.

So hard to find my way
Now that I’m all on my own
I saw you just the other day
My, how you have grown

This girl has become a woman as each has gone their own separate ways.

Cast my memory back there, Lord
Sometimes I’m overcome thinking ’bout it
Making love in the green grass
Behind the stadium with you

A reference to sharing intimate moments together.

My brown-eyed girl
You, my brown-eyed girl

Van Morrison remembers the good ole days.

Do you remember when we used to sing?
Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la-tee-da (I hear the crickets)
Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la-tee-da (bit by, bit by, bit by, bit by, bit by, bit)
Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la, tee-da-la, tee-da-la-tee-da
Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la-tee-da

Either a silly game or song that they sang together.

Final Thoughts:

This is one of those fun summer songs that I heard growing up each summer. When you were a child, you didn’t have any responsibilities during the summer. When the weather was good, you stayed out until it was dark or when your parents rang the dinner bell. Brown Eyed Girl remind me of the innocence of my youth, growing up without a care in the world. If only adults could learn this valuable life lesson from children having fun in the sun.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-June 4

Posted on June 4, 2026 by expressyourself4him

The Beach Boys “I Get Around” on The Ed Sullivan Show

Inspiration Behind I Get Around:

When the Beatles came to America in the 1960’s, they took over the airways, leaving once popular bands in the background, of Beatle mania. Brian Wilson and Mike Lowe wrote I Get Around as a response to this British invasion. This song serves as an autobiography of the Beach Boys as if to declare, “we get around too.” This airing on the Ed Sullivan Show helped remind Beach Boy fans that we’re pretty good too.

Biblical Application:

As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12 As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men, Acts 17:10-12.

Exegesis of I Get Around:

Round round, get around
I get around
Yeah
(Get around round round, I get around)
I get around
(Get around round round, I get around)
My kinda town
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m a real cool head
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m makin’ real good bread

While the spotlight was on the Beatles, the Beach Boys were busy traveling all over the country.

I’m gettin’ bugged driving up and down the same old strip
I gotta find a new place where the kids are hip

The Beach Boys were trying to expand their audience, seeking to go in a different direction to reach a broader audience.

My buddies and me are gettin’ real well known
Yeah, the bad guys know us and they leave us alone

The Beach Boys were like America’s Beatles without the national media frenzy.

I get around
(Get around round round, I get around)
My kinda town
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m a real cool head
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m makin’ real good bread
(Get around round round, I get around)
I get around, round
Get around round round, ooh

The Beach Boys are doing okay, traveling around the country.

We always take my car ’cause it’s never been beat
And we’ve never missed yet with the girls we meet

The Beach Boys enjoy street racing when the cops aren’t around.

None of the guys go steady ’cause it wouldn’t be right
To leave their best girl home now on Saturday night

The boys didn’t want to have long distance relationships, preferring to remain single.

I get around
(Get around round round, I get around)
My kinda town
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m a real cool head
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m makin’ real good bread
(Get around round round, I get around)
I get around, round
Ooh, ooh

Despite being overshadowed by the Beatles, the Beach Boys were successful for decades.

Round round, get around
I get around
Yeah
(Get around round round, I get around)

This group keeps evolving and spreading out their reach in the music industry.

(Get around round round, I get around)
(Get around round round, I get around)
(Get around round round, I get around)
(Get around round round, I get around)

The Beach Boys are still relevant.

(Get around round round, I get around)
(Get around round round, I get around)
(Get around round round, I get around)
(Get around round round, I get around)

Fans continue to show up at their concerts.

Final Thoughts:

While playing sand volleyball a few days a week each summer in college, I Get Around was part of the daily music mix at Geauga Lake in Ohio. My best friend Eddy and I played picked up games for hours, hearing this Beach Boy tune several times a day. Now that I know the background of this song, the message is different than I always thought. Yet this was one of many Beach Boy songs that I enjoyed listening to while growing up.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-June 3

Posted on June 3, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Jackson Browne- Somebody’s Baby

Inspiration Behind Somebody’s Baby:

Jackson Browne’s 1982 hit was a collaboration between Danny Kortchmar who wrote the music and the producers of the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Browne teamed up with Cameron Crowe to produce Somebody’s Baby for this film’s soundtrack. Browne’s vision for Somebody’s Baby was to create an unabashed pop song which fit perfectly into one of the scenes of Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Biblical Application:

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight, 1 Peter 3:3-4.

Exegesis of Somebody’s Baby:

Well, just – a look at that girl with the lights comin’ up in her eyes
She’s got to be somebody’s baby
She must be somebody’s baby
All the guys on the corner stand back and let her walk on by
She’s got to be somebody’s baby
She must be somebody’s baby
She’s got to be somebody’s baby
She’s so fine
She’s probably somebody’s only light
Gonna shine tonight
Yeah, she’s probably somebody’s baby, all right

As an attractive girl walks by, most guys assume that she is probably somebody’s girlfriend. Most high school boys use common sense that someone this attractive must already have a boyfriend.

I heard her talkin’ with her friend when she thought nobody else was around
She said she’s got to be somebody’s baby; she must be somebody’s baby
‘Cause when the cars and the signs and the street lights light up the town
She’s got to be somebody’s baby
She must be somebody’s baby
She’s got to be somebody’s baby
She’s so
She’s gonna be somebody’s only light
Gonna shine tonight
Yeah, she’s gonna be somebody’s baby tonight

This is how immature minds think, “someone that good looking can’t be single?” This is the main thought throughout Somebody’s Baby.

I try to shut my eyes, but I can’t get her outta my sight
I know I’m gonna know her, but I gotta get over my fright
We’ll, I’m just gonna walk up to her
I’m gonna talk to her tonight
Yeah, she’s gonna be somebody’s only light
Gonna shine tonight
Yeah, she’s gonna be somebody’s baby tonight
Gonna shine tonight, make her mine tonight

A shy teenager is trying to get over his fears, trying to muster up enough confidence to talk to this beautiful girl. He seeks to envision himself actually talking to her. The goal is to find out who she is with.

Final Thoughts:

At the beginning of my senior year of high school, I made the mistake of asking out the new transfer. I didn’t waste any time, asking her out the first weekend of the school year. Unfortunately, looks can be deceiving. Besides being grilled by her parents before taking her out, this was most boring date I ever experienced. I was cracking jokes throughout the movie, but only the couples in front and behind us were laughing. The following night I found out that she had a boyfriend and was afraid to tell me. Fortunately, I learned early on that what makes a woman beautiful is what is on the inside, not superficial appearances. One of Jesus’ disciples also learned a similar lesson in today’s Bible passage.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-June 2

Posted on June 2, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Don Henley – The Boys Of Summer

Inspiration Behind the Boys of Summer:

Don Henley wrote the lyrics while Mike Campbell created the music for the Boyd of Summer, part of Henley’s solo album Building the Perfect Beast. The words reflect upon a man who can’t get over the girl that left him. Despite this anti-summer message, the Boys of Summer reached #5 on the Top 100 Hot Billboard Charts. The title comes from Roger Kahn’s 1972 baseball book The Boys of Summer. Henley used this a metaphor for youthful. fleeting romance.

Biblical Application:

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? – 2 Corinthians 6:14

Exegesis of The Boys of Summer:

nobody on the road, nobody on the beach
I feel it in the air, the summer’s out of reach
empty lake, empty streets, the sun goes down alone
I’m drivin by your house, though I know you’re not home

While everyone is now on vacation, out of town, a man is taking a trip down memory lane, checking up on an old girlfriend that he hasn’t been able to let go of.

but I can see you, your brown skin shining in the sun, you got your hair combed back and your sunglasses on, baby I can tell you my love for you will still be strong, after the boys of summer have gone

This man has a flashback of his ex. After any summer flings that she may be having, he wants her to know that his love for her is stronger than ever.

I never will forget those nights, I wonder if it was a dream
remember how you made me crazy, remember how I made you scream
now I don’t understand what happened to our love
but babe I’m gonna get you back, gonna show you what I’m made of

This man has amazing memories of their past together. These special moments revive his desire to get her back, doing everything in his power to show her his relentless love for her.

I can see you, your brown skin shining in the sun, I see you walking real slow, smiling at everyone
I can tell you my love for you will still be strong, after the boys of summer have gone

Another image in his mind of her beauty.

out on the road today I saw a DEAD HEAD sticker on a caddilac
a little voice inside my head said don’t look back you can never look back
I thought I knew what love was, what did I know
those days are gone forever I should just let ’em go, but

A Grateful Dead bumper sticker serves as a reality check to finally move on from this girl. Yet, he is confused, unsure of what love is, clinging to a prayer.

I can see you, your brown skin shining in the sun, you got the top pulled down radio on
I can tell you my love for you will still be strong, after the boys of summer have gone

This man is stuck in the past, unable to let go of her.

I can see you, your brown skin shining in the sun, you got your hair slicked back and those wave fellas on, baby I can tell you my love for you will still be strong, after the boys of summer have gone

He is hoping that time will change her mind, coming back to him in the fall.

Final Thoughts:

As someone who was dumped more in high school than most guys my age, I too struggled to move on. When I was lonely, I drove by the houses of ex-girlfriends, wondering how they were doing. However, while in college, I began to mature. Although it was never easy to move on from someone I cared deeply about, I learned from the school of hard knocks via trial and error. This is simply part of life, living and learning.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 30

Posted on May 30, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Bruce Hornsby & The Range – The Way It Is (Video Version)

Inspiration Behind The Way It Is:

Bruce Hornsby wrote The Way It Is in a garage while living in California. Bruce wanted to craft a song that addressed social inequality that he witnessed firsthand. Subsequently, the lyrics address the poor, racism, and complacency with the statis quo. Once the music and piano riff were created, the Way It Is became a smashing success.

Biblical Application:

Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life, but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die. 17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done, Proverbs 19:16-17.

Exegesis of The Way It Is:

Standin’ in line marking time
Waiting for the welfare dime
‘Cause they can’t buy a job
The man in the silk suit hurries by
As he catches the poor old lady’s eyes
Just for fun he says, ‘Get a job’

Bruce provides a glimpse of how the poor and wealthy are worlds apart.

That’s just the way it is
Some things’ll never change
That’s just the way it is
Ha, but don’t you believe them

This is what Bruce witnessed in California. Although he doesn’t like it, this is the way it was at this time.

Said, ‘Hey little boy you can’t go
Where the others go
Cause you don’t look like they do’
Said, ‘Hey, old man how can you stand
To think that way
Did you really think about it
Before you made the rules? ‘
He said, ‘Son

Race relations in the 1960’s or later depending upon the state or town. A similar scene occurred in Remember the Titans.but these students tried to change the social norms.

That’s just the way it is
Some things’ll never change
That’s just the way it is’
Ha, but don’t you believe them

Ooo, yeah (instrumental)

(That’s just the way it is)
(That’s just the way it is)

Some people are afraid to speak out, rebuking others of wrong actions.

Well, they passed a law in ’64
To give those who ain’t got, a little more
But it only goes so far
‘Cause the law don’t change another’s mind
When all it sees at the hiring time
Is the line on the color bar
But who knows

Despite a new law passed into legislation, it took society time to change from its evil racist ways.

That’s just the way it is
Some things’ll never change (right)
That’s just the way it is
That’s just they way it is, it is, when you’re waiting.

People were afraid to push the status quo, following the crowd instead of being a leader. This lack of action frustrated Bruce.

Final Thoughts:

I grew up in the 1980;s with an African American neighbor. Marvin was just a normal teenager beside the color of his skin. One day I ended up getting in a fight to protect. While I tried to de-escalate this situation, I put the safety of my neighbor ahead of my own. Despite receiving bumps and bruises, this one act endeared me to Marvin’s parents until I moved away in college. While society has changed for the better, there is still plenty of room for improvement.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 28

Posted on May 28, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Soul Asylum – Runaway Train (Official HD Video)

Inspiration Behind Runaway Train:

Dave Pirner wrote Runaway Train during a period of anxiety and depression in his life. In addition, Dave has been diagnosed with tinnitus, a ringing in the ears that can lead to a total loss of hearing. While the attached You Tube points to the million children missing in America, the ringing in Dave’s ears is like hearing a runaway train.

Biblical Application:

Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.[h] 32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. 33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched theman’s tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). 35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly, Mark 7:31-35.

Exegesis of Runaway Train:

[Verse 1]
Call you up in the middle of the night
Like a firefly without a light
You were there like a blowtorch burning
I was a key that could use a little turning
So tired that I couldn’t even sleep
So many secrets I couldn’t keep
Promised myself I wouldn’t weep
One more promise I couldn’t keep

Dave is either referring to his hearing or personal matters that are quickly getting out of control. Dave is seeking help from a friend. After coming over, Dave appears to open up, revealing secrets from his past.

[Pre-Chrous]
It seems no one can help me now
I’m in too deep
There’s no way out
This time I have really led myself astray

Dave feels like he is stuck on a runaway train, beginning to think that no one can help him.

[Chorus]
Runaway train never going back
Wrong way on a one-way track
Seems like I should be getting somewhere
Somehow, I’m neither here nor there

Dave doesn’t appear to be making any progress in life, starting to go backwards.

[Verse 2]
Can you help me remember how to smile?
Make it somehow all seem worthwhile
How on earth did I get so jaded?
Life’s mystery seems so faded
I can go where no one else can go
I know what no one else knows
Here I am, just a-drowning in the rain
With a ticket for a runaway train

Dave is battling depression. Joy for life has been replaced by sarcasm. Dave has some painful things that he is keeping to himself, making him feel like he is drowning.

[Pre-Chorus]
And everything seems cut and dry
Day and night
Earth and sky
Somehow, I just don’t believe it

Dave’s heart has grown cold, frustrated by the hand life has dealt him.

[Chorus]
Runaway train never going back
Wrong way on a one-way track
Seems like I should be getting somewhere
Somehow, I’m neither here nor there

Dave is stuck in a rut, struggling to break free.

[Bridge]
Bought a ticket for a runaway train
Like a madman laughing at the rain
A little out of touch, a little insane
It’s just easier than dealing with the pain

Dave is on the verge of losing it, nearing a mental breakdown.

[Chorus]
Runaway train never going back
Wrong way on a one-way track
Seems like I should be getting somewhere
Somehow, I’m neither here nor there

Dave’s life is stuck in neutral.

[Outro]
Runaway train never coming back
Runaway train tearing up the track
Runaway train burning in my veins
I run away, but it always seems the same

Dave can’t escape his trouble in life.

Final Thoughts:

The lyrics of Runaway train fit well into May’s Mental Health Awareness. When you are going through a difficult stretch in life like Dave, you need a support group to encourage you. Trying to deal with problems all alone may seem like a good idea at first, but the father of lies, the Devil, seeks to kill and destroy souls, John 10:10. Instead of allowing this train to keep on speeding ahead out of control, cry out to Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30. Lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus so that you can begin to heal.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 25

Posted on May 25, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Winger – Miles Away

Inspiration Behind Miles Away:

Paul Taylor wrote Miles Away, intending that Eric Martin of Mr. Big would agree to sing this. After declining this offer, Taylor gave Miles Away to Winger who released this on their In the Heart of the Young album. Taylor wrote Miles Away for his girlfriend Emi Canyn who was a member of Motley Crew at the time. The lyrics of Miles Away touches on the emotional anguish that occurs during a long-distance relationship.

Biblical Application:

When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[b] Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 6:20-23.

Exegesis of Miles Away:

(Verse 1)
So this is love, or so you tell me
As you’re walkin’, out the door
Months go by, and I know for certain
It’s not the love, I’m lookin’ for

Two rock stars and different schedules traveling on different tours is extremely hard to handle. These are the emotions that Paul in experiencing in his long distance relationship with Emi.

(Pre Chorus)
Some times, just for a moment
I reach out; hope you’re still there

Perhaps referring to a time of day that they tried to call each other.

(Chorus)
Miles away
No; you’re never turnin’ back
I just can’t wait anymore
Miles away
Nothin’ left of what we had
Just when I needed you most…
You were miles away…

When Paul was experiencing a rough time on tour, he needed someone to be there for him, but Emi was miles away.

(Verse 2)
It’s hard to tell, what you’re goin’ through
You kept your feelings locked inside of you
Open your heart, and chances are
What you’re feelin’, I’m feelin’ too

The frustrations of a long-distance relationship.

(Pre Chorus)
If only, just for a moment
Hold on, to the dreams that we had

A flashback of their relationship prior to being separated.

(Chorus)
Miles away
No; you’re never turnin’ back
I just can’t wait anymore
Miles away
Nothin’ left of what we had
Just when I needed you most
You were miles away

Time apart has slowly eroded the special connection that they once shared.

(Verse 3)
When times were tough, and you were down and out
Who was there by your side?
Now you’ve gone; I’m so tired of bein’ alone..
With only your promises…

This separation has gotten to Paul, losing hope that their relationship will ever be the same.

(Bridge)
Lonliness just fades away
Thoughts of you; just memories
No cryin’ now, for what we’re missin’
Time won’t forget what you meant to me Hold me, just for a moment
Hold on, to the dreams that we had

A glimmer of hope, a glimpse of what once was, fond memories of their beginning.

(Chorus)
Miles away
No; you’re never turnin’ back
I just can’t wait anymore
Miles away
Nothin’ left of what we had
Just when I needed you most, whoa-oh
Miles away
No; you’re never turnin’ back
I just can’t wait anymore
Miles away
Nothin’ left of what we had
Just when I needed you most.

(Outro)
You were mi-les a-way…

If there was a set time to reunite, hope could be salvaged. Yet 2 musicians on 2 different schedules doesn’t seem like it would ever work. This sentiment spawned the chorus, miles away. This is the sad reality of their relationship.

Final Thoughts:

I wrote this blog while being away from my wife Leanne for 8 weeks due to training for a new management position. Although I have been home for a few days, waiting for my next stretch of training, it still sucks to be separated by distance. Yet, we will be reunited in June so there are only a few weeks left until I’ll be back in Virginia for good. When Leanne and I first dated, we lived 8 hours away so I understand the message of Winger’s Miles Away.

by Jay Mankus

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