Tag Archives: love

3 Doors Down – Here Without You (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind Here Without You:

Here Without You was spawn from the personal experiences of Brad Arnold. After being separated from his wife, Brad composed a ballad about being apart from and missing someone. The lyrics of Here Without You convey loneliness as well as a sense of comfort and peace to tarry on without this individual. You could say that this Three Doors Down song is a modern version of Journey’s Separate Ways, expressing a similar sentiment.

Biblical Application:

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose, Philippians 2:12-13.

Exegesis of Here Without You:

A hundred days that made me older
Since the last time that I saw your pretty face
A thousand lies have made me colder
And I don’t think I can look at this the same

More than 3 months have passed since Brad has been with his former lover. Brad spent plenty of time deep in thought, as well as justifications and untruths to ease his pain. This time away has changed his perception.

But all the miles that separate
They disappear now when I’m dreaming of your face

Bard is referring to the deep soul ties that he shared with this woman, unable to get her face out of his mind.

I’m here without you, baby, but you’re still on my lonely mind
I think about you, baby, and I dream about you all the time
I’m here without you, baby, but you’re still with me in my dreams
And tonight, it’s only you and me, yeah

The chorus begins with a harsh reality, it’s hard to let go of her. A day doesn’t go by without a simple reminder of what they shared together. Brad still hasn’t gotten used to her not being part of his life.

The miles just keep rolling
As the people leave their way to say hello
I’ve heard this life is overrated
But I hope that it gets better as we go, oh, yeah, yeah

Perhaps a reference that with each day apart, their relationship is becoming more distant. When couples first break up, there is an awkwardness to say hello. Meanwhile, being single again for Brad is not what he expected. Despite this transition, Brad hopes that it gets easier to heal in the future.

I’m here without you, baby, but you’re still on my lonely mind
I think about you, baby, and I dream about you all the time
I’m here without you, baby, but you’re still with me in my dreams
And tonight, girl, it’s only you and me

This life without each other is taking Brad longer than expected to heal his lonely heart. Perhaps, the final 2 lines serve as an olive branch, a chance for reconciliation.

Everything I know (yeah), and anywhere I go, oh (yeah)
It gets hard, but it won’t take away my love (yeah, yeah)
And when the last one falls, when it’s all said and done (oh)
It gets hard, but it won’t take away my love
Oh, oh

Just because our relationship ended, I still have a special place for you in my heart. Once the healing process has come to an end, Brad won’t forget all the special moments that they shared together.

I’m here without you, baby, but you’re still on my lonely mind
I think about you, baby, and I dream about you all the time
I’m here without you, baby, but you’re still with me in my dreams
And tonight, girl, it’s only you and me

This woman was too special to forget right away. Letting go will take time.

Yeah, oh, yeah
Oh, oh

Brad is not ready for a new relationship as she is still always on his mind.

Final Thoughts:

Every relationship is just one bad choice away from being rocked to its core. Sometimes it’s a moment of lust or weakness that implants sinful thoughts within your mind. Unless you practice taking your thoughts captive, these evil thoughts will eventually be acted upon. Subsequently. if you want to preserve the special relationship that you currently have, become deeply rooted in Christ Jesus, Colossians 2:6-7.

by Jay Mankus

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

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

Sheryl Crow – Soak Up The Sun

Inspiration Behind Soak Up the Sun:

Sheryl Crow and Jeff Trout were on a flight from Portland, Oregon to New York City. On this particular day, it was pouring upon takeoff and sunny when they arrived. This concept of soaking up the sun provided a dual meaning for Cheryl who was recovering from surgery at the time this song was created. The composition of the lyrics to Soak Up the Sun included a discussion on real life issues like the Columbine high school shooting. These current events led to themes of resilience and gratitude with Soak Up the Sun.

Biblical Application:

Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. ³ From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised, Psalm 113:2-3.

Exegesis of Soak Up the Sun:

My friend the communist
Holds meetings in his RV
I can’t afford his gas
So I’m stuck here watching TV

Despite your political leanings and how this belief impacts local economies, a sunny day can bring different people together.

[Verse 2]
I don’t have digital
I don’t have diddly-squat
It’s not having what you want
It’s wanting what you’ve got

This stanza is about gratitude Instead of thinking about what other people have in life, be thankful for the blessings you do have in life.

[Chorus]
I’m gonna soak up the sun
I’m gonna tell everyone to lighten up
I’m gonna tell ’em that I’ve got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame, I’m lookin’ up

Use sunny days as to recreate. Leave any anxieties, concerns or worries at the front door as you Soak Up the Sun outside.

[Post-Chorus]
I’m gonna soak up the sun
I’m gonna soak up the sun

Seize any sunny days that the good Lord provides.

[Verse 3]
I’ve got a crummy job
It don’t pay near enough
To buy the things it’d take
To win me some of your love

Focusing on a stage in life where many people find themselves, not satisfied with their income or occupation. This impacts your social status and ability to attract others who make more money than you.

[Pre-Chorus]
Every time I turn around
I’m lookin’ up, you’re lookin’ down
Maybe something’s wrong with you
That makes you act the way you do

A powerful stanza about a reality in life. Everyone has a backstory which influences how you act and behave. Unless you get to know someone, you’ll never truly understand why they act the way that they do.

[Chorus]
I’m, I’m gonna soak up the sun
I’m gonna tell everyone to lighten up
I’m gonna tell ’em that I’ve got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame, I’m lookin’ up

The sun can be relaxing if you take your mind off of the stressful aspects in your life. This is the call to lighten up. The last 2 lines provides an important life lesson. Don’t blame others for your lack of progress or success in life. When you are having a bad day, go outside and soak up the sun.

[Bridge]
I’m gonna soak up the sun
While it’s still free
I’m gonna soak up the sun
Before it goes out on me

Having fun in the sun is still free unless you have to pay for beach parking or beach tags. Seize each sunny day.

[Verse 4]
Don’t have no master suite
But I’m still the king of me
You have a fancy ride, but baby
I’m the one who has the key

A stanza about wealth and perspectives as you go through life.

[Pre-Chorus]
Every time I turn around
I’m lookin’ up, you’re lookin’ down
Maybe something’s wrong with you
That makes you act the way you do May I am crazy too

People are different and respond differently. One person may be soaking up the sun on a beach and the person next to them is focused on social media and texting. These differences conceived judgments that may be accurate or wrong.

[Chorus]
I’m gonna soak up the sun
I’m gonna tell everyone to lighten up
I’m gonna tell ’em that I’ve got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame, I’m lookin’ up
I’m gonna soak up the sun
I’m gonna tell everyone to lighten up (To lighten up)
I’m gonna tell ’em that I’ve got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame, I’m lookin’ up (I’m lookin’ up)

Let a sunny day serve as a form of healing. Don’t bring your personal baggage as a way to play the victim card. Take responsibility for your actions, lighten up and enjoy every summer day in your future.

[Outro]
I’m gonna soak up the sun
I got my 45 on
So I can rock on

Sheryl is pleased with the outcome of Soak up the Sun.

Final Thoughts:

Bringing politics into music has ruined my enjoyment of several artists and bands that I once adored in college. If these musicians would have simply saved their political views for debates and discussions with friends, people like me would be more into music. However, Soak Up the Sun provides an important life lesson if you are open minded. The next time you are out soaking up the sun, allow good weather to unite, not divide. Seek to find a common ground or things you share in common. This mindset and perspective would make this world a better place to live.

by Jay Mankus

Katrina & The Waves – Walking On Sunshine (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind Walking on Sunshine:

Guitarist Kimberley Rew’s original idea for Walking on Sunshine was for this to be a ballad. However, after writing the lyrics, it was apparent that this fun song needed to be more up-tempo. The overriding theme for Walking on Sunshine is joy, passionate about the life you are about to live. You are not just walking, you are floating in the air, fueled by a beautiful day.

Biblical Application:

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? ⁸ He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly^[a] with your God, Micah 6:7-8.

Exegesis of Walking on Sunshine:

[Intro]
Ow
Mmm, yeah

Setting the tone with excitement and enthusiasm.

[Verse 1]
I used to think maybe you loved me, now, baby, I’m sure
And I just can’t wait ’til the day when you knock on my door
Now every time I go for the mailbox, I’ve gotta hold myself down
‘Cause I just can’t wait ’til you write me you’re coming around

Kimberley thought that someone she was interested in her loved her. She is waiting for him to ask her out, She is also waiting for a letter from him as well.

[Chorus]
Now I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh
I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh
I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh
And don’t it feel good?
Hey, alright now
And don’t it feel good?
Hey, yeah

She is in a great mood, excited about the future while celebrating today.

[Verse 2]
I used to think maybe you loved me, now I know that it’s true
And I don’t want to spend my whole life just awaiting for you
Now, I don’t want you back for the weekend, not back for a day, ah-no-no
I said, baby, I just want you back, and I want you to stay, oh, yeah, now

The potential of this future relationship is boosting her morale.

[Chorus]
I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh
I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh
I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh-oh
And don’t it feel good?
Hey, alright now
And don’t it feel good?
Yeah, oh, yeah, now
And don’t it feel good?

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This chorus points to a positive state of mind.

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[Bridge]
Walking on sunshine
Walking on sunshine
I feel alive, I feel a love
I feel a love that’s really real
I feel alive, I feel a love
I feel a love that’s really real
I’m on sunshine, baby, oh, oh, yeah
I’m on sunshine, baby, oh

She is on an emotional high with love on her mind,

[Chorus]
I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh
I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh
I’m walking on sunshine, woah-oh-oh
And don’t it feel good?
Hey, alright now
And don’t it feel good?

This repetitive chorus points to a positive state of mind, feeling great.

[Outro]
I’ll say it, I’ll say it, I’ll say it again now
And don’t it feel good?
Ho, yeah, now
And don’t it feel good?
Now don’t it, don’t it, don’t it, don’t it, don’t it
Don’t it feel good?
I’ll say it, I’ll say it, I’ll say it again now
And don’t it feel good?
Oh, don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t
And don’t it feel good?
Now tell me, tell me, tell me again now
And don’t it feel good?
Ho, yeah, now
And don’t it feel good?
Oh, don’t it feel good, don’t it feel good?
Now don’t it feel good?
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah, oh, yeah (And don’t it feel good?)
Oh, yeah-yeah-yeah
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
Oh, yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah (And don’t it feel good?)
Oh, yeah-yeah
Oh, yeah-yeah (And don’t it feel good?)
Oh, yeah-yeah-yeah, woo (And don’t it feel good?)

This final stanza reminds me of a high school girl who is in love, telling all of our friends how great this guy is.

Final Thoughts:

I would live in die with sports and relationships in high school. When I was in love, I was the happiest boy in school. When I got dumped, this joy turned into misery. This emotional roller coaster sucked the joy out of my life. As I matured in college, I began to become even keel, trying to avoid getting my hopes up. Yet when you find the right person, I understand the excitement that Kimberley expresses in Walking on Sunshine,

by Jay Mankus