Tag Archives: love

The Message Behind the Music-February 9

Posted on February 9, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind I Just Called to Say I Love You:

Stevie Wonder’s mother had a huge influence on his life. Subsequently, when Lula Mae encouraged Stevie to call her more often, this conversation inspired the lyrics to I Just Called to Say I Love You. This song serves as a tribute to Stevie’s mother, informing his fans of her devotion and love. the lyrics remind individuals to remember your mom on special days throughout the year.

Biblical Application:

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. 2 From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. 3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4 Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt, 1 Samuel 18:1-4.

Exegesis of I Just Called to Say I Love You:

No New Year’s Day to celebrate
No chocolate covered candy hearts to give away
No first of Spring, no song to sing
In fact, here’s just another ordinary day

Stevie opens with times of the year where you want to be with someone. Either Stevie is depressed about being alone and blind or simply encouraging you can reach out to the one’s you care about on any ordinary day.

No April rain, no flowers bloom
No wedding Saturday within the month of June
But what it is, is something true
Made up of these three words that I must say to you

As Stevie goes through a typically calendar year, he is thinking about a heart-felt and simply way to express how you feel about someone.

I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart

I love you are the 3 words Stevie is alluding to. This isn’t meant as a form of flattery or trying to warm someone up to get what you want in return. Rather, for Stevie, this is a way to let an individual know that you care.

No summer’s high, no warm July
No harvest moon to light one tender August night
No autumn breeze, no falling leaves
Not even time for birds to fly to southern skies

Stevie uses imagery associated with the summer and fall as another opportunity to pick up the phone and thank your mother for all that she has done for you in life.

No Libra sun, no Halloween
No giving thanks to all the Christmas joy you bring
But what it is, though old, so new
To fill your heart like no three words could ever do

A simple affirmation, encouraging comment or uplifting word can make the difference between a good and bad day at work.

I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care, I do
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart

While comments like I love you are usually saved for family, close friends like David and Jonathan in the Bible weren’t afraid to express how they felt about one another.

I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care, I do
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart

Of my heart
Of my heart

Be a messenger of hope, joy and love.

No New Year’s Day to celebrate
No chocolate covered candy hearts to give away
But what it is, is something true
Made up of these three words that I must say to you

Don’t let another year go by without telling special people in your life how much they mean to you.

I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart

You don’t have to be eloquent. Simply express your love for others.

I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care, I do
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart

Of my heart
Of my heart (baby, of my heart)

According to King Solomon, the human heart is the well spring of life. When you guard and protect your heart, you’ll be able to freely express your love to others throughout the year.

Final Thoughts:

When I was in college, I decided to stay over a friend’s house who lived close to work. When I made this decision, it was 2AM in the morning, before cell phones and sending texts. This failure to communicate led my mom to think something horrible happened to me, worrying her to death. This is one of the worst days of my life, vowing to call in the middle of the night going forward. Mom’s want to know that you’re doing okay.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 8: Theme for Week 2-Learning to Love

Posted on February 8, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind I Want to Know What Love Is:

The song I Want to Know What Love Is stems from the personal experiences in the life of Mick Jones as he searched for true love. As Mick reflected upon failed relationships from his past, the lyrics convey his journey to grow in his understanding of love. Former emotional connections and internal struggles served as a blueprint for these lyrics. During the initial recording of I Want to Know What Love Is, a gospel choir was added to provide a spiritual dynamic to this classic ballad.

Week 2 Theme:

Learning to love is conceived by a sense of desperation where you are trying to save a special relationship. This process includes being open to change, curious and eager to love your significant other. Instead of limiting your relationship to the physical, growing in love requires studying your partner to build communication intimacy.

Biblical Application:

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love, 1 John 4:13-18.

Exegesis of I Want to Know What Love Is:

I gotta take a little time
A little time to think things over
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when I’m older

Mick is trying to learn from his previous mistakes in life. Instead of rushing into a new relationship, Mick needs some time to heal, to figure out what went wrong so he avoids making the same mistake in the future.

Aha

This mountain I must climb
Feels like a world upon my shoulders
Through the clouds I see love shine
It keeps me warm as life grows colder

Broken relationship often leads to soul searching, recovering from the pit of despair. This mountain is symbolic of growing up to reach new heights in life. This climb isn’t easy, but if you stick with it, you’ll be rewarded with glimpses of love. The hope of love kept Mick going in life, even when those around him were full of callous and cold hearts.

In my life there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
Can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far
To change this lonely life

Intimate relationships can take an emotional toll on you. Sometimes the pain is so great that you don’t know if you will be able to carry on. Yet if you want to complete your quest for love by escaping loneliness, you must press on.

I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me

Either Mick is crying out to God in prayer to better understand love or he is entering a new relationship and is open to being taught what love is. Please show me.

Yeah
Gotta take a little time
A little time to look around me
I’ve got nowhere left to hide
It looks like love has finally found me

Mick’s journey for real love is standing in front of him. Instead of being afraid to fall in love, being vulnerable is where love can be conceived.

In my life there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
Can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far
To change this lonely life

Mick appears to come to a point in his life where he is ready to face his fears of having his heart broken again.

I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me

Although Mick still isn’t sure about love, he is open and teachable.

I wanna know what love is (I wanna know)
I want you to show me (I wanna feel)
And I wanna feel, I want to feel what love is
(I know and I know and I know)
And I know, I know you can show me

This certainty about his new girlfriend is a sign that she has demonstrated love to Mick in the early stages of their relationship.

Let’s talk about love
I wanna know what love is, love that you feel inside
I want you to show me, and I’m feeling so much love
I wanna feel what love is, and you know, you just cannot hide
I know you can show me, yeah

Mick wants to learn what love is so that he can begin living this out.

I wanna know what love is
I know you can show me
I wanna feel, I wanna feel what love is
And I know, you just can’t hide
I know you can show me

Mick is making progress as he is growing in love in this new relationship.

Final Thoughts:

All relationships that I have been in come to a crossroads where effort and time by both parties are necessary. Like Mick, in my younger years, I had no clue what love was which led to their demise. As I grew in my Christian faith in college, I began to see subtle changes as I made Jesus the Lord of my life. Like the words of 1 John 4, when glimpses of the Holy Spirit shine through, you become a vessel of love. Although this search for love should never end, take one day at a time, praying that you become an advocate of love.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 7

Posted on February 7, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind All Out of Love:

A rerecording of Air Supply’s “Lost in Love,” in the United States immediately went to the top of the charts in the late 1970’s. Caught off guard by this instant success, this Australian based band scrambled to write another song which would build upon Lost in Love. Graham Russell took a different approach when it came to All Out of Love, focusing on the anguish of love. Inspiration flowed through Graham, writing All Out of Love in one day at his Sydney apartment on a piano he’d had delivered solely for the purpose of song writing.

Biblical Connection:

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work, 2 Timothy 3:15-17.

Exegesis of All Out of Love:

I’m lying alone with my head on the phone
Thinking of you ’til it hurts
I know you’re hurt too, but what else can we do?
Tormented and torn apart

Before the invention of cell phones and the internet, couples racked up expensive monthly phone bills, trying to keep their long-distance relationship alive. Although this first stanza is unclear, this couple is either separated by hundreds of miles or recently broke up.

I wish I could carry your smile in my heart
For times when my life seems so low
It would make me believe what tomorrow could bring
When today doesn’t really know, doesn’t really know

The future of this couple’s relationship is up in the air. Separated by distance, all they currently have is the memories with one another and talking on the phone.

I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you
I know you were right believing for so long
I’m all out of love, what am I without you?
I can’t be too late to say that I was so wrong

Either Graham is emotionally exhausted from this long-distance relationship or the love in his heart has grown cold and cynical. Did she break it off or did she convince him that their love could overcome the long distance. Whatever really happened, Graham regrets it.

I want you to come back and carry me home
Away from these long lonely nights
I’m reaching for you, are you feeling it too?
Does the feeling seem, oh, so right?

Graham wants a second chance at love. He can’t let her go as the feeling deep inside of him is only intensifying.

And what would you say if I called on you now
And said that I can’t hold on?
There’s no easy way, it gets harder each day
Please love me, or I’ll be gone, I’ll be gone

The situation within this relationship has become clear. The girlfriend is having second thoughts, leaving Graham on the edge of his seat. Tired of this uncertainty, he just wants to know if it’s over or do you want me back.

I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you
I know you were right believing for so long
I’m all out of love, what am I without you?
I can’t be too late to say that I was so wrong

Love can be cruel, especially when the person you love is playing mind games with you. This is the exhaustion that Graham is trying to express.

Oh, what are you thinking of?
What are you thinking of?
What are you thinking of?
What are you thinking of?

Let me know so that I start the healing process if we’re through.

I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you
I know you were right believing for so long
I’m all out of love, what am I without you?
I can’t be too late, I know I was so wrong

This anguish reminds me of attractive Junior High girls who would pretend to like me only to giggle and gossip with their friends at lunch.

I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you
I know you were right believing for so long
I’m all out of love, what am I without you?
I can’t be too late, I know I was so wrong

An example of when love drives men crazy.

I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you
I know you were right believing for so long
I’m all out of love, what am I without you?
I can’t be too late to say that I was so wrong

(I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you)
(I know you were right)

These are cries for help from a broken and wounded heart.

Final Thoughts:

I was always the guy that attractive females in high school and college who would want to become friends with but were never interested in dating. On a couple of occasions, I literally severed all ties with a few girls who wanted to spend time with me, but I couldn’t because like Graham. I wanted more than just a friendship. This is the anguish and pain of love.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 6

Posted on February 6, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Separate Ways:

Divorce was rare when I grew up as a teenager listening to Journey. Yet when guitarist Neal Schon and Bassist Ross Valory both went through painful divorces, these experiences shaped Journey’s Worlds Apart album. Song writers Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain were moved to find something positive amidst these tumultuous relationships. Steve and Jonathan wrote Separate Ways while on tour as a means to bring healing to their friends.

Biblical Application:

Some Pharisees came to him (Jesus) to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” 4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’[a] 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’[b]? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate,” Matthew 19:3-6.

Exegesis of Separate Ways:

Here we stand
Worlds apart, hearts broken in two, two, two
Sleepless nights
Losing ground, I’m reachin’ for you, you, you

The we in the opening stanza refers to marriages of Neal and Ross. What these 2 couples once had has now vanished. Broken hearts and sleepless nights are all the remains, wondering what went wrong. Despite feeling worlds apart, hope for restoration has not been lost.

Feelin’ that it’s gone
Could change your mind
If we can’t go on
To survive the tide, love divides

Too many adults fall into the feeling of love without fully understanding what love in the context of marriage requires. This is what likely led to this desperate situation. Once a partner’s mind is made up to leave a marriage, it’s only a matter of time. Love doesn’t divide; it’s the decision to give up on love, your marriage vows, which ultimately results in divorce.

Someday, love will find you
Break those chains that bind you
One night will remind you
How we touched and went our separate ways

When love returns to an individual who has been divorced, doubt symbolizes chains which may prevent this person from wanting to enter another relationship. When you are with someone new, your mind may still be with the person you divorced. Meanwhile, emotional soul ties with former relationships don’t just suddenly go away. The apostle Paul explains this special bond in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.

If he ever hurts you
True love won’t desert you
You know I still love you
Though we touched and went our separate ways

Despite the divorces of these 2 band members, they want their former wife to be treated right. Biblical love won’t desert you, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Troubled times
Caught between confusion and pain, pain, pain
Distant eyes
Promises we made were in vain, in vain, in vain

This stanza highlights the events which lead to divorce. Difficult times, confusion, pain, growing apart and promises that weren’t kept.

If you must go, I wish you love
You’ll never walk alone
Take care my love
Miss you, love

A prayer for the future, wishing the best if this relationship can’t be saved.

Someday, love will find you
Break those chains that bind you
One night will remind you
How we touched and went our separate ways

This chorus points to the healing process after any divorce.

If he ever hurts you
True love won’t desert you
You know I still love you
Though we touched and went our separate ways

Wanting the best for someone who no longer wants you requires humility.

Oh

Someday, love will find you
Break those chains that bind you
One night will remind you

Those chains can also refer to an addiction or bad habit which lead to the demise of this relationship.

If he ever hurts you
True love won’t desert you
You know I still love you

As DC Talk once sang, love is a verb, not just a word.

I still love you, girl
I really love you, girl

A fond farewell, perhaps hoping for a second chance.

And if he ever hurts you
True love won’t desert you

No
No

If adults would stop talking by spending more time demonstrating acts of life, this world would have a lot less divorces and more thriving marriages.

Final Thoughts:

While in high school and college, I didn’t know what love was. Like many boys my age, I told several girls that I loved them. Subsequently, when I met my wife Leanne, I told her that I would never verbalize the word love until I was willing to marry her. Before I proposed. I began reading books on love where I was introduced to the concept of developing the will to love. Once I took ownership of the will to love, this unswerving desire has resulted in 30 years of marriage.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 5

Posted on February 5, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling

You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling is a classic ballad sung by numerous artists over the past 70 years. However, the original version was written by a trio of songwriters: Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Phil Spector. The lyrics struck a chord with anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love. The writers point to signs where intimacy starts to fade away such as “you never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips.” The lyrics also serve as a warning to those blinded by love with a message love doesn’t always last.

Biblical Application:

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 10 “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve,” Jeremiah 17:9-10.

Exegesis of You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling:

You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips
And there’s no tenderness like before in your fingertips
You’re trying hard not to show it (baby)
But baby, baby I know it

The passion of this relationship is starting to wear off. This initial excitement is fading away. Either the spark has dimmed or this relationship is becoming stale.

You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’
Whoa, that lovin’ feelin’
You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’
Now it’s gone, gone, gone

What has changed? Is their love just a feeling? Whatever happened, it is now noticeable.

Now there’s no welcome look in your eyes when I reach for you

The body language shows some type of disinterest.

And now your’re starting to critisize little things I do
It makes me just feel like crying (baby)
‘Cause baby, somethin’ beautiful’s dyin’

When inirial feelings of love start to fade, you become who you truly are. The gentle spirit and kindness vanishes, treating your significant other like everyone else.

You lost that lovin’ feelin’
Whoa, that lovin’ feelin’
You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’
Now it’s gone, gone, gone

Now that love is starting to slip away, what can be done to save your relationship?

Baby, baby, I get down on my knees for you

The man is trying to win back his love, begging and humbling himself.

If you would only love me like you used to do, yeah
We had a love… a love… a love you don’t find everyday
So don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t let it slip away

I thought we had something special, what went wrong? The man is willing to do whatever it takes to save this relationship.

Baby (baby), baby (baby)
I beg you please (please), please (please)
I need your love (I need your love), I need your love (I need your love)
So bring it on back (so bring it on back), bring it on back (so bring it on back)
Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
Whoa, that lovin’ feelin’

Remember what we had? Please come back to how this all started. Ignite the flame which brought us together.

Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
‘Cause it’s gone, gone, gone
And I can’t go on
Woooo

This stanza serves as a call to action. Hoping to regain what they had.

Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
Whoa, that lovin’ feelin’
Bring back that lovin’ feelin’
‘Cause it’s gone, gone

A plea for love, think about what made us a great couple.

Final Thoughts:

I normally played the role of the desperate partner, trying to hold on to the past. This is where love becomes a will, not just a feeling. When two people have a resolve to endure whatever trials they may face, relationships are salvageable. Unfortunately, when one person starts to experience the worse portion of a vow, most bail, giving up on love. This is when hearts and minds must press on, taking negative thought captive, 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 so that love endures.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 3

Posted on February 3, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind It Must Have Been Love:

Gessle wanted to convey a message within a song with Roxette that love may be lost, but it is never forgotten. It Must Have Been Love was a perfect fit for the film Pretty Woman starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. This song addresses the theme of love and loss, especially when human beings become vulnerable by opening up about past failures in life. This timeless classic resonates with individuals who have endured the painful reality of lost love.

Biblical Connection:

If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

Exegesis of It Must Have Been Love:

It must have been love
But it’s over now
Lay a whisper
On my pillow
Leave the winter
On the ground
I wake up lonely
There’s air of silence
In the bedroom
And all around
Touch me now
I close my eyes
And dream away

Whenever a relationship ends, there is a noticeable difference. You grow so accustomed to being together and having someone in your life that you forget what it’s like to be alone. The lyrics in the opening stanza illustrate this eerie silence.

It must have been love
But it’s over now
It must have been good
But I lost it somehow

The feeling of love vanished when this significant other left ia brought up. This relationship seemed like true love, but was lost for some unknown reason.

It must have been love
But it’s over now
From the moment we touched
Till the time had run out

The love this song is referring to is based upon emotions, focused too much on the physical aspect of a relationship.

Make believing
We’re together
That I’m sheltered
By your heart
But in and outside
I turned to water
Like a teardrop
In your palm

Sometime a relationship can begin like a Hollywood movie, too good to be true. When the honeymoon period is over, you have to work at a relationship to keep it going. If you don’t, everything you dreamed of can fall apart.

And it’s a hard
Winter’s day
I dream away

Dreaming is getting her through his absence.

It must have been love
But it’s over now
It was all that I wanted
Now, I’m living without
It must have been love
But it’s over now
It’s where the water flows
It’s where the wind blows

Love requires action. Anyone can say, “I love you,” but true love is lived out like the analogy shared by the apostle Pail in 1 Corinthians 13.

It must have been love
But it’s over now
It must have been good
But I lost it somehow
It must have been love
But it’s over now
From the moment we touched
Till the time had run out
Yeah, it must have been love
But it’s over now
It was all that I wanted
Now, I’m living without
It must have been love
But it’s over now
It’s where the water flows
It’s where the wind blows
It must have been love
But it’s over now

This extended chorus is searching for answers to why this relationship ended.

It must have been love
But it’s over now

Perhaps, watching Pretty Woman will provide further insight into the complexities of love.

Final Thoughts:

I had to write a research paper for a Philosophy class in college on Pretty Woman. I had to use philosophical terms to explain why a woman would turn to prostitution. While I don’t recall my final conclusion, I do see a lack of genuine love lived out by members of society. Instead of being doers of the Word of God by emulating the love of Jesus, too many people are all talk and no action. May today’s blog inspire you to demonstrate acts of love daily to give hope to others who have given up on love.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 2

Posted on February 2, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Exegesis of Love Bites:

The initial plan for Love Bites was designed to be a country ballad. Def Leppard took what was presented by their producer and added elements of rock mixed with rhythm and blues. The lyrics explore a fear of falling in love. Perhaps, band members were thinking about a good friend who they had thoughts of becoming emotionally involved with but didn’t want to ruin what they already had.

Biblical Connection:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Exegesis of Love Bites:

If you’ve got love in your sights
Watch out, love bites

The expression love bites can be explained by co-authors Chester and Betsy Kylstra in their book Restoring the Foundations. Chester refers to emotional wounds to your heart as soul ties. This encapsulates any brokenness, depression and pain from a previous relationship. This is the warning for anyone thinking about falling in love.

When you make love, do you look in your mirror?
Who do you think of, does he look like me?
Do you tell lies and say that it’s forever?
Do you think twice or just touch and see?

Who are you thinking about when you have sex? Are you stuck in the past, using your current relationships as some sort of an emotional rebound? Or have you moved on, focused on the present person in your life? The final 2 lines point to pain from the past, empty promises of love that were never fulfilled. The second warning about love is think before you act.

Ooh, babe
Oh, yeah

When you’re alone, do you let go?
Are you wild and willin’ or is it just for show?
Ooh, come on

The man behind the lyrics wants to know if his current relationship is more than just sex.

I don’t want to touch you too much, baby
‘Cause makin’ love to you might drive me crazy
I know you think that love is the way you make it
So I don’t wanna be there when you decide to break it, no

There is a fear of getting their heart broken again. Subsequently, it would be better to remain friends rather than having sex as this act changes everything as well as expectations.

Love bites, love bleeds
It’s bringin’ me to my knees

From the bands learned experiences in life, love has been more painful than pleasant. These past relationships have scarred members of the band, becoming hesitant about jumping into future relationships. This is why in their opinion love bites.

Final Thoughts:

Failed relationships have taken a toll on me over the first 20 years of my life. One led to a nervous breakdown, others left a trail of heart break and one in college left me scarred for several years. Yet, when God is the center of your relationship, love can be beautiful. Despite the positives of love, it still requires work like the words of the apostle Paul, learning to love others like Jesus taught.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-January 28

Posted on January 28, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Sweet Child of Mine:

During a jam session at Guns N Roses’ home in Los Angeles, guitarist Slash began playing a circus melody. While this melody was initially dismissed, Axl Rose and his girlfriend at the time Erin, co-wrote the lyrics to Sweet Child of Mine. As these two reminisced about their childhood, Slash’s circus melody seemed to make a perfect match.

Biblical Application:

In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them. 6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it, Proverbs 22:5-6.

Exegesis of Sweet Child of Mine:

She’s got a smile that it seems to me
Reminds me of childhood memories
Where everything was as fresh
As the bright blue sky

The newness of Axl’s relationship with Erin reminded him of simpler times living as a child.

Now and then when I see her face
She takes me away to that special place
And if I stared too long
I’d probably break down and cry

Axl was in a great place in life after meeting Erin. He feels blessed and fortunate.

Whoa, oh-oh
Sweet child o’ mine
Whoa, oh-oh-oh
Sweet love of mine

Either Erin is younger or pictures of her as a child who makes Axl feel special.

She’s got eyes of the bluest skies
As if they thought of rain
I’d hate to look into those eyes
And see an ounce of pain

Axl is scared of hurting Erin, overwhelmed by the beauty of her eyes.

Her hair reminds me of a warm, safe place
Where as a child I’d hide
And pray for the thunder and the rain
To quietly pass me by

Erin must be a beautiful woman. Being with her has become Axl’s happy place.

Whoa, oh-oh
Sweet child of mine
Whoa-whoa, oh-oh, oh-oh
Sweet love of mine

The chorus reflects the happiness within Axl’s heart.

Whoa, oh-oh, yeah
Whoa, oh-oh-oh, sweet child of mine
Whoa-oh, whoa-oh, sweet love of mine
Whoa, oh-oh-oh, sweet child of mine, ooh, yeah
Ooh-ooh, sweet love of mine

This extended chorus reinforces Axl’s gratitude.

Where do we go? Where do we go now?
Where do we go? Mm-mm, oh
Where do we go? Where do we go now?
Oh, where do we go now?
Where do we go? (Sweet child)
Mm-huh, where do we go now?

This stanza suggests uncertainty in their relationship. What’s the next step? Was Axl considering marriage? At some point, there is a desire to take this relationship deeper, to the next level.

(Where do we go?) Ah-yah-yah-yah-yah-yah-yah-yah-oh
(Where do we go?)
Ooh, where do we go now? (Where do we go?)
Uh-uh-uh, uh-uh-uh-oh

There is uncertainty, a cause for concern.

Where do we go?
Oh-oh, where do we go now?
Oh, where do we go?
Where do we go now?

The more you think about something, the more stressful it becomes.

Where do we go?
Whoa-oh, where do we go now?
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, sweet child
Sweet child of mine

The conclusion opens the door for either a joint decision to move on or end this relationship.

Final Thoughts:

Depending upon your childhood, you either have fond memories or you’re glad to be an adult. Since life is full of distractions, there is always something or someone pulling you away from the people you love. Relationships can be exhausting. Yet, if you have the will to love and God is the center of your relationship, you have a better chance to stick with it for better or for worse.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-January 25

Posted on January 25, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind My Generation:

After his Packard was towed, Pete Townsend reflected upon his life experiences growing up in Great Britain. The lyrics were inspired by the Queen Mother of England and by the Moses Allison song Young Man’s Blues. At the time My Generation was composed, Townsend was lost, struggling to find his place in this world. These are the emotions that spawned My Generation.

Biblical Application:

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10 So do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand, Isaiah 41:9-10.

Exegesis of My Generation:

People try to put us d-down (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Just because we g-get around (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Things they do look awful c-c-c-cold (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I hope I die before I get old (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)

Pete is frustrated by the oppression he is experiencing. He doesn’t like the direction society is heading. Wishing to die before he grows old.

This is my generation
This is my generation, baby

This is a microscopic depiction of Pete’s generation.

Why don’t you all fade away (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
And don’t try to dig what we all s-s-say (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I’m not trying to cause a big s-sensation (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I’m just talkin’ ’bout my g-g-g-generation (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)

Questioning what’s going on in society is taboo. Authority figures see this as a sign of pessimism and rebellion. Don’t make such a fuss about current events. This is a glimpse of Pete’s generation.

This is my generation
This is my generation, baby

This is how Pete sees his generation.

Why don’t you all fade away (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
And don’t try to dig what we all s-s-s-say (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I’m not trying to cause a big sensation (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I’m just talkin’ ’bout my g-g-g-generation (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)

Pete feels like society is trying to silence him. Perhaps, Pete is referring to the mentality, lets just sweep things under the rug and hope everything goes away instead of dealing with it.

This is my generation
This is my generation, baby
My, my generation
My, my, my, my generation

The repetitive chorus underscores Pete’s perspective of his generation.

People try to put us d-down (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Just because we g-g-get around (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Things they do look awful c-c-cold (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Yeah, I hope I die before I get old (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)

Pete feels like he is being held back, stopping cultural progress. This is how he sees things.

This is my generation
This is my generation, baby
My, my, my, my g-g-gen-generation

Talkin’ about my generation
My generation
This is my generation, baby
My generation

This is my generation
This is my generation
This is my generation

The final 3 stanzas are an extended chorus. Pete is a voice singing about how other people his age see what is going on within his generation.

Final Thoughts:

As an individual part of Generation X, my thoughts on society are that work ethic is dying. Whether this is due to apathy, a lack of discipline or widespread egocentrism, most people would rather talk than work. Despite this current trend, I still believe that work ethic can be saved if individuals are held accountable and pushed to reach new heights.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-January 15

Posted on January 15, 2026 by expressyourself4him

The Inspiration Behind Dream On:

Steven Tyler’s father was a classical musician. Subsequently, when you are exposed to artists such as Bach and Chopin as a child, this influences how you want to create and compose modern-day music. This creative process began within a house in Foxboro, Massachusetts as band members from Aerosmith worked on their debut album. Steven had a vision for Dream On to include an orchestra arrangement with a dramatic progression to pick of the pace. The chorus for Dream On was conceived from Steven’s thoughts about life and desire to become a lead singer.

Biblical Application:

This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.[b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile,” Jeremiah 29:10-14.

Exegesis of Dream On:

Every time when I look in the mirror
All these lines on my face getting clearer
The past is gone
It went by like dusk to dawn

Steven is reflecting upon staring into a mirror, likely to practice singing. Whether as a child or aspiring lead singer, this time has passed, vanishing so quickly.

Isn’t that the way?
Everybody’s got their dues in life to pay, yeah

Sometimes people have to work in other areas of interest in life just to pay their bills before being able to pursue their dreams.

I know nobody knows
Where it comes and where it goes
I know and everybody sin
You got to lose to know how to win

Steven appears to refer to life as a series of trial and error to figure what they truly want to do in life as well as ascertaining right from wrong. You have to fail before you learn how to succeed.

Half my life’s in books’ written pages
Live and learn from fools and from sages
You know it’s true
All the feelings come back to you

Either Steven refers to life as a book in progress or half of his life is now history. As you live and learn from your past, you want to make sure you don’t keep making the same mistake over and over again.

Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tear
Sing it with me, if it’s just for today
Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away

Nobody knows the future. You may have a sense of what lies ahead tomorrow, but for now enjoy the present. If today is your last day on earth, make the most of it.

Well, sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tear
Sing it with me, if it’s just for today
Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away

By repeating the chorus, Steven is inviting the audience to live in the moment.

Dream on, dream on, dream on
Dream until your dream come true
Dream on, dream on, dream on
Dream until your dream come true

Don’t give up on your life’s aspirations. Don’t settle for what others what you to be. Rather, strive for the dreams, hopes and goals that God created you to fulfill in life.

Dream on, dream on, dream on, dream on
Dream on, dream on, dream on, ah!

Don’t ever give up on your dreams.

Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tear
Sing it with me, if it’s just for today
Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away

Seize the moment; enjoy this concert by singing with me.

Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tear
Sing it with me, if it’s just for today
Maybe tomorrow the good Lord will take you away

Use singing as a vessel for healing.

Final Thoughts:

Everyone’s life is on a certain trajectory. You may be pleased with the direction you or currently going in or want to use 2026 as a year to transition in a different direction. Wherever you are in life, don’t settle for mediocracy. Instead, don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams and passions in life. While you may not succeed, you’ll never know if you don’t try.

by Jay Mankus

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