Tag Archives: Mental Health

The Message Behind the Music-March 28

Posted on March 28, 2026 by expressyourself4him

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING TO? | DIANA ROSS | AUDIO SONG LYRICS

Inspiration Behind Do You Know Where You’re Going to?

Michael Masser and Gerry Goffin wrote Do You Know Where You’re Going To for the 1975 film Mahogany. As the lead actress in Mahogany, Diana sang this theme song for the film. Mahogany is about a young black woman named Tracey Chambers who aspires to become a fashion designer in Chicago. Along this journey, the lyrics to Do You Know Where You’re Going To fit in as Tracey seeks to figure out the right career path to take to fulfill her dreams.

Biblical Application: (a worst-case scenario when you go through life without having a clear vision to follow)

You stumble day and night, and the prophets stumble with you. So I will destroy your mother— 6  My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children, Hosea 4:5-6.

Exegesis of Do You Know Where You’re Going to?

Do you know where you’re going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Where are you going to?
Do you know?

There will always be naysayers whenever you take a chance in life by seeking to pursue the American dream. This usually occurs via trial and error as you figure out what you like and dislike.

Do you get what you’re hoping for?
When you look behind you there’s no open doors
What are you hoping for?
Do you know?

This journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns. Depending upon your expectations, you may not get what you were hoping for, especially when opportunities begin to run out.

Once we were standing still in time
Chasing the fantasies that filled our minds
You knew I loved you, but my spirit was free
Laughing at the questions that you once asked of me

Chasing after dreams isn’t easy. Some people may be holding you back or may believe that this pursuit is a waste of time.

Do you know where you’re going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Where are you going to?
Do you know?

Sometimes all you need is a sign of hope to keep this dream alive.

Now, looking back at all we’ve passed
We’ve let so many dreams slip through our hands
Why must we wait so long before we see
How sad the answers to those questions can be?

Success takes time, especially if what you’re chasing is a long shoot. Ultimately, how bad you want something will dictate the length of your pursuit.

Do you know where you’re going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Where are you going to?
Do you know?

When should you give up or keep tarrying on is up to you.

Do you know, do you know?
Do you know?

Rejection and failures will determine how long you last or will simply strengthen your resolve.

Final Thoughts:

Fifteen years ago, a colleague convinced me to start writing screenplays. I envisioned that if I poured my heart and soul into this new venture, that by the time that I retired I could do this for fun. Unfortunately, as Hollywood has changed over the past 2 decades, it’s getting harder and harder to break through. Four screenplays later, I’m not sure if it’s worth it. I haven’t given up, but I may simply turn one of my movies into a book to see if that opens any new doors. This is my personal experience of following the words of Do You Know Where You’re Going to.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-March 26

Posted on March 26, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Gladys Knight & The Pips – Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me (Audio)

Inspiration Behind Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me:

This song brings up gratitude and the impact that one individual can have on your life. Jim Weatherly was an all-American quarterback before transitioning to song writing. As the writer of Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me, Jim paints a picture of how a special person can completely transform your life. This is the emotional presentation that Gladys Knight makes in Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me.

Biblical Application:

How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are doves.
Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from the hills of Gilead. 2 Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn,
coming up from the washing. Each has its twin; not one of them is alone. 3 Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon; your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate, Song of Solomon 4:1-3.

Exegesis of Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me:

I’ve had my share of life’s ups and downs
But fate’s been kind, the downs have been few
I guess you could say that I’ve been lucky
Well, I guess you could say that it’s all because of you

The lyrics suggest that success in life takes time. However, a combination of fate and luck has led Gladys to this special person.

If anyone should ever write my life story
(For whatever reason) for whatever reason there might be
Ooh, you’ll be there between each line of pain and glory
‘Cause you’re the best thing (you’re the best thing that ever happened to me)
That ever happened to me (you’re the best thing that ever happened to me)
Ah, you’re the best thing that ever happened to me

This stanza reads like a Christian testimony. While there have been bumpy stretches along the way, a significant other came into her life at just the right time. Subsequently, Gladys realizes that this person is the best thing that has happened to her.

Oh, there have been times when times were hard
But always, somehow, I made it, I made it through
‘Cause for every moment that I’ve spent hurting
There was a moment that I spent, oh, just loving you, yeah

Unlike modern songs with unrealistic lyrics, life will bring you tough times along the journey called life. Through these moments of aches and pain, Gladys never stopped loving this man.

If anyone should ever write my life story
For, for whatever (for whatever reason) for whatever reason there might be
Oh, you’ll be there between each line of pain and glory
‘Cause you’re the best thing (you’re the best thing that ever happened to me)
That ever happened to me (you’re the best thing that ever happened to me)

This stanza points to appreciation and gratitude for having someone in her life to get Gladys through rocky patches. This leads to a spirit of thankfulness.

Oh, you’re the best thing (you’re the best thing that ever happened to me)
That ever happened to me (you’re the best thing that ever happened to me)
I know, you’re the best thing (you’re the best thing)
Oh, that ever happened to me
Yeah,

If couples could simply search for the good qualities in each other, they just might realize that their spouse is the best thing that has ever happened to them in life.

Final Thoughts:

When you reach my age, now closer to 60 than 50, you have time to reflect on your past. Special people have come and gone over the years, but my wife Leanne has stayed by my side through it all. This makes my wife and our children, the best thing that ever happened to me.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-March 9

Posted on March 9, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Hold On:

Hold On by Wilson Phillips provides an inside scoop of what was going on behind the scenes of her band. Lead singer Chyanna was battling substance abuse and a difficult relationship. The lyrics of Hold On serves as words of encouragement to hang in there until this tumultuous stage of life ends. The theme of Hold On urges listeners in a similar situation to make a change to avoid falling into a cycle of pain.

Biblical Application:

Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21.

Exegesis of Hold On:

I know there’s pain (I know there’s pain)
Why do you lock yourself up in these chains? (These chains)
No one can change your life except for you
Don’t ever let anyone step all over you

Pain is a natural aspect of life. Yet how you respond to pain will dictate how quickly you recover. You need to take responsibility for your life and stop playing the victim. If you want to change, stop letting others walk all over you.

Just open your heart and your mind
Mmm
Is it really fair to feel, this way inside?
Whoa-oh-oh

If the human heart is your well spring to life, guard your heart as you open your mind to a new future free from pain. Don’t let the past drag you down.

Someday, somebody’s gonna make you want to
Turn around and say goodbye
Until then, baby, are you going to let ’em
Hold you down and make you cry?
Don’t you know?
Don’t you know, things can change?
Things will go your way
If you hold on for one more day
Can you hold on for one more day?
Things will go your way Hold on for one more day

Change is possible, but your need to develop perseverance to press on. While you are waiting for circumstances in your life to change, hold on for dear life until things start to go your way again.

You could sustain
(Hmm) or are you comfortable with the pain?
You’ve got no one to blame for your unhappiness (no, baby)
You got yourself into your own mess (ooh)

Don’t let pain consume your life. You’ve got to be proactive in breaking free from your current situation. Don’t let these negative patterns continue.

Lettin’ your worries pass you by (lettin’ your worries), baby, (pass you by)
Don’t you think it’s worth your time
To change your mind?
No, no

Doubt and depression are holding Chyanna back. Once her mind believes that change is possible, healing can begin.

Someday, somebody’s gonna make you want to
Turn around and say goodbye
Until then, baby, are you going to let ’em
Hold you down and make you cry?
Don’t you know?
Don’t you know, things can change?
Things will go your way
If you hold on for one more day
Can you hold on for one more day?
Things will go your way (all things will go your way)
Hold on for one more day

Breaking free from self-destructive patterns can be extremely difficult. Yet until you truly want to change how you are living, you’ll continue down this painful road. Some people just need a spark of hope or a positive influence to usher in a season of change.

I know that there is pain
But you hold on for one more day
And you break free from the chains
Yeah, I know that there is pain
But you hold on for one more day and you
Break free, break from the chains

I know you are hurting, but you have to hang in there. Press on.

Someday, somebody’s gonna make you want to
Turn around and say goodbye (say goodbye)
Until then, baby, are you going to let ’em
Hold you down and make you cry?
Don’t you know?
Don’t you know (know), things can change? (No?)
Things will go your way
If you hold on for one more day, yeah
If you hold on
Don’t you know, things can change
Things will go your way
If you hold on for one more day

Wilson is encouraging Chyanna that she will see light at the end of the tunnel. Yet, for now, hang in there just one more day.

Can you hold on?
Can you hold on?
Mmm, can you hold on, baby
Won’t you tell me now
Hold on for one more day
‘Cause it’s gonna go your way
Don’t you know, things can change
Things will go your way
If you hold on for one more day, yeah
Can’t you change it this time
Make up your mind
Hold on
Hold on

This final chorus is like a prayer for a good friend. A glimpse of hope is better than the reality of pain and suffering.

Final Thoughts:

As a former youth pastor, teenagers can place themselves into difficult situations similar to Chyanna. All I could do was be an agent for change, providing words of hope. In the end, human beings have to want to change before hope has the opportunity to become a reality.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-March 8

Posted on March 8, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind What About Love?

What About Love was conceived out of a longing for an emotional connection and desire for unreciprocated love. The lyrics were spawn from band members who felt unappreciated by their former partners. The concept of love has become merely a word in many relationships, void of genuine acts of romance. Subsequently, once in a relationship, these women band members wanted to know what happened to love, where did it go?

Biblical Application:

 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other, Galatians 5:13-15.

Exegesis of What About Love:

I’ve been lonely, I’ve been waitin’ for you
I’m pretending and that’s all I can do
The love I’m sendin’
Ain’t makin’ it through to your heart

This woman doesn’t like being lonely. When she finds someone, she is trying to get his attention. Yet, despite her attempts at affection, he either doesn’t notice or have mutual feelings.

You’ve been hidin’, never lettin’ it show
Always tryin’ to keep it under control
You got it down and you’re well on your way to the top
But there’s somethin’ that you forgot

Some guys try to hide their feelings in an attempt to remain cool. Instead, the man she has her eye on is focused on their career, seeking to reach new heights. However, he is missing out on love.

What about love?
Don’t you want someone to care about you?
And what about love?
Don’t let it slip away

The chorus is an open-ended question. God designed human beings to leave their parents and start their own family. This is what this woman asks, “don’t you want to share your life with someone you love?

What about love?
I only want to share it with you
You might need it someday

This opens the door to an intimate encounter. You are the one who I want to share my life with.

I can’t tell you what you’re feelin’ inside
And I can’t sell you what you don’t want to buy
Something’s missing, you got to look back on your life
You know something here just ain’t right

She is trying to break through to uncover what he is feeling. She refuses to give up, urging this man to consider what he is missing.

What about love?
Don’t you want someone to care about you?
What about love?
Don’t let it slip away
What about love?
I only want to share it with you

This chorus makes a convincing argument about love and the need for this to be shared.

What about love?
Don’t you want someone to care about you?
What about love?
Don’t let it slip away

Let me know. I know you have feelings of love. What are you afraid of? Act now or love will slip away.

But what about love?
I only want to share it with you
Oh no
Ohh ohh, oh what about love?

This woman is fighting to express her love, eager to convince the person she cares about.

Yeah
Ooh ooh hoo
What about love?
Love, love, love
What about, what about love?
Ooh hoo hoo hoo

Love is a driving force, especially when you meet the person you want to spend the rest of your life with.

Final Thoughts:

One of the aspects not addressed in what about love is timing. Both individuals aren’t always ready for love. When the timing is off, love is not manifested. However, when the time is right, love between 2 people is conceived. This is the key element of love, where desire and timing co-exist.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-March 4

Posted on March 4, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Wasting Away:

The lyrics to Wasting Away would have fit into making New Year Resolutions, but this song addresses how people put off following their dreams. Instead of taking a chance to risk failure, fear is preventing action causing individuals to become idle. Tonight Alive attempts to inspire listeners to press beyond their emotional struggles to make their dreams comes true. This journey begins by setting daily goals that will lead an individual toward the desires on their heart.

Biblical Application:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will, Romans 12:1-2.

Exegesis of Wasting Away:

And so the sky becomes a dream
I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away

The lyrics begin with a moment of reflection. This quickly vanishes as the fast pace of life is preventing time to dream. But the reality of this situation is the act of procrastinating.

Don’t tell me it’s too hard
You were never there from the start
I’m not about to give this up
Giving up was never enough, no

Excuses aren’t productive. You can’t say it’s too hard as you just got here. I’m not listening to your negativity. Giving up my dreams was never an option.

And so the sky becomes a dream
I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
And so the sky, it watched my dreams
Fall to pieces right in front of me
‘Cause I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away

This extended chorus urges listeners to stop standing around and start following your dreams.

And I never wished for anything more
Than to find what I’ve been looking for
And I swore to myself, I wouldn’t lie to myself
How could I let this happen?
So I pull myself aside
Take the time you tell myself it’s alright
‘Cause you weren’t there to dry my eyes

Dallas is talking about a friend, family member or partner who hasn’t been with her as she has tried to follow her dreams.

And so the sky becomes a dream
I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
And so the sky, it watched my dreams
Fall to pieces right in front of me
‘Cause I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away

Don’t just watch as your dreams are falling apart. Do something now, get involved and avoid useless excuses.

I’m wasting, wasting away
I’m wasting, I’m wasting away

Talking about wasting time isn’t helping your situation.

And so the sky becomes a dream
I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away

Slow down, set goals and start facing your fear of failure.

And so the sky becomes a dream
I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
And so the sky it watched my dreams
Fall to pieces right in front of me
‘Cause I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
Wasting, wasting away, away

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again yet expecting a different result. Wasting away in idleness isn’t going to make your dreams come true. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and start taking action.

Final Thoughts:

I am a big believer in following your dreams. I’ve written 4 screen plays and have an outline for a fifth. Meanwhile, I am creating an outline to turn one of these movies into a book. While I may not find a producer or publisher in my lifetime, at least I can say I accomplished these works of art. Don’t be an observer; be an active participate.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-March 2

Posted on March 2, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Pressure:

As an adult, every day can be like being in a pressure cooker. Paramore wanted to capture this image within a song to help individuals struggling and suffocated by the pressure of time. The man and woman in Pressure’s music video each face emotional stress and societal strain. The young man is being micromanaged at a local fast-food restaurant while the other is a model with agents always watching their figure and weight. The lyrics convey a message of self-discovery where 2 people realize leaving a career or job would be better off for their future sanity and success.

Biblical Application:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything, James 1:2-4.

Exegesis of Pressure:

Well, tell me where our time went
And if it was time well spent
Just don’t let me fall asleep
Feelin’ empty again

From the time you wake up, to the time you go to sleep, you are on the clock. Whether it’s a day off or you are working, Hayley Williams doesn’t want to get stuck in an endless cycle of feeling empty.

‘Cause I fear I might break
And I fear I can’t take it
Tonight I’ll lie awake, feeling empty

The pressure inside is mounting on the verge of emotionally breaking. This is what Hayley is thinking about which leads to emptiness.

I can feel the pressure, it’s getting closer now
We’re better off without you
I can feel the pressure, it’s getting closer now
We’re better off without you

Sometimes employers can treat people like robots instead of human beings. Hayley gets the sense that she is replaceable.

(Now that I’m losing hope)
(And there’s nothing else to show)
(For all of the days that we spent)
(Carried away from home)

Countless individuals strive to live the American dream, but never to obtain it. This couple is living paycheck to paycheck, trying their best to stay out of debt. Yet working is keeping them from spending time together.

Some things I’ll never know
‘Cause I had to let them go
Well, I’m sitting all alone, feeling empty

Hayley is either referring to managers having to let workers go or breaking up with a boyfriend. Either way, this act results in loneliness.

I can feel the pressure, it’s getting closer now
We’re better off without you
I can feel the pressure, it’s getting closer now
We’re better off without you
Come on!
Without you

The pressure to perform can lead to exhaustion. Hayley appears to be about to make a decision about a job or person. She comes to the realization that she’ll be better off without this job or person.

Well, some things I’ll never know
And I had to let them go, go, go, go
Well, some things I’ll never know
‘Cause I had to let them go
Well, I’m sitting all alone, feeling empty

It’s hard to be the one in charge, to make the difficult decisions.

Set it off!

Perhaps this is referring to the music video where the emergency sprinklers are triggered.

Feel the pressure, it’s getting closer now
We’re better off without you
The pressure, well, it’s getting closer now
We’re better off without me

Tough decisions have to be made daily. Some are put off, but when you finally make a decision, you are better off in the future.

Final Thoughts:

No one likes to be the bad guy by enforcing the rules or telling someone no. Without clear and defined boundaries, chaos will reign. Instead of waiting around for someone else to lead, take a stand now by putting out some fires today so that they don’t ignite into social wildfires tomorrow.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 27

Posted on February 27, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Just Give Me a Reason:

Pink and Nate Ruess craft a sound around a delicate situation. What do you do when the relationship that you are in is on the brink of collapse? The lyrics highlight desperation, emotional turmoil, and the need for reconciliation within an intimate relationship. The overall theme of Just Give Me a Reason urges individuals to be willing to fight for relationships worth salvaging.

Biblical Application:

It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen[c] away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace, Hebrews 6:4-6.

Exegesis of Just Give Me a Reason:

Right from the start
You were a thief, you stole my heart
And I, your willing victim
I let you see the parts of me
That weren’t all that pretty
And with every touch you fixed them

Pink became vulnerable, opening her heart by sharing deep and intimate secrets.

Now you’ve been talking in your sleep, oh, oh
Things you never say to me, oh, oh
Tell me that you’ve had enough
Of our love, our love

Her parter is getting cold feet.

Just give me a reason
Just a little bit’s enough
Just a second, we’re not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again
It’s in the stars
It’s been written in the scars on our hearts
We’re not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again

Pink is willing to work out whatever issues they are currently facing. She’s open to learning to fall in love, all over again. What he sees as broken, she sees as fixable.

I’m sorry I don’t understand
Where all of this is coming from
I thought that we were fine
(Oh, we had everything)
Your head is running wild again
My dear we still have everything
And it’s all in your mind
(Yeah, but this is happening)

She’s caught off guard by what’s been swept under the rug over the years. We still have each other. Don’t let doubt draw a wedge between us.

Now you’ve been having real bad dreams, oh, oh
You used to lie so close to me, oh, oh
There’s nothing more than empty sheets
Between our love, our love
Oh, our love, our love

She wants to know what’s wrong. She notices obvious changes but can’t exactly put her finger on what’s driving them apart.

Just give me a reason
Just a little bit’s enough
Just a second, we’re not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again
I’ve never stopped
You’re still written in the scars on my heart
You’re not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again

Pink isn’t willing to give up on love.

Oh, tears ducts and rust
I’ll fix it for us
We’re collecting dust
But our love’s enough
You’re holding it in
You’re pouring a drink
No, nothing is as bad as it seems
We’ll come clean

Pink is being open about her feeling, but her partner is hiding behind alcohol to numb his pain.

Just give me a reason
Just a little bit’s enough
Just a second, we’re not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again
It’s in the stars
It’s been written in the scars on our hearts
That we’re not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again

Pink is the motivating factor keeping this relationship alive.

Just give me a reason
Just a little bit’s enough
Just a second, we’re not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again
It’s in the stars
It’s been written in the scars on our hearts
That we’re not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again

Repeating the same chorus only reinforces Pink’s desire to save this relationship.

Oh-oh, we can learn to love again
Oh-oh, can learn to love again
Oh-oh, that we’re not broken, just bent
And we can learn to love again

Pink believes that they can learn to love again, eventually working out their differences.

Final Thoughts:

Unstable relationships can be emotionally exhausting. I had two relationships in college where if the date didn’t go well my girlfriend was really to move on to someone else. Neither of these lasted that long, but for Pink, she possessed a will to love, doing everything in her power to save her relationship. Unfortunately, if you are with an individual struggling with addiction, they have to acknowledge that they have a problem before true healing can begin.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 26

Posted on February 26, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Apologize:

Ryan Tedder looks back upon past failed relationships in high school and college. Ryan realizes that certain mistakes cannot be undone. Whenever a partner starts to flirt with another individual, the act of cheating is conceived within a human mind. When you stop trusting the person you are with, this usually is the beginning of the end. Perhaps, this is what Ryan had in mind when he wrote “it’s too late to apologize.”

Biblical Application:

“If your brother or sister[b] sins,[c] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’[d] 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector, Matthew 18:15-17.

Exegesis of Apologize:

I’m holding on your rope
Got me ten feet off the ground
And I’m hearing what you say
But I just can’t make a sound

This relationship is on thin ice, hanging by a thread of hope.

You tell me that you need me
Then you go and cut me down, but wait
You tell me that you’re sorry
Didn’t think I’d turn around and say

The words spoken in this relationship don’t match the actions.

That it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
Too late, oh

This is the context of its too late for an apology.

I’d take another chance, take a fall
Take a shot for you
And I need you like a heart needs a beat
But it’s nothing new, yeah yeah

Sounds like he did accept this apology, thinking this pattern would change.

I loved you with a fire red, now it’s turning blue
And you say sorry like the angel
Heaven let me think it was you
But I’m afraid

He’s afraid of getting hurt again.

It’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late, whoa

He didn’t trust her to forgive her.

It’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, it’s too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, yeah, too late
I said it’s too late to apologize, yeah, too late

Ryan doesn’t think she is going to change.

I’m holding on your rope
Got me ten feet off the ground

Yet he is holding out a lifeline.

Final Thoughts:

The old saying “fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me; ” applies to this song. If your partner is untrustworthy, it is like repeating the same thing over and over again yet expecting a different result. There will be always relationships worth saving in life. However, in situations which are described in this song, sometimes you have to walk away when it’s too late to apologize.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 11

Posted on February 11, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Can’t Fight This Feeling :

Kevin Cronin began to reflect upon personal experiences from previous relationships. During these observations, Kevin tried to connect internal struggles with overwhelming feelings for a significant other. The lyrics of Can’t Fight This Feeling were conceived from feelings that became too strong to ignore. Cronin is able to take complex emotions that all human beings feel and clearly articulate this within a song.

Biblical Application:

If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[c] in you, John 14:15-17.

Exegesis of Can’t Fight This Feeling:

I can’t fight this feeling any longer
And yet I’m still afraid to let it flow
What started out as friendship has grown stronger
I only wish I had the strength to let it show

I can’t ignore what I’m feeling in my heart and soul. Yet I’m not sure how to express what I feel. This friendship has grown, but I’m scared to let her know.

I tell myself that I can’t hold out forever
I said there is no reason for my fear
‘Cause I feel so secure when we’re together
You give my life direction, you make everything so clear

Kevin is giving himself a pep talk, to have the courage to reveal how he feels. When he is with this individual, she gives him clarity, direction and security.

And even as I wander, I’m keeping you in sight
You’re a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter’s night
And I’m getting closer than I ever thought I might

Even when he is distracted, she is on his mind. This relationship is providing hope and warmth, creating a desire to want to become more intimate.

And I can’t fight this feeling anymore
I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for
It’s time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever

Now is the time to make this commitment. Take action, lead and take a leap of faith to go all in on this relationship.

‘Cause I can’t fight this feeling anymore
I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor, come crashing through your door
Baby, I can’t fight this feeling anymore

Kevin is going to do everything is his power to preserve this relationship.

My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you
I’ve been running ’round in circles in my mind
And it always seems that I’m following you, girl
‘Cause you take me to the places that alone I’d never find

This relationship is unlike anything Kevin has ever experienced. Bringing out the best in him.

And even as I wander, I’m keeping you sight
You’re a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter’s night
And I’m getting closer than I ever thought I might

Despite whatever is going on in life, Kevin wants to take this relationship to the next level.

And I can’t fight this feeling anymore
I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for
It’s time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever

Love may make you do crazy things, but risking failure is worth it.

‘Cause I can’t fight this feeling anymore
I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor, come crashing through your door
Baby, I can’t fight this feeling anymore

When you have something special in life, fight to save this relationship, even if it requires begging and humbling yourself.

Final Thoughts:

The fear of rejection prevented me expressing my feelings for girls until high school. This left regret, never knowing if the person I liked had similar feelings. Subsequently, in college I took more chances, wanting to know if feelings were mutual before I moved on, even if this resulted in heart ache. When the timing is right, don’t miss opportunities to tell others how you really feel. Part of learning to love is not being afraid of becoming vulnerable with someone you care about

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 10

Posted on February 10, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind the Power of Love:

Huey Lewis had a desire to create a song that would capture the essence of love as a transformational force. The composition of the Power of Love became a collaboration between Huey and two members of the News: Chris Hayes and Johnny Colla. These 3 men aimed to craft a song that would fit into the upcoming film Back to the Future. Subsequently, themes of adventure, human connection and travel were engraved into the lyrics.

Biblical Application:

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

Exegesis of the Power of Love:

The power of love is a curious thing
Make a one man weep, make another man sing
Change a hawk to a little white dove
More than a feeling, that’s the power of love

Love alters the actions, behaviors, and choices of individuals. Love brings a wide range of emotions. Love can transform a predator into a gentle and innocent human being. Love is more than a feeling. Love has the power to transform you.

Tougher than diamonds, rich like cream
Stronger and harder than a bad girl’s dream
Make a bad one good (mm), make a wrong one right
Power of love that keeps you home at night

This stanza reminds me of the old onion analogy. People can be rough on the edges, but when you start peeling off layers, you’ll be surprised by what you will find. The power of love keeps a married man home at night.

You don’t need money, don’t take fame
Don’t need no credit card to ride this train
It’s strong, and it’s sudden, and it’s cruel sometimes
But it might just save your life
That’s the power of love
That’s the power of love

While superficial love may be bought in the early stages of a relationship, real love rises above fame and fortune. Love can be cruel, strong or unexpected, but the power of love can alter your life.

First time you feel it, it might make you sad
Next time you feel it, it might make you mad
But you’ll be glad, baby, when you’ve found
That’s the power makes the world go ’round

When love is confused with lust, you’ll be sad. Love may be jealousy as well. Yet, when you find the person of your dreams, you’ll be glad that you waited. A loving relationship brings the best out of people.

And it don’t take money, don’t take fame
Don’t need no credit card to ride this train
It’s strong, and it’s sudden, it can be cruel sometimes
But it might just save your life

True love can’t be forced or manufactured. You have to let love happen naturally.

They say that all in love is fair
Yeah, but you don’t care
(Ooh) but you know what to do (what to do)
When it gets hold of you
And with a little help from above

Love can make people do the craziest things. Yet, when you meet the person that God created you marry, its amazing.

You feel the power of love
You feel the power of love
Can you feel it?
Hmm

The power of love is displayed through individuals who have been transformed by God and through a loving relationship.

It don’t take money, and it don’t take fame
Don’t need no credit card to ride this train
Tougher than diamonds and stronger than steel
You won’t feel nothin’ ’til you feel
You feel the power, just feel the power of love
That’s the power, that’s the power of love

When the right person comes along, you’ll know for sure if you know what you’re looking for.

You feel the power of love
You feel the power of love
Feel the power of love

The power of love is finding a soul mate for life.

Final Thoughts:

In a leadership class that I taught for Juniors and Seniors in high school, one unit was entitled Finding Your Soul Mate. This unit began with a section on Self-Discovery. This involved creating a checklist of activities, hobbies, personality traits, and qualities students were looking for in a significant other. While there were other building blocks, the ultimate goal was for students to have a good ideal of people that they wanted to date in college. One of my former students, Dallas Saylor, who ended up as the valedictorian of his graduating class, used this information to find his wife in college. For me, this is the power of love.

by Jay Mankus

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