Tag Archives: Mental Health

Secondhand Serenade – Fall For You

Inspiration Behind Fall for You:

While enduring personal turmoil in 2007, John Vesely began to write Fall for You.  This was the first song John composed entirely on piano during a practice session as the emotions of his pain naturally flowed out of him. Fall for You is a plea from one partner to the other to open their heart fall in love again. Fall for You reflects the emotional arc of a relationship slowly deteriorating to the point where it feels impossible to save.

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 Fall for You:

The best thing ’bout tonight’s that we’re not fighting
Could it be that we have been this way before?
I know you don’t think that I am trying
I know you’re wearing thin, down to the core

Pointing out something positive. When was the last time this happened. John wasn’t showing that he cared enough. Mainly due to both are on edge, emotionally wore down.

But hold your breath
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you, over again
Don’t make me change my mind
Or I won’t live to see another day, I swear it’s true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
You’re impossible to find

This stanza serves as a prayer request, wanting to reignite the love in this relationship. John realizes that finding someone like her will be extremely difficult so he’s trying his hardest to salvage love.

This is not what I intended
I always swore to you I’d never fall apart
You always thought that I was stronger
I may have failed, but I have loved you from the start

John admits to his shortcomings, failing to remain strong.

Oh, but hold your breath
Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you, over again
Don’t make me change my mind
Or I won’t live to see another day, I swear it’s true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find

It’s impossible

The chorus is repeated, wanting desperately to fall in love again. Asking his significant other not to change his mind.

So breathe in so deep
Breathe me in, I’m yours to keep
And hold on to your words ’cause talk is cheap
And remember me tonight when you’re asleep

Words are meaningless unless backed up by actions.

Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you, over again
Don’t make me change my mind
Or I won’t live to see another day, I swear it’s true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find

A last-ditch effort to save this relationship.

Tonight will be the night that I will fall for you, over again
Don’t make me change my mind
Or I won’t live to see another day, I swear it’s true
Because a girl like you is impossible to find
You’re impossible to find

Hoping to speak this into existence, falling back in love all over again.

Final Thoughts:

I endured my gut-wrenching relationships in college. Like John, each of these relationships wore me down. All 3 of these made me only want to date women who I could see myself marrying. Subsequently, I became guarded, getting to know people as friends rather than jump into a new relationship. Unfortunately, once a person makes up their mind to give up on a relationship, there isn’t much that you can do salvage love.

by Jay Mankus

Simple Minds – Don’t You (Forget About Me)

Inspiration Behind Don’t You Forget About Me:

Keith Forsey and guitarist Steve Schiff wrote Don’t You Forget About Me for the film The Breakfast Club. This film features five high school students, punished for an entire Saturday. Each of these 5 teenagers representing a distinct social group: the brain, athlete, rebel, princess, and basket case. After this motley crew experiences a unifying moment before departing for home, Don’t You Forget About Me serves as an anthem for students to never forget the special ties that were formed during a Saturday in-school suspension.

Biblical Application:

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:3-5.

Exegesis of Don’t You Forget About Me:

Hey, hey, hey, hey
Ooh-ooh-hoo, woah

An attention getter.

Won’t you come see about me
I’ll be alone, dancing, you know it, baby
Tell me your troubles and doubts
Givin’ me everything inside and out, and

Breaking down the walls that separate the social classes. A call to open up, share and become vulnerable.

Love’s strange, surreal in the dark
Think of the tender things that we were working on
Slow change may pull us apart
When the light gets into your heart, baby

Perhaps a reference that teenagers place too much emphasis on physical appearances rather than what is deep inside of human beings. When your flaws are exposed or verbalized, love can be scary, unsure if the one you love will accept you for who you are as a person.

Don’t you forget about me
Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t
Don’t you forget about me

A reference to the friendship made on this Saturday. Being willing to cross social boundaries.

Will you stand above me
Look my way, never love me
Rain keeps fallin’, rain keeps fallin’
Down, down, down

A call to stand up and be willing to look beyond differences. The rain suggests cleansing and purifying, erasing the stereotypes that minds have grown up believing.

Will you recognize me
Call my name or walk on by?
Rain keeps fallin’, rain keeps fallin’
Down, down, down, down

When Monday comes and you fall back into line, within your social group, will you be changed or will you forget the new friends that you just made.

Hey, hey, hey, hey
Ooh-ooh-hoo, woah

How will you respond to peer pressure.

Don’t you try and pretend
It’s my feeling, we’ll win in the end
I won’t harm you or touch your defences
Vanity, insecurity, ah

The difficulties to truly change. A gentle approach, not wanting to harm this new relationship.

Don’t you forget about me
I’ll be alone, dancing, you know it, baby
Going to take us apart
I’ll put us back together at heart, baby

Not part of the movie, but a call to remember what we shared.

Don’t you forget about me
Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t
Don’t you forget about me

Be open to change, going outside your social circle.

As you walk on by
Will you call my name?
As you walk on by
Will you call my name
When you walk away?

What is going to happen on Monday when these 5 people see each other in the hallway with their friends.

Or will you walk away?

When you walk on by

Will you take a chance or succumb to peer pressure.

Come on, call my name
Won’t you call my name?

Do you have the guts to go beyond the social norms of your friends.

I sing, “La, la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la”
When you walk on by (walk on by)
And you call my name

A fun ending with one last rhetorical question, will you call out my name.

Final Thoughts:

As a former high school athlete, my friends would vary from season to season. In the fall, my cross-country team would take up 1-2 tables in the lunchroom. This team was like my second family, having monthly social functions outside of school as well. Each winter, swimming was a smaller team so that my lunches were a mix of classmates and swimmers. In the spring, I hung out with Chris and Steve, often getting out of school early for away golf matches. While I was never popular in high school, I wasn;t afraid to sit with someone sitting by themselves. In my final year of high school, I saw lunch as a ministry opportunity to encourage students who were having a bad day, week or month. Don’t You Forget About Me serves as a call to look beyond social circles to meet other people that you never gave a thought about until watching the Breakfast Club.

by Jay Mankus

Queen – You’re My Best Friend (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind You’re My Best Friend:

You’re My Best Friend was composed by Queen’s bassist, John Deacon. The idea for this song came from John’s wife, Veronica Tetzlaff. The overall theme of You’re My Best Friend highlights the importance of having a best friend or partner who brings joy and meaning to your life. This message has made You’re My Best Friend a timeless classic.

Biblical Application:

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself, 1 Samuel 18:1.

Exegesis of You’re My Best Friend:

Ooh, you make me live
Whatever this world can give to me
It’s you, you’re all I see
Ooh, you make me live now honey
Ooh, you make me live

An appreciation for a spouse or significant other who makes life enjoyable and fun.

Oh, you’re the best friend
That I ever had
I’ve been with you such a long time
You’re my sunshine
And I want you to know
That my feelings are true
I really love you
(Ooh) Oh, you’re my best friend

Examples of how a friend impacts your life. This realization conceives a kindred spirit and love.

Ooh, you make me live

Bringing joy to life.

Ooh, I’ve been wandering round
But I still come back to you (still come back to you)
In rain or shine
You’ve stood by me girl
I’m happy at home (happy at home)
You’re my best friend

This stanza goes against the world’s view that marriage puts a cramp on your life and freedom. Friends stick around, help you through tough times and are a joy to be around.

Ooh, you make me live
Whenever this world is cruel to me
I got you, to help me forgive – oo oo ooh
Ooh, you make me live now honey
Ooh, you make me live

This stanza is like the original “Lean on Me” as friends give you the strenth to carry on with life.

Oh, you’re the first one
When things turn out bad
You know I’ll never be lonely
You’re my only one
And I love the things
I really love the things that you do
Oh, you’re my best friend

Benefits of a good friend. These special people make a world of difference in life.

Oh, ooh, you make me live

Providing hope and joy.

I’m happy (happy at home)
You’re my best friend
Oh, oh, you’re my best friend
Ooh, you make me live
Oo oo ooh
You, you’re my best friend

While it’s unclear if John is talking about Veronica or vice versa, they had a special relationship that not many couples experience while being married.

Final Thoughts:

When I thought of best friends, Carl imeediately comes to mind. My high school cross-country teammate. Before cell phones, I would go over his house or he would come over mine. Meanwhile, once we started driving, I recall parking late at night, waiting for him to return from a date when a needed a friend. While I was blessed with several good friends in college as well, Carl and I leaned on each other in times of need. When Carl’s mom passed away, my mom became like a second mother to Carl. Listening to You’re My Best Friend brought all these special memories to the forefront of my mind.

by Jay Mankus

Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Official Audio)

Inspiration Behind Don’t Stop Believin’:

When the timing is right, sound advice can serve as a launching pad. The advice given by Jonathan Cain’s father when his son was struggling as a musician led to the formation of Journey’s most iconic hit. The actual words spoken to Jonathan were Don’t Stop Believing or you’re done. Self-belief is what can keep artists going during times of disappointment, failure and setbacks. Without this mentality, Don’t Stop Believin’ wouldn’t be a song and no one would have ever heard of the group Journey.

Biblical Application:

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” ²⁸ Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”²⁹ Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” John 20:26-29.

Exegesis of Don’t Stop Believin’:

Just a small-town girl, livin’ in a lonely world
She took the midnight train going anywhere
Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train going anywhere

Starting off with a girl who was lost and lonely. A life void of vision. Transitions to a city boy who took the same train, not sure where he was going in life.

A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile, they can share the night
It goes on, and on, and on, and on

Perhaps referring to Jonathon’s early years as a struggling musician living in Los Angeles. This is where this boy and girl meet.

Strangers waitin’ up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searchin’ in the night
Streetlights, people, livin’ just to find emotion
Hidin’ somewhere in the night

Signs of people living in this world without much hope or promise.

Workin’ hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin’ anything to roll the dice
Just one more time

Working hard to find a better future. Searching for excitement. This involves taking chances, maybe even gambling.

Some’ll win, some will lose
Some are born to sing the blues

More people lose than win. This leads many to live in poverty throughout their lives.

Whoa, the movie never ends
It goes on, and on, and on, and on

Some trials in life never seem to end.

Strangers waitin’ up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searchin’ in the night
Streetlights, people livin’ just to find emotion
Hidin’ somewhere in the night

A sad reality of people that don’t experience much success in life. Left to live in obscurity.

Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to that feelin’
Streetlights, people

When belief disappears, your career is finished.

Don’t stop believin’
Hold on
Streetlights, people

Stay optimistic.

Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to that feelin’
Streetlights, people

Keep your head up and don’t lose hope.

Final Thoughts:

I was in Junior High when Don’t Stop Believin’ was released. I battled depression for 4 years, struggling to find my place in life. This song would be played every hour on the local radio station, sometimes at the exact same time each hour. Since I didn’t really get into music until 8th grade, my emotional state was like riding on a roller coaster. However, now that I know the inspiration behind Don’t Stop Believin’, I have a better appreciation for this song. Belief gives individuals a reason to get up each day. Yet when belief fades, so do aspiration, dreams and vision for a prosperous life. Therefore, don’t stop believing.

by Jay Mankus

U.S.A. For Africa – We Are the World

Inspiration Behind We Are the World:

More than 45 artists, bands, singers and songwriters gathered to raise funds for the charity USA for Africa. This collaboration conceived We Are the World, one of the greatest projects ever by the music industry. After selling over 800,000 copies of We Are the World in 3 days, USA for Africa raised more than $60 million for famine relief. If this type of unity existed today, I can only imagine what would be accomplished.

Biblical Application:

“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. ³³ I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. ³⁴ You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. ³⁵ In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” – Acts 20:32-35

Exegesis of We Are the World:

[Verse 1]
There comes a time when we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying, oh, and it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all

Everyone needs a helping hand from time to time. Following extreme conditions, a natural disaster, or unforeseen events, the world must come together to provide aid and support. Especially, when this is a matter of life and death.

[Verse 2]
We can’t go on pretending day by day
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change
We are all a part of God’s great big family
And the truth, you know love is all we need

Ignoring this need by doing nothing won’t make this problem go away. The quicker people act, the better off the suffering will be. Start viewing any crisis as an extended part of God’s family. Like the Bible states, you will know true followers of Jesus by their love.

[Chorus: Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Both]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true, we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

Human beings are all connected in some form or another. Don’t miss the opportunity to brighten up a stranger’s day. Make a choice to give out of your abundance. The act of giving will make someone’s day.

[Verse 3: Dionne Warwick, Dionne Warwick & Willie Nelson, Willie Nelson, Al Jarreau]
Well, send them your heart so they know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stone to bread
And so we all must lend a helping hand

Give from your heart. Help be the one to provide daily bread to the hungry.

[Chorus: Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry & Daryl Hall]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
Oh, there’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true, we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

As the chorus is repeated, other artists have a chance to sing. Start to see life on an international level. This will open your eyes to the true needs of society.

[Bridge]
When you’re down and out, and there seems no hope at all
But if you just believe, there’s no way we can fall
Well, well, well, let us realize, oh, that a change can only come
When we stand together as one (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

Remember when you were in need, when hope of intervention grew dim. This is where belief and faith step in. When the world begins to realize that change is possible, unity is possible for a common cause.

[Chorus]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true, we’ll make a better day

A reminder of a global vision, seeing all human beings as children, brothers and sisters. This mindset increases the likeliness of giving.

Just you and me
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true, we’ll make a better day
Just you and me
We are the world (We are the world)
We are the children (We are the children)
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving (So let’s start giving)
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true, we’ll make a better day
Just you and me (Alright, let me hear you)

The final 4 stanzas are identical, giving everyone participating in this project a chance to sing. Giving makes this world a better place to live. Giving is a choice that has amazing benefits as it’s better to give than receive.

We are the world (We are the world)
We are the children (Said we are the children)
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving (So let’s start giving)
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true, we’ll make a brighter day
Just you and me
Come on, y’all, let me hear you
We are the world (We are the world)
We are the children (We are the children)
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving (So let’s start giving)
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true, we’ll make a better day
Just you and me, yeah, yeah

Brighten up someone’s life today. Acting now can save someone’s life. Make giving a lifestyle.

We are the world (We are the world)
We are the children (We are the children)
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving (So let’s start giving)
There’s a choice we’re making
Yeah, we’re saving our own lives
It’s true, we’ll make a better day
Just you and me (Yeah, yeah, woah-oh, oh-oh)
We are the world (We are the world; ooh, ooh-ooh)
We are the children (We are the children)
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start givin’ (So let’s start giving)
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true, we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

If you set the tone by giving, others will follow you.

We are the world (We are the world)
We are the children (We are the children; yes, sir)
We are the ones that make a brighter day (We are the world)
So let’s start giving (So let’s start giving)
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true, we’ll make a better day
Just you and me, hoo-hoo
We are the world (Good God; we are the world)
We are the children (We are the children)
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving (So let’s start giving)
(Alright, did you hear what I said?)
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true, we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

Don’t live your life focused on your own life. Stop, take a look around and see who needs your help.

Final Thoughts:

My neighbor had tickets to watch Live Aid at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. Since the temperature was 96 degrees with high humidity, I declined this offer. As a high school junior at the time, I didn’t realize the impact that this event would make. Instead, I watched from the luxuries of air conditioning at home. I do regret missing this amazing concert that has gone down in the annuals of music history.

by Jay Mankus