Tag Archives: music

The Message Behind the Music-January 4

Posted on January 4, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration behind Free Fallin’:

The lyrics of Free Fallin’ coincide with the first time Tom Petty stepped away from his band the Heart Breakers in 1988. As Tom begins his first attempt at a solo career on his own, the words to Free Fallin’ express the emotions of steeping away from the stable structure of the Heartbreakers. Free Fallin’ is the first song completed on Tom’s Full Moon Fever album. Petty viewed Free Fallin’ as a map for everything that follows on this album.

Biblical Application:

For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge, Psalm 51:1-4.

Exegesis of Free Fallin’:

She’s a good girl, loves her mama
Loves Jesus and America too
She’s a good girl, is crazy ’bout Elvis
Loves horses and her boyfriend too

Petty uses symbolism in Free Fallin’ to compare his own actions of leaving the Heart Breakers to a man breaking up with his girlfriend for selfish reasons.

And it’s a long day livin’ in Reseda
There’s a freeway runnin’ through the yard
And I’m a bad boy, ’cause I don’t even miss her
I’m a bad boy for breakin’ her heart

Either Tom is reflecting upon a recent relationship where he broke a woman’s heart or he’s blaming himself, calling himself a bad boy for ditching the Heart Breakers.

And I’m free
Free fallin’
Yeah, I’m free
Free fallin’

Now on his own, Tom doesn’t have his old band members to fall back on for support. Rather, Tom expresses his fears of failure as well as the emotional toll this decision has taken on his soul.

And all the vampires walkin’ through the valley
Move west down Ventura Boulevard (Ventura Boulevard)
And all the bad boys are standin’ in the shadows
And the good girls are home with broken hearts

The Vampires are likely symbolic of the greedy members of the music industry who have a history of feeding on vulnerable band members, singers and songwriters. Whoever these evil indivudals are, they are hiding in the darkness to pounce on their next victim. These actions break the hearts of men and women.

And I’m free
I’m free fallin’
Yeah, I’m free
Free fallin’

Free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m
Free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m

Being in unfamiliar territory as a solo artist, Petty is in a free fall, unsure of the future or where he may land after his first solo album post the Heart Breakers.

I wanna glide down over Mulholland (oh-ah)
I wanna write her name in the sky (oh-ah)
I’m gonna free fall out into nothin’ (oh-ah)
Gonna leave this world for a while (oh-ah)

Tom refers to cities or towns from his past, hoping for a smooth landing. Yet, Tom hints at reuniting with the Heart Breakers sometime in the future.

And I’m free (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
Free fallin’ (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
Yeah, I’m free (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
Free fallin’ (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)

Free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m
Yeah, I’m free, free fallin’

Oh! (Free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
Free fallin’ (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
And I’m free (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’) oh! (Now I’m)

Being on your own can be scary especially when you’re unsure that you made the right decision. These are the emotions that Tom Petty endured as he thought about his future.:

Free fallin’ (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
Free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m
Free fallin’ (free fallin’, now I’m free…)

Like anything in life, sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you change your mind.

Final Thoughts:

If you haven’t seen Tom Petty’s documentary, it’s worth the watch, similar to the ordeals highlighted in Straight Out of Compton. Facing the future can be scary on your own. However, with God in your life, you have an advocate and friend to guide you along the way, 2 Peter 1:3-4. Yet, when you do stumble and fall like today’s Bible lesson, immediately seek reconciliation like David. However, if pride gets in the way, you’ll find yourself free falling like Tom Petty’s chorus.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-January 2

Posted on January 2, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration behind Yesterday:

John Lennon recalls the song Yesterday being kicked around for months. Band members referred to this song as Scrambled Eggs, a tune without a title. This all changed when Paul McCartney woke up with the lyrics and melody in his head. Before this day was over, Paul recorded Yesterday alone on his acoustic guitar. When Paul brought Yesterday to the Beatles, (John, Ringo and George), they thought another guitar would serve as a distraction. Subsequently, Yesterday became a solo.

Biblical Application:

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them, James 4:13-17.

Exegesis of Yesterday:

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they’re here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday

Yesterday was written at 57 Wimpole Street in London, England.

This is where Paul lived, staying in an attic room above his girlfriend’s family’s house.

Waking up with this song in his head, Paul begins Yesterday with a time of reflection.

Thinking about obstacles and troubles from his past, Paul learned lessons from former mistakes.

Suddenly, I’m not half the man I used to be
There’s a shadow hanging over me
Oh, yesterday came suddenly

Paul suddenly realized that he’s changed. Has fame and fortune influenced him negatively?

Something from Paul’s past is gnawing at him like karma coming back to haunt him.

Why she had to go
I don’t know, she wouldn’t say
I said something wrong
Now I long for yesterday

Paul opens up either about a broken relationship from his past or a recent death.

Paul clarifies this loss was an old girlfriend who severed their relationship without explanation.

Paul wishes he could go back in time to alter how he treated her and change what he said to her.

Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play
Now I need a place to hide away
Oh, I believe in yesterday

When Paul was younger, loving his girlfriends was much easier and natural for him.

The loss of Paul’s previous relationship has taken a toll on him, wanting to go back in time.

Why she had to go
I don’t know, she wouldn’t say
I said something wrong
Now I long for yesterday

Since Yesterday was inspired by a dream, Paul is revisiting a broken relationship from the past.

Paul writes about needing time to heal before entering another relationship.

Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play
Now I need a place to hide away
Oh, I believe in yesterday

Music has a way of taking human beings back in time when life was less complicated and free.

Final Thoughts:

Yesterday was written before Paul McCartney’s divorce with Linda as well as before the Beatles broke up in 1970. Some suggest that Paul felt the members of the Beatles slowly drifting apart. Fame, fortune and greed have a long history of band breakups in the past. Whatever Paul’s true intentions, reflecting upon the past this time of year is essential to avoid making the same mistakes over and over again. Finally, before rushing into any relationship, take time to heal so that you become a vessel of love and not of regret.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-January 1

Posted on January 1, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration behind New Year’s Day:

Bono was following the oppressive Polish government in the 1980’s. After declaring martial law throughout Poland, Nobel Peace Prize winner Lech Walesa challenged this decision. On July 22nd, 1983, Martial law in Poland was lifted, opening the door for democracy the following year. Using these current events to guide his lyrics, the music video highlights a war-torn country.

Biblical Application:

I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.20 I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; Lamentations 3:19-25.

Exegesis of New Year’s Day:

An exegesis is a critical explanation accomplished by analyzing what an author is trying to communicate. This thorough interpretation of a text is often applied to verses of the Bible. However, this exegesis over the next year will seek to extract the message behind each song.

All is quiet on New Year’s Day
A world in white gets underway
I want to be with you, be with you, night and day
Nothing changes on New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Day

A winter storm has blanketed the landscape of Poland, silencing the sound of war.

Bono is referring to a family member or significant other who he wants to be with every moment.

This desire hasn’t changed as the calendar changes to commence a new year.

I will be with you again (oh-oh)
I will be with you again (oh-oh, oh-oh)

Bono vows to keep his promise to see this special individual on New Year’s Day.

Under a blood-red sky
A crowd has gathered in black and white
Arms entwined, the chosen few
The newspaper says, says

The blood red sky is a symbol of passion and vitality or a majestic sunset, the sign of a new day.

A nation of all races is waiting to see if anything changes on New Year’s Day.

The signs of martial law still exist as a chosen few control the media trying to suppress the truth.

Say it’s true, it’s true
And we can break through
Though torn in two
We can be one

As the Polish people wait for democracy, they are waiting for a sign of hope, that change is possible.

Despite what has happened, the citizens of Poland desperately want to become united once again.

However, Bono could be speaking of a relationship that has separated him due to martial law.

I, I will begin again (oh-oh)
I, I will begin again (oh-oh, oh-oh)

Yeah, oh
Oh-oh-oh

Ah, maybe the time is right
Oh, maybe tonight

I will be with you again (oh-oh, oh-oh)
I will be with you again (oh-oh, oh-oh)

New Year’s Day is a time for fresh starts, to begin again with a clean slate.

And so we’re told this is the golden age
And gold is the reason for the wars we wage
Though I want to be with you, be with you, night and day
Nothing changes New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Day

Repeating the same expression again, Bono believes that things will change this year.

Making up his mind, Bono will make this happen. Being reunited will happen this year.

Final Thoughts:

Nearly 40 years have passed since the song New Year’s Day was released. The one line in Bono’s lyrics that rings true today is that a chosen few dictate what is passed on through the media. Until journalists stop being pawns for their media outlets, truth will continue to be suppressed and withheld. My prayer for 2026 is that God will raise up fearless writers that won’t stop until the truth of what is going on behind the scenes is finally unveiled.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: September 4-Losing Touch with Teenagers

Posted on September 4, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1984 movie “Footloose”

Bible Verse of the Day:

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” – Acts 20:7-10

Biblical Connection:

While Reverend Shaw became the spiritual leader of a small town, his relationship with his teenage daughter was falling apart. Shaw was so consumed with what was going on inside his church and community that at some point he began to neglect his family. Meanwhile, a lack of trust pushed Ariel further and further away from her father. This is a common occurrence in modern-day families.

On the surface, a teenage boy named Eutychus feel asleep at church. Whenever a preacher rambles on and on, someone is bound to fall asleep. Yet, in an era without air conditioning, Eutychus moved toward a window so that whatever breeze was blowing at this time of night would keep him from falling asleep. Although Paul raised Eutychus from the dead, parents need to reach their teens before it’s too late.

Closing Song:

The world is full of wounded teenagers searching for answers to the meaning of life. Today’s song was written for a friend who gave up on life. May today’s blog and song inspire you to reach out to hurting teenagers before it’s too late.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 10-Displaying a Sincere Love

Posted on February 10, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1984 film “Footloose”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves, Romans 12:6-10.

Biblical Connection:

When Ren McCormick played by Kevin Bacon relocates from Chicago to the small rural town of Bomont, Utah, he experiences a culture shock. A local pastor, John Lithgow as Reverend Shaw, bans rock music, making it illegal for Ren to play his favorite music in his car. As an outsider, Ren doesn’t stop fighting for what he believes, taking new friends outside of town to share his love for dancing. As Ren continues to rub locals the wrong way, he finds himself fighting a losing battle until the Reverend’s daughter Ariel, Lori Singer, comes into his life. Ariel’s knowledge of the Bible and Ren’s dream for a senior prom team up to eventually achieve their goal.

There are various personalities which comprise every church and high school. At some point, strong personalities will butt heads, clash and seek to persuade the masses toward their line of thinking. However, when a leader comes along and provides a vision that others can get behind, churches and schools will unite. This is where the apostle Paul speaks to the Church at Rome, explaining that everyone has a role based upon your God given gift and talents. Once you discover where you belong in a church or school setting, God can and will accomplish great things through you. However, when disagreements arise, love must be genuine and sincere.

Closing Song:

When you experience special moments in life like a prom or special church event that was pulled off due to the hard work of countless individuals, give thanks to God. Never grow tired of displaying a sincere love.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 6-Fighting for the Love of Your Life

Posted on February 6, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1989 film “Say Anything”

Bible Verse of the Day:

All night long on my bed I looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him. 2 I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves. So I looked for him but did not find him, Song of Solomon 3:1-3.

Biblical Connection:

John Cusack plays Lloyd Nobler a high school senior who doesn’t have a clue about his future. Searching for a date to the final party before graduation, Lloyd takes a chance on the valedictorian who reluctantly takes a break from studying. When Lloyd falls head over heels for Diane Court (Ione Skye), this relationship clicks. For the first time in his life, Lloyd finds himself able to express himself like never before to a girl. However, when this relationship gets intense, Diane choses her future career in college over Lloyd. This sets the stage for today’s scene as Lloyd fights for the love of his life.

The Song of Solomon celebrates the love between Solomon and one of his wives. The first two chapters go back and forth where Solomon shares his feelings followed by his wife in this poetic book of the Bible. Yet, today’s passage reminds all human beings that there will be nights, weeks, months and years where love will not be found. This is the emotional condition which prompts Lloyd to come back to Diane’s house after she broke off their relationship. Rather than turn to lawyers in filing for divorce, this is the resolve that Christian men and women should possess, doing everything in their power to fight for the love of their lives.

Closing Song:

May the lyrics of today’s song inspire a spirit of reconciliation to mend and repair broken relationships that exist in your life.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: February 4 – You Complete Me

Posted on February 4, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1996 film “Jerry Maguire”

Bible Verse of the Day:

The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. 25 Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame, Genesis 2:23-25.

Biblical Connection:

Walking out after being fired, Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) pleads with co-workers to see if anyone is willing to go into business with him. Dorthy Boyd played by Renee Zellweger is the only one willing to take this risk. After losing the number one pick in the NFL draft, Maguire is down to one client, Rod Tidwell, an aging wide receiver with an attitude. After falling in love, Jerry and Dorthy get married. However, when their little project fails to make any money, Jerry and Dorthy fall on hard times and separate. This is the context of today’s scene.

When God gave Adam authority over the Garden of Eden and all the animals, he searched for a suitable helper. After covering every square each of this majestic place, no soul mate was found. This sets the stage for the creation of Eve, the first woman on earth. Based upon the words of Moses, Adam was blown away when his eyes gazed upon Eve. While many Americans rely on pets to become life companions, this special connection doesn’t complete human beings. If you’re patient, pray and wait long enough, you too may find someone who completes you.

Closing Song:

Go There With You was the first dance Leanne and I shared at our wedding. The lyrics serve as a prayer to walk with the Lord through life, hand and hand until God calls one of us home.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 43-Developing a Heart of Worship

Posted on February 12, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 3 For the Lord is the great God,  the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. 6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; Psalm 95:1-6.

Reflection:

Parents have a tendency to focus on the negative rather than emphasize the position. Subsequently, after spending a week on conditions of the heart, the rest of February will challenge you to deepen your relationship with God. Growing up, worship is something that you simply did at church on Sundays. However, many Psalms encourage followers to worship the Lord daily on your knees. When you add today’s technology with music available on your computers and phone, developing a heart of worship is only a click away.

Prayerful Action:

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, ” Jeremiah 29:11-13.

Restoring Your Heart:

Human minds can recall the lyrics of one of your favorite songs in an instant. I can be walking through a grocery store or at a mall, and the sound of a song suddenly triggers memories of where you were and who you were with when this song first debuted. The same can be true with Christian music. While living in Delaware, I was introduced to Soaking in the Spirit, a room dedicated to playing worship music 24 hours a day. The more you slow down, reflect upon the lyrics and soak in the spiritual meaning of each song, the closer you’ll come to developing a heart of worship.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

If you truly want to develop a heart of worship in 2024, take the advice of the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:16. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 28: The Evolution from Soft to Hard Rock

Posted on August 12, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When it comes to music, I have a history of being late to the party. Yet, in 1989, I came across today’s featured band in one of those impulse purchases at the counter of my favorite Christian bookstore before it closed. Liaison debuted as a soft rock group, somewhere between Air Supply and Boston. Three years later, Liaison transformed into a Christian version of Cinderella.

But the [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach, 2 Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized), 3 Who forbid people to marry and [teach them] to abstain from [certain kinds of] foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and have [an increasingly clear] knowledge of the truth, 1 Timothy 4:1-3.

Songs like Go and Sin No More and Kick It Down were on the Sampler CD that I purchased. These hit songs from Liaison’s debut album led to 4 total albums. Liaison’s second album Urgency served as a transition from soft rock to mainly rock songs. When Liaison released Hard Hitter in 1992, I believe this if their most appealing album. I hope that you have time to enjoy Liaison this week.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 331: A Thousand Songs

Posted on December 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

There are hundreds of talented worship groups across the country and throughout the world. When I stumbled upon the Christ Fellowship Worship team, I enjoyed their montage of Christmas music. This is similar to spontaneous worship montages that I like to listen to before going to sleep, A Thousand Songs is like a series of condensed snippets of almost every Christmas song that I am familiar with to keep the theme of Christmas within your hearts and mind.

The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him, Psalm 28:7.

The passage above is a Psalm of David. As a skilled harpist, David had a special connection with music. Perhaps this is the inspiration behind David’s words about music. It’s unclear when David wrote this Psalm, but his close relationship with the Lord is unveiled. This commitment led the prophet Samuel to refer to David as a man after God’s own heart. May this Christmas season inspire you to sing songs in your heart to the Lord this holdiay season.

by Jay Mankus

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