Tag Archives: nature

The Message Behind the Music-June 15

Posted on June 15, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Seals & Crofts – Summer Breeze (Official Audio)

Inspiration Behind Summer Breeze:

When Seals and Crofts had a change in their music philosophy, this opened the door to blend personal memories with the comfort of a simple summer evening. Within the desire capture a pleasant evening, Summer Breeze was conceived. The lyrics paint a vivid relatable image that people can connect with in life, moving from hard-edged rock to softer, acoustic based music, Seals and Crofts crafted a classic summer themed song, Summer Breeze.

Biblical Application:

he wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit,” John 3:8.

Exegesis of Summer Breeze:

See the curtains hangin’ in the window, in the evenin’ on a Friday night.
A little light a-shinin’ through the window, lets me know everything is alright.
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind.
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind.

This is a childhood image of growing up in Texas. Before air conditioning, windows were left open each evening to cool off a house. The light shining through brought comfort to this child. The chorus points to an outward sensation of the wind along with a creative image inside the mind.


See the paper layin’ on the sidewalk, a little music from the house next door.
So I walked on up to the doorstep, through the screen and across the floor.
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind.
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind.

Vivid memories of a summer day. The music instilled a sense of curiosity to see who was inside listening to this music, The soothing summer breeze brought unusual thoughts.


Sweet days of summer, the jasmine’s in bloom. July is dressed up and playing her
tune.
And I come home from a hard day’s work, and you’re waiting there, not a care in the
world.

Not sure if this is referring to a spouse waiting at home or a child fully engaged in playing with something.


See the smile a-waitin’ in the kitchen, food cookin’ and the plates for two.
Feel the arms that reach out to hold me, in the evening when the day is through.
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind.
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind.

If this refers to a couple, the kids have already eaten but this woman wants to have dinner with her husband, eager to hear about how his day went. This is followed by the final chorus. The jasmine reference is symbolic of sweet, warmth and comfort due to this refreshing breeze.

Final Thoughts:

I spent 3 years working with a part-time DJ. His knowledge of all genres of music was impressive. However, Summer Breeze was one of his favorite songs. Subsequently, whenever I hear this being played, I recall the numerous nights we would sing this chorus at work together. After living in Florida over the winter, there is nothing more refreshing than a study breeze coming off the Gulf of America.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-June 9

Posted on June 9, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Under the Boardwalk

Inspiration Behind Under the Boardwalk:

Arthur Resnick was walking on the Coney Island Boardwalk when he observed several couples on the beach begin to take shelter underneath. These observations from a walk set in motion the song Under the Boardwalk with the idea of out of the sun and out of sight. Arthur worked with Kenny Young to complete the lyrics in 1963, but the recording was delayed by a year following the death of lead singer of the Drifters Rudy Lewis. Johny Moore who rejoined the Drifters in 1963, replaced Lewis as lead singer on Under the Boardwalk.

Biblical Application:

When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head,” Matthew 8:18-20.

Exegesis of Under the Boardwalk:

Oh, when the sun beats down and burns the tar up on the roof
And your shoes get so hot, you wish your tired feet were fireproof

Describes what it feels like to take a walk on a hot summer day.

Under the boardwalk (ooh), down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket (ooh) with my baby is where I’ll be

The Boardwalk serves as a place to take shelter from the sun. Taking a nap under the Boardwalk doesn’t lead to heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Meanwhile, you can snuggle with your significant other.

(Under the boardwalk) out of the sun
(Under the boardwalk) we’ll be havin’ some fun
(Under the boardwalk) people walking above
(Under the boardwalk) we’ll be making love
Under the boardwalk, boardwalk

The chorus provides a perspective of what it is like under the Boardwalk. You’re in the shade, watching people above you. The making love line was added, not what Arthur initially observed.

From the park, you hear the happy sound of a carousel (ooh)
Mm, you can almost taste the hot dogs and French fries they sell

A stanza about the sights, sounds and smell of Coney Island,

Under the boardwalk (ooh), down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be

A popular place on a hot sunny day.

(Under the boardwalk) out of the sun
(Under the boardwalk) we’ll be havin’ some fun
(Under the boardwalk) people walking above
(Under the boardwalk) we’ll be making love

Under the Boardwalk provides shelter, a place to laugh, look and love.

Under the boardwalk, boardwalk

Oh, under the boardwalk (ooh) down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket (ooh) with my baby is where I’ll be

The smaller and newer boardwalks don’t give you this option.

(Under the boardwalk) out of the sun
(Under the boardwalk) we’ll be havin’ some fun
(Under the boardwalk) people walking above
(Under the boardwalk) we’ll be falling in love
Under the boardwalk, boardwalk

Listeners to this classic summer song can relate to the lyrics of this song.

Final Thoughts:

I grew up in New Jersey where my parents took me to Atlantic City, New Jersey before all the casinos were built. My mom and older sisters showed me how to look for and collect seashells, especially after a storm. When I returned decades later with my wife Leanne, the beach was like a ghost town. All those shells laying on the shore went unnoticed as the general public was more interested in the casinos and stores on the Boardwalk. This is a sad reality of modern times. Yet, I still taught my children how to search for hidden shells just as I was showed as a child.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 18

Posted on May 18, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Electric Light Orchestra – Mr. Blue Sky (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Mr. Blue Sky:

Jeff Lynne was in the Swiss Alps, staying in a chalet when the concept of Nr. Blue Sky came to him. The week prior to the sun appearing was a combination of dark clouds with a slight mist. Thinking the weather might not change, a clear and sunny blue sky was a refreshing sight for Jeff. This instant change in weather transformed Jeff’s creativity, writing an additional 13 songs in rapid succession.

Biblical Application:

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse, Romans 1:20.

Exegesis of Mr. Blue Sky:

Morning! Today’s forecast calls for blue skies

A sudden change in the weather calls for a celebration.

The sun is shining in the sky
There ain’t a cloud in sight
It’s stopped raining
Everybody’s in the play
And don’t you know, it’s a beautiful new day
Hey, hey, hey!

A song highlighting a beautiful day. After days of rain, locals are coming out of their homes to enjoy this day.

Running down the avenue
See how the sun shines brightly in the city
All the streets where once was pity
Mr. Blue Sky is living here today!
Hey, hey, hey!

A glimpse of Spring has uplifted the spirits of the people living in the Alps. A sunny day made a huge difference in Jeff’s attitude about visiting Switzerland.

Mr. Blue Sky
Please tell us why
You had to hide away for so long (so long)
Where did we go wrong?
Mr. Blue Sky
Please tell us why
You had to hide away for so long (so long)
Where did we go wrong?

Jeff suggests that bad weather may serve as punishment for something done in the past. Meanwhile, Jeff treats the sun like a person, asking questions about why he has been gone for so long. Was it our fault?

Hey, you with the pretty face
Welcome to the human race!
A celebration
Mr. Blue Sky’s up there waiting
And today is the day we’ve waited for
Ah, ah, ah

Jeff sees the sunshine on a pretty face, This calls for a celebration, what Jeff has been waiting to see.

Oh, Mr. Blue Sky
Please tell us why
You had to hide away for so long (so long)
Where did we go wrong?
Hey there Mr. Blue!
We’re so pleased to be with you
Look around, see what you do
Everybody smiles at you

Weather affects how people act. Long winters or extended days of clouds and rain wear on a human’s psyche. Yet when the weather improves, allowing individuals to go outside, people tend to be happier.

Hey there Mr. Blue!
We’re so pleased to be with you
Look around, see what you do
Everybody smiles at you!

A repetitive chorus reminds Jeff of the sun’s impact of people’s moods.

Mr. Blue Sky
Mr. Blue Sky
Mr. Blue Sky

Human beings often love sunny days.

Mr. Blue, you did it right
But soon comes Mr. Night
Creeping over, now his hand is on your shoulder
Never mind, I’ll remember you this
I’ll remember you this way!

This day is coming to an end. As the sun is about to set behind the mountains, darkness replaces Mr. Blue with Mr, Night.

Mr. Blue Sky
Please tell us why
You had to hide away for so long (so long)
Where did we go wrong?
Hey there Mr. Blue (sky)
We’re so pleased to be with you (sky)
Look around see what you do (blue)
Everybody smiles at you

Jeff uses logic and reason, hoping for another sunny day tomorrow.

Please turn me over

Either a reference to tanning or wanting another visit from Mr. Blue Sky in the morning.

Final Thoughts:

During my last 2 years of living in Delaware before moving to South Carolina, Newark had become the Seattle of the East Coast, raining almost every Saturday for over a month. This bad weather made it easy to leave, without many reasons to stay. As families make plans to travel this summer, the weather will shape how much you like or disliked an area. This is what Mr. Blue Sky helped remind me.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 12

Posted on May 12, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Tommy James and the Shondells – Crimson & Clover

Inspiration Behind Crimson and Clover:

Tommy James woke up one morning thinking about his favorite color and flower. Upon combining crimson with clover, Tommy used poetry to blend these 2 elements together. Crimson and Clover contain themes of love and passion, fueled by deep emotions and natural beauty. While the remake of Crimson and Clover by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts in 1982 received more attention in the music world, Tommy James and the Shondells crafted this song.

Biblical Application:

The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” – Isaiah 40:7-8

Exegesis of Crimson and Clover:

Ah, now I don’t hardly know her
But I think I can love her
Crimson and clover

The poetry portion of this song kept the lyrics to 4 stanzas. However, the actual song repeats these stanzas several times. From afar, Crimson and Clover are compared to a woman. The more you stare, there is a belief that you can love this woman.

Ah, now when she comes walkin’ over
Now I’ve been waitin’ to show her
Crimson and clover
Over and over

As this woman approaches, you have been waiting to show her something, a red flower and some clovers.

Yeah, if I’m not such a sweet thing
I wanna do everything
What a beautiful feelin’
Crimson and clover
Over and over

This man reveals his flaw but is eager to do whatever it takes to impress her. Perhaps there is a sexual innuendo behind crimson and clover.

Crimson and clover, over and over
Crimson and clover, over and over
Crimson and clover, over and over
Crimson and clover, over and ove

Either this is simply Tommy jamming to his favorite color and flower or the over and over has some sort of infatuation built into the lyrics. The more you gaze upon this natural beauty or a specific woman, the greater your attraction becomes.

Final Thoughts:

As someone who went to college to study golf course design and maintenance, I am big into flowers and fauna. As I build a 9-hole disc golf course on my property, I love adding elements of ornamental grasses, shrubs and wildflowers. Although this property is void of crimson at the present, when the flowers start to blossom this spring, there will be some crimson and random patches of clover to pop up. To me Crimson and Clover are part of this color spectrum, brightening up landscapes across the country.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-April 8

Posted on April 8, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Rain

Inspiration Behind Rain:

Breaking Benjamin’s song rain references a 17th century song sung by childhood to make the rain go away. The first printed reference to “Rain, rain go away, come back another day” is a rhyme from the Collections of James Howell in 1659. However, when a Spanish fleet was bombarded by storms in 1588, a similar prayer was spoken to clear the skies from a never-ending storm. Breaking Benjamin provides a modern-day version of Rain.

Biblical Application:

Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, Lord our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this, Jeremiah 14:22.

Exegesis of Rain:

Take a photograph
It’ll be the last
Not a dollar or a crowd could ever keep me here
I don’t have a past
I just have a chance
Not a family or honest plea remains to say

Extended periods of bad weather filled with rain can take an emotional toll on human beings. This opening stanza paints a picture of someone struggling with addiction, depression or mental health concerns.

Rain, rain, go away
Come again another day
All the world is waiting for the sun

The weather is having a negative impact on their behavior, turning to a childhood song to alter the weather.

Is it you I want
Or just the notion of a heart to wrap around
So I can find my way around
Safe to say from here
You’re getting closer now
We are never sad ’cause we are not allowed to be

Breaking Benjamin is referencing a relationship where an individual is expected to put on a happy face despite the pain deep inside their heart,

Rain, rain, go away
Come again another day
All the world is waiting for the sun
Rain, rain, go away
Come again another day
All the world is waiting for the sun

All the world is waiting for the sun points to sunlight, rays of hope and good news. This is what people are waiting for.

To lie here under you
Is all that I could ever do
To lie here under you is all
To lie here under you
Is all that I could ever do
To lie here under you is all

Breaking Benajmin is either referring to God who controls the weather or a significant other lying next to them.

Rain, rain, go away
Come again another day
All the world is waiting for the sun
Rain, rain, go away
Come again another day
All the world is waiting for the sun

Some people are looking for signs from God that everything will be okay. For some, a sunny day is good enough for now.

All the world is waiting for the sun
All the world is waiting for the sun

In the darkness of this world, physically and spiritually, the light of hope goes a long way.

Final Thoughts:

I spent 8 years working overnight. Subsequently, I went months without seeing the sun. After day light savings, falling back an hour, I drove to work in the dark, drove home in the dark and rarely got up when it the sun was out. On the flip side, I was much happier each summer. Being able to recreate in the sun made a world of difference to my mental health.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-April 4

Posted on April 4, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Eurythmics, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart – Here Comes The Rain Again (Remastered)

Inspiration Behind Here Comes the Rain Again:

The Eurythmics use rain to explore the human emotions of sadness and love. The saying “when it rains it pours” dates back to the 18th century. This analogy applies to sadness and love as well. The lyrics to Here Comes the Rain Again explores a desire for being connected to someone, longing for intimacy. The act of “wanting to dive into your ocean” highlights a yearning for emotional depth despite the daily turbulence of life.

Biblical Application:

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, Psalm 51:1-2.

Exegesis of Here Comes the Rain Again:

Here comes the rain again
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like a new emotion

This stanza begins like a Deja vu experience. The falling rain triggers a new emotion.

I want to walk in the open wind
I want to talk like lovers do
Want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you?

This new emotion is a desire for intimacy, walking hand in hand in the open wind. Sharing deep conversations, eager to know the other, asking do you have similar feelings.

So baby, talk to me
Like lovers do
Walk with me
Like lovers do
Talk to me
Like lovers do

Open up to me. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.

Here comes the rain again
Raining in my hand like a tragedy
Tearing me apart like a new emotion

This next shower is a rainstorm that points to a trial, cutting like a knife

I want to breathe in the open wind
I want to kiss like lovers do
Want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you?

She wants to take this relationship to the next level, asking, “do you feel like I do?”

So baby, talk to me
Like lovers do
Walk with me
Like lovers do
Talk to me
Like lovers do

She is looking for a deeper commitment.

So baby, talk to me
Like lovers do

Tell me how you feel. Open up.

Ooh, yeah
Here it comes again
Ooh-ooh
Rain, rain, rain, rain, rain

This short stanza has a sexual tone. Not sure if this rain draws them together.

Here comes the rain again
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like a new emotion
Here it goes again, here it goes again

Like the opening of this song, this woman is smitten by love, wanting more.

I want to walk in the open wind
I want to talk like lovers do
Want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you? (Ooh, here it comes again)

She is honest about how she feels, waiting for a response.

Here comes the rain again (I said)
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like e new emotion (ooh, ooh yeah)

The more it rains, the greater her desire for intimacy.

I want to walk in the open wind
I want to talk like lovers do
Want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you?

Do you feel what I feel?

Here comes the rain again
Falling on my hand like a memory
Falling on my hand like a new emotion (hey)

If the timing is off in a relationship, she may move on before he realizes what he had.

Final Thoughts:

From my life experiences, the best relationships happen naturally. Whether it’s friendships that immediately emerge or people you click with, forcing the issue has never worked out for me. While people do change over time, leaning back on common interests can help maintain a relationship. Yet, when you do take a risk by becoming vulnerable as this song suggests, the end result may conceive a bond that lasts a lifetime.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-April 1 – Monthly Theme: A Season of Rain, Storms and Trials

Posted on April 1, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Prince – Purple Rain (Official Video)

April’s Theme:

The old saying April showers bring May flowers resonates with me. As the temperature slowly transitions from winter to spring, rain and warm weather are necessary to bring dormant grass, plants and trees back to life. However, with dramatic rises in temperature come hail, heavy rain and severe storms. Whether in the form of flash floods or tornados, these sudden events bring communities together as they cope with trials and tribulations. As families face adversity together, opportunities to grow and mature are provided like the words of James 1:2-4.

Inspiration Behind Purple Rain:

Prince was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, home of the National Football League’s Vikings. Whether Prince’s fascination with purple began by watching his hometown team’s purple uniforms or some other significant event, Purple Rain was dedicated to his father. Written by Prince and the Revolution, the lyrics of Purple Rain references the end of this world. This sudden climax provides a brief moment in time to reconcile with loved ones. This purple rain is symbolic of hope and tears that reconciliation will occur before your li is over,

Biblical Application:

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:16-19.

Exegesis of Purple Rain:

I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted one time to see you laughing
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain

Based upon the opening dedication in the attached video, Prince is apologizing to his father.

Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only wanted to see you bathing in the purple rain

The purple rain appears to reference the end of this world, possibly after a nuclear war.

I never wanted to be your weekend lover
I only wanted to be some kind of friend, hey
Baby, I could never steal you from another
It’s such a shame our friendship had to end

Prince turns his attention to other people that he has hurt in life. Either this is an old girlfriend or someone he grew up with. She has moved on and doesn’t want to ruin her current relationship.

Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only wanted to see you underneath the purple rain

Prince is seeking reconciliation with this woman.

Honey, I know, I know, I know times are changin’
It’s time we all reach out for something new, that means you too
You say you want a leader, but you can’t seem to make up your mind
And I think you better close it and let me guide you to the purple rain

Prince experiences a call to action, to lead people during this hypothetical end of the world situation. He urges this individual to follow his lead, guiding her toward the purple rain.

Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain (ooh!)
If you know what I’m singin’ about up here, come on, raise your hand
Purple rain, purple rain
I only want to see you, only want to see you in the purple rain

This final stanza speaks to need to bring others toward reconciliation. Prince wants to lead others, to put aside their differences by apologizing and reuniting.

Final Thoughts:

At the end of Purple Rain, Prince seeks to be a peace maker. In this age of political division and hatred, America needs more leaders to focus on what people have in common instead of what divides. Rather than participating in an endless cycle of trashing other people, it’s time to forgive and forget. May the closing words of Purple Rain inspire you to become a peace maker, mending broken relationships from your past.

by Jay Mankus

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