Tag Archives: reviews

The Message Behind the Music-September 22

Posted on September 22, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Modern English – I Melt With You (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind I Melt with You:

Robbie Grey,wrote I Melt with You by blending personal love with a moment of creative inspiration tinged with apocalyptic imagery.. This song was a romantic tribute to Robbie’s wife Carole. While I Melt with You has been part of movie soundtracks and montage scenes, Robbie wanted to highlight the beauty and transcendence of falling in love.

Biblical Application:

Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven, Psalm 85:10-11.

Exegesis of I Melt with You:

Moving forward using all my breath
Making love to you was never second best
I saw the world crashing all around your face
Never really knowing it was always mesh and lace

Robbie reached a point in his wife where Carole was his top priority. This marriage was much more than just sex. Robbie’s love for Carole has not stopped.

I’ll stop the world and melt with you
You’ve seen the difference and it’s getting better all the time
There’s nothing you and I won’t do
I’ll stop the world and melt with you

Robbie and Carole have a special relationship that he wouldn’t trade with anyone.

(You should know better) Dream of better lives the kind which never hate
(You should see why) Dropped in the state of imaginary grace
(You should know better) I made a pilgrimage to save this human race
(You should see why) Never comprehending the race was long, long lost

Perhaps a reference to the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Robbie either made an attempt to help other marriages or the people he tried to help were too far gone and wouldn’t listen.


(I’ll stop the world)

Robbie will always make time for his wife.

The future’s open wide

Robbie is open to plans and vision for the future.

I’ll stop the world and melt with you (I’ll stop the world)
You’ve seen the difference and it’s getting better all the time (Let’s stop the world)
There’s nothing you and I won’t do (Let’s stop the world)
I’ll stop the world and melt with you

Robbie loved being with his wife Carole. Her presence has made a huge difference in his life. Robbie learned to stop what he was doing so that they could spend time together.

(Let’s stop the world) I’ll stop the world and melt with you
(Let’s stop the world) I’ve seen some changes but it’s getting better all the time
(Let’s stop the world) There’s nothing you and I won’t do
(Let’s stop the world) I’ll stop the world and melt with you

Robbie learned to focus on his family when he wasn’t on tour.

The future’s open wide

Robbie is open to his future plans, essentially saying my schedule is wide open.

I’ll stop the world and melt with you (Let’s stop the world)
You’ve seen the difference and it’s getting better all the time (Let’s stop the world)
There’s nothing you and I won’t do (Let’s stop the world)
I’ll stop the world and melt with you (Let’s stop the world)
I’ll stop the world and melt with you (Let’s stop the world)
I’ll stop the world and melt with you (Let’s stop the world)
I’ll stop the world and melt with you (Let’s stop the world)

The more time Robbie spends with his wife, the better he feels. When Modern English, his band starts to distract his time with concerts, recording sessions and tours, Robbie has learned to stop everything to be with Carole.

Final Thoughts:

When I was a new father, it took me time to realize that I needed to make my family a priority. After teaching and coaching high school students, I started coaching little league baseball for my children. After I stopped teaching, I continued to coach my youngest son, Daniel. This shift in priorities helped me become aware of what my children were dealing with as well as enabled me to spend more time with my wife who kept the score book for our team. If only all fathers could be more like Robbie, future families would be much healthier and prosperous.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-September 18

Posted on September 18, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Play The Game Tonight

Inspiration Behind Play the Game Tonight:

During a transition into a more radio-friendly sound, Kansas was led by new lead vocalist John Elefante. Play the Game Tonight led the way for this new era for Kansas after Kerry Livgren’s departure to pursue a solo career. The initial song was Stay With Me Tonight, written by Danny Flower and Rob Frazier. However, this song was reworked and renamed by Kerry Livgren and Phil Ehart before going into production.

Biblical Application:

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

Exegesis of Play the Game Tonight:

You think that something’s happening
And it’s bigger than your life
But it’s only what you’re hearing
Will you still remember
When the morning light has come?
Will the songs be playing over and over
‘Til you do it all over again?

Perhaps reading too much into a situation. Overreacting to gossip or one side of a story. After this nighttime drama ends, will you remember what really happened. Or will the songs of last night be playing all over in your head.

Play (play), play the game tonight
Can you tell me if it’s wrong or right?
Is it worth the time? Is it worth the price?
Do you see yourself in a white spotlight?
Then play the game tonight

Likely referring to a relationship and the games people play. Questioning the morality of this or if it’s worth it? What are the consequences of playing this game? Spotlight could be referencing being on stage or the center of attention.

And when the curtains open
To the roaring of the crowd
You will feel it all around you
Then it finally happens
And it’s all come true for you
And the songs are playing over and over
‘Til you do it all over again

Going through the motions of performing. Where is you passion or are you simply giving a half-hearted effort?

Play (play), play the game tonight
Can you tell me if it’s wrong or right?
Is it worth the time? Is it worth the price?
Do you see yourself in the white spotlight?
Then play the game tonight

Putting on a good show. Perhaps a conflict of interest as not everyone is putting their heart and soul into a show. Going through the motions and faking it is taking the easy way out.

Play (play), play the game tonight
Can you tell me if it’s wrong or right?
Is it worth the time? Is it worth the price?
Do you see yourself in the white light?

Ending with 3 consecutive choruses. Perhaps Kerry led Kansas differently so following John’s lead took time.

Play (play), play the game tonight
Can you tell me if it’s wrong or right?
Is it worth the time? Is it worth the price?
Do you see yourself in the white spotlight?

If the chorus isn’t about the concert, it could be the bands’ interaction with fans afterward.

Play the game tonight
Play the game tonight
Play the game tonight

Put on a good show to please your fans.

Final Thoughts:

I became a big Kansas fan in college. Once Kerry Livgren left the band, I followed both singers, enjoying their music and song writing. Since Kerry Livgren has a PhD is music, he was on the cutting edge, incorporating various types of instruments and sounds. This is what made Kansas great. Play the Game Tonight is probably the best song under John Elefante’s leadership. This song remains relevant with a modern beat and sound.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-September 8

Posted on September 8, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Roundabout (2008 Remaster)

Inspiration Behind Roundabout:

The concept for Roundabout came from a chance observation during a 1971 tour. After a gig in Aviemore, Scotland, Yes traveled by bus from Aberdeen to Glasgow. Encountering numerous roundabouts along the way, this classic hit was spawn. Smoking pot while in route, lead singer Jon Anderson to describe this experience as vivid and mystical. After passing through the 40th round about, this song was cemented.

Biblical Application:

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything, Luke 15:13-16.

Exegesis of Roundabout:

[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1]
I’ll be the roundabout
The words will make you out-and-out
I spend the day your way
Call it morning driving through the sound and in and out the valley

Observations while riding on a bus in the countryside of England.

[Verse 2]
The music dance and sing
They make the children really ring
I spend the day your way
Call it morning driving through the sound and in and out the valley

The opening instrumental sets the tine for Roundabout. Making you want to sing and dance while riding in the bus through the country landscape.

[Chorus]
In and around the lake
Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there
One mile over, we’ll be there and we’ll see you
Ten true summers, we’ll be there and laughing, too
Twenty-four before my love, you’ll see I’ll be there with you

Possibly alluding to leaning with the bus through roundabouts. A reference to fog with scenic views blocked then becoming visible. After another reference to traveling, memories of a summer with a significant other.

[Verse 3]
I will remember you
Your silhouette will charge the view
Of distant atmosphere
Call it morning driving through the sound and even in the valley

This was a memorable trip during their tour. Using this particular bus ride as a means for lyrics.

[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1]
I’ll be the roundabout
The words will make you out-and-out
I spend the day your way
Call it morning driving through the sound and in and out the valley

Roundabouts were uncommon in America until a recent trend as removing stop signs in favor of roundabouts.

[Verse 2]
The music dance and sing
They make the children really ring
I spend the day your way
Call it morning driving through the sound and in and out the valley

The day your way line suggests someone else set up this bus tour. The sights and scenes are weaved into the lyrics.

[Chorus]
In and around the lake
Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there
One mile over, we’ll be there and we’ll see you
Ten true summers, we’ll be there and laughing, too
Twenty-four before my love, you’ll see I’ll be there with you

The chorus is repeated with generic references to what was visible.

[Verse 3]
I will remember you
Your silhouette will charge the view
Of distant atmosphere
Call it morning driving through the sound and even in the valley

Remembering the scenery, not necessarily a person. Appreciating the elevation changes as well as the twists and turns.

[Chorus]
In and around the lake
Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there
One mile over, we’ll be there and we’ll see you
Ten true summers, we’ll be there and laughing, too
Twenty-four before my love, you’ll see I’ll be there with you

This reminds me a traveling on vacation as a child, coming up with silly songs and words as you watch the scenry.

[Bridge]
Along the drifting cloud, the eagle searching down on the land
Catching the swirling wind, the sailor sees the rim of the land
The eagle’s dancing wings create as weather spins out of hand
Go closer, hold the land feel partly no more than grains of sand
We stand to lose all time, a thousand answers by in our hand
Next to your deeper fears, we stand surrounded by a million years
I’ll be the roundabout, the words will make you out-and-out
I’ll be the roundabout, the words will make you out-and-out

The focus changes to the wildlife, fascinated by an eagle soaring overhead. Using topography to craft a unique bridge.

[Instrumental Break]

[Interlude]
In and around the lake
Mountains come out of the sky, they stand there
Twenty-four before my love and I’ll be there

Repeating images from earlier in the song.

[Organ Solo]

[Verse 4]
I’ll be the roundabout
The words will make you out-and-out
You spend the day your way
Call it morning driving through the sound and in and out the valley

A reference to the 40 plus roundabout that this bus passed.

[Chorus]
In and around the lake
Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there
One mile over, we’ll be there and we’ll see you
Ten true summers, we’ll be there and laughing, too
Twenty-four before my love, you’ll see I’ll be there with you

Weaving in and out of the country.

[Outro]
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da (Doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot)
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da (Doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot)
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da (Doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot)
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da (Doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot)
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da (Doot, doot, doot, doot, doot, doot)
Da-da-da-da-da, da, da (Doot)

A fun ending that connects with the opening instrumental.

Final Thoughts:

Some songs are fun to sing even if you don’t have a clue what a band is trying to express. The beginning of Roundabout engages audiences, which promotes singing. Before doing this research, I enjoyed this song. However, after spending 2 weeks on a cruise in Alaska, I understand how pictures and views become etched within your mind. I’m glad that the members of Yes were able to share this special trip by making Roundabout into a song.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-August 28

Posted on August 28, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Starship – We Built This City (Official Music Video) [HD]

Inspiration Behind We Built this City:

Starship’s We Built This City was conceived from a combination of personal experiences, industry observation, and creative reshaping. The WE include song writers Bernie Taupin and Martin Page with production input from Dennis Lambert and Peter Wolf. When Starship’s producers heard the demo, they decided to transform it into a pop hit, shifting their attention from the city of Los Angeles to San Francisco.

Biblical Application:

So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building, 1 Corinthians 3:7-9.

Exegesis of We Built This City:

We built this city
We built this city on rock and roll
Built this city
We built this city on rock and roll, oh

Music inspires construction workers as they build the latest project.

Say you don’t know me
Or recognize my face
Say you don’t care who goes
To that kind of place
Knee-deep in the hoopla
Sinking in your fight
We’ve got too many runaways
Eating up the night

A reference to societal influences. Meanwhile, city and local rules make construction projects complicated. Then, there is a mention to the breakdown of the family resulting in numerous homeless teenagers.

Marconi plays the mambo
Listen to the radio, don’t you remember?
We built this city
We built this city on rock and roll

Perhaps cars stuck in traffic, rolling down their windows as music from a local radio station airs.

We built this city
We built this city on rock and roll
Built this city

We built this city on rock and roll

Music provides a pulse and sets the tone for residents living in this city.

Someone always playing
Corporation games
Who cares they’re always changing
Corporation names
We just wanna dance here
Someone stole the stage
They call us irresponsible
Write us off the page

Alluding to politics within construction projects in major cities. Referring to a new night club. Receiving negative press for something that other people did.

Marconi plays the mambo
Listen to the radio, don’t you remember?
We built this city
We built this city on rock and roll

The lead into the chorus is repeated. Music influences the moods of people.

We built this city
We built this city on rock and roll
We built this city
We built this city on rock and roll
We built this city
We built this city on rock and roll
We built this city
We built this city on rock and roll

Starship’s song has continued the power that music has on impacting cities.

It’s just another Sunday
In a tired old street
Police have got the chokehold, oh
And we just lost the beat

Morning patrols are trying to be proactive to prevent violence in an unsafe part of town.

Who counts the money
Underneath the bar?
Who rides the wrecking ball
Into our guitars?
Don’t tell us you need us
‘Cause we’re the ship of fools
Looking for America
Coming through your schools

Exposing corruption within local businesses. Perhaps a jab at government planning, who decides which establishments remain and which are torn down. Government lies about decaying public schools.

Marconi plays the mambo
Listen to the radio, don’t you remember?
We built this city
We built this city on rock and roll

The closing stanzas end with the chorus. The power of music inside of vehicles.

We built this city
We built this city on rock and roll
We built this city
We built this city on rock and roll

Local clubs and radio stations provide soul to their residents.

We built this city
We built this city on rock and roll
We built this city
We built this city on rock and roll, oh

Los Angeles and San Franciso were built by construction workers listening to music.

Final Thoughts:

When I got my first Walkman for Christmas, I immediately began to play music when I went running. Whenever a great song started playing, adrenaline filled my body, propelling me to run faster and faster. When I wasn’t running, I played certain songs to prepare my mind before swim meets and golf matches. If things started to get out of control, words from a chorus would get me back on track to fight through adversity. This is how music has impacted my life.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-August 21

Posted on August 21, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Johnny Be Goode

Inspiration Behind Johnny Be Goode:

Johnny B. Goode serves as an autobiography, painting the picture of a country boy who has dreams of becoming a famous guitar player. Chuck Berry grew up in St. Louis during a time when African Americans were limited in their career paths. Subsequently, upon fulfilling his dream, Chuck wrote Johnny B. Goode to celebrate this genre of rock and roll.

Biblical Application:

You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments, Amos 6:5.

Exegesis of Johnny B. Goode:

Deep down in Louisiana, close to New Orleans
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Who never ever learned to read or write so well
But he could play the guitar just a-ringin’ a bell

The introduction of Johnny B. Goode, a country boy who grew up in the deep woods. While education never excited Johnny, picking up a guitar felt just right, able to naturally play.

Go, go
Go, Johnny, go, go
Go, Johnny, go, go
Go, Johnny, go, go
Go, Johnny, go, go
Johnny B. Goode

A call to encourage Johnny to follow his dream.

He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Go sit beneath the trees by the railroad track
Oh, the engineers would see him sittin’ in the shade
Strummin’ with the rhythm that the drivers made
People passing by, they would stop and say
“Oh my, but that little country boy could play”

Once Johnny could play a collection of songs, he would go out in public to perform as passersby’s marveled at his musical abilities.

Go, go

Go, Johnny, go, go
Go, Johnny, go, go
Go, Johnny, go, go
Go, Johnny, go, go
Johnny B. Goode

Keep playing Johnny. Keep it up.

His mother told him, “Someday you will be a man
And you will be the leader of a big ol’ band
Many people coming from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun go down
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight”

Chuck is likely referring to his own mother who believed in her son and had a clear vision for his life. However, if you stay out of trouble, you’ll be successful in the future.

Go, go
Go, Johnny, go
Go, go, go, Johnny, go
Go, go, go, Johnny, go
Go, go, go, Johnny, go
Go
Johnny B. Goode

A final call for Johnny to follow his dream to be a musician.

Final Thoughts:

Passions can come and go in life. If you don’t nurture or pursue your passions, some talents will simply fade away. In elementary school, I played an alto saxophone and could play the piano by reading music. Once sports took over as my main passion, these musical abilities quickly vanished. Being great at one thing takes years of mastery and practice. However, when you only have one main interest and passion, this usually gives birth to future phenoms. If you are dedicated from an early age like Chuch Berry, anything is possible.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-August 17

Posted on August 17, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Rockaway Beach (40th Anniversary Tracking Mix)

Inspiration Behind Rockaway Beach:

Dee Dee Ramone whose real name is Doug Colvin grew up visiting Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York. Dee Dee recalls taking a bus or hitchhiking there every summer as a teenager. As the bassist for the Ramones, Dee Dee wrote Rockaway Beach which went on to become the bands highest ranking song on the Billboard Charts.

Biblical Application:

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. 6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish, John 21:4-6.

Exegesis of Rockaway Beach:

[Intro]
One, two, three, four

Making sure the band is on the same page as they begin.

[Verse 1]
Chewing out a rhythm on my bubble gum
The sun is out and I want some
It’s not hard, not far to reach
We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach
Up on the roof, out on the street
Down in the playground, the hot concrete
Bus ride is too slow
They blast out the Disco on the radio

Recollections from a teenage going to the beach. The beach is like a mall in the summer, where teens like to hang out. The places where Dee Dee went when he was young.

[Chorus]
Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach
Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach
Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach
We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach
Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach
Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach
Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach
We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach

Not much of a creative chorus, simply repetitive with a desire to go to the beach and the cheapest way to arrive.

[Bridge]
It’s not hard, not far to reach
We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach
It’s not hard, not far to reach
We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach

Anyone can get there if you try hard enough.

[Verse 2]
Chewing out a rhythm on my bubble gum
The sun is out and I want some
It’s not hard, not far to reach
We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach
Up on the roof, out on the street
Down in the playground, the hot concrete
Bus ride is too slow
They blast out the Disco on the radio

Using poetry and a catchy tune to celebrate going to this beach. Describing the conditions you should expect once you arrive. Going on the bus isn’t cool but when you hitch a ride the disco is blasting on the radio.

[Chorus]
Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach
Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach
Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach
We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach

The preferred way of travel to Rockaway Beach.

[Chorus]
Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach
Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach
Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach
We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach
Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach
Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach
Rock, rock, Rockaway Beach
We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach

Ending with a repetitive chorus as there is no mention of actually going in the water.

Final Thoughts:

Rockaway Beach is a classic example of a band focusing on a beat and sound rather than the lyrics. Shorter songs can get away with this if a tune is catchy. On the other hand, sometimes record labels want a new album every year or two so there will also be songs that lack inspiration or are simply added at the last minute. My favorite beach songs paint a vivid picture that communicate lasting memories of one’s past.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-July 8

Posted on July 8, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Faith Hill – American Heart (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind American Heart:

This song was conceived from Faith Hill’s personal experiences of being around optimistic people from the United States. American Heart was co-written by Jonathon Singleton and Jim Beavers who drew inspiration from resilience and determination from Americans facing challenging times in life. The lyrics reflect personal struggles and triumphs that human beings face daily in life. This perseverance is the backbone of American Heart.

Biblical Application:

For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him, James 1:11-12.

Exegesis of American Heart:

She’s up before the sun, on the run
Another dollar, another day, another cup of coffee
Thank you Lord for giving me one more
She still leans on her dreams but it seems
Sometimes she’s the only one who still believes
That life is hard, so she takes it on
With an American heart

The opening 2 lines highlights anyone trying to get ahead in life. God is credited for providing another day with a glimmer of hope to keep the American Dream alive. As others lose hope, she still believes this is possible.

And it beats like a drum down in New Orleans
Sings like a Motown melody
It dreams like California
Bigger than the Texas sky
It bleeds
It scars
But it shines when times get hard
And you can’t break an American heart

Music keeps her going, singing positive songs. Dreams aren’t compromised, but continue to grow with optimism. Despite disappointment, obstacles and setbacks, the American Heart is still beating as hard as ever.

From the small town Friday night lights
To the Broadway neon burning up bright
We’re all the same and it’s in our veins
A spirit that you can’t keep down
A fire inside that’ll never burn out
If you are the owner of
An American heart

Wherever you are and whatever you do, hearts filled with hope keep dreams alive. This spirit refuses to quit like a fire that never dies. This is what is possible with an American Heart.

‘Cause it beats like a drum down in New Orleans
Sings like a Motown melody
It dreams like California
Bigger than the Texas sky
It bleeds
It scars
But it shines when times get hard
And you can’t break an American heart
An American heart

The chorus repeats itself like great music that never goes out of style. Music can soothe your soul when life gets tough. However, American Hearts are like the energizer bunny which never stops moving forward.

And it beats like a drum down in New Orleans
Sings like a Motown melody
It dreams like California
Bigger than the Texas sky
It bleeds
It scars
But it shines when times get hard
You can’t break
You can’t break an American heart
An American heart

Consecutive chorus hints that the end of this song is near. Yet, resiliency and determination are characteristics of an American Heart. This may bleed and scar, but these people shine when perseverance enters their lives. This is why you can’t break an American Heart.

An American heart
God bless America
Land of the free
God bless America

An American Heart is a gift from God in the form of a blessing. America remains a special place today fueled by God’s blessing.

Final Thoughts:

One thing that I have learned over the years is to be content with where you are in life. It’s easy to become jealous by looking at more successful people. However, if you view success as [art of your own personal journey in life, you’ll become like the woman in the opening stanza eager to make the most of the day in front of her. Taking one day at a time can propel you toward seizing the moments that each new day provides. If you fail or fall short of your expectations, you’ll have another chance tomorrow to shine, This is the resilience of an American Heart.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-May 22

Posted on May 22, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Blue Oyster Cult – (Don’t Fear) The Reaper (Lyrics)

Inspiration Behind the Reaper:

The front man for Blue Oyster Cult, Donald Roeser, wrote the Reaper at 28 after being diagnosed with heart arrhythmia. Donald used this life crisis as a way to confront his own mortality. Blue Oyster Cult wanted to create something more than a pop song in 1976, using Donald’s personal experience and literary influences to craft the lyrics to the Reaper. Tired of being just a top 40 band. Donald channeled his inner Jethro Tull to shape the sound of the Reaper.

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, James 4:13-14.

Exegesis of the Reaper:

All our times have come
Here, but now they’re gone

Life flies by as time, clocks, keep ticking.

Seasons don’t fear the Reaper
Nor do the wind, the sun, or the rain
(We can be like they are) come on, baby
(Don’t fear the Reaper) baby, take my hand
(Don’t fear the Reaper) we’ll be able to fly
(Don’t fear the Reaper) baby, I’m your man

La, la-la-la-la
La, la-la-la-la

Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, the weather, isn’t influenced or impacted by the Reaper. However, the Reaper will use global crisis’s, national disasters, and severe storms to spread fear throughout mankind. Upon hearing his diagnosis, Donald didn’t want his medical condition to influence his relationship at this time.

Valentine is done
Here, but now they’re gone

Donald appears to reference St. Valentine who was martyred for trying to protect sacred marriage in his day. Valentine faced the Reaper, willing to die for his faith.

Romeo and Juliet are together in eternity (Romeo and Juliet)
Forty thousand men and women every day (like Romeo and Juliet)
Forty thousand men and women every day (redefine happiness)
Another forty thousand coming every day

In this stanza, Donald uses Shakespear to illustrate his point, willing to die if their parents didn’t let them marry. History is filled with countless individuals who couldn’t escape the Reaper.

(We can be like they are) come on, baby

Donald is trying to convince the love of his life to not be afraid.

(Don’t fear the Reaper) baby, take my hand
(Don’t fear the Reaper) we’ll be able to fly
(Don’t fear the Reaper) baby, I’m your man

We can make it if we stick together.

La, la-la-la-la
La, la-la-la-la

A subtle transition.

Love of two is one
Here, but now they’re gone

Perhaps a reference to the unity of a strong marriage as a couple becomes one.

Came the last night of sadness
And it was clear she couldn’t go on
The door was open and the wind appeared
The candles blew and then disappeared
The curtains flew and then he appeared

A poetic stanza which highlights that human life is short, like a mist that suddenly disappears.

(Saying, “Don’t be afraid”) come on, baby
(And she had no fear) and she ran to him
(Then they started to fly) they looked backward and said goodbye
(She might become like they are) she had taken his hand
(She had become like they are) come on, baby
(Don’t fear the Reaper)

The last stanza serves as a final call to face your fears, stand together and live life to its fullest.

Final Thoughts:

The Reaper appeared in the 1978 horror film Halloween. However, it was one of the opening scenes in Stephen King’s The Stand which helped me appreciate the Reaper. The melody and lyrics combine to create a timeless classic. As someone who has faced a series of life altering events, my faith in Christ has removed most of my fear of dying. As a recent grandfather, there are several events that I would like to be around to witness, but only God knows when I will breathe my last breath.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-March 30

Posted on March 30, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Flashdance • What a Feeling • Irene Cara

Inspiration Behind What a Feeling:

The lyrics to What a Feeling come from a metaphor that compares dancing to aspirations for fulfilling your dreams in life. What a Feeling was the theme song for the film Flashdance. Alex Owens wants to pursue dancing as a professional ballerina, but has to put this on hold, working in a steel mill until this goal becomes a reality. What a Feeling was composed by Giorgio Moroder and co-written by Keith Forsey and Irena Cara who sings this song.

Biblical Application:

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds, Daniel 1:17.

Exegesis of What a Feeling:

First, when there’s nothing but a slow glowing dream
That your fear seems to hide deep inside your mind
All alone I have cried, silent tears full of pride
In a world made of steel, made of stone

Initially, Alex Owens wasn’t good enough to become a professional ballerina and didn’t have the money to make this happen. Despite being frustrated, she took a full-time job at a steel mill to make a living for herself.

Well, I hear the music close my eyes, feel the rhythm
Wrap around, take a hold of my heart

Alex never stopped dreaming, taking music with her every day in the steel mill, playing in her head.

What a feeling, being’s believin’
I can have it all, now I’m dancing for my life

Dancing is Alex’s true passion, what makes her get up every morning.

Take your passion and make it happen
Pictures come alive, you can dance right through your life

Alex used positive thoughts, seeing herself fulfilling this lifelong dream.

Now, I hear the music, close my eyes, I am rhythm
In a flash it takes hold of my heart

This enabled Alex to move with the rhythm of each song.

What a feeling, being’s believin’
I can have it all, now I’m dancing for my life
Take your passion and make it happen
Pictures come alive, now I’m dancing through my life
What a feeling

Alex is like a motivational speaker, using passion to make her dream come true.

What a feeling (I am music now)
Being’s believin’ (I am rhythm now)
Pictures come alive, you can dance right through your life

This technique of visualization is what modern-day sports psychologists use to help professional athletes reach their full potential.

What a feeling (I can really have it all)
What a feeling (pictures come alive when I call)
I can have it all (I can really have it all)m
Have it all (pictures come alive when I call)

This is the passion and perseverance needed to make your dreams come true.

(Call, call, call, call, what a feeling)
I can have it all (being’s believin’)
Being’s believin’ (take your passion, make it happen)
Make it happen (what a feeling)
What a feeling

What a feeling is played as the credits roll where Alex has reached the mountain top as a professional dancer.

Final Thoughts:

While you may have the same passion as Alex, sometimes your dreams don’t come true. My quest to become a professional golfer ended on Vancouver Island, failing to make it through Q-School on the Canadian PGA Tour. Despite this set back, I ended up pursuing a career in writing. While writing blogs, books and screen plays is simply a hobby for now, perhaps the passion of Alex will be ignited in me during retirement to make this dream come true.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-January 30

Posted on January 30, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Smells Like Teen Spirit:

You don’t see many hit songs inspired by a graffiti message. Yet, when friend Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill wrote Kurt smells like teen spirit on a wall, a title for a new song was conceived. Since Kurt Cobain had never heard of the deodorant, he interpreted this slogan as connecting with teenagers like a squad of cheerleaders firing up a home crowd. As for the composition of Smells Like Teen Spirit, Kurt wanted to replicate a tune with pop sensibility similar to the Pixie’s. When these 2 ideas were merged together, an iconic song was created.

Biblical Application:

 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you,” John 16:12-15.

Exegesis of Smells Like Teen Spirit:

Load up on guns, bring your friends
It’s fun to lose and to pretend
She’s over-bored and self-assured
Oh no, I know a dirty word

Either Kurt is referring to Gaming or playing paint ball with friends. Depending upon how competitive people are, this can be a fun activity. Yet, in every crowd, someone present isn’t excited, loses focus and becomes self-absorbed. Kurt wants to use a curse word to address her.

Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello

Instead, Kurt introduces himself.

With the lights out, it’s less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto, an albino
A mosquito, my libido

Either Kurt is on stage performing for a live audience or he is thinking about individuals who have a short attention span, needing to be always entertained.

Yeah, hey, yay

I’m worse at what I do best
And for this gift, I feel blessed
Our little group has always been
And always will until the end

Kurt appears to be singing about his life as a rock star. Despite being blessed as a skilled musician, there are certain aspects of being famous and or on tour that he detests. Maybe this was Kurt’s way of telling his fans that I’m not as happy as I look. In fact, I’m contemplating killing myself.

Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello

Hello, could be used as an introduction after the opening song of a concert.

With the lights out, it’s less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto, an albino
A mosquito, my libido

Trying to excite a crowd can get old. When high school cheerleaders are trying to get a student body revved up for a team that hasn’t won a game all season, fans can lose interest quickly.

Yeah, hey, yay

And I forget just why I taste
Oh yeah, I guess it makes me smile
I found it hard, it’s hard to find
Oh well, whatever, never mind

I’m not sure if Kurt is singing about the thunder of applause or what he smells like om stage.

Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello, how low
Hello, hello, hello

A superficial greeting.

With the lights out, it’s less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto, an albino
A mosquito, my libido

Seems like the life Kurt was living prior to his suicide in 1994 sucked the joy out of his soul. Apparently, Kurt didn’t have anyone to save him from himself.

A denial, a denial
A denial, a denial
A denial, a denial
A denial, a denial
A denial

This denial is either referring to people that can’t entertain themselves or that he wanted to live a more private and quieter life when Kurt wasn’t on stage.

Final Thoughts:

As I start my 15th year of writing Express Yourself 4Him on February 4th, I’ve learned that when you begin a new format like the Message Behind the Music, you’ll run into unforeseen problems. My initial goal for 2026 was to identify a theme within a former hit song, then add a passage from the Bible addressing this specific theme. However, as I have rushed to cover some of the top songs of all time from iconic artists and bands, lyrics can be bland, bizarre and or shallow. Subsequently, going forward starting in February and carrying on for the final 11 months of 2026, songs will be selected based upon the content, depth and quality of their lyrics.

As for Smells Like Teen Spirit and Kurt Cobain, I lost 2 friends to suicide in high school. One I grew up playing baseball with and the other was a swimming teammate. Both suicides caught me by surprise. Since musicians can hide behind their music, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings by reaching out to friends and individuals who don’t look like themselves. This simple intervention can be the difference between life and death. Smells Like Teen Spirit has an incredible beat, rhythm and sound, but the lyrics don’t do anything for me.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
→