Tag Archives: romance

JAŸ-Z – Empire State Of Mind ft. Alicia Keys

Inspiration Behind Empire State of Mind:

Empire State of Mind was spawn from the city that shaped Jay-Z’s life and career. Following the release of Empire State of Mind, this song has evolved into a universal anthem for ambition, resilience, and the American Dream. The original version of Empire State of Mind was co-written by Angela Hunte and Janet “Jnay” Sewell-Ulepic. After submitting their song to Jay-Z, it was edited to its current form and lyrics.

Biblical Application:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³ For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God, Colossians 3:1-3.

Exegesis of Empire State of Mind:

[Intro: JAY-Z]
Yeah

He’s ready to do this.

[Verse 1: JAY-Z & Alicia Keys]
Yeah, I’m out that Brooklyn, now I’m down in Tribeca
Right next to De Niro, but I’ll be hood forever
I’m the new Sinatra, and since I made it here
I can make it anywhere, yeah, they love me everywhere
I used to cop in Harlem, hola, my Dominicanos (Dímelo)
Right there up on Broadway, brought me back to that McDonald’s
Took it to my stash spot, 560 State Street
Catch me in the kitchen, like a Simmons whippin’ pastry
Cruisin’ down 8th Street, off-white Lexus
Drivin’ so slow, but BK is from Texas
Me? I’m out that Bed-Stuy, home of that boy Biggie
Now I live on Billboard and I brought my boys with me
Say “What up?” to Ty Ty, still sippin’ Mai Tais
Sittin’ courtside, Knicks and Nets give me high fives
Nigga, I be spiked out (Come on), I could trip a referee (Come on)
Tell by my attitude (Come on) that I’m most definitely from

Jay-Z using this opening stanza to provide a brief bio of his life as well as memories and reflections of New York City.

[Chorus: Alicia Keys & JAY-Z]
In New York (Ayy, uh, yeah; aha)
Concrete jungle (Yeah) where dreams are made of
There’s nothin’ you can’t do (Yeah, okay)
Now you’re in New York (Aha, aha, aha; uh, yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand-new (New)
Big lights will inspire you (Come on, okay)
Let’s hear it for New York (You welcome, OG; uh)
New York (Yeah), New York (Uh, I made you hot, nigga)

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Why Why Why

New York City is described as a concrete jungle, vast and dense. In this place, everything is possible. The atmosphere on these streets with the lights made Jay-Z feel brand new.

Shawn MendesWatch the Party DieKendrick LamarThe Tortured Poets DepartmentTaylor SwiftVerse 2: JAY-Z & Alicia Keys]
Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game
Shit, I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can
You should know I bleed blue, but I ain’t a Crip though
But I got a gang of niggas walkin’ with my clique though
Welcome to the meltin’ pot, corners where we sellin’ rock
Afrika Bambaataa shit, home of the hip-hop
Yellow cab, gypsy cab, dollar cab, holla back
For foreigners, it ain’t fair, they act like they forgot how to add
Eight million stories out there in the naked
City, it’s a pity half of y’all won’t make it
Me? I gotta plug Special Ed, “I Got It Made”
If Jeezy’s payin’ LeBron, I’m payin’ Dwyane Wade
Three dice, Cee-lo, Three Card Monte
Labor Day Parade, rest in peace, Bob Marley
Statue of Liberty, long live the World Trade (Come on, come on)
Long live the king, yo (Come on), I’m from the Empire State, that’s

Jay-Z takes credit for the popularity of wearing Yankees hats in public. Meanwhile, Jay-Z sees New York as a melting pot of people. Giving a glimpse of what it’s like to get anywhere in New York. Meanwhile, there are a series of name drops of famous people who have performed in New York at the Garden. From the Stature of Liberty to the World Trade Center and King Kong, this helps comprise an Empire State of mind.

[Chorus: Alicia Keys & JAY-Z]
In New York (Ayy; uh, yeah)
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There’s nothin’ you can’t do (That boy good, okay)
Now you’re in New York (Uh, yeah, welcome to the bright lights, baby)
These streets will make you feel brand-new
Big lights will inspire you (Okay)
Let’s hear it for New York (Uh)
New York (Yeah), New York (Uh)

The chorus is repeated with a different ending. Likely an ode to Frank Sinatra’s song about New York.

[Verse 3: JAY-Z & Alicia Keys], girls need blinders
Or they could step out of bounds quick, the side lines is
Lined with casualties who sip the life casually
Then gradually become worse, don’t bite the apple, Eve
Caught up in the in-crowd, now you’re in-style
Into the winter gets cold, en vogue with your skin out
City of sin is a pity on a whim
Good girls gone bad, the city’s filled with them
Mami took a bus trip, now she got her bust out
Everybody ride her, just like a bus route
“Hail Mary” to the city, you’re a virgin
And Jesus can’t save you, life starts when the church end
Came here for school, graduated to the high life
Ball players, rap stars, addicted to the limelight
MDMA (Come on) got you feelin’ like a champion (Come on)
The city never sleeps (Come on), better slip you a Ambien

There are certain aspects of New York that isn’t pretty, needing blinders. Crime, murder and cold winters. Meanwhile, success makes some of the famous lose their way, breaking bad with a couple of examples. A call for penance and new plea to turn to God for help from a Catholic perspective. The local basketball playground has developed stars and rappers who have become addicted to fame.

[Chorus: Alicia Keys & JAY-Z]
In New York (Ayy, ow, uh, yeah)
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There’s nothin’ you can’t do (Okay)
Now you’re in New York (Uh, yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand-new
Big lights will inspire you (Okay)
Let’s hear it for New York (Uh)
New York (Yeah), New York (Uh)

Another chorus with slight changes. New York is a special place.

[Bridge: Alicia Keys]
One hand in the air for the big city (Oh)
Street lights, big dreams, all lookin’ pretty (Oh)
No place in the world that could compare (Nah)
Put your lighters in the air, everybody say
“Yeah, yeah” (Come on, come on)
“Yeah, yeah” (Come on)

No city in America compares to New York. This is what draws dreamers to this place.

[Chorus: Alicia Keys]
In New York (Uh, yeah, oh)
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There’s nothin’ you can’t do (Okay)
Now you’re in New York (Uh, yeah, yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand-new
Big lights will inspire you (Okay)
Let’s hear it for New York (Uh)
New York (Yeah), New York (Uh)

What New York can do for you.

Final Thoughts:

I visited New York City once as a child and once in college. While the expenses to travel to New York have continued to increase, there are many special sites that are worth it. The food is amazing if you know where to eat. The Empire State Building still provides breathtaking views. Yet now that I live in the country, I don’t miss the congestion, crowds and traffic.

by Jay Mankus

John Mellencamp – Jack & Diane (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind Jack and Diane:

John Mellencamp’ blended personal experiences with a combination of creative changes and cultural observations to craft the lyrics of Jack and Diane. Mellencamp was influenced by the number of blended couples that enjoyed his concerts together. Meanwhile, the idea for this song came after watching Tennessee Williams’ 1962 play Sweet Bird of Youth. When you put everything together, Jack and Diane have become a classic summer song.

Biblical Application:

On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. ¹⁴ One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. ¹⁵ When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. Acts 16:13-15.

Exegesis of Jack and Diane:

Little ditty about Jack and Diane
Two American kids growin’ up in the heartland
Jacky’s gonna be a football star
Diane debutante backseat of Jacky’s car

An embellished tale of 2 teenagers growing up in the middle of America.

Suckin’ on a chili dog outside the Tastee Freeze
Diane’s sittin’ on Jacky’s lap
He’s got his hand between her knees
Jacky say “Hey Diane lets run off
Behind a shady tree”
Dribble off those Bobby Brooks slacks
Let me do what I please.
And Jacky say

This couple is enjoying the summer together at their local hangout. Jack wants to run away together and get married to avoid all the cultural tension of their relationship.

Oh yeah life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin’ is gone
Oh yeah say life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin’ is gone, they walk on

Jack doesn’t want to lose the passion that he has for Diane. Unfortunately, time has a way of changing human beings.

Jacky sits back collects his thoughts for the moment
Scratches his head and does his best James Dean.
Well then there Diane, we oughtta run of the city
Diane says “Baby, you ain’t missing’ no-thing”
Jacky say a

Jack is trying to impersonate his favorite actor, trying to convince Diane to run off with him.

Oh yeah life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin’ is gone
Oh yeah say life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin’ is gone,

The emotions that Jack is feeling will eventually wear off.

Gonna let it rock
Let it roll
Let the Bible belt come down
And save my soul
Hold on to sixteen as long as you can
Changes come around real soon
Make us women and men

Jack and Diane are going against what local churches believed at the time this song was written. Subsequently, they asked God for forgiveness. As teenagers, both are seeking to seize these moments together.

Oh yeah life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin’ is gone
Oh yeah say life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin’ is gone,
Little ditty about Jack and Diane
Two American kids doing the best they can

This is a quick story about 2 teenagers trying to do the best that they can. As time goes by, emotions and feelings change.

Final Thoughts:

Most teenagers have a special person that they grew up with. This could be a neighbor, a friend or someone that you dated. While Diana was my high school sweetheart, Jeanette was a lifelong friend, the younger sister that I never had. Growing up with these special people leave fond memories expressed in Jack and Diane. These are the moments, the Glory Days that make you feel young again. This is the impact that Jack and Diane has had on my life.

by Jay Mankus

Inspiration Behind Changes:

While drummer Alan White wrote the passage at the beginning of Changes and led singer Jon Anderson contributed some lyrics, Trevor Rabin is the main composer. Changes is essentially the journey that Trevor experienced trying to break into the music industry. This South African songwriter, guitarist, and producer bounced around with Cinema, Foreigner and Yes, with many telling Trevor what they wanted him to do. After moving to America, Trevor was depressed as these emotions are expressed within this classic Yes song.

Biblical Application:

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. ¹⁶ And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. ¹⁷ As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. ¹⁸ For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.^[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out, Romans 7:15-18.

Exegesis of Changes:

I’m moving through some changes
I’ll never be the same
Something you did touched me
There’s no one else to blame

Trevor could be referring to an opportunity that he passed on. Members of the band Foreigner wanted him to write songs that fit the genre and style of their band. Despite rejecting their offer, perhaps Trevor began to realize that he had potential and a bright future in America.

The love we had has fallen
The love we used to share
We’ve given up pretending
As if you didn’t care

Trevor is either referring to a past relationship in South Africa or about former band members prior to his departure.

Change, changing places
Root yourself to the ground
Capitalize on this good fortune
One word can bring you round
Changes

Trevor had 3 opportunities with bands: Cinema, Foreigner and Yes. As one member is asked to leave, this opens the door for a new member to take their place. Perhaps, this is the good fortune that Trevor is writing about.

I look into the mirror
I see no happiness
All the warmth I gave you
Has turned to emptiness

The tone of this stanza reflects the depression that Trevor was dealing with when he wrote Changes. The lyrics suggest a lack of happiness within the band or within his own life.

The love we had has fallen
The love we used to share
You’ve left me here believing
In love that wasn’t there

Trevor appears to be referring to a relationship with another woman. Then again, the remark about you left me here believing could be a promise a band made to him that was never kept.

Change, changing places
Root yourself to the ground
Word to the wise
Well, you get what’s coming
One word can bring you round
Changes

Trevor mentions the concept of becoming grounded. I’m not sure if he’s thinking about staying humble, realistic or if he’s referring to the principle you reap what you sow. While you endure changes in your life, watch what you do or say so that you don’t regret this.

But when I look into your eyes
And try to find out how
There’s no way to save it now
And everything I feel
Changes
Keep looking for
Changes, changes

Changes can be good and healthy for you as long as you learn from your past mistakes.

For some reason you’re questioning why
I always believe it gets better
One difference between you and I
Your heart is inside your head

Trevor sings about a relationship where this individual is emotionally unstable, wearing their emotions on their sleeves. Trevor is learning about himself during this time of transition.

One word from you, one word from me
A clear design on your liberty
Who could believe when love has gone
How we move on like everyone

Relationships change as people change. When someone wants their freedom, Trevor has reached a point in his life where he’s willing to walk away by moving on with his life.

Only such fools
Only such jealous hearts
Only through love changes come

Jealousy and immaturity has a way of ending relationships. Yet, the love inside of one person can alter the course of a relationship, holding things together.

Change, changing places
Root yourself to the ground
Capitalize on this good fortune
One word can bring you round
Changes

Seize the moments and opportunities that you have in life.

One road to loneliness
It’s always the same
One road to happiness
It’s calling your name
Change, changing places, changes
Root yourself to the ground
Capitalize on this good fortune
One word can bring you round
Changes
Change, changing places, changes
Root yourself to the ground
Word to the wise
Well, you get what’s coming
One word, one word can bring you round
Changes

As you go through changes in life, you can become depressed or develop a more positive outlook on life. The choice of how you handle change is up to you.

Final Thoughts:

At the start of any New Year, it’s important to take an assessment of where you are in life. During this time of reflection, you may feel compelled to reach out to someone from your past either to apologize or just catch up with. As C.S. Lewis once wrote, “success is the process of arriving, not actually arriving.” Maintaining this outlook on life prevents apathy and overconfidence. Change is good as long as you continue to evolve by drawing closer to God,

by Jay Mankus