Tag Archives: short-story

The Message Behind the Music-May 11

Posted on May 11, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Ashley Monroe – Like a Rose [Lyric Video]

Inspiration Behind Like a Rose:

Ashley Monroe reflects upon how the death of her father at a young age impacted her life and family. Like a Rose was co-written by Guy Clark and Jon Randall conveying Ashley’s journey from hardship to resilience. One of the themes of Like a Rose is that despite Ashley’s world falling apart around her, somehow God enabled her to turn out like a rose.

Biblical Application:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j] 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 8:35-39.

Exegesis of Like a Rose:

I was onlu 13 when daddy died
Mama started drinking and my brother just quit trying
I’m still bouncing back, heaven only knows
How I came out like a rose

Ashley was a teenager when her father passed away. Her mom tried to numb this pain by drinking and her brother stopped trying. Yet Ashley kept bouncing back like a thriving rose bush.

Ran off with what’s his name when I turned 18
Got me out of North Dakota, but it did not change a thing
I left it in the yard, all covered up with snow
And I came out like a rose

Leaving didn’t make the pain of her father’s death go away. Seems like Ashley left behind a special plant or bush that thrived in her absence.

Sitting in this diner with a coffee in my hand
Waiting on a bus to some promise land
I got a one way ticket as far as it goes
And I came out like a rose

Ashley went years without having a home. Desperate this lonely journey, God took care of Ashley.

So I’m headed south to anywhere that ain’t so damn cold
Where I can warm my heart and shake the chills from my bones
It took a while to get here, it’s been a long hard road
And I came out like a rose

Ashley finally decided to leave the cold of the north for a warm state in the south. While this move took longer than expected, Ashley’s life was still blessed.

Sitting in this diner with a coffee in my hand
Waiting on a bus to some promise land
I got a one way ticket as far as it goes
And I came out like a rose

This chorus suggests that God is in control despite how bad the present may seem.

It took a while to get here, it’s been a long hard road
And I came out like a rose

Although this journey has been long and hard, Ashley feels blessed like a flourishing rose.

Final Thoughts:

As a manager with Amazon, I’ve learned that everyone has a story that explains how they have turned out and why they act the way that they do. The hard part is taking the time to peel back the layers which help you understand individuals like Ashley. If you have the patience, you’ll be able to find the best way to reach this individual. While you won’t reach everyone, you will find common ground to help rebuild crushed spirits and hurting souls.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-April 27

Posted on April 27, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger (Official HD Video)

Inspiration Behind Eye of the Tiger:

Eye of the Tiger was written for Rocky II, featuring the rematch between Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa. Slyvester Stallone worked with Survivor to ensure that the lyrics fit into the theme’s resilience and triumph. The concept of developing the Eye of the Tiger became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980’s as athletics went into strict training to obtain this mental edge.

Biblical Application:

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come, 1 Timothy 4:7-8.

Exegesis of Eye of the Tiger:

Risin’ up, back on the street
Did my time, took my chances
Went the distance, now I’m back on my feet
Just a man and his will to survive

In Rocky I, Rocky went the distance but lost the judge’s decision to Apollo. Once the date for a rematch was set, Rocky went into strict training to prepare for this title bout.

So many times, it happens too fast
You trade your passion for glory
Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive

Once you reach a certain level in sports, don’t let glory steal your passion. Stay hungry, don’t settle for anything less and develop a mental toughness to keep your dreams alive.

It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight
Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watching us all with the eye of the tiger

Trainers are looking to give their boxer the mental edge, void of any fear. This is where athletics are tested to push their body to the limits. The goal is to out prepare your opponent and acquire the Eye of the Tiger, waiting to pounce on your opponent at the moment they show signs of weakness.

Face to face, out on the heat
Hangin’ tough, stayin’ hungry
They stack the odds still we take to the street
For the kill, with the skill to survive

This stanza speaks to the competitive nature, drive and hunger that elite athletes possess.

It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight
Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watching us all with the eye of the tiger

This chorus highlights the mindset that Rocky adopted going into this title fight. The Eye of the Tiger is associated with a refusal to lose, despite what the odds may be.

Risin’ up, straight to the top
Had the guts, got the glory
Went the distance, now I’m not gonna stop
Just a man and his will to survive

Rocky is trying to repeat his incredible feat in Rocky I, but this time wanting to end this bout walking home with the title belt.

It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight
Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watching us all with the eye of the tiger

The Eye of the Tiger was adopted by some sports psychologists, wanting their client to develop this edge, a mental toughness unlike any other competitive.

The eye of the tiger

The eye of the tiger

The eye of the tiger

The eye of the tiger

The Eye of the Tiger is the goal, a mindset that will often become the deciding factor between winning and losing.

Final Thoughts:

I ran cross-country and swam in high school. Before any race or swimming event, I would be listening to my Walkman, getting pumped up before this competition. While I never reached my full potential due to a major ankle reconstruction surgery, music pushed me to reach new heights Listening to Eye of the Tiger lead me to reach personal records running and swimming. This is the impact that Eye of the Tiger had on my life.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-April 22

Posted on April 22, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer

Inspiration Behind Livin’ on a Prayer:

This song reflects the economic realities of growing up at the bottom end of the middle class. While the characters Tommy and Gina within this song are fictional, the lyrics of Livin’ on a Prayer reflect life experiences of guitarist Richie Sambora. Richie’s Uncle Sal worked on the docks, struggling to make a living. However, the theme of Livin’ on a Prayer points to maintaining a Christian faith despite the struggles of living paycheck to paycheck.

Biblical Application:

“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 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 21:3-6.

Exegesis of Livin’ on a Prayer:

Once upon a time
Not so long ago

Using a common storyline opening to begin this song.

Tommy used to work on the docks
Union’s been on strike, he’s down on his luck
It’s tough
So tough

Tommy who in real life was Uncle Sal is unable to make any money due to the union strike.

Gina works the diner all day
Working for her man
She brings home her pay, for love
Mm, for love

Gina had to pick up extra shifts to make up the monthly difference of income.

She says, “We’ve gotta hold on to what we’ve got
It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not
We got each other, and that’s a lot for love
We’ll give it a shot”

These lyrics point a different era in America when married couples were taught to stay together to death do us part. Sure, the current sacrifices Gina had to make sucks, but they have each other for love and support.

Oh, we’re halfway there
Oh-oh, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand, we’ll make it, I swear
Oh-oh, livin’ on a prayer

The halfway either point to halfway through the month or the Union strike. Living paycheck to paycheck sometimes requires lots of prayer.

Tommy’s got his six-string in hock
Now he’s holding in what he used to make it talk
So tough
Mm, it’s tough

Tommy needed to start selling some valuable possessions to avoid defaulting on their loan or rent.

Gina dreams of running away
She cries in the night, Tommy whispers
“Baby, it’s okay”
Someday

This couple has reached their breaking point, but Tommy provides leadership and hope.

We’ve gotta hold on to what we’ve got
It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not
We got each other, and that’s a lot for love
We’ll give it a shot

A call to stick together, rise above their current trial.

Oh, we’re halfway there
Oh-oh, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand, we’ll make it, I swear
Oh-oh, livin’ on a prayer
Livin’ on a prayer

Praying with a sense of urgency.

Ooh, we gotta hold on, ready or not
You live for the fight when that’s all that you’ve got

Don’t give up hope. Keep the faith.

Whoa, we’re halfway there
Whoa-oh, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand, and we’ll make it, I swear
Whoa-oh, livin’ on a prayer

In real life, Uncle Sal kept his family together through this financial crisis.

Whoa, we’re halfway there
Whoa-oh, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it, I swear
Whoa-oh, livin’ on a prayer

During tough times, you need a leader like Sal, who believes they will survive.

Whoa, we’re halfway there
Whoa-oh, livin’ on a prayer
Take my hand and we’ll make it, I swear
Whoa-oh

Leaders are willing take the hand of the doubting and press on with the faith to endure this current storm.

Final Thoughts:

Before attending a youth ministry trade school, I was living in my sister’s basement. I had 2 jobs and made $100 per month. Most of that went toward gas and food. From a financial standpoint, I was on the verge of being homeless. Yet, Christian friends and my faith got me through these times. I was living on a prayer and God provided for my needs.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-March 27

Posted on March 27, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Tina Turner – The Best (Official Music Video) [HD Upgrade]

Inspiration Behind The Best:

Simply the Best is rooted in a spirit of adoration, devotion and love. In recent years, March Madness, also known as the NCAA National Basketball Tournament, has adopted the Best to honor the eventual championship team. When two individuals who were meant to be together as a married couple, each are elevated to unparallel excellence once their joint qualities come together as one. Yet the Best also serves as a tribute to Tina’s success after emerging from a turbulent marriage and career struggles, she soared to global superstardom in her 40s. 

Biblical Application:

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have,’ Luke 10:30-35.

Exegesis of the Best:

I call you when I need you, my heart’s on fire
You come to me, come to me, wild and wild
Oh, you come to me
Give me everything I need

Tina points to a friend who was always there when she needed them.

Give me a lifetime of promises and a world of dreams
Speak the language of love like you know what it means
Oh, and it can’t be wrong
Take my heart and make it strong, baby

Tina provides details inside of a former relationship, filled with love and promises.

You’re simply the best
Better than all the rest
Better than anyone
Anyone I ever met

The opening chorus serves as appreciation and gratitude for this individual.

I’m stuck on your heart
I hang on every word you say
Tear us apart
Baby, I would rather be dead

Tina is in love, hanging on every word of her partner.

In your heart, I see the start of every night and every day
In your eyes, I get lost, I get washed away

Tina is excited for every new day.

Just as long as I’m here in your arms
I could be in no better place

Tina finds comfort and security in the arms of her lover.

You’re simply the best
Better than all the rest
Better than anyone
Anyone I ever met

No one else compares to this man.

Ooh, I’m stuck on your heart
I hang on every word you say
Oh, tear us apart, no, no, no
Baby, I would rather be dead

Tina can’t imagine life without this man.

Each time you leave me, I start losing control
You’re walking away with my heart and my soul
I can feel you even when I’m alone
Oh baby, don’t let go
Oh, you’re the best, ooh
Better than all the rest
Better than anyone
Anyone I ever met

Tina misses every moment away from this man. Her life without him simply isn’t the same.

Oh, I’m stuck on your heart
I hang on every word you say
Oh, tear us apart, no, no
Baby, I would rather be dead

Oh, you’re the best!

In Tina’s eyes, no one compares to this man.

Final Thoughts:

Unfortunately, there is always someone more attractive, better, more talented and successful in life. The key to a long marriage is deciding at an early age, what is more important to you in life. Simply the best is in the eyes of the beholder. Internal qualities like compassion, integrity and servanthood are hard to find in one individual. When you figure out what you are looking for in a future soulmate, you’ll know when you meet this individual as long as you are patient and don’t settle for something less.

by Jay Mankus

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