Tag Archives: That Thing You Do

The Crossover Connection Week 3: Kenny G with the Flair of Rod Stewart

Posted on February 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a former alto saxophone player, I was a big fan of Kenny G in high school. When my musical talents faded once playing sports became my top priority in life, I stumbled upon Kenny Marks at a local Christian Bookstore. Although many Christian artists often become one hit wonders like the Tom Hanks film That Thing You Do, Kenny released several hit songs in the late 1980’s. Best known for The Party’s Over, Kenny’s ballads are underrated, inspired by events in life people can relate to.

And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint. 10 So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [[i]morally] to all people [not only [j]being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God’s family with you, the believers], Galatians 6:9-10.

Based upon the image of the attached You Tube, Kenny had a similar hair style to Rod Stewart back in the day. As a former youth pastor, I appreciate songs like Next Time You See Johnny with lyrics that address the topic of divorce. Meanwhile, White Dress provides a parent’s perspective of how quickly young children grow up. If you’re not familiar with Kenny Marks’ music, I hope that you’ll spend an entire week soaking up these meaningful songs that often bring tears of joy to my heart.

by Jay Mankus

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A Few Wrong Notes

Posted on June 12, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As a former alto saxophone player, it doesn’t take much to ruin a concert.  One wrong note, breathe or mistake can lead to humiliation.  However, sometimes a musician might deviate from the script, experimenting with a certain song or sound.  For Neil Young, a few wrong notes at a cafe in Ontario opened the door for this 18 year old aspiring artist.  As Paul Harvey famously stated, “and now you know the rest of the story.”

Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens, Psalm 150:1.

Hollywood’s version of a few wrong notes is illustrated by the Tom Hanks movie That Thing You Do.  When Guy Patterson, a back up drummer called into action after the regular drummer breaks his arm, he speeds up the song with a faster, hipper tempo.  Subsequently, lead vocalist and song writer Jimmy Mattingly is forced to follow this beat.  When this version of the song That Thing You Do hits the air waves, the Wonders become an overnight sensation.

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, Psalm 150:6.

In the book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis uses a piano analogy to introduce the Law of Human Nature.  Without knowledge of notes or reading a music sheet, chaos usually ensues.  However, when basic principles are introduced, people develop an ear for what’s right and wrong.  In this life, God has given every individual a conscience to guide us.  The more individuals become in tune with God, a few wrong notes are easily recognizable.  Unfortunately, for those who wander down the wrong path, justification and realization take over blinding people from the truth.  Before arrogance or pride take over, may the Holy Spirit open your eyes to the few wrong notes you are playing so your final song will end in eternity.

by Jay Mankus

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Theories about Falling Apart

Posted on February 6, 2016 by expressyourself4him

I grew up in the soft rock era as nearly every album contained a minimum of one ballet per side.  During the 1980’s, radio stations played the same 12-15 songs in a loop.  Except for all request lunch hours or evenings with Delilah, individuals waited in their cars, on their deck or listening to a stereo as depicted in Tom Hanks’ film That Thing You Do.  Groups like Air Supply sang about being lost without their significant other in All Out of Love.  However, when it comes to theories about falling apart, no one compares to the band Chicago.  While I loved their music, their songs are filled with break up lyrics, trying to recover from one broken relationship after another.

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me, John 15:4.

Canadian Rock band Thousand Foot Krutch continues to expand upon theories about falling apart.  In their video of the song Falls Apart, TFK uses ropes like strings on a puppet.  The lyrics suggest that everything falls apart when they walk away from their girl.  However, beyond the obvious is a spiritual message.  Whenever a person of faith walks away from God, their life begins to slowly fall apart.  Like Bette Midler’s famous song, the Lord is the Wind Beneath Our Wings.  Thus, any type of absence, departure or period of prodigal journey will weaken the human soul.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing,” John 15:5.

In a private meeting with his disciples, Jesus gives one final theory about falling apart.  The Lord compares himself to a vine, the source of life.  God plays the role of a gardener, pruning those areas of life that are unproductive.  By staying connected through Bible Study, prayer and worship, spiritual nourishment is provided.  However, the moment you become disconnected, removing God from the equation, emptiness replaces the Giver of Life.  Therefore, if you feel like you’re on the verge of falling apart, tap into a higher power to rejuvenate a thirsty soul.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Caught in the Rain

Posted on August 28, 2012 by expressyourself4him

In their 1992 debut album Waterline, In Reach came crashing on to the scene, expected by some to become the band of the 1990’s.  However, like the movie, That Thing You Do, In Reach was a one hit album wonder, fading just as quick as they arrived.

Success sometimes can occur you so fast, that you are not ready for primetime, resulting in egos, pride and selfish ambition.  Maybe this is why the group changed the name on their second album to Brett Williams and In Reach.  Anyhow, the band got Caught in the Rain, in a storm of life, leaving their band in ruins like part of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.  In Reach drowned in a sea of their own success, sinking to the bottom, never to rise again to the surface.

This past weekend, the East Coast got hammered by storms, leaving some areas like Berlin, Maryland under more than a foot of water.  No one likes to get caught in the rain, especially when you are surrounded by thunder and lightning.  However, without rain, farmers can’t grow their crops, landscapers can’t cut their yards and water tables would dry up.  Whether people like it or not, rain is a way of life since the flood, Genesis 6-7.

Except for the flood, nobody knows exactly why storms come and go.  Yes, there are tropical and sub-tropical geographic regions, yet only God knows for sure when you are going to get caught in the rain.  When you do get caught, how will you respond to the curve being thrown at you?  What lesson will you learn so that when success does come, you will be ready?  As for me, I am still caught in the rain, waiting for the Son to peak through the clouds so that I can experience the rainbow on the other side.

by Jay Mankus

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