Tag Archives: travel

The Message Behind the Music-August 7

Posted on August 7, 2026 by expressyourself4him

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

Inspiration Behind I Left My Heart in San Franciso:

George Cory was living on the east coast when he began to miss the weather from his hometown of San Francisco. While working with lyricist Douglass Cross in Brooklyn, New York, early in 1950, both noticed the stark difference between New York and San Francisco. After receiving a letter from his sister, Cross painted a vivid picture in his mind of San Francisco’s culture and landmarks, weaving this into the lyrics of today’s featured song,

Biblical Application:

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. 12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy, Psalm 96:11-12.

Exegesis of I Left My Heart in San Franciso:

[Verse 1]
The loveliness of Paris seems somehow sadly gay
The glory that was Rome is of another day
I’ve been terribly alone and forgotten in Manhattan
I’m going home to my city by the Bay

A song inspired by a conversation about weather. As beautiful as Paris is, the weather doesn’t compare to California. While Rome has its glory, rich in history, San Francisco is better. During a horrible cold winter, images of the Bay keep returning to Cross’ mind.

[Verse 2]
I left my heart in San Francisco
High on a hill, it calls to me
To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars
The morning fog may chill the air, I don’t care

Nothing compares to his hometown. Thinking of the cable cars, scenic hills and morning fog that dissipates brings back fond memories.

[Verse 3]
My love waits there in San Francisco
Above the blue and windy sea
When I come home to you, San Francisco
Your golden sun will shine for me

When you love a certain place, no one can convince you of your opinion. This connection with San Francesco can’t be denied. The Pacific Ocean, bay breeze and Golden Gate Bridge has led to a lifelong love of this city.

Final Thoughts:

While I have been to California on a few trips, times have changed. When a social media app was created to make visitors aware of where piles of human poop are located, local leaders have failed. While there are still beautiful places to visit, San Francisco is not as safe and scenic as it once was in the 1950;s.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 6

Posted on August 6, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Hoover Dam

Inspiration Behind Hoover Dam:

During a period of personal and professional crisis, Bob Mould had a breakthrough. The concept for Hoover Dam suddenly came to Bob, fully formed in 1991. Mould’s former band had broken up in 1987, released a solo album before firing his entire team. While living in a loft, Bob couldn’t get the image of the Hoover Dam out of his mind. This imagine became the song shortly thereafter.

Biblical Application:

Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald[b] may run with it.3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it[c] will certainly come and will not delay, Habakkuk 2:2-3.

Exegesis of Hoover Dam:

Standing on the edge
Of the hoover dam
I’m on the centerline
Right between two states of mind
And if the wind from the traffic
Should blow me away

Visualizing standing on the edge of this dam. Stuck, frozen between two thoughts. Imagining the worse, being blown away by the wind.

From this altitude
It will come back to you
And do you know the time
All that’s left of me is slight insanity
What’s on the right I don’t know

A moment of crisis, perhaps from a lack of success in life. Unsure of what to do or where to go next.

If the mississippi should wash me away
Down to new orleans
Maybe someday in my dreams
I’d wake feeling the sweat
From the gulf in my mouth

A worst-case scenario, when a dream becomes a nightmare. Waking up sweating, so real but a thought.

On a carousel I can never tell
My direction home
Spinning down a hole

Someone going in circles without making any progress in life. Like being stuck in a strong whirlpool.

I’m losing all control
I’m down to the center of the earth

Losing your mind, about to make a bad decision.

Covered up with lava and I feel fine
It washes over me
Keeps me feeling warm at night
And if you’ve made a deal with
The guy with the horns and the cape
I’ll see you later later

Either a warped dream after staring at a lava lamp or a reference about making a deal with the Devil to be successful in life.

Standing on the edge
Of the hoover dam
Standing on the edge
Of the hoover dam I am

Not sure if Bob is thinking about jumping or he is simply in awe of this view.

Final Thoughts:

As a fellow writer, you never know you’ll receive your next big idea. If you don’t write these thoughts immediately down, they’ll likely vanish. Upon receiving an idea, Prince would wake up his production crew, working all night sometimes, afraid that Michael Jackson would beat him to this song idea. I recently had an idea for a book just getting out of the shower. God willing, this vision will soon become a self-help book in the next year,

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 3

Posted on August 3, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Lucero – Back in Ohio (Official Lyric Video)

Inspiration Behind Back in Ohio:

Back in Ohio was inspired by the true story of William Morgan. This former paratrooper from Toledo, Ohio, went on to become a Cuban freedom fighter. Following a stint in prison, William wanted to free Cuba from its communist dictator, Fidel Castro. After Ben Nichols watched the 2015 PBS documentary American Comandante about William’s life and execution, he wanted to honor the life of a very interesting character.

Biblical Application:

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them, James 4:17.

Exegesis of Back in Ohio:

On the open ocean
Sailing down to Cuba
Guns are in the galley
Someone’s gotta shoot ’em

William Morgan’s journey to become a freedom fighter in Cuba.

Away-away, oh
Destiny awaits
Sailing to redemption
They’ll miss you
Back home in Ohio
Back in Ohio

Morgan likely sailed to Cuba as commercial flights were prohibited. William was consumed by redemption. Perhaps, a going away party was thrown in Toledo, Ohio.

You threw knives in the circus
Now you’re fighting in the jungle
You’ve got babies in Miami
A rebel for a lover

One of William’s odd jobs in life. Fighting in the jungles of Cuba while his children and lover wait, living in Miami.

Away-away, oh
Destiny awaits
Sailing to redemption
But they’ll miss you
Back home in Ohio

Back in Ohio

The chorus is repeated. The way Lucero sings Ohio, the chorus only needs to be one line.

Looking down the barrel’s
Of 20 loaded guns
All the letters written
All the fighting’s been done
A man without a country
Ain’t getting out alive
They never collected the bounty
You’re still left to pay the price

Using what was learned in the PBS documentary to create an entire stanza about William Morgan.

Away-away, oh
Destiny awaits
Sailing to redemption
But they’ll miss you
Back home in-

Family and friends missed William, especially after receiving news of his death.

Away-away, oh
Your destiny awaits
You’re sailing to redemption
But they’ll miss you
Back home in Ohio

Redemption for Cuba is why he got on this sailboat.

Back in Ohio
Back in Ohio
Back in Ohio

Now he is back in Ohio.

Final Thoughts:

Since my parents spent ten years living in Ohio, I ended up doing my college internship just outside of Cleveland. I was informed of the Cuyahoga River fires but never heard about William Morgan. When you are passionate about a specific cause, you’ll lay down your life for what you believe in. This is the legacy of William from Ohio.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-July 25

Posted on July 25, 2026 by expressyourself4him

John Denver – Take Me Home, Country Roads (Official Audio)

Inspiration Behind Take Me Home Country Roads:

While driving along Clopper Road in Maryland, songwriters Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert were inspired to write Take Me Home, Country Roads. On the way to a family reunion, they began to create a song about winding country roads. However, since Maryland didn’t fit into their chorus, Bill and Taffy both imagined West Virginia to be just as beautiful. John Denver added his input as this song was later released in 1971.

Biblical Application:

In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land, Psalm 95:4-5.

Exegesis of Take Me Home, Country Roads:

Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue ridge mountains, Shenandoah river
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze

Viewing the mountains from winding country roads provided heavenly views of Maryland, replaced by West Virginia. As someone who lives 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains and drove by Shenandoah National Park every day after work, this area is beautiful.

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mamma
Take me home, country roads

Imagery like a scene from the first Cars movie of the back roads. Seeing this scenery makes you want to find a place to call home.

All my memories gather ’round her
Miner’s lady, stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye

Imagines of life in the mountains: coal mining, logging the mountains and moonshine. The sights of these mountains are breathtaking, making some emotional.

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mamma
Take me home, country roads

Repeating the chorus. Embracing the mountains, calling this special place home.

I hear her voice, in the morning hour she calls me
Radio reminds me of my home far away

Who needs a television when you can look up at the mountains.

Driving down the road I get a feeling
That I should have been home yesterday, yesterday

There is something special about traveling through the mountains.

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mamma
Take me home, country roads

Mountain mamma could refer to generations who refuse to move away from their home in the mountains.

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mamma
Take me home, country roads

Going back home brings back memories from your childhood.

Take me home, country roads
Take me home, country roads

The desire to go back where you grew up, eager to see how things have changed and how they have remained the same.

Final Thoughts:

My first teaching position was at a boarding school in the Monongahela National Forest. Living at a summer camp, students were removed from a bad home situation and were able to thrive without any distractions except the mountains. Sitting outside during limited free time, I began writing poetry, inspired by the scenery surrounding me. Before this semester ended, I even began writing songs, finishing 12 that were inspired by this beautiful setting in West Virginia.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-June 21

Posted on June 21, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Van Halen – Jump (Official Music Video) [HD]

Inspiration Behind Jump:

Jump evolved out of a television news story, personal experiences and creative collaboration from members of Van Halen. Producer Ted Templeman gave David Lee Roth a tape to listen to while riding in the back of a convertible. After replaying this tune numerous times, David began to visualize the lyrics to Jump. Roth imagined an onlooker to someone considering jumping off a building who shouts, “jump, go ahead and jump.”

Biblical Application:

But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”[h] 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ, Romans 10:16-17.

Exegesis of Jump:

I get up
And nothing gets me down
You got it tough
I’ve seen the toughest all around

Staying positive when bad things happen. You may have it tough, but I’ve seen tougher times.

And I know
Baby, just how you feel
You’ve got to roll
With the punches to get to what’s real

Not every day will go well. Yet expect bad things to happen. When things go wrong, roll with it.

Oh can’t you see me standing here
I’ve got my back against the record machine
I ain’t the worst that you’ve seen
Oh can’t you see what I mean?

I face my own kinds of pressure. I don’t always handle pressure right.

Might as well jump. Jump!
Might as well jump
Go ahead, jump. Jump!
Go ahead and jump

Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith, trusting everything will eventually fall into place.

Ah-oh, hey you! Who said that?
Baby, how you been?
You say you don’t know
You won’t know until you begin

Life is full of uncertainties. You don’t know how things will work out until you try.

So can’t you see me standing here
I’ve got my back against the record machine
I ain’t the worst that you’ve seen
Oh can’t you see what I mean?

David is speaking from experience, learning from past mistakes.

Might as well jump. Jump!
Go ahead and jump
Might as well jump. Jump!
Go ahead and jump
Jump!

Stop stalling and jump.

Might as well jump. Jump!
Go ahead and jump
Get it and jump. Jump!
Go ahead and jump

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump!

You’ll never know how your life will turn out until you take a leap of faith.

Final Thoughts:

There is not much substance to the lyrics of Jump. However, if you just focus on the chorus, there is a strong message. To me, jumping is like taking a leap of faith. You may take time to make a decision, but sooner or later you have to make a move forward. There are many things in life you can’t control. Subsequently, when push comes to shove, take a leap of faith and jump.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-June 13

Posted on June 13, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Christopher Cross – Sailing (Official Music Video) [Remastered HD]

Inspiration Behind Sailing:

Al Glasscock, an older friend of Christopher Cross, introduced him to sailing as a teenager. Al used sailing as a stress reliever from the pressures to succeed in life. These trips on the water became an emotional refuge for Christopher who began to view Al as a surrogate older brother. These personal experiences spawned the idea for Sailing. The lyrics express a desire for escapism, out on the open sea to clear your mind.

Biblical Application:

Look on Zion, the city of our festivals; your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful abode, a tent that will not be moved; its stakes will never be pulled up, nor any of its ropes broken. 21 There the Lord will be our Mighty One. It will be like a place of broad rivers and streams. No galley with oars will ride them, no mighty ship will sail them, Isaiah 33:20-21.

Exegesis of Sailing:

It’s not far down to paradise
At least it’s not for me
And if the wind is right you can sail away
And find tranquility
The canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me

Paradise is a state of mind for Christopher. Being on a sailboat in the open waters is where Christopher finds peace. The views that you see are like miracles that completely wash away any anxieties, concerns or worries.

It’s not far to never never land
No reason to pretend
And if the wind is right you can find the joy
Of innocence again
The canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me

Sailing provides an opportunity to explore, discovering your own personal Neverland. The power of the wind takes you places you never thought possible. This is the canvas that you will see as you sail.

Sailing
Takes me away
To where I’ve always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
And soon I will be free

Every trip with Al growing up never disappointed Christopher. As the wind carried and guided their vessel, Christopher found a sense of freedom from the stress of life, true recreation.

Fantasy
It gets the best of me
When I’m sailing
All caught up in the reverie
Every word is a symphony
Won’t you believe me

Sailing is better than any movie or video game. When the wind is blowing, one person is steering and the other is waiting to see if the sails are going to have to be changed. To Christopher, sailing is like being part of a symphony.

It’s not far back to sanity
At least it’s not for me
And when the wind is right you can sail away
And find serenity
The canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me

This final stanza expresses what sailing can do to refresh your heart, soul and mind, as long as you know what you are doing. This is the sanity and serenity Christopher sings about as the backdrop continues to change as the wind leads the way. Sailing is a canvas of miraculous views, one after the other.

Final Thoughts:

By the time I became a teenager, my father Joe loved soft rock. Whether we were on our way to the beach, visiting family or heading up to Maine for our annual summer vacation, Sailing by Christopher Cross was playing at some point on the way there. Like Christopher, a neighbor named Richie introduced me to sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. After mastering a Sunfish, we moved on to one of the larger sailboats that his stepfather purchased, With the wind at your back, there is nothing like sailing on the open waters. Thus, I too have witnessed the canvas of miracles that Christopher sings about in Sailing. If you ever have the opportunity, don’t pass up on a chance to experience sailing.

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-June 8

Posted on June 8, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Wipe Out

Inspiration Behind Wipe Out:

The Surfaris were searching for a B side song to go with their A side song Surfer Joe. Back when songs were released on a 45 Record, the B side wasn’t meant to overshadow the main attraction. During a recording session in Cucamonga, California, band members begin to visualize ideas for an instrumental. Wipe Out began with a crackling song to mimic a breaking surfboard from an epic wave that engulfs a surfer.

Biblical Application:

Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous, do not plunder their dwelling place; 16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes, Proverbs 24:15-16.

Exegesis Behind this Instrumental:

The Surfaris were trying to use music to illustrate what is feels like for a surfer to be engulfed by a wave. This epic failure is followed by a manic laugh with the phrase “wipe out”. This southern California surfing term refers to a painful fall from a board. Wipe Out was simply meant to be a jam session. However, this twelve bar blues structure and driving rhythm makes you feel as if you are at the beach watching surfers trying to catch the next big wave. The final touch for Wipe Out was an energetic drummer solo inspired by a sped up marching band cadence from Ron Wilson.

Final Thoughts:

Since this is my only instrumental planned, I wanted to add what happened to turn a jam session into one of the more popular B side hits in the 45 era. Although I have never surfed before, I enjoy boogie boarding and body surfing. At my age, surfing likely isn’t in my future. Yet, I do know what it feels like to be engulfed by a giant wave on a boogie board. I have seen and experienced plenty of wipe outs.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-June 6

Posted on June 6, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Jimmy Buffett – Margaritaville (Audio)

Inspiration Behind Margaritaville:

Jimmy Buffet was drinking a margarita at a Mexican Restaurant in Austin, Texas when the idea for Margaritaville popped into his head. While staying at a friend’s house later that night, margaritas began to flow as the lyrics to Margaritaville were conceived. Margaritaville became such a popular song that Wyndham Resorts started creating Margaritaville’s inside their exclusive resorts a decade ago.

Biblical Application:

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch, Acts 11:25-26.

Exegesis of Margaritaville:

Nibblin’ on sponge cake
Watchin’ the sun bake
All of those tourists covered with oil
Strummin’ my six-string
On my front porch swing
Smell those shrimp, they’re beginnin’ to boil

Jimmy envisioned Margaritaville as a place near the beach, filled with tourists tanning in the sun. However, Margaritaville isn’t limited to one location, this atmosphere can also be created at home while cooking.

Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville
Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame
But I know, it’s nobody’s fault

Margaritaville is the anti-big city, a place where you chill, shooting the breeze with a friend. No one is to blame for losing something that you misplace.

Don’t know the reason
Stayed here all season
Nothing to show but this brand-new tattoo
But it’s a real beauty
A Mexican cutie
How it got here, I haven’t a clue

Sometimes Margaritaville gets out of hand, doing things that you forget and regret.

Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville
Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame But I know, it’s nobody’s fault

Repeating the chorus for the first time as Jimmy doesn’t want to get into an argument.

I blew out my flip-flop
Stepped on a pop top
Cut my heel, had to cruise on back home
But there’s booze in the blender
And soon it will render
That frozen concoction that helps me hang on

This stanza begins with a vision of a hangover. Sometimes alcohol is used to numb the pain in your life.

Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville
Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame
But I know, it’s my own damn fault

When you are tired and drunk, you don’t function well.as minds struggle to focus. This likely led Jimmy to forget where he placed his saltshaker.

Yes, and some people claim
That there’s a woman to blame
And I know, it’s my own damn fault

Jimmy changes the chorus to take responsibility for his own actions.

Final Thoughts:

When my parents moved to Ohio while I was in college, I met several Parrot heads, fans of Jimmy Buffet. Several of the students that I went to the Cleveland Flats with, a riverfront area with nightclubs, filled the dance floor when a Jimmy Buffet song was played. Although I don’t drink anymore, I appreciate the relaxing melody and sound of Margaritaville.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-June 4

Posted on June 4, 2026 by expressyourself4him

The Beach Boys “I Get Around” on The Ed Sullivan Show

Inspiration Behind I Get Around:

When the Beatles came to America in the 1960’s, they took over the airways, leaving once popular bands in the background, of Beatle mania. Brian Wilson and Mike Lowe wrote I Get Around as a response to this British invasion. This song serves as an autobiography of the Beach Boys as if to declare, “we get around too.” This airing on the Ed Sullivan Show helped remind Beach Boy fans that we’re pretty good too.

Biblical Application:

As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12 As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men, Acts 17:10-12.

Exegesis of I Get Around:

Round round, get around
I get around
Yeah
(Get around round round, I get around)
I get around
(Get around round round, I get around)
My kinda town
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m a real cool head
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m makin’ real good bread

While the spotlight was on the Beatles, the Beach Boys were busy traveling all over the country.

I’m gettin’ bugged driving up and down the same old strip
I gotta find a new place where the kids are hip

The Beach Boys were trying to expand their audience, seeking to go in a different direction to reach a broader audience.

My buddies and me are gettin’ real well known
Yeah, the bad guys know us and they leave us alone

The Beach Boys were like America’s Beatles without the national media frenzy.

I get around
(Get around round round, I get around)
My kinda town
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m a real cool head
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m makin’ real good bread
(Get around round round, I get around)
I get around, round
Get around round round, ooh

The Beach Boys are doing okay, traveling around the country.

We always take my car ’cause it’s never been beat
And we’ve never missed yet with the girls we meet

The Beach Boys enjoy street racing when the cops aren’t around.

None of the guys go steady ’cause it wouldn’t be right
To leave their best girl home now on Saturday night

The boys didn’t want to have long distance relationships, preferring to remain single.

I get around
(Get around round round, I get around)
My kinda town
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m a real cool head
(Get around round round, I get around)
I’m makin’ real good bread
(Get around round round, I get around)
I get around, round
Ooh, ooh

Despite being overshadowed by the Beatles, the Beach Boys were successful for decades.

Round round, get around
I get around
Yeah
(Get around round round, I get around)

This group keeps evolving and spreading out their reach in the music industry.

(Get around round round, I get around)
(Get around round round, I get around)
(Get around round round, I get around)
(Get around round round, I get around)

The Beach Boys are still relevant.

(Get around round round, I get around)
(Get around round round, I get around)
(Get around round round, I get around)
(Get around round round, I get around)

Fans continue to show up at their concerts.

Final Thoughts:

While playing sand volleyball a few days a week each summer in college, I Get Around was part of the daily music mix at Geauga Lake in Ohio. My best friend Eddy and I played picked up games for hours, hearing this Beach Boy tune several times a day. Now that I know the background of this song, the message is different than I always thought. Yet this was one of many Beach Boy songs that I enjoyed listening to while growing up.

by Jay Mankus

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