Tag Archives: travel

The Message Behind the Music-September 11

Posted on September 11, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Let’s Roll

Inspiration Behind Let’s Roll:

Let’s Roll is about a group of individuals on Flight 93 which was highjacked by terrorists on September 11th, 2001. Today, marks the 25th anniversary of this tragic event. Yet this day in history would have been worse if not for some Americans who fought to take back control of their airplane. While the terrorists on board wanted to strike a building in Washington, D.C, brave Americans made sure this never happened. Before enacting their plan, “Let’s roll” was one of their last words spoken before their plan went down in a remote part of Pennsylvania.

Biblical Application:

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds, James 2:17-18.

Exegesis of Let’s Roll:

Please note that the attached version of Let’s Roll is a new version. Because of 9/11, I wanted to focus this exegesis on the original song lyrics by Neil Young.

I know I said I love you
I know you know it’s true
I’ve got to put the phone down
And do what we gotta do
One standing in the highway
Two more at the door
We’ve got to get inside there
Before they kill some more

Referring to Todd Beamer’s cell phone conversation with his wife Lisa while on board Flight 93. After receiving news about the other planes that had already hit their targets, Todd and a few other brave Americans we about to try to take back this plane.

Time is running out
Let’s roll
Time is running out
Let’s roll

Let’s roll was the code to begin moving toward the front of the plane.

No time for indecision
We’ve got to make a move
I hope that we’re forgiven
For what we gotta do
How this all got started
I’ll never understand
I hope someone can fly this thing
And get us back to land

Thoughts going through the minds of these brave Americans. An appeal for forgiveness, an act of aggression to stop evil. The ideal scenario if everything works out according to their plan.

Time is running out
Let’s roll
Time is running out
Let’s roll

The sense of urgency to act before the terrorists fulfill their own mission.

No one has the answer
But one thing is true
You’ve gotta turn on evil
When it’s coming after you
You’ve gotta face it down
And when it tries to hide
You’ve gotta go in after it
And never be denied

This event was so shocking, but America was unified on fighting evil. You have to fight fire with fire. You have to root out evil or it will prevail.

Time is running out
Time is running out
Let’s roll

Carrying out this plan immediately.

Let’s roll for freedom
Let’s roll for love
We’re going after Satan
On the wings of a dove
Let’s roll for justice
Let’s roll for truth
Let’s not let our children
Grow up fearful in their youth

This group of Americans realized that they were probably going to die. Yet they didn’t want to go down without a fight. Justice, truth and spiritual things are worth laying your life down for.

Time is running out
Let’s roll
Time is running out
Let’s roll
Time is running out
Let’s roll

Getting your mind straight, going over the plan before carrying out this plan.

Final Thoughts:

In the immediate aftermath of September 11th, 2001, I realized that I wasn’t doing what I was created to do. Subsequently, in the months that followed, I apllied for a teaching position, interviewed and was hired at the beginning of the second semester. I spent the next decade of my life challenging, developing and shaping the minds of teenagers. This may have never happened if September 11th never occurred. The heros of Flight 93 ignited a new generation of Americans with a sense of urgency to Let’s Roll.

by Jay Mankus

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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

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The Message Behind the Music-August 24

Posted on August 24, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Brooks & Dunn – Red Dirt Road (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Red Dirt Road:

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn relied on their childhood experiences to write Red Dirt Road. The idea was conceived during a 2002 tour when each brought up memories of growing up in Arkansas. The East Main highway out of El Dorado was their main drag, the place where they cruised around town as teenagers. These life encounters helped conceive the lyrics of Red Dirt Road.

Biblical Application:

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete,” Luke 6:46-49.

Exegesis of Red Dirt Road:

I was raised off of Rural Route 3
Out past where the blacktop ends
We’d walk to church on Sunday morning
Race barefoot back to Johnson’s fence
That’s where I first saw Mary
On that roadside, pickin’ blackberries
That summer, I turned a corner in my soul
Down that red dirt road

Reflections from the past, vivid images. Walking to church, competitions, and his first love. Picking berries, likely with Mary and his spiritual maturity.

It’s where I drank my first beer
It’s where I found Jesus
Where I wrecked my first car
I tore it all to pieces
I learned the path to Heaven
Is full of sinners and believers
Learned that happiness on Earth
Ain’t just for high achievers
I’ve learned, I’ve come to know
There’s life at both ends of that red dirt road

Quick snapshots of growing up. These ups and down led Brooks and Dunn toward Jesus. This maturity led to a new perspective about life.

Her daddy didn’t like me much
In my shackled up GTO

Mary’s parents didn’t like a guy who liked to drive fast.

I’d sneak out in the middle of the night
Throw rocks at her bedroom window
We’d turn out the headlights
And drive by the moonlight
Talk about what the future might hold
Down that red dirt road

Memories of his first serious girlfriend.

It’s where I drank my first beer
It’s where I found Jesus
Where I wrecked my first car
I tore it all to pieces
I learned the path to Heaven
Is full of sinners and believers
Learned that happiness on Earth
Ain’t just for high achievers
I’ve learned, I’ve come to know
There’s life at both ends of that red dirt road

Repeating the chorus detailing firsts in life. This search led to what the Bible refers to as the narrow path.

I went out into the world
And I came back in
I lost Mary
Oh, I got her back again
And driving home tonight
Feels like I found a long lost friend

Filling in the gaps. Losing your way in life. Breaking and mending a relationship. A glimpse of the ups and downs in life.

It’s where I drank my first beer
It’s where I found Jesus
Where I wrecked my first car
I tore it all to pieces
I learned the path to Heaven
Is full of sinners and believers
Learned that happiness on Earth
Ain’t just for high achievers
I’ve learned, I’ve come to know
There’s life at both ends of that red dirt road

Growing up can be hard, but when you start turning your life around, peace can be found.

Yes, I’ve learned, I’ve come to know
There’s life at both ends of that red dirt road

These are the life lessons learned while growing up.

Final Thoughts:

Playing sports was one of the best parts of my life growing up. The relationships that I developed with teammates hold a special place in my heart. While I have lost touch with many of these individuals, I still hear from some of them from time to time. Hanging out with my cross-country teammates was always memorable, especially when we met up on dates at the Charcoal Pit. Yet the most special memories occurred on Lay Mission Witness weekends, often with friends from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. These life changing retreats helped shape who I have become as an adult. These are my own Delaware moments like Red Dirt Road.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 18

Posted on August 18, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Styx – Come Sail Away

Inspiration Behind Come Sail Away:

The concept for Come Sail Away came during a band trip to Hawaii in April 1977. Styx was performing at the Crater Festival when founding member Dennis DeYoung composed this song. While on the beach, DeYoung was looking out at boats in the ocean and began imagining a journey toward something bigger. The lyrics are a metaphor chasing dreams as well as finding a better place in life.

Biblical Application:

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm, Mark 4:35-39.

Exegesis of Come Sail Away:

I’m sailing away
Set an open course for the Virgin Sea
‘Cause I’ve got to be free
Free to face the life that’s ahead of me

While observing ships from the beach, Dennis uses Virgin Sea as a metaphor to illustrate a fresh start, freedom, and the unknown. This clean slate leads to a sense of freedom as he thinks about his future.

On board, I’m the captain
So climb aboard
We’ll search for tomorrow
On every shore
And I’ll try, oh Lord, I’ll try
To carry on

Dennis is now the captain of his own boat, inviting others to come aboard as he leads the way. Before this search for tomorrow begins, Dennis offers up to pray to God tor strength to carry on in life.

I look to the sea
Reflections in the waves, spark my memory
Some happy, some sad
I think of childhood friends and the dreams we had

The waters from this beach are like a mirror, able to reflect memories from the past. This time of reflection triggers childhood dreams that Dennis may have given up on.

We lived happily forever
So the story goes
But somehow we missed out
On the pot of gold
But we’ll try, best that we can

To carry on

Story book endings sound good but are far from reality. Missing out on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, Dennis musters up the strength to press on in life.

A gathering of angels
Appeared above my head
They sang to me this song of hope
And this is what they said

Whether part of a dream or some sort of angelic encounter, Dennis received a song of hope within his mind with the chorus listed below.

They said come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me, lads
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me, baby
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me

A call to begin again by sailing away to chart out a new path in life.

I thought that they were angels
But to my surprise
We climbed aboard their starship
We headed for the skies

An image inside of Dennis’ dreams, referring to an alien encounter, A friendly one like ET.

Singing “Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me, lads
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me

The chorus serves as an invitation, to come aboard to begin a new journey in life.

Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me”
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me
Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me

The chorus is repeated like a final call before this ship takes off.

Come sail away, come sail away
Come sail away with me

Join me on this new adventure.

Final Thoughts:

Human beings all come to a crossroads in life where you have to decide if you keep going on your current path or you decide to stop for a moment of reflection. Sometime your current financial state may limit your options. However, if your mental health is worsening, drastic changes must be made. Change is never easy but as C.S, Lewis once wrote, “success is the process of arriving.” As you set sail for your next phase in life, never stop learning to avoid complacency. Go with God and God will go with you.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 15

Posted on August 15, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Elvis Presley – Viva Las Vegas (Remastered)

Inspiration Behind Viva Las Vegas:

Viva Las Vegas was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman for the 1964 film Viva Las Vegas. This film followed the story of Lucky Jackson, played by Elvis, competing in Las Vegas’ first ever Grand Prix. Like most films, there is romance between Elvis and Ann-Magaret, with Vegas as the backdrop. The lyrics point to Las Vegas as a symbol of entertainment, nightlife, and showbiz extravagance.

Biblical Application:

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone, Colossians 4:5-6.

Exegesis of Viva Las Vegas:

Bright light city gonna set my soul
Gonna set my soul on fire
Got a whole lot of money that’s ready to burn,
So get those stakes up higher
There’s a thousand pretty women waitin’ out there
And they’re all livin’ devil may care
And I’m just the devil with love to spare
Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las Vegas

The neon and flashy lighting made Elvis excited. He’s in a gambling mood where money isn’t a concern. Beside the rush of gambling, there are plenty of women looking to connect with someone, even if the Devil is behind this desire. Elvis doesn’t mind being used, embracing the atmosphere of Vegas.

How I wish that there were more
Than the twenty-four hours in the day
‘Cause even if there were forty more
I wouldn’t sleep a minute away
Oh, there’s black jack and poker and the roulette wheel
A fortune won and lost on ev’ry deal
All you need’s a strong heart and a nerve of steel
Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las Vegas

There isn’t enough time to do everything that Elvis wants to do. Elvis enjoys the nightlife, not wanting to miss any opportunity that may come along. There are plenty of options for gambling, but only the nerves of steel and a strong heart break even or better. This is Las Vegas.

Viva Las Vegas with you neon flashin’
And your one armbandits crashin’
All those hopes down the drain
Viva Las Vegas turnin’ day into nighttime
Turnin’ night into daytime
If you see it once
You’ll never be the same again

The fancy lights lure you inside, but the house usually wins, crushing the hopes and dreams of countless participants. Since the Casinos never close, you never know if it is night or day.

I’m gonna keep on the run
I’m gonna have me some fun
If it costs me my very last dime
If I wind up broke up well
I’ll always remember that I had a swingin’ time
I’m gonna give it ev’rything I’ve got
Lady luck please let the dice stay hot
Let me shout a seven with ev’ry shot
Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las Vegas,
Viva, Viva Las Vegas

Gambling can be like a shot of adrenaline, creating a rush within someone, even if it means losing everything you have. Living with a go for broke attitude. Hoping and wishing for luck to be on their side. A reference to craps. Inside of Casinos, people lay their fortune and life on the line.

Final Thoughts:

My father would bet me a dollar when NFL football games were on television. Every time I bet, I lost. After college, I stopped betting completely, having no desire to rely on chance to hit it big. Subsequently, while some may enjoy going to casinos, I’d rather be at the beach, boogie boarding in the ocean. That’s how I live on the edge.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 14

Posted on August 14, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Billy Joel – Allentown (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Allentown:

Allentown was conceived from Billy’s personal experiences living on the East Coast, a regional observation, and a deep empathy for working-class struggles. Located in the Rust Belt of America, Allentown was impacted by closing steel mills due to America shipping manufacturing jobs overseas. While the entire he Lehigh Valley was impacted by mill closures, the city of Allentown was selected as the name felt well into the lyrics.

Biblical Application:

To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life.18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return,” Genesis 3:17-19.

Exegesis of Allentown:

Well, we’re living here in Allentown
And they’re closing all the factories down
Out in Bethlehem, they’re killing time
Filling out forms, standing in line

A second about current events, how the closure of steel mills throughout the cities within the Lehigh Valley was impacting some towns like Allentown.

Well, our fathers fought the Second World War
Spent their weekends on the Jersey Shore
Met our mothers in the USO
Asked them to dance, danced with them slow

Billy speaks to his generation in this stanza. How most fathers served in World War II, where families spent their summer vacations, where their parents met and how they fell in love.

And we’re living here in Allentown
But the restlessness was handed down
And it’s getting very hard to stay

This oasis in the mountains was greatly impacted by shipping manufacturing jobs overseas. Finding a good paying job outside the steel mill was getting harder and harder.

Well, we’re waiting here in Allentown
For the Pennsylvania we never found
For the promises our teachers gave
If we worked hard, if we behaved

This economic situation began to impact students as children began to lose hope, likely taking a toll on grades.

So the graduations hang on the wall
But they never really helped us at all
No, they never taught us what was real

Billy’s teachers were never fully transparent with teachers. Giving the company line which wasn’t real or helpful.

Iron and coke, chromium steel

Contents inside the mills.

And we’re waiting here in Allentown
But they’ve taken all the coal from the ground
And the union people crawled away

Natural resources were starting to dry up. People were waiting for change, but even the Unions struggled.

Every child had a pretty good shot
To get at least as far as their old man got
But something happened on the way to that place
They threw an American flag in our face
Whoa-oh-oh

The America Dream took a hit, lowering the standard for future generations. If you can’t get a job, go serve in the military.

Well, I’m living here in Allentown
And it’s hard to keep a good man down
But I won’t be getting up today

The economic situation was rough, even for the highly motivated.

And it’s getting very hard to stay
And we’re living here in Allentown

While some stayed, many had to move to find a good paying job.

Final Thoughts:

Since today is my birthday, I wanted to write about a town that I grew up 2 hours away from. Just north of Allentown is the Pocono Mountains where I first learned to ski. Blue Mountain is where I took my children where they first learned to ski and snowboard. On one of my birthdays, I took the family to Dorney Park, an amusement and water park. This was one of my more memorable days at a park as we rode all the coasters early and spent the afternoon at the waterpark. This is what Allentown has to offer today.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-August 13

Posted on August 13, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Bastille – Pompeii (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind Pompeii:

This song was inspired by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which buried the ancient Roman city of Pompeii under volcanic ash. Lead singer and songwriter Dan Smith recalls reading a book, forever impacted and touched by images of the victims of the famous eruption. The lyrics use an imaginary conversation between two victims of Pompeii trapped next to one another as they speak their last words.

Biblical Application:

By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. 24 Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land. 26 But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt, Genesis 19:23-26.

Exegesis of Pompeii:

Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o

Something you’d find in an introduction to a dramatic movie, often in the form of a prelude instrumental.

I was left to my own devices
Many days fell away with nothing to show

Perhaps a time of reflection leading up to this song’s creation.

And the walls kept tumbling down
In the city that we love
Grey clouds roll over the hills
Bringing darkness from above

Dan Smith puts himself back in time as if he was an eyewitness of this natural disaster.

But if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
You’ve been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?

The images of the book that Dan recently read enabled him to visualize what happened in 79AD. Yet Dan is torn, unsure of how he can put a positive spin on this event.

We were caught up and lost in all of our vices
In your pose as the dust settles around us

Two individuals who survived the initial eruption.

And the walls kept tumbling down
In the city that we love
Grey clouds roll over the hills
Bringing darkness from above

Yet these 2 were trapped under the ash, unable to be rescued.

But if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
You’ve been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?

The chorus is repeated. An attempt to visualize what initial survivors endured until breathing their last breath’.

Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o

Musical transition.

Oh where do we begin?
The rubble or our sins?
Oh where do we begin?
The rubble or our sins?

Dan struggles to put this tragedy into words.

And the walls kept tumbling down
In the city that we love
Grey clouds roll over the hills
Bringing darkness from above

Trying to imagine what this was like based upon the book that Dan read.

But if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
You’ve been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
But if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?

Final chorus where Dan wants his listeners to not forget this historic event.

Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o
Eh-eh-o eh-o

Ending with how this song began.

Final Thoughts:

A little less that 20 years ago, I visited Fire and Ice in New Mexico. The fire portion of this sightseeing tour was a partially collapsed volcano that you could hike through and up to the rim. From the top, you could see more than a dozen dormant volcanoes in the distance. Before my hike, I never realized the size and amount of ash a volcano could generate. This experience helps me better understand what happened to Pompeii on the day Mt. Vesuvius erupted.

by Jay Mankus

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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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