Tag Archives: travel

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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The Message Behind the Music-June 1: A Season of Recreation, Restoration and Revitalization

Posted on June 1, 2026 by expressyourself4him

The Go-Go’s – Vacation

Monthly Theme:

As a former high school teacher, by the end of May, you are emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted. The summertime which followed final exams in early June was the season that students and teachers alike were waiting for. Since my school didn’t begin until the Tuesday after Labor Day weekend, June commenced a time for recreation. As human beings begin to recreate, restoration and revitalization is a byproduct of having fun in the sun.

Inspiration Behind Vacation:

Kathy Velentine was visiting her mother who lived in Austin, Texas back in 1980. This trip from Los Angeles, California allowed her to meet a charming man. On the plane ride back to Los Angeles, Kathy started writing on napkins as the words to Vacation began to flow. As the lead singer of Boy Problems, Kathy completed the melody and chords when she got back home. Upon joining the Go-Go’s later on in the year, members Jane Wiedlen and Charlotte Caffey loved it as Vacation became a reality.

Biblical Application:

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth,” Psalm 46:10.

Exegesis of Vacation:

Can’t seem to get my mind off of you
Back here at home, there’s nothin’ to do
Now that I’m away, I wish I’d stayed
Tomorrow’s a day of mine that you won’t be in

Kathy can’t stop thinking about this charming man that she just met. Upon arriving back home in Los Angeles, it’s back to reality. Kathy wished her vacation didn’t end, knowing that this man won’t be a part of her tomorrow.

When you looked at me, I should have run
But I thought it was just for fun
I see I was wrong, and I’m not so strong
I should have known all along that time would tell

Kathy wishes that she didn’t get involved, thinking she’d just have fun. Unfortunately, there is nothing she can do now as this fun in the sun has ended.

A week without you
Thought I’d forget
Two weeks without you and I
Still haven’t gotten over you yet

One week later, Kathy still can’t get this man out of her mind. Kathy seems like she wished her vacation never ended.

Vacation, all I ever wanted
Vacation, had to get away
Vacation, meant to be spent all alone

Time away from Los Angeles on vacation was great, something she longed for. However, her initial plans were to be all alone.

Vacation, all I ever wanted
Vacation, had to get away
Vacation, meant to be spent all alone

Repeating this chorus may point to frustration, perhaps getting emotionally involved.

A week without you
Thought I’d forget
Two weeks without you and I
Still haven’t gotten over you yet

Despite being back home, Kathy can’t get this charming man off her mind.

Vacation, all I ever wanted
Vacation, had to get away
Vacation, meant to be spent all alone

The trip served its purpose except for becoming emotionally involved.

Vacation, all I ever wanted
Vacation, had to get away
Vacation, meant to be spent all alone

Finishing with 3 straight choruses suggests that Kathy is frustrated with herself.

Vacation, all I ever wanted
Vacation, had to get away
Vacation, meant to be spent all alone

The one thing about any vacation is that you never know who you are going to meet.

Final Thoughts:

My father took the month of August off, traveling to Maine to refresh his body, mind and spirit from work. This is the one time every summer that my father had time for his children due to his busy work schedule. This is where I caught my first fish, went swimming for the first time and hung out with the same kids’ year after year. Maine became a refreshing time as I got older, training for cross-country in the mountains, playing golf on sunny days and fishing in the rain. This time of restoration and revitalization prepared me for the upcoming school year. Now as a father and grandfather, I try to make myself available to my family so we could enjoy memorable trips like going to the Grand Canyon. This is what vacation means to me.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-April 6

Posted on April 6, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Kenny Chesney – Save It for a Rainy Day (Official Video)

Inspiration Behind Save It for a Rainy Day:

The vision for Save It for a Rainy Day appeared while Matthew Ramsey was in the shower. Matthew took this idea, shared it with Andrew Dorff and Brad Tursi who completed this song in less than an hour. Kenny Chesney was so impressed by Save It for a Rainy Day that this served as a wake-up song for Kenny and his fans on his album the Big Revival.

Biblical Application:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened, Matthew 7:7-8.

Exegesis of Save it for a Rainy Day:

It’s no secret that lately there ain’t no escape
And that I’ve been waking up alone
Just me and the TV, and a sinking feeling
That you ain’t ever coming home

Kenny is going through a tough time in his life. Either his girlfriend or wife has left him.

But today, the tears ain’t gonna hit the floor
‘Cause the boat’s in the bay
And it’s calling my name
So I’m heading on out the door

Rather than stay home and sulk, being depressed, Kenny has a desire to go fishing.

‘Cause the sun’s too bright, the sky’s too blue
Beer’s too cold to be thinking about you
Gonna take this heartbreak and tuck it away
Save it for a rainy day

While the pain in Kenny’s heart is still there, he’s going to take advantage of this beautiful day, put this on hold for a rainy day.

When I turned the ignition, I knew I’d be missing
The feel of the wind on my face
I was stuck in a habit, wondering what happened
Two days of taking all the blame

While driving his boat out to his favorite spot, he starts to reflect about what went wrong.

Got a drink, or two
That’s as foolproof as what it will be
It’s a beautiful world with a beautiful girl
Kind of making eyes at me

After a few drinks, an attractive woman starts to look over at Kenny.

‘Cause the sun’s too bright, the sky’s too blue
Beer’s too cold to be thinking about you
Gonna take this heartbreak and tuck it away
Save it for a rainy day

Fishing is an excuse to stop thinking about what went wrong in the past.

Yeah, the music’s too good, my friends are all out
And they’re all too high to be bringing them down
If they ask about you, I’ve got nothing to say
I’ll save it for a rainy day

Kenny appears to be out with friends, possibly at a bar when others ask about his woman. Kenny plays it cool, changing the topic of conversation.

They’ll be plenty of time for ones and why’s
And how’d I let you get away
But the lying in bed all stuck in my head
Is just gonna have to wait

Sometimes you’ll have to wait for the real reasons a relationship didn’t work out. You can guess all you want, but it’s better to put these thoughts away for a rainy day.

‘Cause the sun’s too bright, the sky’s too blue
Beer’s too cold to be thinking about you
Gonna take this heartbreak and tuck it away
Save it for a rainy day

Healing takes time, but human beings need some sort of recreation to get their minds off the worries of this world.

Yeah, the music’s too good, my friends are all out
And they’re all too high to be bringing them down
If they ask about you, I’ve got nothing to say
I’ll save it for a rainy day

Kenny is not ready to talk about this yet.

Gonna take this heartbreak and tuck it away
Save it for a rainy day
Save it for a rainy day

Enjoy the weather while its nice. You can save contemplation for a rainy day.

Final Thoughts:

People grieve in different ways. Some enjoy being alone initially, others find comfort taking a walk with a friend and a few may seek distractions to get their mind off of their heart break. When I was in high school, I would go on long runs to clear my mind. In college, I took long walks with a friend or two. Kenny Chesney went fishing or that’s how this song was written. The next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, find something productive to do so that you’re not overwhelmed by a failed relationship.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-March 25

Posted on March 25, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Sade – Smooth Operator – Official – 1984

Inspiration Behind Smooth Operator:

The goal for the musical construction of Smooth Operator contained 2 essential elements. First, create the ideal mix of jazz, soul and R & B. Second, to present a melody where a concise story could be told. Sade Adu and Raymond St. John co-wrote Smooth Operator while members of the band Pride. This song about a con man, able to persuade anyone in his spheres of influence put Sade on the map as an up-and-coming female artist.

Biblical Application:

Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts, they harbor deceit.
25 Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.
26 Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them. 28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin, Proverbs 26:24-28.

Exegesis of Smooth Operator:

He’s laughing with another girl
And playing with another heart
Placing high stakes making hearts ache
He’s loved in seven languages
Diamond nights and ruby lights high in the sky
Heaven help him when he falls

From afar, charm is one of those qualities that is easy to distinguish. Yet when you are the one being swayed by a smooth operator, you want to believe that this is genuine.

Diamond life, lover boy
We move in space with minimum waste and maximum joy
City lights and business nights
When you require streetcar desire for higher heights

This kind of smooth operator makes for a great character in a series like Castle or the Pierce Brosnan character in the Thomas Crown Affair. Not matter how much women are warned about their reputation, they fall in love anyone.

No place for beginners or sensitive hearts
When sentiment is left to chance
No place to be ending but somewhere to start

You have to be mature and disciplined to resist smooth operators.

No need to ask
He’s a smooth operator
Smooth operator
Smooth operator
Smooth operator

Flattery is so difficult to resist.

Coast to coast, LA to Chicago, western male
Across the north and south, to Key Largo, love for sale

Smooth operators don’t stay in the same place long or else they will be exposed, constantly moving from one city to the next.

Face to face, each classic case
We shadow box and double cross
Yet need the chase
A license to love, insurance to hold
Melts all your memories and change into gold
His eyes are like angels but his heart is cold

Smooth operators are like wolves in sheep clothing.

No need to ask
He’s a smooth operator
Smooth operator
Smooth operator
Smooth operator

Just when common sense is telling you to leave, your emotions lead you to fall for their promises.

Coast to coast, LA to Chicago, western male
Across the north and south, to Key Largo, love for sale
Smooth operator
Smooth operator
Smooth operator
Smooth operator
Smooth operator
Smooth operator

These smooth operators still exist today, often hiding behind the backdrop of large cities.

Smooth operator
Smooth operator
Smooth operator
Smooth operator
Smooth operator

Like any temptation, leave before it’s too late.

Final Thoughts:

Since I could barely speak as a former stutterer, I was never a smooth operator. Yet when fame, fortune or success comes your way, make sure that you stay grounded in humility. Or else you’ll get carried away with flattery, and perhaps start following the path of a smooth operator.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-March 20

Posted on March 20, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Deana Carter – Strawberry Wine (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind Strawberry Wine:

The lyrics of Strawberry Wine reflect upon Matraca Berg’s childhood experience growing up on a farm in Wisconsin. Matraca and her aunts would sneak away each summer to drink strawberry wine. Deanna Carter then takes these memories using a metaphor to compare Strawberry Wine to their first relationship, falling in love. The lyrics of Strawberry Wine highlight a youthful innocence, the pursuit of love and nostalgia.

Biblical Application:

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:18-20.

Exegesis of Strawberry Wine:

He was workin’ through college
On my grandpa’s farm
I was thirstin’ for knowledge
And he had a car

Summertime was my favorite time of the year growing up. While out of school for three months, there is a sense of freedom which Deanna points to in this opening stanza.

Yeah, I was caught somewhere
Between a woman and a child
One restless summer
We found love growin’ wild
On the banks of the river
On a well beaten path
It’s funny how those memories they last

There is a mix between exploring the farm as the crops flourish and memories of her first love.

Like strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love
Whoa, bittersweet
Green on the vine
Like strawberry wine

This chorus provides a metaphor between tasting alcohol and love for the first time as a teenager.

And I still remember
When thirty was old
My biggest fear was September
When he had to go

The end of the summer was always tough to come to grasp with as the day after Labor Day is when students were forced to go back to school every fall.

A few cards and letters
And one long distance call
We drifted away
Like the leaves in the fall
But year after year
I come back to this place
Just to remember the taste

Despite whatever promises were made before the summer ended, this couple slowly drifted apart. Visiting this farm brought back a flood of memories.

Of strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love
Whoa, bittersweet
Green on the vine
Like strawberry wine

Childhood is a time of exploration. Sometimes when you are left alone, temptation leads to poor decisions.

The fields have grown over now
Years since they’ve seen a plow
There’s nothin’ time hasn’t touched
Is it really him
Or the loss of my innocence?
I’ve been missin’ so much
Yeah

The lack of farming suggests that the grandparents have passed away. With this property left in the family, visiting isn’t the same, but the memories still come back.

Strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love
Whoa, bittersweet
And green on the vine

Your first taste of alcohol and first kiss stick with you.

Like strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love
Oh, bittersweet
Green on the vine
Like strawberry wine

The repetition of the chorus suggests this song went a little longer than necessary,

Strawberry wine
(Oh, oh)
Strawberry wine

Flavored alcohol tends to be one of the first drinks teenagers try.

Final Thoughts:

As someone with a photographic memory, places I visit, and songs usually flood my mind with memories. I grew up in Delaware with some special friends like Jeanette and Stephen, spending many summer nights together. While we would push the envelope from time to time, doing things we knew that were wrong, we were kids learning from trial and error. This is part of growing up or as Michael W. Smith once sang about, Living and Learning.

by Jay Mankus

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