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The Stories Behind the Songs on This Single
Sat., Feb. 10. 2024 12:48pm EST
J. Jackson, lead singer and lyricist for ApologetiX here again.
Here are the stories behind the songs on our third single of 2024:
BETTING AND THE DEBTS
Over the years, ApX members Keith Haynie, Jimmy "Vegas" Tanner, and the late Chris VonBartheld had all suggested we cover "Bennie and the Jets" someday. Consequently, when I got the idea for the ApologetiX '74 project, I thought of the song that topped the Hot 100 on April 13, 1974.
Ironically, our previous single to this one featured a parody of the tune that preceded "Bennie" at #1 — "Hooked on a Feeling" by Blue Swede.
I listen to a lot of sports-talk radio and watch games on TV. I'm stunned by the amount of commercials for sports betting and how much betting the hosts and callers say they do. I can't cite a Bible verse that specifically prohibits betting or gambling, but I know it can be addictive and has driven many to financial ruin.
Thankfully, it's never been a temptation for me, but I think the increasing popularity of such things is symptomatic of a void in our society ... a need for something to bring hope and meaning in the midst of the mundane.
On November 30, 2023, I got my initial title, "Any Man That Bets," which I changed to "Betting and the Debts" on January 16, 2024. I even briefly considered "Betting on the Jets," which New York football (and Winnipeg hockey) fans know is often a losing proposition.
Anyway, the first verse of this parody is about how betting can cause debts, but the second verse is about how we all have massive, unpayable debt as far as sin goes and that Jesus is our only safe bet if we wish to get that debt cancelled.
SWEET JESUS (MADE A WHIP)
Although they are best remembered for the #1 smash "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)," Eurythmics had 10 Top 40 singles in America. Their second biggest U.S. hit was "Here Comes the Rain Again," which went to #4. I bring that up because the chorus of "Sweet Dreams" repeats so many times they could have called it "Here Comes the Refrain Again."
When we did the extended version of our 2011 parody-medley snippet "Sweet Jesus (Made a Whip)" in 2024, I decided to keep our lyrics the same each time the chorus occurred. That hammered the message home and made my job easier, but Keely Singer still had an obstacle course to contend with as the vocalist.
The lead vocals were consistent, but the acrobatic, ad-libbed backing vocals changed every time, plus there were two- and three-part harmonies. However, just as Annie Lennox sang everything on the original, so did Keely on this recording ... and with her customary excellence.
At least she didn't have to play piano and one of the synthesizers like Annie did. Rich Mannion handled all the instrumentation (synth, piano, drum-programming), which is fitting, because he's a sweet guy who loves Jesus, and God made him smart as a whip in regard to music.
That's why I asked Rich to be in studio with us as an extra set of ears when Keely recorded her parts on February 1, 2024. She's done quite a few songs with us but told me later, "I think this may be my favorite so far!"
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