Man in the Mirror
Michael Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For once in my life
It's gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right
As I turn up the collar on
My favorite winter coat
I see the kids in the street
With not enough to eat
Who am I to be blind?
Pretending not to see their need
A summer's disregard, a broken bottle top
And a one man soul
They follow each other on the wind, ya know
'Cause they got nowhere to go
That's why I want you to know
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na
I've been a victim of a selfish kind of love
It's time that I realize
There are some with no home, not a nickel to loan
Could it be really me pretending that they're not alone?
A willow deeply scarred, somebody's broken heart
And a washed-out dream (washed-out dream)
They follow the pattern of the wind, ya see
'Cause they got no place to be
That's why I'm starting with me
I'm starting with the man in the mirror (who?)
I'm asking him to change his ways (who?)
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
I'm starting with the man in the mirror (who?)
I'm asking him to change his ways (who?)
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make that change
I'm starting with the man in the mirror (oh yeah)
I'm asking him to change his ways (he's gonna change)
No message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make the change
You gotta get it right while you got the time
'Cause when you close heart (you can't close your)
Then you close your mind (your mind)
That man, that man, that man (with the man in the mirror, oh yeah)
That man, that man, that man (I'm asking him to change his ways)
That man (gonna change)
That man, that man (no message could have been any clearer)
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, then make a change
Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo (na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na)
Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo (ooh, gonna feel real good, yeah)
Oh yeah (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na
Oh no, I'm gonna make a change
It's gonna feel real good
Shamone (change)
Just lift yourself, you know
You've got to stop him yourself, woo (yeah, make that change)
I gotta make that change, today, hoo (man in the mirror)
You got to, you got to not pick yourself, brother, hoo
(Yeah, make that change) you know
I've got to get that man, that man (man in the mirror)
You've got, you've to move, shamone, shamone
You got to stand up, stand up (yeah, make that change)
Stand up, stand up and lift yourself, now (man in the mirror)
Hoo, hoo, hoo, ow (yeah, make that change)
Go make that change, shamone (man in the mirror)
You know it, you know it, you know it, you know (change)
Make that change
The lyrics of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" convey a powerful message about self-reflection and taking personal responsibility to make a positive impact on the world. The song emphasizes the need to recognize and address the issues of poverty, hunger, and homelessness that exist around us, instead of turning a blind eye to the sufferings of others. The song encourages individuals to begin the process of change by looking within themselves, examining their own actions, and making a commitment to betterment.
The opening lines express the determination for change and the desire to make a difference. Jackson sings about turning up the collar on his coat, symbolizing readiness to face the world and confront societal issues. He observes children on the street, struggling with poverty and hunger, and questions his own blindness to their needs. This realization prompts him to vow to start with himself, acknowledging that his awareness and actions can set an example and contribute to transforming the world.
The lyrics continue by highlighting the consequences of negligence and a "selfish kind of love." Jackson acknowledges that indifference perpetuates societal problems and that it is essential to recognize the suffering of others, lest we pretend they are not alone. The song ends by reiterating the importance of personal accountability and bringing about change by taking action.
Overall, "Man in the Mirror" serves as a powerful call to self-reflection and social responsibility. It reminds listeners that significant change begins with individual consciousness and the willingness to take compassionate action.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna make a change
I am determined to bring about a positive transformation
For once in my life
This is the first time I am taking this initiative
It's gonna feel real good
The satisfaction from making a difference will be immense
Gonna make a difference
I am committed to creating a meaningful impact
Gonna make it right
I will rectify past wrongs and make things better
As I turn up the collar on
As I adjust the collar on
My favorite winter coat
My most cherished winter garment
This wind is blowing my mind
The situation is deeply affecting and overwhelming me
I see the kids in the street
I am witnessing the children living in poverty
With not enough to eat
Without sufficient access to food
Who am I to be blind?
I have no right to ignore their suffering
Pretending not to see their need
Acting as if I am unaware of their desperate situation
A summer's disregard, a broken bottle top
The carelessness and brokenness symbolized by a discarded bottle top
And a one man soul
And an individual's spirit
They follow each other on the wind, ya know
They are carried along together by the prevailing circumstances
'Cause they got nowhere to go
Because they lack a place to call home
That's why I want you to know
This is the reason I feel compelled to share this message
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I am initiating change within myself
I'm asking him to change his ways
I am urging myself to adopt new behaviors
And no message could have been any clearer
This plea couldn't be more direct and unequivocal
If you want to make the world a better place
If you genuinely desire to improve the world
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
Evaluate your own actions and actively bring about a transformation
I've been a victim of a selfish kind of love
I have experienced a love that was focused only on oneself
It's time that I realize
I must acknowledge this truth
There are some with no home, not a nickel to loan
There exist individuals who lack both shelter and even a small amount of money to borrow
Could it be really me pretending that they're not alone?
Is it possible that I am pretending they are not isolated and unsupported?
A willow deeply scarred, somebody's broken heart
A deeply wounded willow tree, a symbol of someone's shattered emotions
And a washed-out dream (washed-out dream)
And a faded and unfulfilled aspiration
They follow the pattern of the wind, ya see
They are influenced and guided by the prevailing circumstances
'Cause they got no place to be
Because they lack a sense of belonging or purpose
That's why I'm starting with me
This is why I am taking personal responsibility to initiate change
That man, that man, that man (with the man in the mirror, oh yeah)
Referring to the person who is making efforts to change themselves
That man, that man, that man (I'm asking him to change his ways)
That individual, that individual, that individual (I am urging them to alter their behavior)
That man (gonna change)
That person (is going to transform)
If you want to make the world a better place
If you genuinely desire to improve the world
Take a look at yourself, then make a change
Evaluate your own actions, then actively bring about a transformation
Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo (na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na)
Vocalization expressing intensity and emphasis
Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo (ooh, gonna feel real good, yeah)
Vocalization expressing excitement and anticipation
Oh yeah (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Exclamation indicating agreement or enthusiasm
Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na
Vocalization indicating exuberance and rhythm
Oh no, I'm gonna make a change
Expressing determination and commitment to initiate transformation
It's gonna feel real good
The satisfaction from making a difference will be immense
Shamone (change)
Exclamation encouraging action or motivation
Just lift yourself, you know
Empowering oneself to take action
You've got to stop him yourself, woo (yeah, make that change)
You must stop being complacent and take action
I gotta make that change, today, hoo (man in the mirror)
I need to bring about that transformation, without delay
You got to, you got to not pick yourself, brother, hoo
You have to stop making excuses, my friend
(Yeah, make that change) you know
Yes, initiate that transformation, you understand
I've got to get that man, that man (man in the mirror)
I need to change myself, that individual (the person looking back from the mirror)
You've got, you've to move, shamone, shamone
You need to take action, come on, come on
You got to stand up, stand up (yeah, make that change)
You have to rise up, take a stand
Stand up, stand up and lift yourself, now (man in the mirror)
Stand up, stand up and improve yourself, right now
Hoo, hoo, hoo, ow (yeah, make that change)
Exclamation expressing determination and enthusiasm
Go make that change, shamone (man in the mirror)
Proceed to bring about that transformation, come on
You know it, you know it, you know it, you know (change)
You are aware and understand the significance
Make that change
Bring about that transformation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Glen Ballard, Siedah Garrett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jahfireuniversal11
But you'll never find happiness
Unless
Ya find it in yourself 1st
Always searching for Love outside
And when you think it's it then your bubble burst
Feeling cursed
Or maybe worst
Spirit the nurse
The doctor
Even at the lowest point still got ya
Look
See
Still breathing
Still receiving
The Love of The Most High
Sigh
Sigh
Please
Just look inside
Yea at times a rollercoaster ride
But away with foolish pride
Let The Divine within be your guide
Love is infinite
And never leaves
Ourselves we spite
With wants n needs
Sewing seeds
Of destruction
Negativity & corruption
Here comes the eruption
Whirlwind
Spiritual volcano
Spewing up out to through
Everyting iNna this flow
Funny not funny
We already know
And still choose to blow
Malice n hate
Argument n debate
Haaahaaaaaa
It is hilarious
Cos all must be
And we
Learn from tasting da dust
Biting da dust
From the bottom we're thrust
Trust
Spirit always reminding
Breaking n grinding
To help us be finding
The 1ne true Love
That lives n remains in the essence of
Every1ne n everyting that does be
Find yourself n find the ultimate key
Bathing in the beauty
The tranquility
At peace with self brings peace with everybody
So what's it all about
I'll buy you gifts today n say
I Love you
Hmmm
I'll Love you more
For every moment you endure
My slips my slides
My ego n pride
Thank you
For accepting me for who what I am
What a beautyfilled feeling stretching forth ma hand
Let ma light shine
I am Divine
Bending perception of mind
To align
That which is to be aligned
Every1ne remember yes
Remember you're blessed
Partner no partner
It's on you to manifest
Your desires
Your dreams
Choose misery n worry or choose streams of infinite beams
Laugh
Smile
Give thanx
Appreciate
And I promise your Love will multiply n create
A beautyfilled feeling inside
A place of appreciation n contentment maybe even the perfect husband or bride
@OmegaBlakX
This is definitely a song we need to hear today.
@KH-rh1dc
Right on brother
@Exodus-sb8so
The video is better than the song and the only answer I have for that is bc every great man who fought for us was shot dead bc peace is free and war is good and expensive go back and look at MLK eyes and JFK they could have been our future
@OmegaBlakX
@@Exodus-sb8so It almost makes you wonder if they were around, how much better along would we be? A message of love and peace versus a country further divided by hate. I'd rather take the peace
@Exodus-sb8so
@@OmegaBlakX Jesus died at 33 with a message of love that took our true king and nailed him to a cross bc of a lack of faith. They wanted him to come down off his cross and show his true self. The part that is scary is they didn't understand the simple fact that he was there to die to save there lives. Love and peace will never win until Jesus fixes it not MLK not JFK and not Trump. There is no-one who can successfully fix this world except Jesus yet that doesn't mean that men are not put here to be like Christ or atleast peace seeking individuals remember blessed is the peace keeper, but the thing about peace is that it comes with a cost
@babiatch
Every day
@smokey8755
yes
@KARKATELCESARENVIADODESA-pv4yd
"MAN IN ZA MIRROR!"
-Illuso
@clem9239
smokey yes
@joemuis23
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/26/michael-jackson-abuse-abuser-sexual with his backstory its even more poignant. people turn to art to express what they can't do themselves.