Man in the Mirror
Andrae Crouch Choir/Michael Jackson/Siedah Garrett/The Winans Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm gonna make a change
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
This wind is blowing my mind
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

Overall Meaning

The song "Man in the Mirror" performed by the Andrae Crouch Choir, Michael Jackson, Siedah Garrett, and The Winans is about making a change in oneself to create a better world. The opening lyrics state the desire to make a difference and right the wrongs of the world. As the singer puts on their winter coat, they observe the poverty and hunger of children in the street and realize they cannot continue to ignore the needs of others. The song acknowledges past mistakes and a selfish attitude but emphasizes the power of one person to change and improve the world.


The lyrics suggest that change starts with the individual rather than waiting for external forces to initiate it. The chorus repeats the phrase "I'm starting with the man in the mirror" emphasizing the concept of self-reflection and taking responsibility for one's actions. The song urges listeners to acknowledge their privilege and use it to help those who are less fortunate. The line "Take a look at yourself and then make a change" implores listeners to examine their own beliefs and behavior before attempting to change the world around them.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna make a change
I'm going to change myself


For once in my life
I've never done this before


It's gonna feel real good
I expect it to feel rewarding


Gonna make a difference
I will make a positive impact


Gonna make it right
I'll correct past wrongs


As I turn up the collar on My favorite winter coat
I adjust my clothing to brace for the harsh winds


This wind is blowing my mind
The current state of the world is affecting me deeply


I see the kids in the street With not enough to eat
I notice children in dire need


Who am I to be blind? Pretending not to see their need
I wonder how I could ignore their suffering


A summer's disregard, a broken bottle top And a one man soul
The debris of poverty surrounds the lone individual


They follow each other on the wind, ya know 'Cause they got nowhere to go
The homeless are constantly on the move, with no place to settle


That's why I want you to know
That's why I'm expressing my thoughts


I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm beginning with myself


I'm asking him to change his ways
I'm urging myself to improve


And no message could have been any clearer
This message could not be more obvious


If you want to make the world a better place Take a look at yourself and then make a change
To create a better world, start by improving yourself


Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na
This is a musical refrain


I've been a victim of a selfish kind of love
I've experienced love that was only self-serving


It's time that I realize
I need to acknowledge the truth


There are some with no home, not a nickel to loan
Some people have no roof over their heads and no resources


Could it be really me pretending that they're not alone?
Am I unconsciously ignoring their plight?


A willow deeply scarred, somebody's broken heart And a washed-out dream (washed-out dream)
The landscape of the destitute is marked by despair and heartache


They follow the pattern of the wind, ya see 'Cause they got no place to be
The homeless drift aimlessly because they have no home base


That's why I'm starting with me
That's why I'm beginning with myself


Oh yeah
This is a musical interjection


I'm gonna make a change
I'm committed to changing myself


Shamone (change) Just lift yourself, you know
This is a call to take action


You've got to stop him yourself, woo (yeah, make that change)
You need to take charge of your own life and make a change


I gotta make that change, today, hoo (man in the mirror)
I need to start changing myself today


You got to stand up, stand up (yeah, make that change) Stand up, stand up and lift yourself, now (man in the mirror)
This is a call to action and self-improvement


Hoo, hoo, hoo, ow (yeah, make that change)
This is a musical refrain


Go make that change, shamone (man in the mirror) You know it, you know it, you know it, you know (change)
This is an encouragement to take action and make a positive change


Make that change
This is the final exhortation to take action




Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Glen Ballard, Siedah Garrett

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@abzipper

There are more behind the scenes videos coming on the way! Stay tuned!!!

@Haut-Potentiel-Emotionnel

Fan France merci

@vxrdrummer

In my opinion, MJ is THE BEST recording artist and dancer that ever lived.

@Shayzar1

in millions of peoples lives

@mrmuh2000

I love Michael Jackson. He may have been the star of the show, but just like any other great artists. He always needed to have the right people for the job; he did, and that was the key.

@oemisc2880

MJ wanted a choir in the song so he asked a choir master. Knowing when to plug in who & for what is the key.

@Haut-Potentiel-Emotionnel

Fan France merci

@urmom777

@OE Misc right

@marymoore5776

Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer ever.

@Chuckson56

This was a gospel track and MJ nailed it. He could sing anything - pop (Billie Jean) rock (Beat It), ballad (You Are Not Alone), New Jack Swing (Jam) and disco (Don't Stop). There's no other artist that could do that, I can't think of one.

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