Reflections
Anthony Anderson Orchestra & Voices Lyrics

Tainted reflections, That’s the face that shows up in your mirror trying to convince you that can’t get anywhere in life.
The negative thoughts that pull you down and make you think you can't succeed in life.

You looking at me? See someone you know?
Asking if the reflection in the mirror is someone familiar or just an unknown negative influence.

Broken and rusted with nothing to show?
Feeling hopeless with nothing to show for all the effort and hard work put in.

Cigarettes for friends. Beer a brother. Soul orphaned, crying out, “Dear mother!”
Feeling lost and alone, with no one to rely on, except for unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking.

Stalked by this witch, Missfortune. Turns up unexpected. Turns my whole world rotten.
Misfortune seems to follow you everywhere, making life unbearable and overwhelming.

Stuck in a cycle of unclean routine. Mean and filthy, as you may have seen
Trapped in a never-ending cycle of bad habits and routines that are difficult to break, leading to a feeling of dirtiness or embarrassment.

Brothers of water. Blood isn’t the scene. Except when they spill it. You know what I mean?
Referring to drink and drugs, which are more loyal and available than blood family and friends. However, the consequences can be deadly and harmful.

They use me. Abuse me. Try to get me off track. Look away for a second and they knife my back.
People close to you can hurt and betray you, taking advantage of your trust and vulnerability.

I don’t mind. Their digs won’t make me crack. The pain, it gives me the power to kick back!
Negative experiences can make you stronger and more resilient, rather than breaking you down completely.

A winner in the making. Just turning my page. Going to shatter those shackles. Burst out of my cage.
Determined to break free from negative influences and live life to the fullest, despite the challenges.

Don’t get in my face now, wearing that frown. Get the fuck outa my way or I’ll run your ass down.
Confidence and determination to succeed, regardless of any obstacles or negativity from others.

Tainted reflections, they kill off your drive. Ambition fights doubt, which one’ll survive?
Negative thoughts can destroy your motivation to succeed, but it's important to fight doubt and strive towards ambition.

Stop! And he says! You got strength kid, I gotta give you that. But how strong are you really when you’re kissing the mat?
Despite having a tough exterior, it's important to acknowledge your vulnerability and ability to fall down.

Remember back in school when the bullies would rough you, Or your friends? Were they friends, or did they just use you?
Reflecting on past experiences with bullies, fake friends, and betrayal that shaped your current outlook on life.

Did you throw up a storm? Did you make your damn stand? Heck no, now, did you? Yet you say you’re a man?
Questioning your ability to stand up for yourself and take control of your own life, no matter how difficult the situation.

What you think you’re a star? Think they care who you are? Boy, I got a thing to say, Ha ha! Ha ha!
Calling out the unrealistic and egotistical belief that you are a star and that others care about your success.

An asset, a cog! You’re the rug in the toilet! A 24 service, they all love to visit.
Feeling used and abused by others, who value you only for what you can provide them with, regardless of how inconvenient it may be.

So listen you fool, don’t go down that lane. They see you, they’ll whip you, introduce you to pain.
Warning against blindly following the expectations and demands of others, as it can lead to further pain and hurt.

Tainted reflections, they off kill your drive. Ambition fights doubt, which one’ll survive?
Negative thoughts can be detrimental to your motivation and drive, but it's important to stay ambitious and persevere.

I cannot believe my ears. What I’m hearing? Has the once fearless become the all fearing?
Shocked by the sudden lack of confidence and fearfulness in oneself, despite once possessing an unwavering sense of fearlessness.

I feel bad you, dear victim of weather. You’re sinking deep. What? You want to go down together?
Feeling compassion for others who are struggling with their own demons, but refusing to be dragged down with them.

You used to be me, now a coward, a victim? The reason you’re a slave is because you let fucking them.
Feeling disappointed and frustrated with oneself for succumbing to negative influences and becoming a victim of one's own poor decisions.

You gave up, gave in, bend over for those guys. Them’s now you. Don’t you realize?
Lamenting the fact that one's poor decisions have led to a sense of surrender and defeat, with no control over one's own life anymore.

Now you’re playing crab. Trying to kill my spirit? A traitor to dreamers, just because you can’t live it?
Feeling frustrated by others who are unambitious and unmotivated, trying to bring you down to their level rather than lifting themselves up.

It didn’t work for you? That’s your fucking problem! Get out of my face with your fucked up wisdumb!
Rejecting the negative influence of others who are unsuccessful and unsupportive, and refusing to let them dictate your journey in life.

Still the broken mirror keeps looking my way. And you know what shit he had to say?
Despite striving towards positivity and ambition, negative thoughts and influences continue to be present, trying to bring you down.

Open your ears son and clean out the wax, Life isn’t a dream kid, she’s is all about tax.
Encouraging oneself to listen to reality, rather than living in a dream state, and embracing the harsh realities of life such as taxes.

Think they care? Think they’ll always be there? Think they’ll feed you? When you dying they’ll bathe you?
Challenging the belief that others will always be there to support and care for you, as they are ultimately concerned primarily with their own wellbeing.

Caring benefactors, they’ll lend you a buck. When the time comes for payback? Think they won’t give a fuck?
Realizing that others may only lend support to you in order to gain something in return, and may not be willing to extend the same kindness in the future.

Listen to me, they aren’t all that sweet. A bunch of false prophets, they’ll cut off your feet!
Warning against blind trust and assumption that others have your best interests at heart; some may actively work against you to your own detriment.

I’ve seen them in action, dreams all live and die. Tycoons to beggars, in the blink of an eye.
Observing how quickly life can change and how dreams can transform, within an instant, regardless of one's social status or background.

Think you can make it? Want to give it a try? They’ll tear out your heart and eat while you die!
Emphasizing the harsh reality of attempting to succeed in life, as there will always be obstacles and competing interests trying to bring you down.

Time isn’t on your side! No one in your corner! Life’s a short road and you’re always a loner!
Recognizing the finite nature of time, limited support from others, and ultimately understanding that achieving success in life can mean journeying alone.

I hope you get smart before it’s too damn late. Cause there’s a grave with your name… and she’s looking for a date.
Urge to take action before it's too late and letting negative voices win. Recognizing the consequences of surrendering to negativity and its power over one's life.

Murder the fear! Just murder the fear! Just murder the fear! Just murder the fear!
Persistently urging oneself to conquer fear and strive towards ambition and success.

Don’t ever give up! Don’t ever give in! Bang! Smoke clears! They lose. You win!
Encouraging oneself to persevere through difficult times, and to continue working towards success and ambition, despite any obstacles or negativity brought on by others.