Man in the Mirror
BEDROOM - Michael Jackson 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

In Michael Jackson's powerful song "Man in the Mirror," the lyrics convey a deep sense of self-reflection and personal responsibility for creating positive change in the world. The song opens with a declaration of intention to make a change, emphasizing the importance of taking action and making a difference in one's life. The lyrics express a longing for a better world and a desire to set things right, highlighting the need for personal transformation to bring about positive impact.


The imagery of turning up the collar on a winter coat symbolizes a sense of self-protection and readiness to face the challenges ahead. The mention of children in need on the streets draws attention to social injustices and the importance of empathy and awareness of others' struggles. The lyrics provoke introspection by questioning the singer's previous indifference and urging a shift towards active engagement with the world's problems.


As the song progresses, the singer reflects on their own experiences of love and privilege, recognizing that there are those less fortunate who are in need of help and compassion. The reference to a broken heart and shattered dreams underscores the universality of pain and the shared human experience of suffering. By acknowledging their own past actions and shortcomings, the singer realizes the significance of taking responsibility and initiating change from within themselves.


The repeated refrain of "I'm starting with the man in the mirror" reinforces the message of personal accountability and the idea that individual transformation is the first step towards creating broader social change. The call to action to "take a look at yourself and then make a change" resonates as a powerful plea for introspection and self-improvement. By highlighting the interconnectedness of personal growth and global impact, the lyrics compel listeners to reflect on their own behaviors and choices and to actively contribute to making the world a better place.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna make a change
I am determined to make a positive change in my life and in the world.


For once in my life
This will be a significant change that I have never made before.


It's gonna feel real good
I anticipate that this change will bring me genuine happiness.


Gonna make a difference
I intend to have a positive impact and create change.


Gonna make it right
I am committed to correcting any wrongs and doing what is right.


As I turn up the collar on
While adjusting the collar of


My favorite winter coat
The coat that I love to wear in the winter season.


This wind is blowing my mind
I am deeply affected by the harsh realities of the world.


I see the kids in the street
I observe the children who are homeless and in need.


With not enough to eat
They do not have sufficient food to eat.


Who am I to be blind?
Why should I turn a blind eye and ignore their suffering?


Pretending not to see their need
Acting as if I do not notice or care about their needs.


A summer's disregard, a broken bottle top
Evidence of carelessness and destruction in the community.


And a one man soul
The suffering of an individual soul.


They follow each other on the wind, ya know
These problems and struggles are interconnected and pervasive.


'Cause they got nowhere to go
They have no place to seek refuge or solace.


That's why I want you to know
This is why I feel compelled to share this message.


I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I am beginning the process of self-reflection and personal growth.


I'm asking him to change his ways
I am urging myself to make positive changes in my behavior.


And no message could have been any clearer
The message of self-improvement and helping others is crystal clear.


If you want to make the world a better place
If you desire to improve the world around you.


Take a look at yourself and then make a change
Start by examining your own actions and making positive changes.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@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



All comments from YouTube:

@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

110 More Replies...

@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.

More Comments

More Versions