Reflections
Brickman Lyrics

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Look at me you may think you see
Who I really am but you'll never know me
Every day it's as if I play a part
Now I see if I wear a mask
I can fool the world but I cannot fool my heart

Who is that girl I see staring straight back at me?
When will my reflection show who I am inside?

I am now in a world where I
Have to hide my heart and what I believe in
But somehow I will show the world
What's inside my heart and be loved for who I am

Who is that girl I see staring straight back at me?
Why is my reflection someone I don't know?

Must I pretend that I'm someone else for all time?
When will my reflection show who I am inside?

There's a heart that must be free to fly
That burns with a need to know the reason why

Why must we all conceal what we think and how we feel?
Must there be a secret me I'm forced to hide?
I won't pretend that I'm someone else for all time

When will my reflection show who I am inside?
When will my reflection show who I am inside?

Overall Meaning

In "Reflection," Jim Brickman explores the concept of identity and self-discovery. The lyrics suggest that there is a difference between how one appears to the world and who they really are inside, and that there is a struggle between presenting oneself as others want to see and being true to oneself.

The first verse indicates that the singer behaves like someone else, putting on a mask every day to fit in and be accepted by others. The chorus highlights the dissonance between the singer's appearance and their own perception of themselves. They wonder when their reflection will finally reveal who they truly are inside, and when they can stop pretending to be someone else.

The second verse focuses on the singer feeling like they have to hide who they really are, in a world that is not accepting. However, they still hold onto the hope that one day they can be loved for who they truly are. The trajectory of the song is towards authenticity and self-acceptance, with the repeated refrain "When will my reflection show who I am inside?" echoing the singer's inner struggle for self-discovery.

Overall, "Reflection" is about the journey towards self-discovery, and how sometimes it is difficult to reconcile our inner selves with the expectations of society. It is a universal theme that speaks to the human experience of identity and finding one's place in the world.

Line by Line Meaning

Look at me you may think you see
I am aware that people may have preconceived notions about me based on appearance or actions.

Who I really am but you'll never know me
My true self is hidden, even if you think you have me figured out.

Every day it's as if I play a part
I feel like I'm acting a role, rather than being authentic in my actions and demeanor.

Now I see if I wear a mask
I recognize that I'm hiding my true self behind a facade, a persona I've created.

I can fool the world but I cannot fool my heart
Even if I manage to successfully portray a certain image to the world, I cannot escape the feelings and thoughts inside of me.

When will my reflection show who I am inside?
I am frustrated that my outer self doesn't match my inner self, and I long to express myself more honestly.

I am now in a world where I
I exist in a society that places pressure on me to conform and hide parts of myself.

Have to hide my heart and what I believe in
I feel like I'm forced to censor and suppress my true feelings and beliefs.

But somehow I will show the world
Despite these challenges, I am determined to express my true self to those around me.

What's inside my heart and be loved for who I am
I crave acceptance and understanding from others, especially when I am open about my authentic self.

Must I pretend that I'm someone else for all time?
I question whether it's necessary to maintain a facade for the rest of my life.

There's a heart that must be free to fly
I believe that my true self is meant to be expressed and shared with others.

That burns with a need to know the reason why
I am driven by a need to understand why I have to hide my true self, and why others may not accept it.

Why must we all conceal what we think and how we feel?
I am frustrated by the societal norms that require us to keep our thoughts and emotions hidden from others.

Must there be a secret me I'm forced to hide?
I am questioning if I can continue to hide my true self, and how damaging it might be for me emotionally and mentally.

When will my reflection show who I am inside?
I am still longing for the day when I can be my true self, and let others see the real me.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES MERRILL BRICKMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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