Man in the Mirror
Cassandra Reed Lyrics
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For once I'm 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 streets,
With not enough to eat
Who am I to be blind?
Pretending not to see their needs
A summer 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
(If you want to make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
(Take a look at yourself, and then make a change)
(Na na na, na na na, na na, na nah)
I've been a victim of a selfish kind of love
It's time that I realize
That 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
(Starting with me!)
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm asking him to change his ways
(Ooh!)
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
(If you want to make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
(Take a look at yourself, and then make a change)
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm asking him to change his ways
(Change his ways, ooh!)
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
(Take a look at yourself and then make that)
Change!
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
(Man in the mirror, oh yeah!)
I'm asking him to change his ways
(Better 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 your heart)
You can't close your, your mind!
(Then you close your, mind!)
That man, that man, that man, that man
With the man in the mirror
(Man in the mirror, oh yeah!)
That man, that man, that man,
I'm asking him to change his ways
(Better change!)
You know, that man
No message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
(If you want to make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself and then make the change
(Take a look at yourself and then make the change)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Na na na, na na na, na na, na nah
(Ooh)
Oh no, no no
I'm gonna make a change
It's gonna feel real good!
Come on!
(Change)
Just lift yourself
You know
You've got to stop it,
Yourself!
(Yeah! Make that change!)
I've got to make that change, today!
Hoo!
(Man in the mirror)
You got to
You got to not let 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 to
You've got to move! Come on!
Come on!
You got to
Stand up! Stand up! Stand up!
(Yeah! Make that change)
Stand up and lift yourself, now!
(Man in the mirror)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Aw!
(Yeah! Make that change!)
Gonna make that change
Come on!
You know it!
You know it!
You know it!
You know it
(Change)
Make that change.
The lyrics of Cassandra Reed's "Man in the Mirror" are a poignant reflection on the need for personal introspection and the responsibility we have to enact positive change in the world. The song begins with a declaration to make a change in one's life, emphasizing the desire to make a difference and set things right. The imagery of turning up the collar on a winter coat in the face of a blowing wind symbolizes the need to confront the harsh realities of life.
The second verse delves into the observation of the less fortunate, particularly children with not enough to eat. The singer questions their own blindness and inability to ignore the needs of others. The reference to a "summer disregard" and a "broken bottle top" represent the disregard and brokenness present in society. The repetition of the line "That's why I want you to know" expresses a plea to the listener to recognize their role in making a positive impact.
The chorus emphasizes the importance of starting with oneself, specifically the "man in the mirror." It calls for personal transformation and a change in behavior, underscoring that making a difference in the world begins with self-reflection and taking responsibility for one's actions. The verses continue to highlight the singer's realization of their own flawed perspective and the need to address the inequality and suffering around them.
Overall, "Man in the Mirror" encourages individuals to examine their own attitudes and behaviors and recognize their capacity to contribute to a better world. It serves as a call to action, urging listeners to actively engage in empathy and compassion towards others.
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 will be a rare opportunity for me
It's gonna feel real good
The result will bring immense satisfaction
Gonna make a difference
I will have a significant impact
Gonna make it right
I will correct any wrongs
As I turn up the collar on my favorite winter coat
I become more conscious of my surroundings and responsibilities
This wind is blowing my mind
The distressing conditions are overwhelming for me
I see the kids in the streets, with not enough to eat
I witness the unfortunate plight of underprivileged children
Who am I to be blind? Pretending not to see their needs
I have no right to ignore their struggles and pretend not to notice their needs
A summer disregard, a broken bottle top, and a one man soul
In a season of neglect, I am reminded of broken dreams and the individual suffering
They follow each other on the wind ya' know
They are directionless and forced to go wherever the wind takes them
Cause they got nowhere to go
Due to their circumstances, they have no place to call home
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 begin by initiating change within myself
I'm asking him to change his ways
I urge myself to abandon negative behaviors and adopt positive ones
And no message could have been any clearer
The importance of this message cannot be emphasized enough
If you want to make the world a better place
To contribute to global improvement
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
First, reflect on your own actions and then work towards improvement
Lyrics Ā© Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Glen Ballard, Siedah Garrett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind