Reflection
Christina Aguilera Lyrics

Look at me
Direct address to the audience to gain their attention

You may think you see
Acknowledgement that others have formed a perception of the singer

Who I really am
The truth about the singer’s identity

But you'll never know me
Emphasis on the fact that others can't fully understand the artist

Every day
Indicates a habitual pattern

It's as if I play a part
The singer feels that they are acting or conforming to societal expectations

Now I see
The singer has gained insight or perspective on their situation

If I wear a mask
Using a metaphor to describe the artist’s attempts to hide their true self

I can fool the world
The artist feels that they can deceive others if they hide their true self

But I cannot fool my heart
Despite their attempts to conceal their true identity, the artist's true self remains unchanged

Who is that girl I see
The singer is reflecting on their own image in a metaphorical mirror

Staring straight back at me?
The reflection is direct and unyielding

When will my reflection show
Desire for their true self to be revealed

Who I am inside?
Emphasis on the importance of inner identity

I am now
The singer’s present reality

In a world where I
The artist recognizes that society may not accept them for who they are

Have to hide my heart
The artist feels they must conceal their innermost emotions

And what I believe in
Explains the values or beliefs that the singer feels must be hidden

But somehow
Despite societal pressures, the singer is determined

I will show the world
The artist wants their true identity to be seen by others

What's inside my heart
Emphasis on the artist’s emotional or moral character

And be loved for who I am
Desire for acceptance of their true self

Why is my reflection
Continued reflection on the metaphorical mirror

Someone I don't know?
The artist feels that their true self is unknown or unfamiliar

Must I pretend that I'm
The singer feels societal pressure to conform to expectations

Someone else for all time?
Desire to escape the pressure to conform

There's a heart that must be
Emphasis on the importance of their emotions

Free to fly
Desire to express oneself without fear of judgement or rejection

That burns with a need to know
Feeling of intensity or urgency to explore one's true identity

The reason why
Desire for an explanation or understanding of one's true self

Why must we all conceal
Rhetorical question to emphasize the societal pressure to conform

What we think, how we feel?
Desire for authenticity and self-expression

Must there be a secret me
The artist feels that they must hide their true self

I'm forced to hide?
Emphasis on the societal pressure to conform

I won't pretend that I'm
The singer is determined to be themselves

Someone else for all time
Refusal to conform to societal expectations

When will my reflection show
Desire for their true self to be revealed

Who I am inside?
Emphasis on the importance of inner identity