The Mirror
David Shire & the London Symphony Orchestra Lyrics
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You don't answer my call
With even a nod or a wink
But you gaze at your own reflection!
You don't seem to see me
But I think you can see yourself.
How can the mirror affect you?
Can you hear me
Or do I surmise?
That you fear me can you feel my temper
Rise.
Do you hear or fear or
Do I smash the mirror.
Do you hear of fear or
Do I smash the mirror? Smash!
The lyrics of "The Mirror" by David Shire & the London Symphony Orchestra depict a conversation between a person (presumably their child) and their mother. The person is addressing the mother's lack of response or acknowledgement towards them, pointing out that instead, the mother is deeply absorbed in her own reflection. Although the mother doesn't acknowledge the person's presence, the person believes she is aware of herself in the mirror. The lyrics express a sense of frustration and loneliness, as the person wonders how a mirror can have such a significant impact on the mother's attention and connection with them.
The person then questions whether the mother can hear their plea for attention or if they merely imagine that she does. The person suggests that the mother may fear them and their impending anger, questioning if she can feel their temper rising. In the final lines, the person contemplates the possibility of breaking the mirror as a desperate attempt to either make the mother hear and fear them or to release their own anger and frustration.
Overall, "The Mirror" delves into themes of neglect, longing for connection, and the potential consequences of feeling ignored. It highlights the complex dynamics within relationships and the emotional impact that absent or distracted presence can have on individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't answer my call
You completely ignore me when I try to communicate with you.
With even a nod or a wink
You don't even acknowledge my presence or show any signs of understanding.
But you gaze at your own reflection!
However, you are completely absorbed in looking at yourself in the mirror.
You don't seem to see me
It appears that you are not aware of my existence or paying attention to me.
But I think you can see yourself.
But I believe that you are fully aware of your own image and appearance.
How can the mirror affect you?
I wonder how the mere presence of a mirror can have such a profound impact on you.
Can you hear me
Are you capable of hearing my words and understanding their meaning?
Or do I surmise?
Or should I assume that you are not even processing what I am saying?
That you fear me can you feel my temper
That you are afraid of me, can you sense my anger building up?
Rise.
Increasing and intensifying.
Do you hear or fear or
Are you able to listen or be afraid or
Do I smash the mirror.
Should I break the mirror as an act of frustration and anger.
Do you hear of fear or
Are you aware of your own fear or
Do I smash the mirror? Smash!
Should I destroy the mirror? Smash it!
Lyrics © ABKCO MUSIC INC PETE TOWNSHEND CATALOG , FABULOUS MUSIC LTD , SPIRIT MUSIC GROUP
Written by: PETE TOWNSHEND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Hutchison
I think it's a wonderful, beautiful film tinged with the dark and light of all our lives and the original Oz books. I was also scared by it when I was little, but now I can see past that and appreciate it for the fantastic film it is. Maybe you should revisit it in a well-lit, wheel-free room?
jonnycatland1987
Scared? I watched this for the first time at 4 years old, it never was scary. A bit weird for a kids film vs the films they have now, but never scary.
eradeziel
I loved this film so much as a kid, and after the whole thing the scene with Ozma and the mirror I find so powerful. "Help me step through the glass, Dorothy." When they're all having to say goodbye to each other.
Makes me cry sometimes even now on the rare occasions I end up seeing it, and I'm in my 30's!
goblinrogers
this is one of my favorite tracks on the soundtrack it is so beautiful
Michaelbrian777
Such a powerful Music score. I seen this film when I was a kid in 86' . They should make another film where this one left off. This score puts me in a trance. so powerful. David Shire is a master.
Javier
amm i like return to oz amm me gusta oz un mundo fantastico
Quincy Burney
Such longing....
Javier
@goblinrogers to me I like the song number 1 but i like all
chubbylilloser
THis film should be banned.. its actully the creepiest, most disturbing children movie i have ever seen. i first saw it when i was about 7... im not 26 and I still shiver when i hear a wheel squeak..DAMN YOU WHEEEELLERS!!!
MrWhatdafuBOOM
Dumbest reason to ban a film ever. I'm not shocked this doesn't have an upvote after 8 years.