Man in the Mirror
Finn Artie Blaine Mike & Sam Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm just a nihilist
So indecisive
Did the wrong degree
Because the money was enticing

But fuck me I was young
I was just tryna avoid a crisis
Listening to my teachers
And addicted to devices

So I'm sat here writing songs
Just trying to unwind
Might go to see some monks
They could teach me peace of mind

And I'm damn hard
But this life is so unkind
Why is one man forgotten and the other gets enshrined

I don't wanna fall behind
I feel so confined
I worry about what I'll leave behind
I'm just a man in Mankind

Why do all my songs
Have to sound the fucking same
I lack artistic vision
And need to change my name

But I'm no David Bowie
And that's really quite shame
I'm looking up to Starman
That's where I'm tryna aim

Still sat here writing songs
Unable to unwind
I need those fucking monks
Or else this song falls out of time

And I'm trying damn hard
But my mental state's declined
Why is one man forgotten and the other gets enshrined

I don't wanna fall behind
I feel so confined
I worry about what I'll leave behind
I'm just a man in Mankind

I'll be sleeping on my pension
Just dreaming about the times
Where all I really wanted
Was just to make some rhymes

But then my eyes go wide
As I come to realise
That I'm sleeping on my own
No family to call home

And all you really are
Is a man in Mankind
Nobody stood beside you
No one to leave behind

I don't wanna fall behind
I feel so confined




I worry about what I'll leave behind
I'm just a man in Mankind

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Finn Artie Blaine Mike & Sam's song Man In The Mirror are introspective and contemplative, reflecting on the struggles and challenges that the songwriter faces in his life. The opening lines express a sense of nihilism and indecisiveness, as the songwriter admits to having chosen a degree purely for its monetary value. However, as the lyrics progress, it becomes clear that he is dissatisfied with this choice and yearns for a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.


The songwriter acknowledges that he lacks artistic vision and fears falling behind, but also feels confined by the pressure to create something new and unique. The lyrics reflect a sense of isolation and disconnection, as the songwriter contemplates his own mortality and the legacy he will leave behind. Despite these struggles, the songwriter remains determined and committed to his craft, expressing a desire to find peace and meaning through his music.


Overall, the lyrics of Man In The Mirror offer a raw and honest look into the inner thoughts and emotions of an artist struggling to find his place in the world. It speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with identity and purpose, and the search for something greater beyond oneself.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm just a nihilist
I have a negative outlook on life and believe that life is without objective meaning, purpose or intrinsic value.


So indecisive
I struggle to make decisions because I feel overwhelmed by the many choices available.


Did the wrong degree
I chose the wrong course of study in college which now limits my options and potential.


Because the money was enticing
I made a bad decision and chose the wrong major because I was seduced by the financial rewards of that particular field.


But fuck me I was young
I made mistakes because I was naive and inexperienced at the time.


I was just tryna avoid a crisis
I made decisions based on a desire to avoid conflict, stress or anxiety.


Listening to my teachers
I took the advice of authority figures over my own intuition or desires.


And addicted to devices
I have become overly dependent on technology and devices as a means of distraction or escape.


So I'm sat here writing songs
I'm currently working on my music as a form of catharsis, expression or therapy.


Just trying to unwind
I am creating music as a way to relax, calm down or destress.


Might go to see some monks
I'm considering seeking guidance or inspiration from spiritual leaders or teachers.


They could teach me peace of mind
I hope to learn how to attain inner calmness, tranquility and freedom from worry or anxiety.


And I'm damn hard
I am determined, persistent and committed to my goals and dreams.


But this life is so unkind
I find life challenging and difficult, despite my earnest efforts and hard work.


Why is one man forgotten and the other gets enshrined
I ponder the inequality and injustice of life, and why some people achieve greatness or recognition while others are disregarded or forgotten.


I don't wanna fall behind
I am afraid of failing, falling short of my potential or missing opportunities.


I feel so confined
I experience limitations, barriers or restrictions that prevent me from fully achieving my goals or expressing myself creatively.


I worry about what I'll leave behind
I am concerned about my legacy, impact or contribution to society, and whether I will be remembered positively.


I'm just a man in Mankind
I am one individual among the vast and diverse human population, with my own unique struggles, fears and aspirations.


Why do all my songs
I question my creative abilities and wonder why my music lacks originality or diversity.


Have to sound the fucking same
I feel frustrated and disappointed that my music appears repetitive or unoriginal, which limits its appeal and impact.


I lack artistic vision
I feel that I have not yet developed a clear, distinctive or innovative style that sets me apart from other artists.


And need to change my name
I may feel that my current identity or brand is limiting my artistic growth or potential, and therefore consider rebranding or reinventing myself.


But I'm no David Bowie
I recognize that few musical artists have achieved the same level of influence, creativity and originality as David Bowie, and therefore do not compare myself to him.


And that's really quite shame
I feel disappointed or saddened that I cannot achieve a similar level of success, recognition or impact.


I'm looking up to Starman
I find inspiration, guidance or hope in the legacy and music of David Bowie, especially his iconic persona of Ziggy Stardust or Starman.


That's where I'm tryna aim
I aspire to emulate or surpass David Bowie's achievements, creativity and impact, and use his legacy as a template for my own career.


Still sat here writing songs
I remain dedicated and focused on my music, despite setbacks or doubts.


Unable to unwind
I find it challenging to relax or free my mind from worry or stress, even when writing music.


I need those fucking monks
I acknowledge my need for guidance, support or learning from spiritual teachers or mentors.


Or else this song falls out of time
I fear that my music will not resonate with listeners or remain relevant if I don't address my artistic and emotional struggles.


But my mental state's declined
I suffer from mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression or stress, which affect my creativity and well-being.


I'll be sleeping on my pension
I realize that my current lifestyle or career choices may not ensure me a comfortable retirement, and I may struggle financially in old age.


Just dreaming about the times
I fondly remember past experiences, relationships or achievements that now seem distant or unattainable.


Where all I really wanted
I reflect on my past desires, values or goals, which may have changed or been unfulfilled in the present.


Was just to make some rhymes
I remember my simple and pure joy in creating music, without any external pressures or expectations.


But then my eyes go wide
I experience a sudden realization or revelation.


As I come to realise
I reach a new level of insight, understanding or self-awareness.


That I'm sleeping on my own
I recognize my isolation, loneliness or lack of social connections or support.


No family to call home
I feel disconnected or estranged from my family or cultural roots, and lack the comfort or stability of a home environment.


And all you really are
I address directly the listener or audience.


Is a man in Mankind
I remind the listener that we are all individuals with our own struggles, fears and aspirations, and share a common humanity.




Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Sam Philpott

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@laianesantos6968

I'm gonna make a change,
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
This wind is blowing my mind
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)

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

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.



@ilphi08

+kokshing lee
I love HSM too,but they were meant for children
Glee deals with real problems that actually exists,and people can be cruel and insensitive
So it makes the emotion in Glee much more realistic
HSM only deal with like Finn said "easy pain"
Every people in it always nice and jolly and even mean person can turn nice overnight
Every obstacles can be magically worked out before the end,every bitterness and sourness can be melt away in harmony
I literally grew up with High School Musicals,I started watching Glee not until I was in college
But that doesn't take away the fact that Glee is a more excellent show with more true emotions than High School Musicals



All comments from YouTube:

@Ana-hm4zl

Just seeing 5 of them in a line is just iconic

@Her-jg4wl

Yes!

@prometheus_arrow

legendary

@bry6080

Artie/Kevin McHale is so underrated! He has the widest vocal range out of all the glee guys.

@majormana1

Yup and his voice can actually hit the highest notes of guys I recently realized Artie/Kevin's high note and they where not pushing him to the limit is higher then Kurt/Chris's.

@RyanBrowne01

I wouldn't say his is the widest, but definitely the best sounding! Chris Colfer can actually sing super low (listen to Give Up the Funk) and super high (listen to legit any of his songs)

@Jaden-if4me

He does but vocally blaine probably has the best vocals his where better then all the glee guys

@tomidrac9719

I'd argue that Blaine Kurt and even Sam have a wider vocal range

@KT926

He's my favourite male singer of the Glee cast, they're all amazing but Kevin is phenomenal!

5 More Replies...

@stacym735

This was Glee at its absolute best. Those young men dropped all the pretense and just sang their butts off. SO good!

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