Man in the Mirror
Gary Indiana Lyrics


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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)

(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.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Man in the Mirror" by Gary Indiana express a powerful message of self-reflection and personal responsibility for creating positive change in the world. The song starts with the singer declaring his intention to make a change in his life, emphasizing the importance of feeling good by making a difference and doing what is right. This sets the tone for the introspective journey the lyrics take us on.


The imagery of the winter coat and the wind blowing the singer's mind serve as a metaphor for the harsh realities of poverty and lack that he witnesses in the world, particularly in the lives of children on the streets who are struggling to survive. The lyrics challenge the listener to question their own blindness and privilege in the face of such profound need, urging them to not turn a blind eye to the suffering of others but to take action instead.


The song highlights the interconnectedness of humanity, illustrating how individual choices and actions can impact the collective well-being of society. By starting with oneself and looking in the mirror, the singer emphasizes the importance of personal accountability and the need to change one's ways in order to contribute to making the world a better place. The repeated refrain of taking a look at yourself and making a change underscores the power of individual agency in effecting larger social transformation.


In the final verses, the lyrics urge for self-improvement and the courage to confront one's own flaws and shortcomings in order to become a better person and positively influence those around us. The call to action is clear: to stand up, make a change, and lift oneself and others up towards a more compassionate and just world. Overall, "Man in the Mirror" is a timeless anthem that continues to resonate with listeners, inspiring them to reflect on their own lives and take steps towards a more empathetic and impactful existence.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Glen Ballard, Siedah Garrett

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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