Man in the Mirror
Glen Ballard Siedah Garrett & Keke Palmer Lyrics

I'm gonna make a change,
I'm finally committed to making a change in my life.

For once in my life
It's about time that I take action and make a difference.

It's gonna feel real good
Making a positive impact on the world is going to bring me immense satisfaction.

Gonna make a difference
I'm going to actively work towards improving the world around me.

Gonna make it right...
I'm going to rectify my past mistakes and take control of my life for the better.

As I, turn up the collar on
As I protect myself from the cold...

My favorite winter coat
I'm reminded of the comfort that my loved ones and belongings bring me.

This wind is blowin' my mind
The harsh weather elements and harsh realities of life have been overwhelming me.

I see the kids in the street,
I am deeply moved and saddened by the sight of impoverished children.

With not enough to eat
These kids are malnourished and don't have access to basic resources like food.

Who am I, to be blind?
I have been ignorant to the struggles of others for too long.

Pretending not to see their need
I have been intentionally ignoring the plight of those less fortunate than myself.

A summer's disregard,
Society's indifference towards the well-being of others.

A broken bottle top
The remnants of a careless society that doesn't care for the environment or its surroundings.

And a one man's soul
The individual's struggle and inner demons that they contend with.

They follow each other on
The marginalized and oppressed often feel like they are in this fight alone.

The wind you know
The forces that impact and shape people's lives beyond their control.

'Cause they got nowhere to go
Their dire life circumstances have left them with no viable options for survival.

That's why I want you to know
That's why I'm making this plea to others to join me and make a change.

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm taking responsibility for my actions and committing to improvement.

I'm asking him to change his ways
I'm calling upon myself to modify my behavior and make better choices.

And no message could have been any clearer
The purpose and call to action behind this anthem is transparent and evident.

If you wanna make the world a better place
Join me in my mission to create positive change in the world.

Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
Before you can help others, take the time to reflect on and improve your personal character and values.

(Na na na, na na na, na na, na nah)
Adlib.

I've been a victim of
I have been negatively impacted by others' actions in the past.

A selfish kind of love
A love and regard for oneself that disregards others' feelings and well-being.

It's time that I realize
It's finally dawned on me that this mentality is hurtful and unproductive.

There are some with no home,
I am reminded of the millions of individuals worldwide without stable, secure housing.

Not a nickel to loan
Many people are living paycheck to paycheck, with no financial security or hope for the future.

Could it be really me,
Am I a part of the problem and the societal conditions that perpetuate poverty and inequality?

Pretending that they're not alone?
Have I been intentionally ignoring the struggles of others and their feelings of isolation and desperation?

A willow deeply scarred,
A symbol of the pain and trauma that afflicts many individuals and society as a whole.

Somebody's broken heart
The emotional turmoil that stems from a variety of sources and can cripple a person's wellbeing.

And a washed-out dream
Regret and disillusionment accompany unfulfilled or lost aspirations.

(A washed-out dream)
A reminder of the futility and disheartening nature of unfulfilled or failed dreams.

They follow the pattern of
The unfavorable trends and cycles​​​ in life that need to be changed.

The wind, you see
The currents and influences that have shaped and impacted the lives of so many people.

Cause they got no place to be
It's crucial that I recognize that for many vulnerable individuals, home and stability are not easily obtained.

That's why I'm starting with me
I'm taking action to become a better person and make the world a better place, starting with myself.

(Ooh!)
Adlib sound

Better change!
A fervent call to action!

You gotta get it right, while you got the time
It's imperative to make the most of the time we have on this earth and to take proactive steps to enact change in our lives and the lives of others.

'Cause if you close your heart
Your life and the lives of those around you will be negatively impacted if you shut yourself off from others and their struggles.

Then you close your...
By not opening yourself up and addressing the societal conditions that perpetuate inequality, you close off your ability to make an impact in the world.

Mind!
Adlib.

Take that...
Adlib.

Starting with the man in the mirror
Once again, emphasizing the importance of individual change as a catalyst for broader social change.

(Oh yeah!)
Adlib.

Better change!
A passionate call to make real, meaningful changes in our world.

Na na na, na na na, na na, na nah
Adlib.

I'm gonna make a change
Reiterating my commitment to making positive changes in my life and the lives of others.

For once in my life
Recognizing that past inaction hasn't allowed me to live a fulfilling and selfless life.

I'm gonna make a change
My commitment can only be realized through real, tangible action.