Reflections
Larry Steelman Orchestra Lyrics
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I may never pass for a perfect bride, or a perfect daughter.
Can it be,
I'm not meant to play this part?
Now I see, that if I were truly to be myself,
I would break my family's heart.
Who is that girl I see, staring straight back at me?
Who is that perfect bride?
It's not me, though I've tried.
When will my reflection show, who I am, inside?
How I pray, that a time will come,
I can free myself, from their expectations
On that day, I'll discover someway to be myself,
and to make my family proud.
They want a docile lamb,
No-one knows who I am.
Must there be a secret me,
I'm forced to hide?
Must I pretend that I am someone else for all time?
When will my reflection show, who I am inside?
When will my reflection show, who I am inside?
In Larry Steelman Orchestra's song "Reflections", the lyrics explore the theme of identity and self-discovery in the context of familial expectations. The singer grapples with the pressure to conform to what her family wants of her and the fear that being her true self would disappoint them. The opening lines set the stage for the internal conflict: "Look at me, / I may never pass for a perfect bride, or a perfect daughter. / Can it be, / I'm not meant to play this part?" The singer questions her place in her family and whether living up to their expectations is even possible.
The chorus serves as the emotional climax of the song, with the singer questioning her own reflection and the person she sees in it: "Who is that girl I see, staring straight back at me? / Why is my reflection someone I don't know? / Who is that perfect bride? / It's not me, though I've tried. / When will my reflection show, who I am, inside?" She longs to break free from the confines of what is expected of her and live a life true to herself, but fears the consequences it would have on her relationship with her family.
Overall, "Reflections" is a powerful song that speaks to the universal struggle of finding one's place in the world and being comfortable with who you are, even if it means disappointing others.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at me,
Pay attention to me,
I may never pass for a perfect bride, or a perfect daughter.
I may never fit into the expectations others have for me.
Can it be,
Is it possible,
I'm not meant to play this part?
That I'm not supposed to conform to their standards?
Now I see, that if I were truly to be myself,
I realize that if I acted like myself,
I would break my family's heart.
It would disappoint or upset my loved ones.
Who is that girl I see, staring straight back at me?
Who is that person I see when I look in the mirror?
Why is my reflection someone I don't know?
Why can't I recognize myself?
Who is that perfect bride?
Who is the ideal version of myself that others expect?
It's not me, though I've tried.
It's not realistic for me to be that person, even if I've attempted to meet those standards.
When will my reflection show, who I am, inside?
When can I be the truest, most authentic version of myself?
How I pray, that a time will come,
I hope that someday
I can free myself, from their expectations
I can live without the pressure of conforming to others' standards.
On that day, I'll discover someway to be myself,
When that time comes, I'll find a way to be authentic and true to myself.
and to make my family proud.
I'll still strive to be someone my family can be proud of.
They want a docile lamb,
My family wants me to be passive and obedient.
No-one knows who I am.
No one really understands my true nature or personality.
Must there be a secret me,
Do I need to keep a part of myself hidden?
I'm forced to hide?
Am I compelled to keep secrets about who I truly am?
Must I pretend that I am someone else for all time?
Do I need to continue pretending to be someone I'm not?
When will my reflection show, who I am inside?
When will I be able to truly be myself without any expectations or pressures?
When will my reflection show, who I am inside?
When will I be able to look at myself and know that I am being true to myself?
Contributed by Jayden E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.