it was reissued in 2013 and won Best new Music on Pitchfork
M.J now acts as a Hotel Manager in Detroit
Man in the Mirror
M.J Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah yeah
Mhm mhmm
Babygirl please don’t hate me I just need some space
Now I’m on my own you not part of my day
I’m stuck inside a dream and it won’t go away
Feel a fire cookin up in my heart like a flame
At first I couldn’t think about living on my own
They keep talkin on my name yeah better watch ya tone
One day you’ll see how I did it on my own
Everybody say they care but I know that be cap
Don’t ever doubt my love know I always got your back
I’ve been peepin all the fake but I won’t get into that
Fire kept on growin all she did was light a match
And if I say I love you know I mean it with my heart
Man in the mirror whatchu see it’s a star
I been in on my grind early mornings where I start
Told my mama one day we gon all be living large
Yeah
And don’t get confused
Let me tell you the truth
Mama ain’t raise no fool
So go ahead and just watch how I move
Watch how I go
And how I do it
In the whip music loud how I’m cruising
Actin up baby why you actin foolish
Ask me how I’m doin I just say I’m coolin
But sometimes I be lying
Deep inside
Yeah I stay strong but I just wanna cry
Like a desert everybody actin dry
Questioning myself was it me I wonder why
Babygirl please don’t hate me I just need some space
Now I’m on my own you not part of my day
I’m stuck inside a dream and it won’t go away
Feel a fire cookin up in my heart like a flame
At first I couldn’t think about living on my own
The day keeps goin by and you ain’t hittin my phone
They keep talkin on my name yeah better watch ya tone
One day you’ll see how I did it on my own
Yeah yeah
Everybody say they care but I know that be cap
Don’t ever doubt my love know I always got your back
I’ve been peepin all the fake but I won’t get into that
Fire kept on growin all she did was light a match
And if I say I love you know I mean it with my heart
Man in the mirror whatchu see it’s a star
I been in on my grind early mornings where I start
Told my mama one day we gon all be living large
Yeah
And don’t get confused
Let me tell you the truth
Mama ain’t raise no fool
So go ahead and just watch how I move
Watch how I go
And how I do it
In the whip music loud how I’m cruising
Actin up baby why you actin foolish
Ask me how I’m doin I just say I’m coolin
But sometimes I be lying
Deep inside
Yeah I stay strong but I just wanna cry
Like a desert everybody actin dry
Questioning myself was it me I wonder why
Babygirl please don’t hate me I just need some space
Now I’m on my own you not part of my day
I’m stuck inside a dream and it won’t go away
Feel a fire cookin up in my heart like a flame
At first I couldn’t think about living on my own
The day keeps goin by and you ain’t hittin my phone
They keep talkin on my name yeah better watch ya tone
One day you’ll see how I did it on my own
The lyrics to M.J's song "Man in the Mirror" seem to tell a story of a person who is going through a difficult time in a relationship and needing some space to figure things out. The singer acknowledges the challenges they face, feeling trapped in a dream-like state that won't go away. There is a sense of heartbreak and frustration as they navigate through the emotions associated with being on their own.
The lyrics also convey a sense of determination and self-empowerment. The singer talks about being independent and not relying on others, emphasizing their ability to handle things on their own. They express a desire for success and a better future, making promises to their mother that one day they will all be living large.
Throughout the song, there is a conflict between the singer's outer strength and the inner vulnerability they feel. They admit to sometimes lying about their true emotions, pretending to be strong when deep inside, they want to cry. They mention feeling like a desert, where everyone around them is acting dry, and question themselves, wondering if they were the cause of the issues in their relationship.
Overall, "Man in the Mirror" reflects the complexities of relationships, the struggle to maintain self-assurance while dealing with internal turmoil, and the longing for personal growth and success.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah yeah
Expressing agreement or understanding.
Mhm mhmm
Expressing affirmation or acknowledgement.
Babygirl please don’t hate me I just need some space
Asking for understanding and distance in the relationship.
Now I’m on my own you not part of my day
Asserting independence and exclusion from the other person's daily life.
I’m stuck inside a dream and it won’t go away
Feeling trapped in a persistent fantasy or ideal that cannot be shaken.
Feel a fire cookin up in my heart like a flame
Experiencing intense passion or emotional turmoil.
At first I couldn’t think about living on my own
Initially unable to envision a life without the other person.
The day keeps goin by and you ain’t hittin my phone
Not receiving any communication or attention from the other person.
They keep talkin on my name yeah better watch ya tone
Others gossiping or speaking negatively about the artist, urging them to be cautious.
One day you’ll see how I did it on my own
Believing that one day the other person will come to understand and appreciate the artist's independence.
Everybody say they care but I know that be cap
Realizing that many people claim to care but their words may be insincere.
Don’t ever doubt my love know I always got your back
Assuring the other person of the artist's unwavering love and support.
I’ve been peepin all the fake but I won’t get into that
Recognizing the presence of fake or deceitful individuals but choosing not to engage with them.
Fire kept on growin all she did was light a match
Acknowledging that the other person's actions or words ignited a passionate reaction within the singer.
And if I say I love you know I mean it with my heart
Expressing the sincerity and depth of the singer's love.
Man in the mirror whatchu see it’s a star
Encouraging self-reflection and recognizing one's own greatness and potential.
I been in on my grind early mornings where I start
Dedicating oneself to hard work and personal growth from the early hours of the day.
Told my mama one day we gon all be living large
Sharing the singer's aspirations with their mother, promising a future of success and abundance.
And don’t get confused
Warning the listener to avoid misunderstandings.
Let me tell you the truth
Requesting the opportunity to share an honest perspective.
Mama ain’t raise no fool
Stating that the artist has been raised to be wise and make intelligent choices.
So go ahead and just watch how I move
Encouraging others to observe and learn from the artist's actions.
Watch how I go
Suggesting that others pay attention to the singer's progress and achievements.
And how I do it
Highlighting the artist's effective methods and approach.
In the whip music loud how I’m cruising
Enjoying the freedom and excitement of driving with loud music.
Actin up baby why you actin foolish
Questioning the other person's irrational or immature behavior.
Ask me how I’m doin I just say I’m coolin
Responding to inquiries about the singer's well-being with a casual, nonchalant answer.
But sometimes I be lying
Admitting that at times the artist may not be completely honest about their emotions.
Deep inside
Internally, on a deeper level.
Yeah I stay strong but I just wanna cry
Maintaining a strong outward appearance, but feeling the need to release emotions through crying.
Like a desert everybody actin dry
Feeling a lack of emotional support or empathy from others, as if they were in a desert.
Questioning myself was it me I wonder why
Doubting oneself and pondering if the artist is the cause of the current situation.
Yeah yeah
Expressing agreement or understanding.
Everybody say they care but I know that be cap
Recognizing that many people claim to care but may not truly mean it.
Don’t ever doubt my love know I always got your back
Reassuring the other person that the singer's love and loyalty are unwavering.
I’ve been peepin all the fake but I won’t get into that
Observing the presence of fake individuals but choosing not to engage with them.
Fire kept on growin all she did was light a match
Comprehending that the other person's actions or words ignited a passionate response within the singer.
And if I say I love you know I mean it with my heart
Affirming the sincerity and depth of the singer's love.
Man in the mirror whatchu see it’s a star
Encouraging self-reflection and recognizing one's own greatness and potential.
I been in on my grind early mornings where I start
Devoting oneself to hard work and personal growth from the early hours of the day.
Told my mama one day we gon all be living large
Sharing the artist's dreams and promising a future of success and prosperity.
Yeah
Expressing agreement or understanding.
And don’t get confused
Warning the listener to avoid misunderstandings.
Let me tell you the truth
Requesting the opportunity to share an honest perspective.
Mama ain’t raise no fool
Stating that the artist has been raised to be wise and make intelligent choices.
So go ahead and just watch how I move
Encouraging others to observe and learn from the artist's actions.
Watch how I go
Suggesting that others pay attention to the singer's progress and achievements.
And how I do it
Highlighting the artist's effective methods and approach.
In the whip music loud how I’m cruising
Enjoying the freedom and excitement of driving with loud music.
Actin up baby why you actin foolish
Questioning the other person's irrational or foolish behavior.
Ask me how I’m doin I just say I’m coolin
Responding to inquiries about the singer's well-being with a casual, nonchalant answer.
But sometimes I be lying
Admitting that at times the artist may not be completely honest about their emotions.
Deep inside
Internally, on a deeper level.
Yeah I stay strong but I just wanna cry
Maintaining a strong outward appearance, but feeling the need to release emotions through crying.
Like a desert everybody actin dry
Feeling a lack of emotional support or empathy from others, as if they were in a desert.
Questioning myself was it me I wonder why
Doubting oneself and pondering if the artist is the cause of the current situation.
Babygirl please don’t hate me I just need some space
Requesting understanding and distance in the relationship.
Now I’m on my own you not part of my day
Asserting independence and the exclusion of the other person from the artist's daily life.
I’m stuck inside a dream and it won’t go away
Feeling trapped in a persistent fantasy or ideal that cannot be shaken.
Feel a fire cookin up in my heart like a flame
Experiencing an intense passion or emotional turmoil.
At first I couldn’t think about living on my own
Initially unable to imagine a life without the other person.
The day keeps goin by and you ain’t hittin my phone
Not receiving any communication or attention from the other person.
They keep talkin on my name yeah better watch ya tone
Others gossiping or speaking negatively about the singer, warning them to be cautious.
One day you’ll see how I did it on my own
Believing that one day the other person will come to understand and appreciate the artist's independence.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Julian Bojorquez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jahfireuniversal11
But you'll never find happiness
Unless
Ya find it in yourself 1st
Always searching for Love outside
And when you think it's it then your bubble burst
Feeling cursed
Or maybe worst
Spirit the nurse
The doctor
Even at the lowest point still got ya
Look
See
Still breathing
Still receiving
The Love of The Most High
Sigh
Sigh
Please
Just look inside
Yea at times a rollercoaster ride
But away with foolish pride
Let The Divine within be your guide
Love is infinite
And never leaves
Ourselves we spite
With wants n needs
Sewing seeds
Of destruction
Negativity & corruption
Here comes the eruption
Whirlwind
Spiritual volcano
Spewing up out to through
Everyting iNna this flow
Funny not funny
We already know
And still choose to blow
Malice n hate
Argument n debate
Haaahaaaaaa
It is hilarious
Cos all must be
And we
Learn from tasting da dust
Biting da dust
From the bottom we're thrust
Trust
Spirit always reminding
Breaking n grinding
To help us be finding
The 1ne true Love
That lives n remains in the essence of
Every1ne n everyting that does be
Find yourself n find the ultimate key
Bathing in the beauty
The tranquility
At peace with self brings peace with everybody
So what's it all about
I'll buy you gifts today n say
I Love you
Hmmm
I'll Love you more
For every moment you endure
My slips my slides
My ego n pride
Thank you
For accepting me for who what I am
What a beautyfilled feeling stretching forth ma hand
Let ma light shine
I am Divine
Bending perception of mind
To align
That which is to be aligned
Every1ne remember yes
Remember you're blessed
Partner no partner
It's on you to manifest
Your desires
Your dreams
Choose misery n worry or choose streams of infinite beams
Laugh
Smile
Give thanx
Appreciate
And I promise your Love will multiply n create
A beautyfilled feeling inside
A place of appreciation n contentment maybe even the perfect husband or bride
@OmegaBlakX
This is definitely a song we need to hear today.
@KH-rh1dc
Right on brother
@Exodus-sb8so
The video is better than the song and the only answer I have for that is bc every great man who fought for us was shot dead bc peace is free and war is good and expensive go back and look at MLK eyes and JFK they could have been our future
@OmegaBlakX
@@Exodus-sb8so It almost makes you wonder if they were around, how much better along would we be? A message of love and peace versus a country further divided by hate. I'd rather take the peace
@Exodus-sb8so
@@OmegaBlakX Jesus died at 33 with a message of love that took our true king and nailed him to a cross bc of a lack of faith. They wanted him to come down off his cross and show his true self. The part that is scary is they didn't understand the simple fact that he was there to die to save there lives. Love and peace will never win until Jesus fixes it not MLK not JFK and not Trump. There is no-one who can successfully fix this world except Jesus yet that doesn't mean that men are not put here to be like Christ or atleast peace seeking individuals remember blessed is the peace keeper, but the thing about peace is that it comes with a cost
@babiatch
Every day
@smokey8755
yes
@KARKATELCESARENVIADODESA-pv4yd
"MAN IN ZA MIRROR!"
-Illuso
@clem9239
smokey yes
@joemuis23
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/26/michael-jackson-abuse-abuser-sexual with his backstory its even more poignant. people turn to art to express what they can't do themselves.