Reflection
Mannheim Steamroller Lyrics
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I will 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
Who is that girl I see
Staring straight
Back at me?
Why is my reflection someone
I don't know?
Somehow I cannot hide
Who I am
Though I've tried
When will my reflection show
Who I am inside?
When will my reflection show
Who I am inside
The lyrics to Mannheim Steamroller's "Reflection" explore the idea of identity and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The singer begins by acknowledging that they will never be able to fit the mold of a "perfect bride" or "perfect daughter," raising the question of whether they are even meant to play these roles. Upon reflection, the singer realizes that being true to themselves would mean going against their family's expectations and potentially breaking their heart.
The central idea of the song is encapsulated in the repeated refrain: "When will my reflection show who I am inside?" The singer feels that their outward appearance and behavior do not align with their true self, and they long to be able to express their authentic identity without fear of judgment or rejection. The reference to a reflection also underscores the theme of self-discovery and introspection. The girl in the song is searching for clarity and understanding about who she is, and she recognizes that this journey begins with looking inward and casting a critical eye on her own reflection.
Overall, the lyrics to "Reflection" offer a powerful message about the importance of staying true to oneself, even when it means going against the expectations of others. The song encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and to never stop seeking out their own identity and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at me
I demand attention to myself
I will never pass for a perfect bride
I will not meet the societal pressure of being the perfect bride.
Or a perfect daughter
I won't be the perfect daughter to my family's standards.
can it be I'm not meant to play this part?
I wonder if I'm fit for the roles expected of me.
Now I see That if I were truly To be myself I would break my fam'ly's heart
I realized that if I act according to my true self, my family's expectations will be shattered.
Who is that girl I see Staring straight Back at me?
I see myself but I don't recognize the person that I've become.
Why is my reflection someone I don't know?
I'm confused and surprised to see that my true self is not who I've been projecting all this while.
Somehow I cannot hide Who I am Though I've tried
Despite my efforts to suppress my true self, I can't escape who I really am.
When will my reflection show Who I am inside?
I want to know when I'll be able to express my true self rather than hide behind a façade.
When will my reflection show Who I am inside
I want to know when society will accept me for who I really am rather than who they want me to be.
Contributed by Anthony D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.