Selfie
Mark Forster Lyrics

The lyrics to Mark Forster's song "Selfie" explore the themes of self-expression, identity, and the desire for validation through social media. The singer reflects on the pressures to conform and present a certain image to the world, often losing sight of their authentic self in the process.

The first verse describes the journey of the singer, continuously moving forward in life. They compare it to ascending a staircase, then a ladder, and finally reaching the clouds. However, they reach a point where they have to decide whether to continue soaring or risk falling. In this moment, they realize that they have switched from being a risk-taker (Maverick) to being on autopilot, just going along with the flow and forgetting who they truly want to be.

The chorus emphasizes the disconnect between how the singer perceives themselves and how others perceive them. They acknowledge that there is a difference between their true self and the persona they project. They take a camera, hold it still, and take a clear picture with the intention of sharing it with the world. The act of taking a selfie becomes symbolic of trying to capture and express their true identity.

The second verse explores the consequences of constantly moving forward and losing track of time. The singer reflects on how they have lost sight of their goals and their individuality in the pursuit of progress. They mention a blind tunnel vision, seeing only what is directly in front of them. Looking at their reflection in a bathroom mirror, they no longer recognize themselves but know that their core identity has always been there. They acknowledge the limitation in using words to describe who they truly are.

The second chorus reiterates the intention to take a selfie and share it with the world, highlighting the desire for validation and acceptance. It is not just about showcasing a polished image, but also about showing the scars, dreams, and achievements. The singer wishes everything could be captured in one picture so that they could share it with the person they care about.

In the final verse, the singer expresses the desire to reveal their true self without holding back. They want to show every pixel, including the good and the bad, the beauty and the flaws. They long for the opportunity to share their full story through a single image. However, they recognize that it ultimately depends on whether the recipient is willing to see and understand.

Overall, "Selfie" delves into the complexities of self-perception and the difficulty of expressing one's true self in a world driven by social media and external validation.