Man In The Mirror
Michael Jackson Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm gonna make a change
For once in my life
It's gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right

As I turn up the collar on
My favorite winter coat
This wind is blowing my mind
I see the kids in the street
With not enough to eat
Who am I to be blind?
Pretending not to see their need

A summer's disregard, a broken bottle top
And a one man soul
They follow each other on the wind, ya know
'Cause they got nowhere to go
That's why I want you to know

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na

I've been a victim of a selfish kind of love
It's time that I realize
There are some with no home, not a nickel to loan
Could it be really me pretending that they're not alone?

A willow deeply scarred, somebody's broken heart
And a washed-out dream (washed-out dream)
They follow the pattern of the wind, ya see
'Cause they got no place to be
That's why I'm starting with me

I'm starting with the man in the mirror (who?)
I'm asking him to change his ways (who?)
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change

I'm starting with the man in the mirror (who?)
I'm asking him to change his ways (who?)
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make that change

I'm starting with the man in the mirror (oh yeah)
I'm asking him to change his ways (he's gonna change)
No message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make the change
You gotta get it right while you got the time
'Cause when you close heart (you can't close your)
Then you close your mind (your mind)

That man, that man, that man (with the man in the mirror, oh yeah)
That man, that man, that man (I'm asking him to change his ways)
That man (gonna change)
That man, that man (no message could have been any clearer)
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, then make a change

Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo (na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na)
Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo (ooh, gonna feel real good, yeah)
Oh yeah (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na

Oh no, I'm gonna make a change
It's gonna feel real good
Shamone (change)
Just lift yourself, you know
You've got to stop him yourself, woo (yeah, make that change)
I gotta make that change, today, hoo (man in the mirror)
You got to, you got to not pick yourself, brother, hoo
(Yeah, make that change) you know
I've got to get that man, that man (man in the mirror)
You've got, you've to move, shamone, shamone
You got to stand up, stand up (yeah, make that change)
Stand up, stand up and lift yourself, now (man in the mirror)
Hoo, hoo, hoo, ow (yeah, make that change)
Go make that change, shamone (man in the mirror)




You know it, you know it, you know it, you know (change)
Make that change

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" are a call to action for people to make a change in the world by first making a change within themselves. Jackson sings about how he is going to make a change and it is going to feel good. He encourages listeners to take a look at themselves and realize that they can make a difference. He observes the poverty and hunger in the world and acknowledges that he cannot be blind to these problems. Jackson recognizes that he has been a victim of a selfish kind of love, but it is time for him to realize that he can make a positive difference in the world.


Throughout the song, Jackson urges the listener to start with the man in the mirror, to change your ways if you want to make the world a better place. He emphasizes that no message could be any clearer, as it means that it is imperative to take personal responsibility in order to make a difference. Jackson recognizes that it is easy to close one's mind and heart, but challenges the listener to take action before it is too late. The counterpoint he keeps repeating, "Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na," emphasizes the call to action throughout.


In summary, "Man in the Mirror" is a song with powerful lyrics that implores listeners to take responsibility for themselves and their actions in order to affect positive change in the world.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna make a change
I am determined to create a positive impact in the world.


For once in my life
This is a pivotal moment in my life, where I want to break free from the past and create a new future.


It's gonna feel real good
The change I make will bring me a lot of satisfaction and happiness because it is the right thing to do.


Gonna make a difference
I am not just making a change for the sake of it, but to make a meaningful impact in the world.


Gonna make it right
I will ensure that the change I make is ethical, fair, and just.


As I turn up the collar on
As I dress up, I am reminded of the challenges faced by people who cannot afford simple necessities like warm clothing.


My favorite winter coat
My favorite winter coat reminds me of the privilege I have to access basic necessities that some people cannot afford.


This wind is blowing my mind
The harsh weather conditions remind me of the struggles faced by people who live in poverty and do not have adequate shelter or resources to protect themselves from the elements.


I see the kids in the street
I am observing the hardship and suffering experienced by children who live in poverty and do not have access to the basic necessities needed for survival.


With not enough to eat
I am witnessing the severe consequences of income inequality, where some individuals or families do not have adequate access to food due to poverty.


Who am I to be blind?
I am overcome with guilt for being blind to the suffering of others or for not taking the initiative to help those in need.


Pretending not to see their need
I am aware of the suffering of others but have been ignoring their needs for a long time, which is not okay.


A summer's disregard, a broken bottle top
These symbols represent the waste and neglect that exist in society, the disregard for the environment, and the excessive consumption patterns that lead to waste and pollution.


And a one man soul
Despite the harsh circumstances, many people have a beautiful soul and are resilient, strong, and worthy of respect and love.


They follow each other on the wind, ya know
The people who live in poverty or face hardship share similar experiences and struggles, and they rely on each other for support and survival.


'Cause they got nowhere to go
The people who live in poverty or face hardship are stuck in their situations due to systemic inequality, lack of resources or opportunities, or other similar factors beyond their control.


That's why I want you to know
The following message is crucial because people need to start taking responsibility for creating positive change in the world.


I'm starting with the man in the mirror
The only way to create positive change in the world is to initiate changes within oneself, to be the change you wish to see in the world.


I'm asking him to change his ways
I am committed to changing my attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to support positive change.


And no message could have been any clearer
This message is essential, and there is no other way to create positive change in the world.


If you want to make the world a better place
This message is universal and applies to everyone who wants to create a positive impact in the world.


Take a look at yourself and then make a change
Introspection is vital to identify one's negative patterns and behaviors and change them to support positive change.


Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na
These sounds are an expression of happiness and enthusiasm to create positive change in the world.


I've been a victim of a selfish kind of love
The world is run by selfishness, a love for oneself that ignores the needs of others and can cause harm or suffering.


It's time that I realize
I am aware of my past mistakes in leading an individualistic life that did not take the well-being of others into account.


There are some with no home, not a nickel to loan
The world is full of people who do not have access to basic necessities like shelter, money, or resources due to systemic inequality, poverty, or other factors beyond their control.


Could it be really me pretending that they're not alone?
I question my previous behavior, where I would ignore the needs of others even when their suffering was apparent.


A willow deeply scarred, somebody's broken heart
These symbols represent the emotional scars or wounds that people can carry for a lifetime due to poverty, loss, trauma, or other factors beyond their control.


And a washed-out dream (washed-out dream)
People's dreams and aspirations can be shattered by systemic discrimination, inequality, or other factors beyond their control.


They follow the pattern of the wind, ya see
People who face hardship or suffering often have their lives dictated by systemic factors beyond their control, much like the winds that change their direction.


'Cause they got no place to be
The lack of resources, opportunity, or community support leads to people being trapped in their situation without seeing any way out.


That's why I'm starting with me
The only way to support those who need it is to start with oneself, to address one's unhealthy patterns or behaviors that contribute to social injustice or inequality.


No message could have been any clearer
The message is crucial, and there is no other way to support positive change in the world.


I'm starting with the man in the mirror (who?)
The message is universal and applies to every individual, regardless of their identity, status, or background.


I'm asking him to change his ways (who?)
The message is a call to action for people to reflect on their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors and to support positive change in the world.


You gotta get it right while you got the time
The message emphasizes the urgency of taking action to support positive change in the world during one's lifetime because time is limited.


'Cause when you close heart (you can't close your)
Closing one's heart to the suffering of others leads to a loss of empathy, kindness, and love, which is irreversible.


Then you close your mind (your mind)
Closing one's mind to the suffering of others leads to a loss of imagination, creativity, and openness, which is harmful to oneself and others.


That man, that man, that man (with the man in the mirror, oh yeah)
The message is a reflection of the importance of starting with oneself when it comes to supporting positive change.


That man, that man, that man (I'm asking him to change his ways)
The message is a call to action for everyone to reflect on their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors and to support positive change in the world.


That man (gonna change)
The message is an expression of hope that people can change and support positive change in the world.


If you want to make the world a better place
This message is universal and applies to everyone who wants to create a positive impact in the world.


Take a look at yourself, then make a change
Introspection is vital to identify one's negative patterns and behaviors and change them to support positive change.


Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo (na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na)
These sounds express the joy and happiness of creating positive change in the world.


Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo (ooh, gonna feel real good, yeah)
Creating positive change in the world will bring great satisfaction and happiness.


Oh yeah (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
These sounds express enthusiasm, affirmation, and agreement with the importance of creating positive change in the world.


Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na
These sounds express the joy and happiness of creating positive change in the world.


Oh no, I'm gonna make a change
The message expresses the urgency and importance of creating positive change in the world.


It's gonna feel real good
Creating positive change in the world brings great satisfaction and happiness.


Shamone (change)
These words express the joy and enthusiasm of creating positive change in the world.


Just lift yourself, you know
Encouragement to take charge of oneself and one's actions.


You've got to stop him yourself, woo (yeah, make that change)
People have to take responsibility for their actions, lifting their own lives and making the positive changes the world needs.


I gotta make that change, today, hoo (man in the mirror)
Taking action immediately starts with oneself and one's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.


You got to, you got to not pick yourself, brother, hoo
It is essential to change one's patterns and behaviors proactively to support positive change.


(Yeah, make that change) you know
The message is universal, and everyone should take responsibility for creating positive change in the world.


I've got to get that man, that man (man in the mirror)
The message focuses on the importance of starting with oneself to create positive change in the world.


You've got, you've to move, shamone, shamone
The message encourages people to take action and move towards creating positive change in the world.


You got to stand up, stand up (yeah, make that change)
The message calls for standing up against social inequality and taking proactive measures to support positive change.


Stand up, stand up and lift yourself, now (man in the mirror)
The message calls for standing up for oneself and taking responsibility for creating positive change in the world.


Hoo, hoo, hoo, ow (yeah, make that change)
These words express enthusiasm and joy for creating positive change in the world.


Go make that change, shamone (man in the mirror)
The message emphasizes the importance of taking action and initiating positive change in the world.


You know it, you know it, you know it, you know (change)
The message is clear and unequivocal: everyone needs to take responsibility for creating positive change in the world.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Glen Ballard, Siedah Garrett

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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