Man in the Mirror
Michael Jackson (HISTORY1) Lyrics
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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
I see the kids in the streets
With not enough to eat
Who am I to be blind?
Pretending not to see their needs
A summer 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
I've been a victim of a selfish kind of love
It's time that I realize
That 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
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
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
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 that
Change!
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
(Oh yeah!)
I'm asking him to change his ways
(Better 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
You can't close your, your mind!
(Then you close your, mind!)
That man, that man, that man, that man
With the man in the mirror
(Man in the mirror, oh yeah!)
That man, that man, that man
I'm asking him to change his ways
(Better 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
Oh no, no no
I'm gonna make a change
It's gonna feel real good!
Chime on!
(Change)
Just lift yourself
You know
You've got to stop it
Yourself!
(Yeah! Make that change!)
I've got to make that change, today!
Hoo!
(Man in the mirror)
You got to
You got to not let 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 to move! Chime on!
Chime on!
You got to
Stand up! Stand up! Stand up!
(Yeah! Make that change)
Stand up and lift yourself, now!
(Man in the mirror)
You know it!
You know it!
You know it!
You know it
(Change)
Make that change
"Man In the Mirror" by Michael Jackson Andrae Crouch is a song about personal responsibility and change. Jackson sings about the need for people to be the change they want to see in the world. He recognizes the problems in the world and acknowledges the role he plays in perpetuating them by turning a blind eye. However, he decides to start with himself and change his ways, hoping that his actions will encourage others to do the same.
The song's opening lines talk about the need for change and how it will feel good to make a difference. The imagery in the second verse describes the children in the streets who are hungry and homeless with no one to turn to. Jackson realizes that he cannot ignore their needs and pretends not to see them. He then acknowledges the times he has been selfish in love and ignores those who are alone and in need. The song's chorus repeats the same message of personal change, encouraging people to start with themselves to make the world a better place.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna make a change
I am going to do something different
For once in my life
It will be the first time I've taken this action
It's gonna feel real good
I will be satisfied with the outcome
Gonna make a difference
I will have an impact
Gonna make it right
I will correct the situation
As I, turn up the collar on
My favorite winter coat
While I am adjusting my clothing
This wind is blowing my mind
The weather is having a strong impact on me emotionally
I see the kids in the streets
With not enough to eat
I observe children without proper access to nourishment
Who am I to be blind?
I cannot turn a blind eye to their plight
Pretending not to see their needs
Ignoring the fact that they require help
A summer disregard, a broken bottle top
And a one man soul
A display of carelessness and solitude
They follow each other on the wind ya' know
'Cause they got nowhere to go
They are directionless and have nowhere to turn
That's why I want you to know
I have a reason for telling you this
I've been a victim of a selfish kind of love
I have been on the receiving end of self-centered affection
It's time that I realize
That there are some with no home, not a nickel to loan
It is time for me to understand that some are homeless and penniless
Could it be really me, pretending that they're not alone?
Am I deceiving myself into believing that they are not alone?
A willow deeply scarred, somebody's broken heart
And a washed-out dream
A symbol of pain, heartbreak, and shattered dreams
They follow the pattern of the wind ya' see
'Cause they got no place to be
They are carried along aimlessly due to the lack of a fixed destination
That's why I'm starting with me
This is why I am beginning with myself
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make that Change!
To improve the world, reflect on yourself and take action toward change.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SIEDAH GARRETT, GLEN BALLARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind