Reflections
Patrick T. Hawes Lyrics
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A stranger staring back at me
With a face that I don't recognize
All the color has drained from his eyes
But that's not my complexion
I don't see the connection
This can't be my reflection, you see?
But what if the mirror shows me?
I don't remember my name
Don't give me a funeral
You never cared anyway
And my eyes will turn grey
And my spirit will fade
No, I am not your prodigal
No, I'm barely awake
I don't remember my name
I don't remember my name
Don't give me a funeral
You never cared anyway
And my eyes will turn grey
And my spirit will fade
No, I am not your prodigal
No, I'm barely awake
I don't know my reflection
I don't know who I am
I don't know my reflection
I don't know who I am
In Patrick T. Hawes's song "Reflections," the lyrics delve into the singer's confusion and disconnect with their own identity. The opening verse introduces a sense of alienation as the singer gazes at their own reflection in the mirror. They describe seeing a stranger with unfamiliar features and no trace of the vibrancy they associate with themselves. The mention of drained color in their eyes illustrates a loss of vitality and the inability to recognize their own true self.
The following lines express the singer's disbelief and denial. They question the connection between the reflection in the mirror and their true identity, expressing a conviction that the reflection cannot possibly be them. This conflict is further amplified by their statement that they don't remember their own name, suggesting a profound loss of self and personal history.
The second paragraph confronts the lack of care and support the singer feels from others. They reject the idea of a funeral, implying that they believe they are forgotten and unimportant to those around them. The mention of their eyes turning grey and their spirit fading signifies a feeling of becoming lifeless and forgotten. The refrain of not being "your prodigal" and being barely awake suggests the singer's disillusionment with their role in the lives of others.
The final paragraph reiterates the singer's lack of familiarity with their reflection and the uncertainty surrounding their identity. They express a deep sense of not knowing who they truly are and feeling lost in their own existence. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the singer's profound confusion and disconnection from their own self.
Overall, "Reflections" delves into themes of identity, disorientation, and isolation. The lyrics portray a deep longing to understand one's true self and the emotional turmoil that arises from feeling disconnected from one's own reflection. Through introspection, the song sheds light on the universal human experience of questioning one's identity and grappling with a sense of purpose and belonging.
Line by Line Meaning
When I look in the mirror, I see
Upon observing my own reflection, I am confronted with a disconcerting sight
A stranger staring back at me
I am confronted by the presence of an unfamiliar person in the reflection
With a face that I don't recognize
The countenance displayed does not match my own image
All the color has drained from his eyes
The vitality and vibrancy that once radiated from the eyes has dissipated completely
But that's not my complexion
The skin tone and appearance portrayed does not match my own likeness
I don't see the connection
I fail to perceive any correlation or link between the reflected image and my own identity
This can't be my reflection, you see?
I am convinced that the mirrored image before me cannot possibly represent my true self
But what if the mirror shows me?
What if the mirror, despite my doubts, reveals an accurate depiction of who I truly am?
I don't remember my name
I am unable to recall or recollect my own identity or personal designation
Don't give me a funeral
Please refrain from arranging a ceremony to commemorate my passing
You never cared anyway
It is evident that you never truly showed concern or possessed genuine regard for me
And my eyes will turn grey
Over time, the very essence and vitality of my eyes will be overtaken by a bleak and colorless state
And my spirit will fade
The vibrant energy and life force within me will gradually diminish and lose its intensity
No, I am not your prodigal
Contrary to your expectations, I am not the one who has returned after a prolonged absence
No, I'm barely awake
At this moment, my level of consciousness and awareness is minimal or barely existent
I don't know my reflection
I am completely unaware of the true nature or identity represented in the mirror
I don't know who I am
My sense of self and personal identity remains enigmatic and elusive
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Patrick Baue
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@patrickhawes1
Hi all - the piece is from my Blue in Blue album (which is about to be re-released) with the ECO, Conventus choir and soprano Janet Coxwell. Voces 8 also recorded a version for their album Eventide. Thanks for loving it and for putting it some stunning pictures! Px
@Kittylight2008
Patrick that is truly, truly beautiful. So absolutely moving!!!
@amm39
Patrick Hawes
@ElliottG1995
Patrick Hawes ur music is so sweet and flowing, me mum sure would love to listen to more of ur pieces as she nowadays listens to classic FM :3 the vocals r so much like angels singing in heaven ❤️
@sinistershenanigans965
Patrick Hawes Sir while music Dutch as this is composed
Good will all ways conquer evil . Thank you.
@glenjames100
The essence of heaven...thank you.
@glenjames100
This is sublime...
@Phaedrax2
I'm on here looking for Patrick Hawes' choral version of Onward Christian Soldiers that I heard on Classic FM on Sunday morning, loved it so much, wanted to hear it again.
@Jayenne2000
Thank you so much Jimgoomba - have looked everywhere but came up with nothing! Love this version so much more than the instrumental...and thanks re the pictures... just a mix of some taken over the years :-)
@escoliasta
Es una maravilla más. Gracias Maestro.