Man in the Mirror
The Swingles 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
This wind is blowin' my mind
With not enough to eat
Who am I, to be blind pretending not to see their needs?
A summer's disregard
A broken bottle top
And a one man's 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've been any clearer
If they wanna 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 (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 (oh)
I'm asking him to change his ways (oh)
And no message could've been any clearer
If you wanna 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 (oh)
I'm asking him to change his ways (oh)
And no message could've been any clearer
If you wanna 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've been any clearer
(If you wanna make the world a better place)
(Take a look at yourself and then make the change)
you can't
(Then you close your) close your, your mind
With the man in the mirror, oh yeah
I'm asking him to change his ways (better change)
No message could've been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
gonna feel real good now
I'm gonna make a change
It's gonna feel real good
Come on (change)
Just lift yourself
You know
You've got to stop it
Yourself (yeah)
I've got to make that change today
(Man in the mirror) you got to
You got to not let yourself brother
(Yeah) you know
(Make that change) I've got to get that man, that man
You've got to
You've got to move
Come on
Come on
You got to
Stand up, stand up (yeah, make that change)
Stand up
Stand up and lift
Yourself, now
(Man in the mirror)
Gonna make that change come on
(Man in the mirror)
You know it
You know it
You know it
You know
Change
Make that change
The lyrics to "Man in the Mirror" by The Swingles speak to the need for personal reflection and accountability in order to make a positive impact in the world. The song encourages self-awareness and acknowledges the social issues and inequalities that exist, ultimately urging individuals to take action and be the catalyst for change starting with themselves.
The song begins with a determination to make a change, expressing a desire to make a difference and set things right. The mention of turning up the collar on a winter coat indicates a metaphorical readiness to face the challenges that lie ahead. The wind blowing the singer's mind represents the overwhelming nature of the world's problems, particularly the hardship faced by children who suffer from hunger and poverty. The lyrics suggest that it is hypocritical to overlook these needs, challenging the listener to confront their own blindness and take responsibility for helping those less fortunate.
The second verse delves deeper into the theme of personal accountability. The reference to a "selfish kind of love" highlights the singer's realization that they have been neglectful of the plight of others. The lyrics emphasize the harsh reality faced by those without a home or even a small sum of money, questioning the singer's previous indifference towards their loneliness. The description of a scarred willow, a broken heart, and a washed-out dream metaphorically represents the struggles and shattered hopes of individuals trapped in a cycle of hardship. This further emphasizes the urgency for change and the need to break this pattern.
The chorus reinforces the message of personal empowerment and the transformative power of self-reflection. The repetition of the phrase "starting with the man in the mirror" emphasizes the importance of beginning with oneself. The lyrics encourage the listener to examine their own actions, behaviors, and attitudes before attempting to change the world. By introspecting and accepting responsibility for one's own shortcomings, they become better equipped to make a positive impact and inspire others to do the same.
The final section of the song emphasizes the urgency to make a change now. The repetition of "you've got to" and "come on" creates a sense of urgency and a call to action. It highlights that change starts from within and requires personal effort and determination. The lyrics serve as a reminder that transformation is possible when one looks inward, recognizes the need for change, and commits to making a difference.
Overall, "Man in the Mirror" is a powerful song that urges listeners to reflect on themselves and take meaningful action to improve the world around them. It encourages personal growth, empathy, and social responsibility, ultimately emphasizing the potential for positive change when individuals actively choose to make a difference.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna make a change
I am determined to bring about a transformation
For once in my life
This is a rare opportunity for me
It's gonna feel real good
The satisfaction I'll experience will be immense
Gonna make a difference
I intend to have a positive impact
Gonna make it right
I will correct the wrongs and restore justice
As I, turn up the collar on
When I raise the collar on
My favorite winter coat
The coat I cherish in colder seasons
This wind is blowin' my mind
The wind is astonishing my thoughts
I see the kids in the street
I observe the children in the streets
With not enough to eat
Who lack sufficient nourishment
Who am I, to be blind pretending not to see their needs?
Why would I ignore their needs and feign ignorance?
A summer's disregard
The indifference exhibited during summer
A broken bottle top
A shattered lid of a bottle
And a one man's soul
And the inner being of an individual
They follow each other on the wind ya know
They move together, driven by the wind
'Cause they got nowhere to go
Since they have no destination
That's why I want you to know
Hence, I desire to inform you
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I am commencing with self-reflection and self-improvement
I'm asking him to change his ways
I am requesting personal transformation
And no message could've been any clearer
The communication couldn't have been more obvious
If they wanna make the world a better place
If they desire global improvement
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
Examine yourself first before initiating a transformation
I've been a victim of a selfish kind of love
I have suffered from a self-centered form of affection
It's time that I realize
Now, I must comprehend
That there are some with no home
That certain individuals have no place to call home
Not a nickel to loan
Without a single penny to borrow
Could it be really me pretending that they're not alone?
Is it truly me, pretending they are not solitary?
A willow deeply scarred
A deeply wounded willow tree
Somebody's broken heart
The heart of an individual shattered
And a washed out dream (washed out dream)
And a faded and unattainable aspiration
They follow the pattern of the wind, ya see
They conform to the wind's course, you understand
'Cause they got no place to be
Since they have no specific location to occupy
That's why I'm starting with me
Hence, I am initiating change within myself
you can't
It is impossible
(Then you close your) close your, your mind
(Then you shut off) restrict your, your thoughts
Gonna make that change come on
I am determined to bring about the desired transformation
Just lift yourself
Simply raise your own spirits
You've got to stop it
You must cease that behavior
Yourself (yeah)
Your own self (yes)
I've got to make that change today
I must make that transformation today
(Man in the mirror) you got to
(The man in the mirror) you must
You got to not let yourself brother
You must not allow your own self, brother
(Yeah) you know
(Yes) you are aware
(Make that change) I've got to get that man, that man
(Make that change) I must become that individual, that individual
You've got to
You must
You've got to move
You must take action
Come on
Let's go
Stand up, stand up (yeah, make that change)
Rise up, rise up (yes, initiate that transformation)
Stand up
Rise up
Stand up and lift
Rise up and raise
Yourself, now
Your own self, now
You know it
You are aware of it
Change
Transformation
Make that change
Initiate that transformation
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Stephen Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@raysun2be
The arrangement was killer, the execution was spot on, the interpretation was creatively expressive, the vocalists were impressively talented and their integration was seamless, video was well done, all aspects combining into wonderfully enjoyable ear candy! Loved it, most excellent!
@ajako7119
Wow! Love it.
@TheManksa
Fantastic and Amazing ✌🏻😢💖
@edwinaday899
Oh... sublime 💜!
@cheflia5555
Beautiful ❤️👍👍👍👍👍👍
@andersedenroth6815
This is SO sweet!
@janinemoyse4059
Lovely and joyful 🙌😍🥰xx
@auntygogo9810
Welldone guys.❤❤❤
@cptkev606
Great Performance 🤘
@TheMusikpoet
This is insanely good, maybe too perfect !!! the outro is heartbreakingly beautifully and wonderfully done !!!