Wayne Toups was born into a family of rice farmers in Crowley, Louisiana. He first picked up an accordion when he was 13 and quickly began winning local accordion contests. Toups has combined his love of Cajun music, rock, R&B, and zydeco into a genre he calls Zydecajun. He sings in both English and French.
Toups released his first album, Wayne Toups and the Crowley Aces in Europe in the early 1970s. Toups began gaining popularity in the United States around 1984 when he began performing at local festivals such as the Festivals Acadiens in Lafayette, Louisiana. In 1987 he released his first album, Zydecajun. The Cajun French Music Association's awarded him their "Song of the Year" Award in 1990 for his song "Late in Life." Three of his songs, including wedding favorite "Take My Hand", were featured in the movie Dirty Rice, and some of his work is also featured on the soundtracks for the movie Steel Magnolias and the television show "Broken Badges". He has recorded for the major record labels Polygram and Mercury. His 1995 release, Back to the Bayou became the fastest-selling record ever for the independent Louisiana label Swallow Records.
Besides playing his own music, Toups has been featured playing the accordion on singles for many country music stars. He appears on the Mark Chesnutt Number One hits "Gonna Get a Life" and "It Sure Is Monday", on Clay Walker's "Live Laugh Love", and Alan Jackson's "Little Bitty." He has also played with Sammy Kershaw, George Jones, Mark Wills, Garth Brooks, and Ty England.
Toups is known for wearing bright tropical shirts during his performances. He has toured in over twenty-six countries, including in South America, Canada, Europe and the Far East. He has appeared on MTV and on the 1990 Super Bowl telecast. He has many relatives in the Texas/Louisiana area.
Man in the Mirror
Wayne Toups Lyrics
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Looking at me I don′t understand why you love me
I just can't see why women like you believe in me
I didn′t climb any mountains, reach any stars
So what did I do to win your heart?
And why can't I see all that you see in me?
Because this man in the mirror
Must be much more than I see
The more fault I find in me
Yes I find it amazing That you feel the way you do
Cause this man in the mirror Just ain't good enough for you
Many a times I see pain in your eyes, and it′s because of me
But most of the time I see love outside and inside and on me
′Til the storms in the heavens fall from the sky
'Til God calls me up and the sun leaves my eyes,
I′ll try to be all that you see in me
Because it's the man in the mirror
Must be much more than I see
And the longer I stand here
The more fault I find in me
Yes I find it amazing That you feel the way you do
This man in the mirror
Just ain′t good enough for you
This man in the mirror
Must be much more than I see
And the longer I stand here
The more fault I find in me
Yes I find it amazing that you feel the way you do
Cause this man in the mirror
Just ain't good enough for you
Oh yeah!
This man in the mirror
Just ain′t good enough for you
In Wayne Toups's song "Man In The Mirror," the singer is expressing his confusion and disbelief regarding why someone loves him despite his perceived flaws and shortcomings. He acknowledges that he hasn't achieved any remarkable feats or accomplished anything extraordinary that would warrant such affection. He questions what qualities or qualities the person sees in him that he himself fails to see. The man in the mirror represents the singer's own self-reflection and introspection.
As the song progresses, the singer admits that he often causes pain and disappointment to the person he loves, yet he also recognizes that there is love and goodness within him. He vows to strive to become the person that his partner sees in him, becoming a better version of himself. The lyrics convey a sense of unworthiness and self-doubt, as the singer believes that he falls short of the love and admiration he receives.
Ultimately, the "man in the mirror" symbolizes the singer's journey of self-improvement and growth. He acknowledges his flaws and the continuous process of self-discovery, aiming to become deserving of the love he receives.
Line by Line Meaning
Mmm
Expressing a contemplative or uncertain sound
Looking at me I don't understand why you love me
When I see myself, I struggle to comprehend why you have love for me
I just can't see why women like you believe in me
I am unable to comprehend why women, especially someone like you, have faith in me
I didn't climb any mountains, reach any stars
I haven't achieved extraordinary feats or reached great heights
So what did I do to win your heart?
Therefore, what actions or qualities of mine led to me capturing your affection?
And why can't I see all that you see in me?
Additionally, why am I incapable of recognizing and appreciating the qualities that you see in me?
Because this man in the mirror must be much more than I see
Considering the reflection I see in the mirror, I must possess qualities and potential beyond what I acknowledge
And the longer that I stand here, the more fault I find in me
As I spend more time reflecting, I tend to discover more flaws and shortcomings within myself
Yes I find it amazing that you feel the way you do
Indeed, I am astounded by the fact that you have such strong emotions towards me
Cause this man in the mirror just ain't good enough for you
You deserve someone better than the person reflected in the mirror
Many a times I see pain in your eyes, and it's because of me
Frequently, I observe anguish in your eyes, and I understand it stems from me and my actions
But most of the time I see love outside and inside and on me
However, predominantly I perceive an abundance of love from you, both from within yourself and towards me
'Til the storms in the heavens fall from the sky
Until catastrophic events occur beyond our control
'Til God calls me up and the sun leaves my eyes
Until the day God summons me and my life comes to an end
I'll try to be all that you see in me
I will make an effort to embody all the qualities and potential that you perceive in me
Because it's the man in the mirror
Because the person I see in the mirror
Must be much more than I see
Must possess qualities and capabilities that exceed my own perception
And the longer I stand here
As I continue to reflect in this state
The more fault I find in me
The more inadequacies and flaws I discover within myself
Yes I find it amazing that you feel the way you do
Truly, I am astonished by the intensity of your emotions towards me
This man in the mirror just ain't good enough for you
This reflection in the mirror, representing who I am, falls short of meeting your standards and expectations
Oh yeah!
Expressing excitement or agreement
This man in the mirror just ain't good enough for you
This person I see in the mirror is simply inadequate for you
Writer(s): Siedah Garrett, Glen Ballard
Contributed by Bentley D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Caleb
on One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer
this is the wrong lyrics, how can i submit the right ones