The song “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a powerful anthem of self-reflection and a call to action for personal and global change. Released in 1987, it quickly became one of Jackson’s signature songs, resonating with audiences worldwide due to its universal message of starting with oneself to make a difference. Let’s delve into the lyrics of this iconic song and explore its profound meaning.
The Lyrics of “Man in the Mirror”
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 needs?
A summer's disregard
A broken bottle top
And one man's soul
They follow each other on the wind you 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 wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
Na-na-na na-na-na nana-nana
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 You 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 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 (Who?)
I'm asking him to change his ways (Who?)
And no message could have 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 (Man in the mirror, oh yeah)
I'm asking him to change his ways ('Cause you better change!)
No message could have been any clearer
If you wanna 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 your heart
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!)
You know that man
No message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
Hoo, hoo (Na-na-na na-na-na nana-nana), hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo!
Gonna feel real good (Oh yeah)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (Na-na-na na-na-na nana-nana)
Oh, no, 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 it yourself (Yeah! Hoo! 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 gotta get that man, that man (Man in the mirror)
You've got to
You've got to move
Shamone, shamone
You got to stand up! Stand up! Stand up! (Yeah. Make that change)
Stand up and lift yourself now (Man in the mirror)
Hoo, hoo, hoo! Aaow!
(Yeah. Make that change)
Gonna make that change
Shamone (Man in the mirror)
You know it
You know it
You know it
You know
Change
Make that changeThe Meaning Behind the Mirror: A Song of Self-Correction
“Man in the Mirror” is not just about admiring oneself; it’s a powerful metaphor for self-reflection and personal accountability. The lyrics begin with observations of societal problems – poverty, homelessness, and indifference. Jackson sings about seeing children in the street with “not enough to eat” and questions his own blindness to their needs. This sets the stage for the central theme: before attempting to fix the world’s problems, one must first confront their own flaws and shortcomings.
Personal Change as the Catalyst for Global Improvement
The core message of the song is encapsulated in the repeated chorus: “I’m starting with the man in the mirror.” This line emphasizes the importance of individual change as the foundation for broader societal improvement. Jackson isn’t preaching about grand, sweeping gestures; he’s advocating for a deeply personal transformation. He urges listeners to “take a look at yourself and then make a change” if they genuinely want to make the world a better place. This introspective approach is what gives the song its enduring impact.
Addressing Selfishness and Indifference
The lyrics also touch upon themes of selfishness and indifference. Jackson confesses to being “a victim of a selfish kind of love” and acknowledges the temptation to ignore the suffering of others. Lines like “Could it be really me pretending that they’re not alone?” highlight the internal struggle between empathy and self-absorption. The song challenges listeners to confront their own potential for apathy and to choose compassion and action instead.
A Universal and Timeless Message
What makes “Man in the Mirror” so timeless is its universal message of personal responsibility. It transcends cultural and generational boundaries because the need for self-improvement and social consciousness is a constant in human experience. The song encourages listeners to look inward, identify areas for personal growth, and understand that even small individual changes can contribute to a larger positive impact on the world. It’s a reminder that creating a better world starts with each person’s commitment to becoming a better version of themselves.
Conclusion: Reflecting and Acting
“Man in the Mirror” remains a powerful and relevant song because it speaks to a fundamental human truth: change begins within. By examining the “man in the mirror,” we are challenged to confront our own imperfections, cultivate empathy, and actively work towards making a positive difference, starting with ourselves. The song is not just a plea for change; it’s an empowering anthem that reminds us of our individual capacity to contribute to a better world, one reflection at a time.
