Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and performer, widely known as the “King of Pop.”
He was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana. Michael began his career as a child with The Jackson 5, a popular family music group. He later became one of the most successful solo artists in history.
His famous albums include Thriller, Bad, Off the Wall, and Dangerous. Michael was loved for his unique voice, powerful stage presence, and famous dance moves like the moonwalk.
His music changed pop culture and continues to influence artists around the world.
About the Song
Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson is a pop and soul song about making the world better by changing yourself first.
The song shares a strong message about kindness, helping others, and personal responsibility. Its emotional lyrics and powerful vocals made it one of Jackson’s most loved songs.
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | January 9, 1988 |
| Album | Bad |
| Producer(s) | Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson |
| Writer(s) | Siedah Garrett, Glen Ballard |
Man in the Mirror lyrics by Michael Jackson
Verse 1
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 turned up the collar on my favorite winter coat
This wind is blowin’ 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?
Pre-Chorus
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
Chorus
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
Post-Chorus
Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na
Uh-huh
Verse 2
I’ve been a victim of a selfish kinda love
It’s time that I realize
There are some with no home
Not a nickel to loan
Could it really be me pretending that they’re not alone?
Pre-Chorus
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 myself
Chorus
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 (Change his ways)
(Come on, change)
And no message (Ooh, ooh) could have been any clearer
Bridge
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’ve got the time
‘Cause when you close your heart (You can’t)
Then you close your mind (Close your, your mind!) Chorus
(That man, that man) I’m starting with the man in the mirror
(That man)
(Ohh yeah!)
(That man, that man) I’m asking him to change his ways
(That man, the man, you know, that man)
(Well I’ll change!)
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
(Take a look at yourself and then make that
change.
Post-Chorus
Hoo, hoo (Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na), hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo!
Gonna feel real good (Oh, yeah)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na, na-na)
Yeah, yeah, oh no, oh no
Outro
I’m gonna make a change
It’s gonna feel real good, shamone (Change)
Just lift yourself, you know
You’ve got to start with yourself brother, (Yeah) hoo!
(Make that change) I gotta make that change today, hoo! (Man in the mirror) You’ve got to, you got to start with yourself, brother, hoo! (Yeah)
You know (Make that change)
I started with that man, that man (Man in the mirror)
You’ve got to, you’ve got to move, shamone, shamone
You’ve got to stand up (Yeah), stand up (Make that change), stand up, stand up and lift yourself now (Man in the mirror)
Hoo, hoo, hoo! Aaow! (Yeah, make that change)
Go make that change, shamone (Man in the mirror)
You know it, you know it, you know it, you know (Change)
Make that change
Live Performance of Michael Jackson
Meaning of the Song
“Man in the Mirror” means real change starts with looking at yourself honestly. Michael Jackson sings about seeing sadness, poverty, and unfairness in the world, then realizing that change cannot begin only with wishes or complaints.
The song asks people to check their own actions, habits, and choices first. It encourages kindness, responsibility, and compassion toward others.
Instead of waiting for someone else to fix problems, each person should take the first step. Its message is powerful and clear: improve yourself, and you can help improve the world around you.
Similar Songs Like Man in the Mirror
If you want songs by Michael Jackson that feel similar to “Man in the Mirror” because of the emotional message, gospel feel, and uplifting vibe, try these:
- Heal the World: A gentle anthem about kindness, peace, and caring for others, urging people to make the world better together.
- Will You Be There: Mixes gospel and pop, this song expresses longing for support, love, and comfort during life’s hardest moments.
- Earth Song: Powerful and emotional, it questions environmental damage, war, and human suffering while calling for awareness and change.
- Keep the Faith: With uplifting energy, this track encourages hope, courage, and self-belief even when life feels difficult.
Similar Artists Like Michael Jackson
If you love Michael Jackson’s music, dance style, and stage energy, these similar artists bring the same mix of pop, soul, rhythm, and unforgettable performances that fans still enjoy today.
- Prince:
Genre: Pop, Funk, Rock, R&B
Top Album: Purple Rain (1984) - Stevie Wonder:
Genre: Soul, R&B, Funk
Top Album: Songs in the Key of Life (1976) - Usher:
Genre: R&B, Pop
Top Album: Confessions (2004) - Justin Timberlake:
Genre: Pop, R&B, Dance
Top Album: FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006) - The Weeknd
Genre: Pop, R&B, Synth-pop
Top Album: After Hours (2020)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Inspired Michael Jackson’s Music Style?
Michael Jackson took inspiration from artists like James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and Stevie Wonder. Their stage presence, dance moves, and vocal style helped shape his music career.
Which Michael Jackson Album Sold the Most Copies?
“Thriller” (1982) is his best-selling album. It became one of the highest-selling albums in music history and included songs like “Beat It” and “Billie Jean.”
Did Michael Jackson Write His Own Songs?
Yes, Michael Jackson wrote many of his hit songs. Some famous tracks he wrote include “Beat It,” “Black or White,” and “Heal the World.”
What Made Michael Jackson Different from Other Pop Artists?
Michael Jackson stood out because of his dance moves, music videos, live performances, and strong stage energy. His mix of pop, R&B, and dance music reached fans around the world.
