Man In The Mirror – English Lyrics

• By: Michael Jackson
• Album: Bad

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language can be a journey of self-discovery, and what better way to start than with a song about looking within? Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" is not only a globally recognized anthem but also a masterclass in powerful, emotive language. The lyrics are clear, direct, and carry a universal message of change, making it an accessible and inspiring song for English language learners. By studying the lyrics, you can learn vocabulary related to social issues and personal responsibility, all while being moved by one of the most iconic voices in music history.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
change /tʃeɪndʒ/ A2	verb - to make or become different noun - the act or process of becoming different
mirror /ˈmɪrər/ A2	noun - a reflective surface
real /riːl/ B1	adjective - actually existing as a thing or occurring in fact
feel /fiːl/ A1	verb - to experience an emotion or sensation
world /wɜːld/ A1	noun - the earth and all life on it
better /ˈbetər/ A2	adjective - of a higher standard
place /pleɪs/ A1	noun - a particular position or area
victim /ˈvɪktɪm/ B2	noun - a person harmed or killed as a result of a crime
selfish /ˈselfɪʃ/ B1	adjective - lacking consideration for others
realize /ˈriːəlaɪz/ B1	verb - become fully aware of something
scarred /skɑːrd/ B2	adjective - marked with scars
pattern /ˈpætən/ B1	noun - a regular and repeated way in which something happens
lift /lɪft/ A2	verb - raise to a higher position
stand /stænd/ A1	verb - to be on your feet
heart /hɑːrt/ A1	noun - the organ that pumps blood
close /kloʊz/ A1	verb - to shut
mind /maɪnd/ A2	noun - the part of a person that thinks

Key Grammar Structures

• I'm gonna make a change

  ➔ Future with 'going to'

  ➔ Expresses a future intention or plan. 'Gonna' is a colloquial contraction of 'going to'.

• Who am I to be blind

  ➔ Infinitive as a noun (to be blind)

  ➔ Here, 'to be blind' functions as the object of the preposition 'to'. It represents the state of blindness itself.

• If you wanna make the world a better place

  ➔ Contraction 'wanna' (want to)

  ➔ The use of 'wanna' is informal and common in spoken English. It's a contraction of 'want to'.

• Take a look at yourself and then make a change

  ➔ Imperative mood

  ➔ The verbs 'Take' and 'make' are in the imperative mood, giving a direct command or instruction.

• I've been a victim of a selfish kinda love

  ➔ Present Perfect Tense

  ➔ The Present Perfect ('I've been') connects a past action ('being a victim') with the present. It emphasizes the lasting effect of that experience.

• Could it be really me?

  ➔ Modal verb 'could' for possibility

  ➔ Expresses a question of possibility or doubt. 'Could' suggests that the speaker is questioning their own role or responsibility.

• You gotta get it right, while you got the time

  ➔ Informal 'gotta' (got to)

  ➔ The use of 'gotta' is informal and emphasizes the urgency of the situation. It means 'have got to'.

• Then you close your heart, you can't close your mind

  ➔ Parallel structure

  ➔ The two clauses 'Then you close your heart' and 'you can't close your mind' are structurally parallel, creating a sense of balance and contrast.

• I'm starting with the man in the mirror

  ➔ Prepositional phrase

  ➔ The phrase 'with the man in the mirror' is a prepositional phrase that modifies 'starting'. It specifies where the speaker is beginning their change.