I’m Starting With The Woman In The Mirror
By: Kerri Cokeley
So, Michael Jackson’s memorial service has now concluded. Love him or hate him, he is one of the most famous people in the world. His music has and will continue to influence millions all around the globe. My mom grew up with the Jackson 5 and I jammed to Michael’s solo tunes throughout elementary school (and perhaps a little longer…) Michael was able to cross generations, ethnicities, and countries with music.
As sad as this whole situation is (from many perspectives), it gets me to reflecting. At the risk of being cheesy, I want to share with you one of his songs that really hits home for me. Thank you Michael for teaching me my first lesson in community building, “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change!”
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 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
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 Have Been Any Clearer
If You 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
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
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
I’m Starting With The Man In The Mirror
(Man In The Mirror-Oh Yeah!)
I’m Asking Him To Change His Ways
(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 That Man In The Mirror
(Man In The Mirror, Oh Yeah!)
…