There are some songs that stick with us and mean something. I have lots of songs that I love from Elton John (although I’m not sure I understand all the words), the Beatles, Prince (showing my age yet?), etc. The Man in the Mirror was one of Michael Jackson’s songs with a theme that I really believe in – changing the world.
Sometimes my kids will ask how they can change the world with so much pain and poverty in our country and around the world. It’s a good question and my answer is usually the same; Every day think about what you can do to make a difference.
Some of us will have jobs or the ability to make big, sweeping changes for groups of people, some of us will do it one day at time, in smaller ways. Both are critical to the collective good. But the first step is to look in the mirror and ask yourself, how can I change? How can I be a role model for change? How can I step outside myself to see all those things I can do to make a difference?
So, no matter how you feel about the way he lived his life, it’s hard to argue that Michael Jackson was an amazing artist and had some incredible words to live by:
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
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
(Na na na, na na na, na na, na nah)
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.
(refrain)
Have a really wonderful day!
theyearof50 