Analysis Of Michael Jackson's Song Man In The Mirror
Michael Jackson is my favorite artist of all time. His impact and influence that he made in music and as a public figure is astonishing. Now there are many songs that some may consider 'timeless'. However, not many of them come close to 'Man in the Mirror.' Even though this song debuted over 30 years ago, it still delivers a timely modern message that we all need to hear. The three main concepts that appear in the lyrics of this song are logos, ethos, and pathos. Logos meaning the underlying logic that people can gain, ethos is the credibility of the topic at hand and pathos the emotional factor that touches people in some way, which plays into this record perfectly. Michael Jackson's song 'Man in the mirror?' contains all three logos, ethos, and pathos, using this to appeal to listeners and genuinely have an impact.
Michael states: 'As I turn up the collar on My favorite winter coat, This wind is blowing my mind. I see the kids in the streets. With not enough to eat, who am I to be blind? Pretending not to see their needs'. This line is compelling and gives the listener a view through Michael's lenses while still creating a relatable perspective. Michael comes to grips with how cruel the world is. Michael states that he was adjusting his collar on his jacket while seeing children without coats and food. This line paints a picture of opportunity and injustices.
We also see Michael reflect when he states:' 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 me, pretending that they're not alone?' He brings up kids in tough times. It can be inferred that this is a global issue. Referring to the title of the song 'Man in the Mirror,' meaning for change to happen, it all begins with ourselves, the man in the mirror. For there to be a solution to these problems addressed, it all starts with the listener. Again this ties back to pathos and the emotional factor that these lines provoke.
Michael then moves on to state, 'With not enough to eat, who am I to be blind? Pretending not to see their needs'. Micheal again reflects when he says: 'Could it be me, pretending that they're not alone?'. We see that Michael realizes the gratitude of the issue. But he justifies brushing off the problem. We see this when he reinstates these ideas. Michael represents the views of the people. Understanding the issue but realizing there is no easy fix for these global matters.
In Michael Jacksons' smash 'Man in the Mirror,' Michael delivers some words of the song with enthusiasm and more compassion. He does this to grab the listener's attention and to import phrases and concepts into the audience's brain. Throughout this record, the most notable example of this would be the word 'mirror.' Anyone familiar with this song can refer to the way Jackson sings it with such compassion. Some may find themselves even mirroring when singing along. But why did Michael do this? The term 'mirror' helps the listener reflect. He almost forces the audience to look within themselves and refer to the worlds trying times occurring in our world today. Without an emphasis on this word, the listener wouldn't feel the need to look within one's self
The audience can feel positive energy; even when sad issues are at hand, Michael balanced out this record flawlessly. Its unfortunate his life was cut short, and we only can imagine the impactful matherpieces he would have created today. Michael Jackson has inspired me to share these positive visions. Everyone enjoys listening to music, but not often do artists showcase similarities to their own life struggles, which is another reason I respect Michael so much.
Michael does a great job implementing all three: logos, ethos, and pathos. These three concepts work together to grab the ear of the listener. This song was successful in the way it brought a lot of attention to the issues addressed while captivating many people around the world. Music is an essential part of our lives. Michael Jackson made timeless music, and as time moves on, it's safe to say his impact was eternal as well.
