Analysis of the Song Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson - Essay Example

Analysis of the Song Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson Music is arguably the only tune that everyone dances to, whether young or old, rich or poor. History shows that music is as old as time. Historians agree that music began even before humans existed. Music has developed since then to become a very powerful tool that people use to communicate, educate and entertain, among other uses. Music has also developed through time with new genres emerging since the medieval era. Present day music falls under a variety of music styles/genres, including rock, pop, electronic, blues, hip-hop, country, folk, and jazz, among others. These music genres have emerged over time with some originating from the other. However, of all the music genres, pop music remains the most famous and loved style of music. The origin of pop music dates to the 1950s. Historians reveal that the style used in pop music originated from rock and roll music. However, of all the musicians who have done pop, Michael Jackson comes out as the greatest pop artist of all times. Michael Jackson, commonly known as MJ is the musician behind the popular pop songs, such as the Thriller, Dangerous, Man in the Mirror and Billie Jean, just to name but a few. This document analyzes Michael Jacksons song, Man in the Mirror in light of the historical perspective, form and structure, texture, melodic, harmonic and rhythmic elements and the cultural significance of the work. Michael Jackson happened to have been one of the most successful and influential pop artists in history. Jackson was born in 1958 in the town of Gary, Indiana. MJ began his musical career at a very tender age by joining four of his brothers who were already recording under the banner Jackson 5. Michael Jackson wrote and sang numerous songs before his unfortunate and sudden demise. Man in the Mirror happens to be among MJs greatest hits of all times. The song was written and produced in 1988 where it topped most chat shows for weeks. The song is done in pop style and is popular throughout the globe. However, one may wonder as to what makes Man in the Mirror a pop song. The answer lies squarely on the song’s lyrics, the melodies and structure of the song. The first major feature that makes Man in the Mirror a pop is the fact that the lyrics follow the verse-chorus structure, which is a common feature of all pop music. The first two lines of the first verse of the song reads, "Im gonna make a change, for once in my life" (Man in the Mirror). The verse is followed by a chorus whose first two lines read, "Im starting with the man in the mirror; Im asking him to change his ways" (Man in the Mirror). The verse-chorus structure is adhered to throughout the song. In other words, the song lyrics changes from one verse to another throughout, thereby making MJs Man in the Mirror a pop song. Again, in between the verse and the chorus, pop songwriters normally introduce the ‘bridge, a feature that MJ introduced in the song Man in the Mirror. For instance, after the second verse of the lyrics that starts, "Ive been a victim of, a selfish kind of love; its time that I realize," Michael Jackson introduced a bridge aspect into the lyrics, whose first two lines read, "Take a look at yourself and then make a change, you gotta get it right, while you got the time"(Man in the Mirror). As such, MJs song, Man in the Mirror assumes a pop structure Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus. The song appears to assume this structure as a means of creating an excellent balance between new information and the chorus. However, when the song appears to become monotonous, the bridge is introduced to provide the contrast necessary to mix things up. The melodies used in the song also make it a perfect pop music. In this regard, it becomes clear from the lyrics of the song Man in the Mirror that MJ kept the song not only simple, but also introduced the stepwise motion melodies. In other words, the space created between each note is a whole step or less. Additionally, MJ incorporated the tessitura element in the song. Accordingly, the song is lower in tessitura in verses but assumes higher pitch in the chorus. The rhythm used in the song Man in the Mirror also conforms to the rhythm used in pop music. In this regard, the rhythm of the song is dance-oriented (Man in the Mirror). The song is danced in a certain rhythmic style that includes swings with lots of foot and body movements. These features make the song Man in the Mirror a truly pop music as it adopted all the pop music trends. Analysis Man in the Mirror song has a powerful message that reflects the reality in the world. MJ conveys the message lyrically to make his audience understand it easily. The song is mainly about the troubles that people go through in the world, which MJ hopes to see changed. MJ saw the world getting worse and worse. Therefore, he is advising people through the song that, to make the world a better place, every individual must start by changing his or her behaviors that are contributing to the destruction to the earth. Part of the lyrics read, "If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make that change" (Man in the Mirror). In other words, MJ is trying to say that the only way for people to pull themselves out of bad situations is to avoid doing the bad things that aggravate the situation. The song also touches on social issues that affect the society. The most evident social issue that is apparent in the song lyrics is the homelessness. After realizing that destitute children are starving and living in the streets, MJ promises to change his own ways of life. Part of the lyrics read, "Im starting with the man in the mirror…Im asking him to change his ways" (Man in the Mirror). Significance & Meaning Man in the Mirror is certainly a very inspirational piece of work. The song is a true reflection of the things that happen in the society. In the song, MJ says that things are moving bad to worse. However, he believes that everyone has a responsibility to make the world a better place. Accordingly, he advises that, to make the world a better place, everyone has to begin by changing his or her behaviors. This message has very powerful social implications since it underscores the need to give back to the community. The message passed across by the Man in the Mirror song also highlights the importance of a number of issues that the song raises. These include the responsibility that an individual have to the society; the power of an individual in creating change; and the need to be the brothers keeper among others. Certainly, MJ had a good vision to the world while wring the song as his main intention was to encourage people to make the world a better place to live. Conclusion In conclusion, pop is one of the main music genres that people dances to today. However, Michael Jackson stands out as the main figure associated with pop music. He established his identity by composing some of the greatest hit singles of all times. Even though MJ is gone, he left a legacy that will live forever. His songs are a great inspiration to the people he left behind. Man in the Mirror is certainly one of MJs greatest hit singles whose message has inspired many people across the globe. After seeing the world going astray, MJ saw the need to encourage people to make the world a better place. However, Michael did in a very peculiar way. Instead of encouraging people as a group, he says that for the world to be transformed to a better place to live, people must learn and start by changing their individual behaviors. Additionally, the song also highlights the social issues that affect the society, including homelessness. However, he encourages people to be responsible by transforming the world transformed into a better place. Certainly, thing is an inspirational song to listen to whenever one is confronted with life challenges. The only prayer is for MJs soul rest in eternal in peace. Works Cited Man in the Mirror. Michael Jackson-Man in the Mirror Lyrics (YouTube). Sep 20, 2008https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5vz6iwV38U Read More