Info
Writers: Siedah Garrett & Glen Ballard
Original: Michael Jackson
Year: 1987
Albums:

James recorded this song exclusively for Napster early in his career. After the death of Michael Jackson, James performed the song as a tribute at a few of his shows. It was added to the tracklist of the second deluxe version of ‘Songs For You, Truths For Me’.

Lyrics
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 favourite winter coat
This wind is blowing 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, you 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, change yeah
Na na na, na na na, na na na na nana-ah
Oh no no

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, you 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
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could’ve been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make that
Change

I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
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
You gotta get it right, while you got the time
You can’t close your… your mind!

The man, the man, the man, the man
Oh yeah, oh no

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, change
Na na na, na na na, na na na na nana-ah

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