Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
You know we tried to make you understand
We tried to make you realise
Her fame is down and time is up
But somehow it don't seem enough
'Cause the world wouldn't listen anymore
Caught by social evil
Wasn't streetwise after all
Was she there at all?
Pictures in the mirror, pictures she never knew
Pictures in the mirror, always reflecting you
Not such an ordinary life
Pictures in the mirror
Pictures in the mirror
The sun goes down
The moon appears on the horizon
The streets are bare
She walks alone
We tried to make you realise
Her fame is down and time is up
But somehow it don't seem enough
'Cause the world wouldn't listen anymore
Caught by social evil
Wasn't streetwise after all
Was she there at all?
Pictures in the mirror, pictures she never knew
Pictures in the mirror, always reflecting you
Not such an ordinary life
Pictures in the mirror
Pictures in the mirror
The sun goes down
The moon appears on the horizon
The streets are bare
She walks alone
Lyrics submitted by black_cow_of_death
Pictures in the Mirror Lyrics as written by Christopher John Cheney
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
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For me, the song seems to talk about a girl who's too blind to her own image and what others think about her, before finding out and realising her mistakes.
a an average song nothing special
Nothing special? It's one of their best songs! I've got a live version of it, even better than the album version.
What I like about this song is that it starts off (through the first few verses) very pop-punk and then after the second chorus it goes into a hard rock midsection, and then into a small quiet "mystical" sounding section (which reminded me of the chorus from "Who Are You" by the Who) before going back into a strong reprise of the chorus. There are some vast changes going on through out the song and it's creative & great to listen to.
I know exactly what - or should I say who - this song is talking about! Isn't it obvious?
Love this song.
black_cow_of_death haha nice name
who is this song about..
I agree with Elithrar. I think it's about a girl who is caught up in her own thoughts which have been heavily influenced by the media and society and all the while her friends realize and have tried to help her....'Pictures in the Mirror, pictures she never knew.' I think the direction of the song is that she is finally realizing how she's been living and feels alone, 'the sun goes up, the moon appears on the horizon, the streets are bare, she walks alone.'