One ofMichael Jackson’s most influential songs is currently trending on TikTok.Jackson’s music has withstood the test of timeand has had an influence over all generations.
Every Halloween, people of all ages return to hisiconic 1982 hit “Thriller,“and his songs are always the go-to at every wedding or formal party. However, there’s one song that is currentlymaking a difference among younger generationson social media.
Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror Sparks Powerful New TikTok Trend
Michael Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror” appeared onhis 1987 albumBad,and almost 40 years later, is making its way around TikTok. While Jackson is known for writing his music, he actually didn’t write the lyrics for the single. Instead, Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett wrote the song, andJackson worked with Quincy Jones to produce it.
“Man In The Mirror” is about making positive changesto yourself and your own life in order to make the world a better place. Oftentimes, people look out at the horrors of the world and allow their frustration to take over. However,Jackson’s song is a reminderthat the power lies within us, and we have to take responsibility.
This is the premise of the powerful TikTok trend. A lot of the videos have featured celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Robert Downey Jr., both of whom have hadtumultuous pasts but turned their lives around.The videos use the lyrics “if you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change.”
Right as the key changes in the word “change"toward the end of “Man In The Mirror,” the clips in the videos change from the bad parts of the celebrities' lives to the good parts. A more lighthearted version showed Harry Styles in his famous playboy era, followed by his current, more authentic style.
There have also been political versions of the editas well as ones that showcase different movie characters who dedicated themselves to making a change. One edit of Ariana Grande as Glinda inWickedcurrently has over 260 thousand likes. The trend showcases how timeless Jackson’s song is and how easy it is to interpret it for different scenarios.
Man In The Mirror Still Holds A Significant Message Decades Later
Jackson’s music has had a lasting impacton the world, and he’s still considered one of the highest-selling artists of all time. However,“Man In The Mirror”’s legacy is especially significant.Society is currently realizing the change we want to see isn’t going to be made by the people in power.
Even the lighter edits, like Harry Styles and Glinda, are reminders that we all have the power to do good in the world.Jackson’s song gives people who have felt powerless hope.In Jackson’s 1988 music video for “Man In The Mirror,” he featured many horrible events, such as Hitler’s dominance in Europe and John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
However, he countered these events with footage of peacemakers like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Theresa. The “Man In The Mirror” TikTok trend is like a modern version ofMichael Jackson’s music video. Social media users are inspiring others to take action and make the world a better place by embracing the good we all have to offer.
