In 2009, Justin Timberlake penned one of the most beautiful romantic songs ever. He titled the song “Mirrors,” and would come out as the second single in his 2013 album ‘The 20/20 Experience.’ The 8-minute love anthem is inspired by Justin Timberlake’s relationship with his wife Jessica Biel, whom he married in 2012.
“Mirrors” reached #2 on Billboard Hot 100 chart and #1 on the UK Singles Chart. The song reached #1 in several countries including Scotland, Poland, and Brazil. The track has sold over 3.9 million copies in the USA as per RIAA, and over 1 million copies in the UK by BPI.
Inspiration for “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake
“Mirrors” was written by Justin Timberlake in 2009 inspired by his relationship with his wife Jessica Biel and his grandparents’ relationship of 63 years–William and Sadie Bomar. William Bomar passed away in 2012, and Justin Timberlake dedicated the “Mirrors” music video in his memory.
In an audio clip posted on Justin Timberlake’s website then said;
“It’s definitely a special song for me. ‘Mirrors’ is a love song to someone that you feel like is, sort of your other half. And it became a play on that. Not specifically about looking into a mirror. One of the most valuable things in a relationship is being able to constantly change and be individual, but look to the other side to the person that you’re with and know that they’re changing as well individually, but somehow you two can mirror each other and be the other half of that world that you both create. I think a relationship, when it’s working, is constantly evolving because we as individuals evolve. You want to know that the person you’re with is evolving with you. People change like seasons. We’re always growing, always evolving, and to know that the other half of a special part of your life is, like I said, mirroring you, but also being an individual in their own way.”
Watch “Mirrors” Video by Justin Timberlake
“Mirrors” Lyrics Meaning and Song Review
Verse 1
In the first verse of the song, Justin Timberlake talks about his beloved in some of the sweetest and deepest lyrics written. The gesture of the song and the verse is how two hearts connect in perfect harmony when in love. He talks to his then-girlfriend that there is always a companion in him for her. He also assures her that if ever his ‘glare’ or his stardom makes him seem distant, just know that he is always there for her.
Pre-chorus
In these lyrics, Justin Timberlake invites her partner to travel into the future with him. He assures that as long as they are together, and with their hearts entwined in love, there is no obstacle they cannot overcome.
In the lyrics, Justin Timberlake also asks her partner to stop dwelling in the past. He says that he is trying to pull her through to the present and then to their future.
Chorus
In one of the most tantalizing works of art, these lyrics express how Justin Timberlake is greatly in love with his partner. He calls her his ‘other half’ which insinuates how well they work together. This does not necessarily mean that they are perfect in every way. Instead, it suggests how both of them completes each other, even their flaws.
The lyric “Show me how to fight for now” suggests how Justin wants to work towards making their ‘present’ a success. Living in the moment is certainly a key to success in a relationship.
The lyrics also suggest that Justin Timberlake had some time apart from his girlfriend back then and realized how important she was in his life.
Justin Timberlake also compliments her saying that she is just like a mirror of himself. This alludes to the idea that he sees the perfect fit for his life in her, not necessarily a perfect mirror image of himself. It is a popular idea that the couple should complement each other’s flaws, rather than mirror them.
Justin Timberlake also suggests that she was one of his biggest strengths in his life, and he couldn’t have achieved the massive success he has without her by his side. Jessica Biel, herself, is an award-winning actress, a model, a producer, and a singer. Being of the celebrity status of Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, it must take a special effort to keep up with the demands of a relationship.
Verse 2
In the second verse of “Mirrors,” Justin Timberlake complements his partner of being authentic or unique. He could be referring to their relationship when he sings “it doesn’t seem merely assembled.” This could mean that their relationship almost fits in perfectly that it looks like one whole piece. A similar idea is seen in the chorus of the song when he sings of two reflections merging into one.
Justin Timberlake talked about the changing nature of relationships; “I think a relationship, when it’s working, is constantly evolving because we as individuals evolve. You want to know that the person you’re with is evolving with you. People change like seasons.”
Bridge
These lyrics of the song ties in with the idea presented earlier in the song about ‘fighting for now.’ He emphasizes the importance of the ‘present,’ because yesterday is already in the past and nothing can be changed about it. Tomorrow is a mystery that holds so much uncertainty starting from ‘life’ itself. So, the most important time for anybody is the present; this moment–live it, and cherish it.
Break
The pace of the song changes almost instantaneously and goes into a chant on how much he values her presence in his life!
You are, you are the love of my life
This one line repeats itself 9 times and we could possibly take double of it without getting fed up with the same line. This is evident by the fact that the Break occurs twice more in the song and the total repetitions of this one line sum up to 33 times!!!
Verse 3
In the third verse, we hear Justin Timberlake confessing that this song is inspired by and dedicated to ‘her.’ By this time we are aware that this song is a dedication to Justin’s wife Jessica Timberlake. Justin imagines her face lighting up when she realizes that such a beautiful song has been dedicated in her name. Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake will forever be immortalized through this song.
In the same verse, Justin Timberlake also promises that his old self is long gone now. This may allude to the fact that Justin Timberlake is/was considered to be one of the sexiest men alive, and along with the fact that he is a very talented artist, forms a recipe for attracting women. People Magazine ranked Justin Timberlake at #2 on their list ‘Year’s Sexiest Men’ in 2015.
He also sings that he cannot wait to take her home–suggesting marry her, a promise he held on to.
Verse 4
More lyrics on how his partner mirrors him follows. However, it is important to know that there is a deeper idea for these lines beyond their face value. As suggested before, the idea behind these lines is how the singer sees himself becoming more and more perfect with her soul merging into his. The two of them make up one person, which suggests that both of them had their own flaws and imperfections that each of them completed.
It is not difficult to see why “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake is such a popular song even after seven years since release. It will most likely continue to be a classic for decades to come, as the meaning behind the song is truly timeless.
Let us hear what you think about this song in the comments below. Check out the complete lyrics and further meaning breakdown on Genius.
