“Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake

This is a song about romantic love in which a lot of the wording utilizes mirror-based metaphors. Indeed the central allegory is comprised of the singer depicting his significant other as a mirror image of himself. Or another way to look at it is that he feels his personal development is intertwined with hers. And even more specifically, the lyrics serve as a reflection of how Justin Timberlake felt about Jessica Biel, whom he would go on to marry in 2013. 

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Justin Timberlake's Mirrors at Lyrics.org.

The track was originally written in 2009, at which point they had been dating for two years. So she was not his wife yet, but you can still tell that Justin had strong feelings for and experiences with her. 

And conclusively, when you combine the overall them of the song with the storyline of its music video, (metaphors aside) “Mirrors” is ultimately seen as being the singer’s tribute to his soulmate.

“It’s like you’re my mirror (Oh)
My mirror staring back at me”

Music Video

The music video to “Mirrors” had an Italian-Canadian filmographer, Florida Sigismondi, as its director. Justin had dedicated it to Sadie Bomar and the late William Bomar, who are his grandparents on his mother’s side of the family. The touching tribute to a lifelong love earned the visual two 2013 MTV VMAs in the following categories:

  • “Video of the Year”
  • “Best Editing”.

Justin Timberlake talks about the meaning of “Mirrors”

Here are Timberlake’s exact words in relation to the meaning of this heartfelt love song:

Justin Timberlake explains the meaning of "Mirrors"

Facts about “Mirrors”

Justin produced and wrote this alongside J-Roc and Timbaland, who has worked extensively with Timberlake throughout the years. And the other co-writers are as follows:

  • James Fauntleroy
  • Chris Godbey
  • Garland Mosley (Timbaland’s brother)

The album version of this song has a length of approximately 8:05. The reason the song is that long is because it is basically two independent tracks merged into one.

This track can be found on Timberlake’s album “The 20/20 Experience”. It was released on 11 February 2013 as the second single from said album. And the label behind it is RCA Records.

“Mirrors” can be classified as one of Justin’s mega-hits. It charted around the world, including reaching number one in almost a dozen nations. This includes accomplishing the feat on the UK Singles Chart. In addition to the UK, these are the other places where “Mirrors” shot to number 1:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Brazil
  • Bulgaria
  • Israel
  • Lebanon
  • Poland
  • Scotland

Overall it appeared on music charts in nearly 40 countries, including reaching a peak position of number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Additionally this track has gone multi-platinum in five different countries, including the United States.

The song itself also won a number of awards, including a BMI, two ASCAPs and one from Radio Television Hong Kong.

Are there any popular covers of “Mirrors”?

Yes. Amongst the artists who have covered this hit include girl band Fifth Harmony alongside cover band Boyce Avenue (2013).

Did this song earn Timberlake a Grammy?

No. However, at the 2014 Grammys, it received a nomination.

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