Gene Watson – I Never Go Around Mirrors

Introduction:

Released in 2001 on the album From the Heart, I Never Go Around Mirrors is a poignant country ballad by American traditionalist singer Gene Watson. The song, written by Sanger D. “Whitey” Shafer and Lefty Frizzell, showcases Watson’s signature baritone vocals and his talent for conveying the complexities of love and loss.

I Never Go Around Mirrors explores the depths of emotional pain following a heartbreak. The narrator, a man grappling with the absence of a loved one, expresses his sorrow through a series of vivid metaphors. He finds himself unable to confront his reflection in mirrors, a physical manifestation of his emotional turmoil. The mirrored image becomes a constant reminder of his loneliness and the life he once shared with his partner.

The song’s lyrics delve into the narrator’s struggle to maintain his sense of self. Witnessing a “grown man cry” or “a grown man crawl” is unbearable for him, reflecting his own internal struggle to keep his emotions in check. He avoids mirrors because they force him to confront his own vulnerability and the toll that heartbreak has taken on him.

I Never Go Around Mirrors is not simply a song about self-pity. The narrator also expresses empathy for others experiencing similar pain. He can’t “stand to see a good man go to waste,” lamenting the destructive behaviors that heartbreak can induce. This outward concern for others adds depth to the character and underscores the universality of his experience.

I Never Go Around Mirrors was a hit for Gene Watson, reaching No. 24 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart [Billboard website]. The song resonated with audiences for its relatable portrayal of heartbreak and the challenges of moving forward. It cemented Watson’s reputation as a singer who could deliver powerful and moving ballads that explored the complexities of human emotions.

While not explicitly stated within the song, I Never Go Around Mirrors can be interpreted as a cautionary tale. The narrator’s avoidance of mirrors reflects a hesitancy to confront his emotional state and take steps towards healing. The song suggests that true healing can only begin by acknowledging one’s pain and confronting the reflection in the mirror, both literally and metaphorically.

Video:

Lyrics:

“I Never Go Around Mirrors”

I can’t stand to see a good man go to waste
One who never combs his hair or shaves his face
A man that leans on wine over love that’s told a lie
Oh, it just tears me up to see a grown man cryAnd I never go around mirrors
I can’t stand to see me without you by my side
I never go around mirrors
‘Cause I’ve got a heartache to hide

I can’t stand to be where heartaches hang around
It’s so easy for the blues to get me down
To see a grown man crawl is more than I can stand
I can’t look into these eyes of half a man

And I never go around mirrors
I can’t stand to see me without you by my side
No, I never go around mirrors
‘Cause I’ve got a heartache to hide

And it tears me up to see a grown man cry