Li Ma Weesu (As In A Mirror)

Youssou N'dour's 'Li Ma Weesu (As In A Mirror)' is a poignant exploration of the passage of time and the enduring impact of one's past. The song delves into the artist's reflections on his life, oscillating between feelings of regret and pride. The recurring imagery of a mirror symbolizes the clarity and inevitability with which the past reappears, influencing the present and future. This metaphor suggests that our past experiences are inescapable and continually shape our identity and actions.

The lyrics express a deep yearning for the innocence and simplicity of childhood. N'dour finds solace and joy in the presence of children, whose carefree nature and unbridled happiness remind him of his own youth. This connection to children serves as a bridge to his past, evoking a desire to relive those moments and escape the complexities of adult life. The repetition of the phrase 'I want to be a child again and never grow older' underscores this longing for a return to a time of purity and unburdened existence.

N'dour also touches on the paradoxical nature of memory and distance. He notes that the longer he stays away from his past, the more forgetful he becomes, yet the older he grows, the more he yearns to reconnect with it. This duality highlights the tension between moving forward in life and the pull of nostalgia. The lines 'The closer I am, the farther I feel / The farther I am, the closer I feel' encapsulate this complex relationship with time and memory, suggesting that our past is both a source of comfort and a reminder of what has been lost.