I'm gonna make a changeFor once in my life

It's gonna feel real goodGonna make a difference

Gonna make it right 

An individual feeling the need to make a difference.

I see the kids in the streetsWith not enough to eatWho am I to be blind?

Pretending not to see their needs

Realising the problems in the world and wanting to change that.

I'm starting with the man in the mirrorI'm asking him to change his ways

And no message could have been any clearerIf you want to make the world a better place

Take a look at yourself, and then make a change

Jackson is looking at himself in the mirror and wanting to change himself. If he can change so can others.

If you truly do want to make the world a better place change yourself then change the world.

Suggesting the power they can have to change the world.

You can’t just turn a blind eye when you see children suffering. There is no way you can miss their struggles.

I've been a victim of a selfish kind of loveIt's time that I realize

That there are some with no home, not a nickel to loan

Could it be really me, pretending that they're not alone?

 

Jackson realizes that he has been blessed with a family who has loved him, and has always had enough money to live.

He knows that others are not so fortunate and some don’t have any money to give.

A willow deeply scarred, somebody's broken heartAnd a washed-out dream

They follow the pattern of the wind ya' see'Cause they got no place to beThat's why I'm starting with me

People go through the same cycle of hoping for a change, but never thinking see that change in the world they want to see.

Michael Jackson is saying he’s going to break that cycle and change the world.