About the Song
Released in 1975 as part of his album Gene Watson Sings, “I Never Go Around Mirrors” by Gene Watson is a haunting and deeply emotional country ballad about the pain of lost love and the lasting scars it leaves behind. Written by Harlan Howard, the song reflects the narrator’s heartbreak and his decision to avoid the things that remind him of his past love, particularly mirrors, as they bring painful memories to the surface. It’s a somber reflection on how emotional wounds can stay with us long after a relationship ends, and how certain places or things can trigger those painful memories.
At its core, “I Never Go Around Mirrors” is about the narrator’s struggle with the lingering emotions of a broken heart. The narrator confesses that he avoids mirrors because they reflect the man he has become since the breakup—a man who is haunted by the love he lost. The lyrics, “I never go around mirrors / I can’t stand to see / A fool out of me,” capture the narrator’s shame and regret, emphasizing how deeply the heartache has affected his sense of self-worth. The song speaks to anyone who has experienced the emotional toll of a breakup and the way it can shape the way we view ourselves and our lives.
Musically, “I Never Go Around Mirrors” features a traditional country arrangement with steel guitar, fiddle, and a gentle rhythm that creates a somber and reflective atmosphere. The song’s instrumentation perfectly complements its melancholy mood, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to take center stage. Gene Watson’s soulful and expressive voice brings the lyrics to life, delivering the pain and vulnerability of the narrator with sincerity and raw emotion. His performance is tender and evocative, making the song resonate deeply with listeners who have experienced similar heartbreak and regret.
What makes “I Never Go Around Mirrors” particularly compelling is its honest exploration of the emotional aftermath of a breakup. The song speaks to the feeling of being unable to move on fully, and how the remnants of a past love can continue to haunt us. The decision to avoid mirrors symbolizes the narrator’s refusal to face the man he’s become after the heartbreak, illustrating how difficult it can be to accept the changes that come from a lost relationship.
“I Never Go Around Mirrors” was a commercial success, reaching Top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and becoming one of Gene Watson’s most iconic tracks. The song’s heartfelt lyrics, poignant message, and Watson’s emotional delivery helped it become a staple in his catalog and solidified his place as a beloved voice in country music.
Ultimately, “I Never Go Around Mirrors” is a deeply emotional ballad about heartbreak, regret, and the lingering effects of lost love. With its haunting melody, powerful lyrics, and Gene Watson’s heartfelt performance, the song continues to resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to move on from a past relationship and the pain it leaves behind. Whether reflecting on a past love or simply embracing the song’s message of emotional vulnerability, “I Never Go Around Mirrors” remains a timeless reminder of the complexities of love, loss, and self-reflection.