The Guy in the Glass poem

by Dale Wimbrow, (c) 1934 

When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf,

And the world makes you King for a day,

Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,

And see what that guy has to say.

 

For it isn't your Father, or Mother, or Wife,

Who judgement upon you must pass.

The feller whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the guy staring back from the glass.

 

He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest,

For he's with you clear up to the end,

And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test

If the guy in the glass is your friend.

 

You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,

And think you're a wonderful guy,

But the man in the glass says you're only a bum

If you can't look him straight in the eye.

 

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,

And get pats on the back as you pass,

But your final reward will be heartaches and tears

If you've cheated the guy in the glass.

 

Image: Close up of the first two paragraphs of our Guy in the Glass typographic print 1. See it in more detail here

 

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE GUY IN THE GLASS POEM?

"The Guy in the Glass" delivers a powerful message about self-respect, integrity, and self-acceptance. 

Wimbrow wrote the poem to express the importance of living a life that is true to oneself rather than seeking approval or validation from others. It has since been widely shared and referenced in various contexts, particularly in discussions about personal honesty and self-respect.

 

"The Guy in the Glass" was written by Dale Wimbrow in 1934. Dale Wimbrow (1895-1954) was an American writer, radio artist, and songwriter. He was known for his poetry and for his contributions to music and radio during his career. "The Guy in the Glass" is perhaps his most famous poem, often cited for its poignant message about self-reflection and integrity.

Image: Close up of the author's name in our Guy in the Glass artwork 2.

WHAT IS THE RHYME SCHEME OF THE MAN IN THE GLASS? 

The rhyme scheme of "The Guy in the Glass" by Dale Wimbrow is AABB. To illustrate, here are the first two paragraphs:

When you get what you want in your struggle for self (A)
And the world makes you king for a day, (A)
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself (B)
And see what that guy has to say. (B)

For it isn't your father or mother or wife (A)
Whose judgment upon you must pass. (A)
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life (B)
Is the guy staring back from the glass. (B)

The poem became famous in America for several reasons:

1. Timeless Message: The poem's central theme of self-honesty and integrity resonates deeply with people. It emphasizes the importance of self-respect and personal accountability, which are universal values.

2. Broad Appeal: The poem speaks to individuals across different walks of life. Its message is relevant to anyone, regardless of their social, economic, or professional status. 

3. Use in Recovery Programs: It's been widely used in recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs. The focus on self-reflection and personal responsibility aligns well with the principles of these programs, helping participants understand the importance of being honest with themselves.

4. Educational and Motivational Settings: Teachers, coaches, and motivational speakers frequently use it to inspire students, athletes, and audiences to pursue genuine self-improvement and integrity.

5. Cultural Adoption: Over the years, the poem has been shared and quoted in various media, including books, speeches, and social media. Its adoption into American culture has helped it gain a wider audience and lasting recognition.

6. Emotional Impact: The poem's straightforward language and powerful message leave a strong emotional impact on readers. Its simplicity and clarity make the message easy to understand and internalise.

Overall, the combination of its timeless message, broad appeal, and emotional impact have all contributed to the lasting fame of "The Guy in the Glass" in America.

 

However this incident in 1934 is probably what first propelled the poem to fame...

'An eighteen-year-old boy recently wrote a letter the Editor of the American Magazine. "One good reason, please," he asked, "why an ambitious young man should be honest." In publishing that letter in the February issue we invited readers to answer him. His challenge aroused immense interest. Replies by the thousands poured in, are still pouring in as we go to press. They come from all walks of life, from oldsters and youngsters alike. The replies are now being considered by the judges, whose decision as to the prize-winners will be announced in an early issue. While awaiting the final verdict, we want to share with you some of the highlights from the letters received...'

One of the replies was from Dale Wimbrow, who sent in The Guy in the Glass poem to answer the young man's question. The words impressed the Editor of the American Magazine so much that they published it. 

The incident has been sourced from a site run by Dale Wimbrow's son Peter, which lends it credibility - https://www.theguyintheglass.com)

  

IS THERE A GREAT SONG VERSION OF THE GUY IN THE GLASS?

James Brown did a great version. But we prefer this one by Brooke Bilker.

 

WHERE CAN I PURCHASE A STUNNING GUY IN THE GLASS POSTER (PAPER, CANVAS, FRAMED)?

You can do so by visiting our Guy in the Glass artwork collection here