One-way Mirror

## Aurora singles chronology

"**One-way Mirror**" is a song by Australian singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer Aurora. It was released on June 12, 2015 as the third single from Aurora's second studio album, *Silhouettes* (2015).

## Background and composition

Aurora and Red Rose Records both understood following up the widespread critical acclaim and projected chart success of "Set Sail" was going to be an insurmountable task. Feeling inspired once again, Aurora decided to compose another song detailing a relationship, with a personal twist: "['One-way Mirror'] is not really about a failed relationship, it's about a relationship that never was," Aurora clarified to *Trident*, "It's an age old story of girl meets boy, but boy doesn't notice the girl at first... only sometimes that never changes, and sometimes that's for the best."

"One-way Mirror" is composed as a synth-pop song. Inspired by the feelings resultant of unrequited love, Aurora drew on a past personal experience of hers while writing the song. "I think most people know what it's like to have feelings for someone who does not reciprocate, and I am no exception," Aurora divulged in a promotional radio interview for the single, "Truly accepting those feelings will only ever be one-sided may seem unimaginable at first, but such self-reflection is necessary to moving forward and finding true companionship, even if only as a friend."

## Critical reception

"One-way Mirror" was relatively well-received by critics, who praised its relatable themes of invisibility and one-sided love, and metaphorical songwriting.

It received a rating of 7.64 by Platvian music critics.

## Commercial performance

"One-way Mirror" debuted and peaked at #4 on the Platvia HitList chart dated June 23, 2015.

## Lyrics

My eyes are captivated by your debonair display
A voice so mesmerizing it's the highlight of my day
A chemical reaction that I know I can't ignore
A physical attraction that I'm desperate to explore
I gravitate towards you like a planet does the sun
But I can't get much closer so I just keep moving on
I'm sending a transmission that you never will receive
Not even on your radar while your heart is all I see
**Pre-Chorus**
It's hard for me to say; you barely know that I exist
I should just keep away, but I'm unable to resist
**Chorus**
I wish I could get through
And somehow make you see
The things that we could do
How perfect we could be
I'm trapped and now it's clear
You'll never fall for me
Behind a one-way mirror
Forever out of reach
A force that's in the way
Impossible to find
So I'll just have to wait
And watch you pass me by
I'm trapped and now it's clear
I'll never call you mine
Behind a one-way mirror
Until the end of time
**Second Verse**
I try my best to fight it but temptation is too strong
On a collision course now, any moment, won't be long
I feel your soul approaching, choking down a nervous smile
And muster up a greeting; catch your stare for just a while
But something in your silence lets me know there's nothing there
You leave me with a gesture, not enough to show you care
And yet I still keep clutching to a single strand of hope
Don't care if you don't want me, I can't bear to let you go
**Pre-Chorus**
It's hard for me to say; you barely know that I exist
I should just keep away, but I'm unable to resist
**Chorus**
I wish I could get through
And somehow make you see
The things that we could do
How perfect we could be
I'm trapped and now it's clear
You'll never fall for me
Behind a one-way mirror
Forever out of reach
A force that's in the way
Impossible to find
So I'll just have to wait
And watch you pass me by
I'm trapped and now it's clear
I'll never call you mine
Behind a one-way mirror
Until the end of time
**Third Verse**
You've found yourself a girlfriend and I hope that she's the one
The way she makes you smile could illuminate the sun
So now I'll face these feelings as it's time for them to leave
No longer bound to heartbreak, know that I'm finally free
I hear the mirror shatter as the glass falls to the floor
At last you turn to see me, as an equal, nothing more
Those feelings may be faded, but since nothing truly ends
I hope that we can move on and I hope we can be friends
**Outro**
I finally got through
Now I'm the one who sees
The things that I can do
How perfect I can be
Was trapped but now it's clear
I'm good enough for me
Beyond a one-way mirror
Nothing's out of reach

## Live performances

"One-way Mirror" was included in the setlist for Aurora's debut concert tour, The Heartstorm Tour. It was performed as the fourth track during the tour's third act, titled "Pain", being the fourteenth performance overall.

## Re-recorded version

Following her split from Red Rose Records in 2020, "One-way Mirror" was re-recorded for Aurora's album *Silhouettes: Deluxe* (2021).