Meaning of “Perfect” by Simple Plan

“Perfect” is a song by Canadian rock band Simple Plan. The lyrics of this popular tune center around a child telling his/her parents that he/she was not born perfect and can never be perfect in life. According to Simple Plan drummer Chuck Comeau, the lyrics are based on his life. Comeau said growing up, his parents never supported his plans of becoming a musician. He therefore decided to use this tune to tell them that he made it in life despite their refusal to support him. The drummer uses the song to further tell them that he’s not perfect and will never be and that he’s sorry for being unable to be perfect for them.

It is worth noting that Comeau quit McGill University in Montreal to follow his passion of becoming a musician. He was studying law at the university when he suddenly abandoned it for music. This move was apparently why his parents refused supporting him.

Over the years, many have praised the song, saying they relate to the lyrics. There are also many who feel the lyrics can influence kids in the wrong way. According to them, the lyrics can worsen frictions between kids and their parents. Some also believe the lyrics have the tendency of encouraging kids to rebel against their parents.

Facts about “Perfect”

• Simple Plan wrote this song along with Canadian record producer Arnold Lanni.
• The song’s co-writer Lanni handled the entire production of the song.
• This tune was released on August 26th, 2003. It was the fourth single from the band’s debut studio album titled No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls.
• The music video of “Perfect” was directed by American film/music video director Liz Friedlander. The clip also centers around the theme of the lyrics.
• This tune peaked at number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Till date, this is the band’s biggest hit in the United States. In Australia, the track made it to the number six position.
• The total length of the track is 4 minutes and 37 seconds.

What music genre is this track?

“Perfect” can be considered a pop punk and an emo pop song.

Did “Perfect” ever win a Grammy Award?

No. As a matter of fact, till date, Simple Plan hasn’t won a Grammy Award.

Which films/TV series has this song appeared in?

Quite a number. For example, the song appeared in the 2004 teen musical comedy film Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen. The film stars American actress Lindsay Lohan. It has also been used in one of the episodes of the sitcom Girlfriends.