Released August 26, 2003 Genre Emo, pop punk Label Atlantic | Format CD, 7", 12" Length 4:37 | |
Writer(s) Arnold Lanni, Simple Plan | ||
"Perfect" is the fourth and final single taken from Simple Plan's debut album, No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls.
Contents
The acoustic version of the song was featured on the soundtrack of the 2004 comedy film Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen which stars Lindsay Lohan. The album version was featured in the game Karaoke Revolution Volume 2.
Background and composition
"Perfect" was written by the band with music composer Arnold Lanni. The song is about a child telling his or her parents (most related to a dad) telling them that he or she is not perfect, and they can't be perfect. Regarding the lyric "Hey dad, look at me" and "I'm sorry I can't be perfect". Drummer Chuck Comeau stated that this song "is his idea", to tell his parents that he's not perfect, he can't be perfect because Comeau's parents weren't supportive of his career choice so in the song, Comeau tells that he made it and he's not perfect and he can't be perfect. Bassist and backing vocalist David Desrosiers also stated that this song was "about him" before starts an acoustic version of the song. In another song of Simple Plan titled "Problem Child" (which also sequel-alike for Perfect) from their fifth studio album Taking One for the Team (2016), Comeau stated that "Problem Child" is "a part 2 of Perfect". Comeau also stated that this song is about his brother who supports him in his music career.
"Perfect" begins with a low-melody guitar-sound and ends with a faded out guitar-sound. In the bridge of the song, the song becomes more punk rock sounding.
Track listing
- "Perfect" - 4:37
- "Perfect (Acoustic Version)" - 4:08
- "Happy Together"
- "Perfect" (Video) - 4:34
Music video
In the music video of the single, the band are playing on the roof of a house. Throughout the video, it shows how teens are trying to escape such pressure by letting everything out, and finally realizing that they can't keep their pain in any longer.
In an acoustic version of the song, the band are seen talking before they play. Bassist David Desrosiers says 'This is about me' before the band starts to play.
The music video was directed by Liz Friedlander.
Chart performance
"Perfect" became Simple Plan's biggest hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #24. It was also another top 10 hit in Australia, peaking at number 6. The song also reached the top five of the Canadian Top 40. It was #1 in Brazil in 2006, when its live version was released. The song was also used in an episode of Girlfriends.