Cook's West Virginia-born mother played guitar and mandolin and sang on local radio shows. Her father, a Georgia native, also performed country music and served jail time for running moonshine. Upon his release, he and Elizabeth's mother played in local bands together, eventually marrying. Elizabeth, born in 1972, moved to Nashville in her twenties and quickly got a publishing deal. Demos recorded between 1997 and 2000 comprised her independently released debut album, "The Blue Album", which showcased her formidable songwriting ability and featured such well-known Music City musicians as Tim Carroll, Kenny Vaughan, and Rick Schell.
She made her major label debut in 2002 with "Hey Y'All". But following a corporate re-structuring that left the album virtually abandoned and stagnant on sales, Elizabeth fought back with her 2005 independent release "This Side Of The Moon", which received positive reviews.
Her album "Balls" was released May 2007. It was been her most successful album to date, thanks to glowing press reviews and significant video play for the song "Sometimes It Takes Balls To Be A Woman."
Her 2010 album Welder features appearances by an all-star roster of guests including Dwight Yoakam, Crowell and Buddy Miller, and continued her increasing popularity becoming her highest charting album in the U.S.
Her album "Gospel Plow" was released June 2012.
Cook hosts the morning radio show "Elizabeth Cook's Apron Strings" on the Sirius XM radio station Outlaw Country on Channel 60. The show airs weekdays from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM (Eastern Time). The show format is a mix of Americana, Outlaw, and Alt Country.
In 2016, Cook released her sixth studio album Exodus of Venus.
Official Site
Perfect Girls of Pop
Elizabeth Cook Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Look over your shoulder while the other guy reloads
It seems only human to want out
Weighing all the options when you just wanna scream
But you freak into a calm 'cause you gotta pick a team
And you play their way until you get to shout
All the perfect girls of pop
And sing sweetly, they sing sweetly
Like they never been hurt before
Like they never had their heart slammed in a door
They sing sweetly, they sing sweetly
Winning and losing and everything between
And spinning in circles like a big machine
And working up a quiet inner rage
'Til a rhythm and a beat come in your head
And it goes right under something you said
And you wake up wondering if you are okay
All the perfect girls of pop
They bat their eyelashes a lot
And sing sweetly, they sing sweetly
Like they never been hurt before
Like they never had their heart slammed in a door
They sang sweetly, they sing sweetly
Safe and cold's a mighty resonator
Just because I think about her don't mean I hate her
I don't believe her fire keeps you warm
If you think too much it's the land of indecision
If you don't think enough it's the imprecision
I guess I just don't understand the form
All the perfect girls of pop
They bat their eyelashes a lot
And sing sweetly, they sing sweetly
They sang sweetly, they sing sweetly
In Elizabeth Cook's song "Perfect Girls of Pop," the singer is contemplating the pressures and expectations placed on women in the music industry. The lyrics explore the dilemma of trying to navigate between personal artistic expression and commercial success. The image of standing at a crossroads suggests a decision to be made between surrendering to the status quo or breaking free from the mold. The reference to "the other guy reloads" implies that the music industry is a competitive world where one has to be always on guard.
The song criticizes the idealized image of female pop stars who are expected to sing sweetly and look perfect, even after being hurt or rejected in their personal lives. The singer acknowledges how challenging it is to fit into the music business while being true to oneself. The lyrics suggest that career success often comes at the cost of personal sacrifice and losing one's sense of identity. The "perfect girls of pop" seem to be trapped in a stereotypical role, where they must keep smiling and singing sweet nothings even if their hearts have been broken.
Overall, "Perfect Girls of Pop" is a commentary on the music industry's gendered expectations and the compromises that artists have to make to succeed.
Line by Line Meaning
Watching yourself standing at the crossroads
Observing oneself at a pivotal point in life where a decision must be made.
Look over your shoulder while the other guy reloads
Being watchful and cautious while others around you are preparing to take action.
It seems only human to want out
It is natural for humans to desire an escape from difficult situations.
Weighing all the options when you just wanna scream
Considering every possible course of action when feeling overwhelmed.
But you freak into a calm 'cause you gotta pick a team
Despite feeling panicked, one must choose a side to align with.
And you play their way until you get to shout
Adhering to the rules of the group until given the opportunity to make one's own voice heard.
All the perfect girls of pop
Referring to female pop stars known for their polished and impeccable image.
They bat their eyelashes a lot
Engaging in flirtatious behavior for the purpose of cultivating a certain image.
And sing sweetly, they sing sweetly
Performing with a sugary-sweet vocal style to appeal to a wide audience.
Like they never been hurt before
Presenting oneself as immune to the pain and heartbreak of life.
Like they never had their heart slammed in a door
Acting as if one has never experienced the pain of heartbreak.
Winning and losing and everything between
The experiences of both success and failure, as well as everything in between.
And spinning in circles like a big machine
Feeling trapped or lost in the endless cycle of work and performance.
And working up a quiet inner rage
Feeling a deep-seated anger or frustration that is not expressed outwardly.
'Til a rhythm and a beat come in your head
Until a musical idea takes shape in one's mind.
And it goes right under something you said
The inspiration for the musical idea comes from something previously said or experienced.
And you wake up wondering if you are okay
Feeling uncertain about one's own well-being.
Safe and cold's a mighty resonator
A calculated and unemotional approach can have a powerful impact.
Just because I think about her don't mean I hate her
Reflecting on someone from the past does not necessarily imply strong negative feelings towards them.
I don't believe her fire keeps you warm
The passion and intensity of someone else does not necessarily bring comfort or fulfillment.
If you think too much it's the land of indecision
Overthinking can lead to a state of uncertainty and difficulty making choices.
If you don't think enough it's the imprecision
Acting impulsively and without thoughtful consideration can lead to mistakes or inaccuracy.
I guess I just don't understand the form
Having difficulty comprehending the norms and expectations of the pop music industry.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Elizabeth Yvonne Cook
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@allanharless3030
You are an awesome outlaw hippy who breaks all the boundaries of music. All hail the outlaw!!
@johnn.2017
Heard this on my way to work today (WMNF Tampa's Community Radio Station) and was mesmerized! Not really a big fan of Country, but I'm now a fan of Elizabeth Cook.
@williamsmith4105
Same here.
@MidniteBaloney
I turn it up every time I hear it on outlaw country. I don't know if it will be a hit today but if was 1983 you would burning up the charts..
@dustinmcgill9622
Hell yeah reminds me of back in the days of epic music videos I dig it
@sinnertrain7405
Should be a hit, I hope it is because she sure deserves to have one.
@basssymphonic6985
This is my Aunt True story
@billlugaila
Should be a hit for pop country!
@Skycladatdusk78
Just heard this on Outlaw Country, instantly added to my playlist.
@robinmoore4994
Song reminds me of Sam Phillips.