Perfect
Emily Keener Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Would you hide who you're made to be
Put it under lock and key
just to change what people see
could you be pefect today?
A tiny pinch, a little pain
Isn't it just a price to pay
for them to love you when you're fake?
Mmmmm
You say you're perfect now
Well honey, perfect's out of style
The curtains close and take your bow
I hope your trip was with your while
Could you be perfect for me?
Would you hide who you're made to be
Put it under lock and key
just to change what people see
Emily Keener’s song Perfect is a commentary on societal pressure to appear perfect and how it affects individuals. The song revolves around the question of whether someone could be perfect for the singer or not. The singer wonders if someone would hide their true self just to be seen as perfect in the eyes of others. The lyrics imply a sense of insecurity that many people face in modern society. The idea of putting their true self under lock and key just for social approval is a common occurrence. The singer questions if it is worth it to lose oneself just to gain acceptance from others.
Line by Line Meaning
Could you be perfect for me?
Asking someone if they can change themselves to fit the singer's idea of perfection.
Would you hide who you're made to be
Questioning if the person would hide their natural self.
Put it under lock and key
Keeping their true self hidden from others.
just to change what people see
Changing their persona to match societal expectations.
could you be perfect today?
Questioning if the person is willing to change themselves to meet the artist's definition of perfection at any given moment.
A tiny pinch, a little pain
Suggesting that changing oneself may come with some discomfort.
Isn't it just a price to pay
Implying that people are expected to change themselves in order to be loved or accepted by others.
for them to love you when you're fake?
Wondering if real love can really exist when someone is pretending to be someone they're not.
You say you're perfect now
Responding to someone who claims to be perfect in their current state.
Well honey, perfect's out of style
Asserting that perfection is not only impossible, but also undesirable.
The curtains close and take your bow
Metaphorically referencing the end of a performance or an era in someone's life.
I hope your trip was with your while
Wishing the person luck in their journey and hoping they found it worthwhile.
Contributed by Layla R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.