After the usual career-beginning playing in local clubs and pubs, in 1987 Fairground Attraction were signed to RCA, and released their first single, "Perfect", in April 1988. It was an immediate success, reaching number one on the UK singles chart. Their album The First of a Million Kisses was a characteristic blend of folk, jazz, country, and cajun elements (all but one of its songs being written by Mark Nevin). Released in May 1988, it followed the success of "Perfect" by entering the album chart at number three, and rising to number two; it was eventually certified platinum. Three other singles were released from the same album: "Find My Love" (which reached number seven on the UK chart), "A Smile in a Whisper", and "Clare".
At the 1989 Brit Awards "Perfect" won the award for best single, and The First of a Million Kisses won best album.
Although they were popular in European countries, and toured the United States, their main success outside the UK was in Japan, where they toured in 1989 (a tour that produced their only live album, Kawasaki Live in Japan 02.07.89).
In September 1989, however, during the recording of a second album, rumours of arguments circulated, and in January 1990 the rumours were confirmed when the band split up. The album Ay Fond Kiss was released in 1990, and one of its songs, "Walking after Midnight", became their last single.
Perfect
Fairground Attraction Lyrics
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I need someone who really cares
Life is too short to play silly games
I've promised myself I won't do that again
It's got to be perfect, it's got to be worth it, yeah
Too many people take second best
Well, I won't take anything less
Young hearts are foolish, they make such mistakes
They're much too eager to give their love away
Well, I have been foolish too many times
Now I'm determined, I'm gonna get it right
It's got to be perfect, it's got to be worth it, yeah
Too many people take second best
But I won't take anything less
It's got to be, yeah, perfect
Young hearts are foolish, they make such mistakes
They're much too eager to give their love away
Well, I have been foolish too many times
Now I'm determined, I'm gonna get it right
It's got to be perfect, it's got to be worth it, yeah
Too many people take second best
But I won't take anything less
It's got to be, yeah, perfect
It's got to be, yeah, worth it
It's got to be perfect
In Fairground Attraction’s song “Perfect,” the singer is expressing her desire for a love that is genuine and worthwhile. She declares that she no longer wants to engage in half-hearted love affairs and play silly games. The singer acknowledges that in the past, she has been foolish and made mistakes when it came to love. However, she is now determined to get it right and find a love that is perfect and worth it.
The repetition of “It’s got to be perfect, it’s got to be worth it” emphasizes the singer's insistence on finding true love. The song also highlights the folly of young love and how it can lead to mistakes and heartbreaks. The singer’s search for a genuine and worthwhile love can be seen as a reflection of the human desire for meaningful connections and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want half-hearted love affairs
I desire someone who is genuinely committed and invested in me
I need someone who really cares
I require someone who is empathetic and attentive to my needs
Life is too short to play silly games
I realize the brevity of life and the foolishness of engaging in inconsequential behaviors
I've promised myself I won't do that again
I have made a vow to refrain from repeating past mistakes
It's got to be perfect, it's got to be worth it, yeah
I have a high standard and am unwilling to settle for less than what I deserve
Too many people take second best
Many individuals lower their expectations and settle for mediocrity
Well, I won't take anything less
I refuse to lower my standards and will only accept what I deem suitable
Young hearts are foolish, they make such mistakes
Inexperienced individuals often make errors in judgment
They're much too eager to give their love away
They are overly enthusiastic and quick to offer their affections without proper consideration
Now I'm determined, I'm gonna get it right
I am resolute in my pursuit of a fulfilling relationship and am committed to doing so successfully
It's got to be, yeah, worth it
It must be valuable and meaningful to me
It's got to be perfect
It must meet my high standards of excellence and be flawlessly suited to me
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARK EDWARD CASCIAN NEVIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind