Gladys Knight, born on May 28, 1944, developed her singing style while singing with her family at Baptist church functions. Though the group first released recordings in 1958, their career really got started when Motown founder Berry Gordy witnessed them perform at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in 1966 and felt very impressed. With a career following spanning decade after decade, featuring many hits, the group has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
Perfect Love
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To know when I've been wrong
Yes and fool enough
To think I still might change
I've been out of place
But right on time
And still I've let you down
We've been lovers
It would help me if I thought
You might remember me
Not for what I've done
But for the other things
I'd always meant to do
'Cause like a child
Who's learned the ways of life
You've opened up my eyes
With a love that's always new
Yes I owe it all to you
'Cause when the world outside
Was sure that I was only chasing rainbows
You could find the words to say to make me strong
Holding on to me and whispering
"There's nothing wrong with rainbows"
You heard my song
And so remember me
As one who came to love
And found a perfect love
To help along the way
And if tomorrow you should find
That I'm no longer by your side
Then it was time for me to go
And it would help me just to know
That you'd remember me
As one who came to love
And found a perfect love
To help along the way
The song "Perfect Love" by Gladys Knight & The Pips is a beautiful testament to the power of love and the impact it can have on someone's life. The lyrics speak to the idea that while we may make mistakes and fall short of our own expectations, the love of another person can help us see our worth and potential. The singer acknowledges that she has been wrong in the past, but still foolishly believes she can change. Despite her missteps, she is thankful for the love and support of her partner, who has helped her see the world in a new way.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of gratitude for the love that has been freely given. The lyrics describe the way that the partner has been a source of strength and encouragement during difficult times, helping the singer feel secure and loved even when the outside world is harsh. The image of rainbows is used as a metaphor for hope and the possibility of a better future. While others may see chasing rainbows as foolish or futile, the partner sees value in it and encourages the singer to hold on to her dreams.
In the end, the singer acknowledges that life is not always perfect and that she may not always be by her partner's side. However, she hopes that her partner will remember her for the love they shared and the ways in which they helped each other through life's challenges. The song is a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest of times, love has the power to transform our lives and bring us hope and joy.
Line by Line Meaning
Old enough
Despite my age and experiences, I have made mistakes in my life
To know when I've been wrong
I am capable of recognizing my errors and taking accountability for them
Yes and fool enough
At the same time, I am naive to believe that I can change despite my past misgivings
To think I still might change
I hold onto the hope that I can become a better person for you
I've been out of place
I have felt like I do not belong in certain situations
But right on time
Although I have felt unsure, I have arrived exactly when I was supposed to
And still I've let you down
Even with good timing, I have still failed to meet your expectations
We've been lovers
Our relationship is built on love and affection
And we've fought
But we have also experienced conflict and disagreement
It would help me if I thought
If I believed that you remembered me for my intentions and not my mistakes
You might remember me
I wish for you to hold memories of me in a positive light
Not for what I've done
But for my true character and what I have always wanted to do for you
But for the other things
Remember me for the small, significant moments that always set us on the right path
I'd always meant to do
Even though I have failed to follow through, my intentions to love and care for you were genuine
'Cause like a child
Similar to a child's ability to learn, grow, and see the world anew, I have found a new perspective through your love
Who's learned the ways of life
I have been taught the fundamental value of love by you
You've opened up my eyes
Your love has helped me see the beauty in this world
With a love that's always new
Your love never grows old or fades, it remains vibrant and fresh
Yes I owe it all to you
I attribute my newfound perspective and appreciation for life to your love and guidance
'Cause when the world outside
Even when society has deemed me as lost, misguided, or chasing after foolish things
Was sure that I was only chasing rainbows
When the world around me thought I was setting unrealistic, unattainable goals
You could find the words to say to make me strong
You have always had the right words to keep me motivated and positive
Holding on to me and whispering
You have always supported me through everything
"There's nothing wrong with rainbows"
Reminding me that dreaming and looking towards positive outcomes is never foolish
You heard my song
You could hear my pain, my struggles, and my desires in life
And so remember me
I hope that you hold memories of me close in your heart
As one who came to love
Remember me for the love that I gave to you freely
And found a perfect love
I found a love with you that was complete and wholly fulfilling
To help along the way
That aided me on my journey through life
And if tomorrow you should find
In the event that I leave or have to say goodbye
That I'm no longer by your side
When I am no longer physically present with you
Then it was time for me to go
Accepting the inevitability of life and death
And it would help me just to know
It would bring me comfort to know
That you'd remember me
That you would hold onto memories of me
As one who came to love
As someone who loved you fully
And found a perfect love
Who had experienced the most fulfilling love because of you
To help along the way
That helped make life's journey easier and more enjoyable
Contributed by Aaron W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.