Billboard Magazine wrote "Mr. Z sings, dances, acts and possesses grrr-dreamy appeal. Now toss in a beautifully produced EP of power pop tunes, and a marquee mainstream artist is born. Emphasis track "Had I Known" is a consummate power ballad, showcasing a lamenting lyric and full-bodied keyboards, strings and instrumental hooks galore—but more so, Zarley's stunning tenor range, crafty harmonic layers and spine-tingling money notes."
The title track to his 2008 release "Here I Am" was a finalist in the American Idol Songwriter's Competition.
As am openly gay artist, Matt has performed across the country from Broadway to major feature films, from small concert settings in West Hollywood to being featured on the Human Rights Campaign's "Being Out Rocks" alongside Cyndi Lauper, Sarah MacLachlan, Rufus Wainwright and k.d. lang.
In 2008 he performed at several events in support of the LGBT community such as L.A. Pride, Las Vegas Gay Days & Night, Gay Days Anaheim and the HRC Dinner in Las Vegas.
In 2012, Matt was awarded Album of the Year and Song of the Year by the OutMusic Awards for his song and album of the same name - "Change Begins With Me."
Perfect
Matt Zarley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
D BE EVERYTHING I THOUGHT I'
D NEED BUT YOU'
RE PERFECT TO ME PERFECT TO ME AND I KNOW I MAY NOT BE EVERYTHING YOU THOUGHT YOU'
D NEED BUT WE'
RE PERFECT TO ME PERFECT TO ME (AND I KNOW, YES I KNOW) YOU'
RE PERFECT TO ME (AND I KNOW, YES I KNOW) WE'
RE PERFECT TO ME It's not how I planned it I had this all figured out When i thought I knew everything You taught me what love was about I guess that things happen for a reason I'll never understand why I wouldn't change a moment That led me to your side I know that things happen for a reason I'll never understand I'll never understand Cuz I never thought you'd be Everything i thought I'd need You're perfect to me Perfect I never thought you'd be Everything i thought I'd need
The lyrics of this song can be interpreted as an expression of gratitude towards a loved one who has appeared unexpectedly in the singer's life. At first, the singer is puzzled by their sudden arrival and questions who they are and where they came from. However, even before they had met, the singer could feel their presence from afar, indicating a deep and primal connection. The singer acknowledges that despite not understanding the reason for their meeting, the person has become everything they never knew they needed and is perfect to them.
The chorus repeats the sentiment that even though the singer may not be perfect and may not have been what their partner had expected or needed, together they are perfect. The second verse highlights that the singer's plans did not include this person, but their love has taught them what love truly is. The singer accepts that although they may never understand the reason for their meeting, they would not change any of the moments that led them to be together.
Line by Line Meaning
Where did u come from
Asks where the person came from
Just who do u think u are
Asks the person about their identity
U came outta nowhere
The person was unexpected
Yet I could feel u from afar
The singer felt a connection with them despite the distance
They say that things happen for a reason
Believes that everything happens with a purpose or meaning
I'll never understand why
The purpose of certain events is incomprehensible
Cuz I NEVER THOUGHT YOU'D BE EVERYTHING I THOUGHT I'D NEED
The singer initially didn't expect the person to be so important to them
BUT YOU'RE PERFECT TO ME PERFECT TO ME
Despite the unexpectedness, the person is perfect in the singer's eyes
AND I KNOW I MAY NOT BE EVERYTHING YOU THOUGHT YOU'D NEED
The singer acknowledges they may not meet the person's expectations
BUT WE'RE PERFECT TO ME PERFECT TO ME
Despite any mismatch, the two of them are perfect together
(AND I KNOW, YES I KNOW) YOU'RE PERFECT TO ME (AND I KNOW, YES I KNOW) WE'RE PERFECT TO ME
Reiterates the previous message that they are perfect as a pair
It's not how I planned it
Things did not go according to the singer's original plan
I had this all figured out
The singer had thought they knew how things would go
When i thought I knew everything
The singer had overestimated their knowledge of life and relationships
You taught me what love was about
The person taught the singer the true meaning of love
I guess that things happen for a reason
Believes that events happen with a purpose or meaning
I'll never understand why
Certain events and their purposes are incomprehensible
I wouldn't change a moment
The singer would not alter any of the events that led them to the present
That led me to your side
The events and experiences culminated in the singer and the person being together
I know that things happen for a reason
Reiterates belief in the purpose or meaning behind events
I'll never understand
Admits the singer's inability to comprehend certain events
Cuz I never thought you'd be Everything i thought I'd need
Echoes a previous line about the unexpectedness of the person's importance
You're perfect to me Perfect
For the singer, the person is perfect
I never thought you'd be Everything i thought I'd need
Repeats a previous line about the unexpected importance of the person
Contributed by Nolan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
JKVmanVideo
When I walk down the aisle with my husband this will be playing... or maybe for our first dance. Anyway... I love it.
Terry Minter
There are a million adjectives that when through my mind as I watched this video, but the one that tops the list is joy! What a joy it is to watch a video where a man professes his love to and for another man. Another winner, Matt!
JT Bacon
Man, another great video. What a beautiful song! Matt, thanks so showing that the Gay Community is about more than just the hot guys, the parties and parades. SO much more.
SamsonB
One of my fave songs by now, and such a great and cute video :-)
Joseph Benten
Just LOVE this Matt!
NobHillTheatreSFTV
Your music & music videos are always such great quality!
Keith Hicks
This is a great song. Meaningful lyrics very heart felt.
jeee1160
Thanks for this (your) voice, Matt!!!
seeker7019
A song that Anyone and Everyone can relate to. Love it!
RandyGent
This is an absolutely stunning, brilliantly done video! I like the use of black and white video to create a nostalgic, emotional atmosphere. Excellent, Matt- like you.