Elliott is one of the first female hip hop superstars, known for a long series of hits including "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)", "Hit 'Em Wit Da Hee", "Get Ur Freak On", "One Minute Man", "Work It", and "Lose Control". In addition she has received recognition as one of the most successful songwriters of the modern music era, having crafted a number of hit records for artists such as Aaliyah, 702, Total, Ciara, Nicole Wray and Tweet, often with production-partner and childhood friend Timbaland. She was the third female rapper to ever go Platinum, behind Lil' Kim and Da Brat.
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, she began her career in the all-girl R&B group, Sista in 1993. Eventually, the band folded and Elliott began her career as a solo rapper. Since the early 1990's, Elliott has won six Grammys, recently scoring one for her video of "Lose Control."
Other releases are 'Teary Eyed' and 'We Run This', and the last of these two songs will be the main single of the new greatest hits album titled 'Respect M.E.: Best Of' featuring 17 tracks from her six albums.
I'm Not Perfect
Missy Elliott Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Feels like we've been to hell and back
And the ones you've lost
I'd give my life if I could bring them back
(bring them back I'd give my life)
And your self esteem might be low from what people say (keep holding on)
Hold your head up high
I promise it's gonna be OK (ay oh hey)
I'm not perfect just like you
(I'm not perfect)
So come on let me give you a hug
(Come on let me give you a hug)
I got problems just like you (I got problems)
So don't nobody sit here and judge
(Just like you)
I'm not perfect just like you
(We're gonna stick together)
So come on let me give you a hug
(Let's stick together)
I got problems just like you (woo oh yeah)
And everybody needs some love
When you're feeling bad
Some friends they can't be found
(Look around look around be found)
Cause some people love it just to see you when you're down (down yeah)
But it's ok pick yourself up
Start over again (that's what you gotta do)
If you try you will
You will succeed in the end
(The end I know you will oh yeah)
I'm not perfect just like you
So come on let me give you a hug
(Come on and let me give you)
I got problems just like you (I got problems)
So don't nobody sit here and judge (oh yeah)
I'm not perfect just like you (no no no no)
So come on let me give you a hug
(Come on and let me give you a hug)
I got problems just like you
And everybody needs some love
Shake a hand shake a hand y'all come on
(Oh shake somebody's hand)
To every woman every man y'all come on
(Oh to every woman every man)
Tell a friend tell a friend y'all
(Ooh shake a hand with someone)
Cause united we stand y'all
(United we stand by body we fall)
I'm not perfect just like you
I'm not perfect
I've been through some things too
I'm not perfect just like you
I'm not perfect just like you (oh)
I'm not perfect just like you (oh)
Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Missy Elliott's song I'm Not Perfect is an anthem that encourages self-acceptance and self-love. The song acknowledges that everyone goes through hardships and has flaws, but that shouldn't stop them from living their lives to the fullest. In the first verse, Missy Elliott reflects on the tough times that she and the listener have endured, including losing loved ones and dealing with low self-esteem due to other people's criticisms. She expresses a willingness to do anything to bring back the ones who have passed away and advises the listener to hold their head up high because things will get better. The chorus reinforces the message that nobody is perfect, and people should support each other instead of judging one another. The second verse emphasizes the importance of overcoming obstacles, picking oneself up after falling, and persevering to reach one's goals. The song concludes with a call to unity, urging people to come together and support one another.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was inspired by a conversation Elliott had with her mother about the importance of self-acceptance. Elliott's mother told her that nobody is perfect, and people should love and accept themselves as they are. Another interesting fact is that the song was produced by Timbaland, who frequently collaborated with Elliott on her albums. The music video for the song features Elliott lying on a couch with people holding up posters with positive messages, such as "You're Beautiful," "Believe in yourself," and "Don't give up." The song was released on Elliott's 2005 album The Cookbook and was well-received by critics and fans. Elliott has stated that the song has helped many people feel better about themselves and has become a staple of her live shows.
The chords for the song are as follows:
Verse: Em, C, G, D
Chorus: Em, C, G, D
Overall, Missy Elliott's I'm Not Perfect is an uplifting and empowering song that encourages self-acceptance, self-love, and the importance of supporting others. The lyrics highlight the reality that nobody is perfect, and everyone has problems and struggles to overcome. Through its positive message, the song has become a source of comfort and inspiration for many.
Line by Line Meaning
We've been through things
We have overcome difficulties
Feels like we've been to hell and back
We have faced immense challenges
And the ones you've lost
And the people you've lost
I'd give my life if I could bring them back (bring them back I'd give my life)
I would sacrifice my own life to bring them back
And your self esteem might be low from what people say (keep holding on)
Your confidence may suffer from criticism, but stay strong
Hold your head up high
Keep your chin up
I promise it's gonna be OK (ay oh hey)
Things will get better
I'm not perfect just like you (I'm not perfect)
I am not flawless, just like everyone else
So come on let me give you a hug (Come on let me give you a hug)
Let me comfort you
I got problems just like you (I got problems)
I also have my own issues
So don't nobody sit here and judge (Just like you)
So do not judge me
We're gonna stick together
We'll stay together
Let's stick together
Let's remain together
woo oh yeah
An exclamation of enthusiasm
And everybody needs some love
Everyone needs love
When you're feeling bad
When you are feeling upset
Some friends they can't be found
Some friends may not be there for you
Look around look around be found
Look, and you will find someone
Cause some people love it just to see you when you're down (down yeah)
Some people enjoy seeing others suffer
But it's ok pick yourself up
But it's alright to recover from a setback
Start over again (that's what you gotta do)
Begin anew
If you try you will
If you make an attempt
You will succeed in the end (The end I know you will oh yeah)
You will ultimately achieve success
Shake a hand shake a hand y'all come on (Oh shake somebody's hand)
Let's shake hands
To every woman every man y'all come on (Oh to every woman every man)
To everyone
Tell a friend tell a friend y'all (Ooh shake a hand with someone)
Spread the word
Cause united we stand y'all (United we stand by body we fall)
Together we are strong
I've been through some things too
I've also faced some struggles
I'm not perfect just like you (oh)
I am just like you in many ways
Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
An exclamation of enthusiasm
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
An exclamation of agreement
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CRAIG N BROCKMAN, MELISSA N ELLIOTT, DONNY EDWARD N HATHAWAY, NADINE MCKINNOR, NISAN N STEWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind