Perfume Genius is the alias of singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas. Born in Des … Read Full Bio ↴Perfume Genius is the alias of singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Mike moved to Seattle when he was 6. Growing up, Hadreas was the only openly gay student at his school, and he received death threats that were ignored by the school administration. He dropped out of high school during his senior year. Two years after dropping out, he was attacked by several young men in his neighborhood. He moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and worked as a doorman for a club in the East Village. In 2005, Hadreas returned home to Seattle and began recording music. In 2008, Hadreas set up a MySpace page under the name Perfume Genius, beginning his music career. The moniker comes from the genius perfume-maker in Tom Tykwer’s 2006 movie Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.

Mike has released six studio albums - 2010's Learning, 2012's Put Your Back N 2 It, 2014's Too Bright, 2017's No Shape, 2020's Set My Heart On Fire Immediately and his most recent, 2022's Ugly Season, all of which have received praise from music critics.

Go Ahead
Perfume Genius Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

What you think?
I don't remember asking
What you mean?
Baby take a seat

Now watch me
Watch me walk on by
Honestly

Next one won't be free

Go ahead
Go ahead and try
Go ahead
Go ahead and try

If you need
To take a moment take a moment
If you need
You can even say
A little prayer for me
Baby I'm already
Walking in the light

Go ahead
Go ahead and try

Go ahead
Go ahead and try

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Perfume Genius's song Go Ahead suggest the refusal to give in to someone else's expectations or opinions. The singer doesn't seem to be interested in what the other person thinks, as he states he doesn't remember asking for their thoughts. The listener is urged to take a step back and observe the person walking away, showing confidence in himself and his own path. The line "Next one won't be free" hints towards a cost that comes with the person's attention and a lack of intention to let people use him for free. The repetition of "Go ahead and try" emphasizes the singer's resilience towards anyone who attempts to obstruct his growth.

The singer seems self-assured as he carries on with his journey, even encouraging the listener to take a moment or even say a prayer for him. He is already walking in the light, signifying his comfort with who he is and where he is going. The song may be interpreted as an affirmation of self and a message to anyone who may try to deter one's progress.

Line by Line Meaning

What you think?
I do not recall inquiring about your opinion or thoughts.

I don't remember asking
I am not aware of making any request or seeking information from you.

What you mean?
I am uncertain about the significance or intent behind your words or actions.

Baby take a seat
Please calm down and be composed in my presence.

Now watch me
Observe my behavior or actions critically.

Watch me walk on by
Notice me departing, unfazed by your attention or attempts to stop me.

Honestly
Speaking bluntly and truthfully.

Next one won't be free
I will not offer my assistance or presence without receiving something in return next time.

Go ahead
Please commence with your effort or plan.

Go ahead and try
Attempt to intervene or influence me, if you desire.

If you need
In case you require something or assistance.