Perfect
Rupert Holmes Lyrics


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You were perfect, you were perfectly human
You were perfect, you were so unassuming
Yet so perfect
There's this way you have of tossing your hair
Like the world isn't there

And I saw this, and on closer inspection
You were flawless, you were close to perfection
You were perfect
There's no more I can say I've just said it

All you are is all you need to be
All you need to be is you
All your dreams are safe to share with me
'Cause I'll be there to see them through

And we're perfect, well, at least in our own eyes
We've begun it, we've grown up and we've grown wise
Darn it, we're as good as it gets and we've got it

All you are is all you need to be
All you'll ever need to be is you
And all your dreams are safe to share with me
'Cause I'll be there to see them through

We are perfect, I know I'm not that objective
But we're perfect, and though I've lost all perspective
Still I've found you, and I'm easy to please




As long as you're near, and when I have you here
Life is perfect, perfect, perfect

Overall Meaning

In Rupert Holmes's song "Perfect," the singer is expressing his admiration and love for someone who he saw as perfect. He describes this person as "perfectly human" and "so unassuming" yet "flawless" and "close to perfection." He notices the way she tosses her hair "like the world isn't there" and finds it captivating. He believes that they're perfect in their own eyes and have grown up and grown wise. He says that all they need to be is themselves, and all their dreams are safe with him because he'll be there to see them through.


The theme of the song is self-acceptance and accepting others as they are. It encourages us to be comfortable with ourselves and embrace our imperfections. The song's cynical and introspective lyrics were unusual for a love song of that era. Moreover, it spans over genres and styles, from 70s-style rock and pop, to R&B and soul, and even shows some hints of country music.


Line by Line Meaning

You were perfect, you were perfectly human
You were an ideal example of a human being, while still being true to your nature.


You were perfect, you were so unassuming
You were flawless, even without trying to impress others.


Yet so perfect
Even though you were not consciously trying to be perfect, you still came across as perfect.


There's this way you have of tossing your hair
You have a particular mannerism where you toss your hair, and it is captivating.


Like the world isn't there
The way you toss your hair conveys that you are lively and free, without any cares in the world.


And I saw this, and on closer inspection
I observed this mannerism of yours, and upon deep contemplation, I found it to be remarkable.


You were flawless, you were close to perfection
You were free of blemishes or imperfections and were almost impeccable.


There's no more I can say I've just said it
I have described what makes you perfect, and there is nothing else to add.


All you are is all you need to be
You do not have to strive to be someone you are not; being yourself is sufficient.


All you need to be is you
You need to stay true to your intrinsic nature and not worry about external forces.


All your dreams are safe to share with me
You can confide in me about your aspirations, and I will safeguard them.


'Cause I'll be there to see them through
I will be by your side throughout, to guide and provide support.


We are perfect, I know I'm not that objective
We make a magnificent pair, although I realize I am biased.


But we're perfect, and though I've lost all perspective
Regardless of my subjective perspective, we make a splendid couple.


Still I've found you, and I'm easy to please
I may be easily satisfied, but having found you fills me with contentment.


As long as you're near, and when I have you here
As long as I am close to you and have you with me, everything else will fall into place.


Life is perfect, perfect, perfect
Life is ideal when I am with you, and everything else fades into insignificance.




Contributed by Chase C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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