In February 2009, she officially changed her stage name to Santigold as a result of infomercial jeweller Santo Gold threatening legal action against White and her label Downtown Records.
White was lead singer of the Philadelphia-based punk rock band Stiffed, but while in the band, she was offered a solo contract. Working with fellow Stiffed member John Hill as co-producer, she recorded her debut album, Santogold, which was released in April 2008. Upon the change of her stage name, her label Downtown Records issued this press release:
"Change the graffiti on the bathroom wall, get your tattoo fixed, get your T-shirt airbrushed and change the name on your year-end list: Santogold is now Santigold. She's not telling you why, that's just how it is."
A Perfect Life
Santigold Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't I know what they all want
A perfect Speci-Men, I reel them in at once
Every move I make I flaunt
Get pretty like I mean it, a real debutante
I know I'm surely hot
Get anything I want
I do command applause
Don't mean to turn 'em out
It seems it's just because
It's something that I got
They don't know what it was
But every time I close my eyes
What is it I'm dreaming of?
A perfect life
Wake up I know every time, all doey-eyed
And I think about you
Ooh oh you
Every time I close my eyes
I'm nearer to the day my love
Needs no disguise
I'll chase it 'til the end of time
The perfect life
It can't be without you, ooh
Can't be without you
Wish that I could be upfront
Like an army general, with no nuance
But blooming out here in the sun
A guarded little thing, turns perfect all at once
What is this bug I've caught?
What's it an aching of?
I cover up the spots
I wear it like a glove
Can entertain them all
Create a flawless buzz
But it ain't perfect, not
Until I fall in love
Every time I close my eyes
What is it I'm dreaming of?
A perfect life
Wake up I know every time, all doey-eyed
And I think about you
Ooh oh you
Every time I close my eyes
I'm nearer to the day my love
Needs no disguise
I'll chase it 'til the end of time
The perfect life
It can't be without you, ooh
Can't be without you
All day into the afternoon
I'ma play these tunes
The lyrics of Santigold's song "A Perfect Life" depict the inner conflict and longing for love and authenticity amidst a world that values superficial perfection. The opening lines suggest that the singer is aware of the expectations placed upon her, being seen as a "perfect Speci-Men" who can attract others effortlessly. She flaunts her beauty and charms, commanding attention and admiration. However, there is a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction underlying this facade.
The chorus reveals the singer's true desires and vulnerabilities. When she closes her eyes, she dreams of a perfect life, one in which she feels loved and accepted. The phrase "all doey-eyed" suggests innocence and longing. She yearns for a love that doesn't require disguise, a love that can withstand the test of time. Despite her ability to entertain and create a flawless image, she acknowledges that true perfection can only be achieved when she falls in love.
The second verse introduces a layer of complexity to the singer's struggle. She wishes she could be more upfront and direct, like an army general, but instead, she remains guarded and uncertain. She describes herself as a "guarded little thing" that blossoms and becomes perfect in an instant. However, this perfection is merely a cover-up, hiding her insecurities and longing for genuine connection. Despite her ability to create a flawless buzz and entertain others, true perfection can only be realized when she falls in love.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't I know what they all want
I am fully aware of what everyone desires
A perfect Speci-Men, I reel them in at once
I attract and captivate numerous individuals who epitomize perfection
Every move I make I flaunt
I proudly display and exhibit every action I take
Get pretty like I mean it, a real debutante
I enhance my beauty with utmost sincerity, portraying the image of an elegant and confident woman
I know I'm surely hot
I am fully aware of my attractiveness
When they put up a fuss
When they show excitement or resistance
Get anything I want
I effortlessly obtain anything I desire
I do command applause
I receive admiration and applause from those around me
Don't mean to turn 'em out
I don't intentionally make others infatuated or obsessed with me
It seems it's just because
However, it appears that it happens naturally
It's something that I got
It's a quality or allure that I possess
They don't know what it was
Others are unaware of the specific reason or factor behind my appeal
But every time I close my eyes
Whenever I shut my eyes
What is it I'm dreaming of?
What am I fantasizing or longing for?
A perfect life
An ideal and flawless existence
Wake up I know every time, all doey-eyed
Upon awakening, I am fully aware and hopeful, with innocent and optimistic eyes
And I think about you
And I contemplate and fantasize about you
Ooh oh you
Oh, it's you
I'm nearer to the day my love
I am getting closer to the time when my love
Needs no disguise
Doesn't require any concealment or pretense
I'll chase it 'til the end of time
I will pursue it relentlessly until the end of my life
The perfect life
An existence filled with perfection and fulfillment
It can't be without you, ooh
It cannot exist without you
Can't be without you
I cannot be without you
Wish that I could be upfront
I desire to be direct and straightforward
Like an army general, with no nuance
Similar to a military leader, without any subtlety or hidden meanings
But blooming out here in the sun
However, I am blossoming and thriving in this open and exposed environment
A guarded little thing, turns perfect all at once
Despite being cautious and reserved, I transform into something flawless and ideal instantaneously
What is this bug I've caught?
What is this feeling or infatuation that I have?
What's it an aching of?
What is the longing or yearning that it represents?
I cover up the spots
I hide and conceal the imperfections or flaws
I wear it like a glove
I embrace and accept it as a part of who I am
Can entertain them all
I am capable of captivating and entertaining everyone
Create a flawless buzz
I generate a perfect and captivating excitement or attention
But it ain't perfect, not
However, it is not truly perfect
Until I fall in love
Unless I experience love and romantic involvement
All day into the afternoon
Throughout the entire day until the afternoon
I'ma play these tunes
I will play these songs
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Andrew Hershey, Ricardo Lloyd Johnson, Santi White
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind