Perfect
Simple Plan Lyrics

Hey, Dad, look at me
The singer is seeking attention and validation from their father.

Think back, and talk to me
The singer is asking their father to reflect on their childhood together.

Did I grow up according to plan?
The singer is questioning if their life choices align with their father's expectations.

And do you think I'm wasting my time
The artist is seeking their father's opinion on whether or not their pursuits are worthwhile.

Doing things I wanna do?
The artist is acknowledging that their choices may go against their father's wishes.

But it hurts when you disapprove all along
The singer is expressing the pain of feeling like their father has never supported their choices.

And now I try hard to make it
The singer is working hard to achieve their goals despite their father's lack of approval.

I just want to make you proud
The artist desires their father's love and validation.

I'm never gonna be good enough for you
The artist feels like they will never meet their father's expectations.

Can't pretend that I'm alright
The artist can no longer hide their feelings of sadness and disappointment.

And you can't change me
The singer is asserting their individuality and that their father cannot control their choices.

'Cause we lost it all Nothin' lasts forever I'm sorry I can't be perfect
The artist acknowledges that their relationship with their father has changed and they have lost the love and support that they once had. They apologize for not being who their father wants them to be.

Now it's just too late And we can't go back I'm sorry I can't be perfect
The singer recognizes that the damage has been done to their relationship with their father and it cannot be undone. They apologize again for not meeting their father's expectations.

I try not to think About the pain I feel inside Did you know you used to be my hero?
The singer is trying to ignore the emotional pain they feel and reminiscing about how they used to see their father as a role model.

All the days you spent with me Now seem so far away
The singer is reflecting on positive memories from their childhood with their father, but feels like they are distant memories rather than present-day realities.

And it feels like you don't care any more
The artist senses a shift in their father's attitude towards them and feels like they no longer matter to their father.

I can't stand another fight And nothing's all right
The artist is tired of the conflict and tension with their father, and feels like nothing is going right in their relationship.

Nothing's gonna change the things that you said And nothing's gonna make this right again
The singer acknowledges that their father's hurtful words cannot be erased, and that their relationship cannot be fixed by a single action.

Please don't turn your back I can't believe it's hard just to talk to you
The singer is pleading with their father to not give up on them and is expressing the difficulty they have in communicating with each other.

'Cause we lost it all And nothin' lasts forever I'm sorry I can't be perfect
The artist is repeating that their relationship with their father has been damaged beyond repair and they apologize again for not being able to be the perfect child their father wants.