Thirteen Senses have four studio albums: The Invitation (27 September 2004), Contact (2 April 2007) , Crystal Sounds (21 February 2011) and A Strange Encounter (5 May 2014).
In terms of their style and sound, Thirteen Senses are quite similar to other British bands like Keane and Coldplay; but take on a wider range of influences, including Mew, Mercury Rev and a minimalist aesthetic, with their lyrics also visiting darker themes.
Perfect
Thirteen Senses Lyrics
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The smoke it fills our homes,
But its nice to feel it
Rise up through my bones,
Take it easy as it goes and laughs the most
Who ever lights a fire
No one sweat to break the cold
Here's a share of what you've heard
Go spend it in a perfect world, on your own
Look, you shattered all the walls you built
Its just an ugly thought
It doesn't really matter
And as evening draws your self portrait full of flaws
And laughs the most
Whatever keeps it darkest
No one sweat to break the cold
No one changed to fit the mould
Here's a share of what you've heard
Go spend it in a perfect world, on your own
The lyrics to Thirteen Senses' song "Perfect" are a reflection on the human tendency to create ideals and expectations of perfection, which often lead to disappointment and feelings of inadequacy. The first verse talks about how we dress up in "ironed shirts" and surround ourselves with smoke, possibly indicating that we try to present ourselves in a certain way to the world but also feel content in our vices or hobbies. The line "take it easy as it goes and laughs the most who ever lights a fire" suggests that the person who takes risks is the one who is happiest, even if they may fail or make mistakes.
The second verse is more introspective, with the lines "look, you shattered all the walls you built, it's just an ugly thought, it doesn't really matter" indicating that the singer is letting go of their own expectations and insecurities. The self-portrait mentioned in the following line is likely a metaphor for introspection or self-examination, which leads to understanding and acceptance. The chorus repeats the message that no one needs to change themselves to fit societal expectations of perfection and that it's better to spend time in a "perfect world" on one's own.
Overall, the song seems to be encouraging listeners to let go of their expectations and to find happiness in imperfection.
Line by Line Meaning
Clothes to us dressed in ironed shirts
We conform to societal norms and wear clothes that are considered proper and formal.
The smoke it fills our homes,
The pollution and toxic air fills our homes and surroundings, but we have become accustomed to it.
But its nice to feel it
Despite the negative effects of the smoke, there is a certain comfort in the warmth and familiarity it brings.
Rise up through my bones,
The smoke affects us on a physical level, making us feel warm and relaxed.
Take it easy as it goes and laughs the most
The ones who are able to relax and enjoy the smoke are the ones who find joy and humor in life.
Who ever lights a fire
The person who starts the fire (both literal and figurative) has the power to bring warmth and positivity into their surroundings.
No one sweat to break the cold
We don't have to work hard or struggle to overcome challenges and obstacles.
No one changed to fit the mould
We don't have to conform to societal expectations or change our true selves to fit in with others.
Here's a share of what you've heard
Take what you've learned and use it for your own benefit.
Go spend it in a perfect world, on your own
Use your knowledge and experience to create your own perfect world, without relying on others.
Look, you shattered all the walls you built
You have broken down the barriers and constraints that you have put up for yourself.
Its just an ugly thought
The negative thoughts and feelings we have are not true or accurate representations of ourselves.
It doesn't really matter
These negative thoughts and feelings are insignificant and should not hold power over us.
And as evening draws your self portrait full of flaws
At the end of the day, we are left with our true selves, flaws and all.
Whatever keeps it darkest
The things that we use to cope with our flaws and negative thoughts may not always be healthy or positive.
Contributed by Emma J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
L3M0N 48
Clothes to us dressed in ironed shirts
The smoke it fills our homes,
But its nice to feel it
Rise up through my bones,
Take it easy as it goes and laughs the most
Who ever lights a fire
No one sweat to break the cold
No one changed to fit the mould
Here's a share of what you've heard
Go spend it in a perfect world, on your own
Look, you shattered all the walls you built
Its just an ugly thought
It doesn't really matter
And as evening draws your self portrait full of flaws
And laughs the most
Whatever keeps it darkest