Perfect
Traffic Island Lyrics


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I hope you will hear me, I don't say I deserve it
But I'm not gonna force you to stay
I know it's far too late to make you believe anything I say

After all these mindless years
I'm amazed I can look you in the eye
It's hard to believe that you're still laying here with me
Then you said you'll go away
You look relieved when you say that nothing is ever gonna go like we
Planned today
And you'll be safe when I step aside
If you ever see me again, run and hide

I'm trying to be okay, I'm trying to stay sane making the most of my days
'Cos after what I've done I have no right to be in pain
Whenever you call me I'll ignore it
I won't let you forgive me this time
We are equally weak but in different ways

Then you said you'll go away
You look relieved when you say that nothing is ever gonna go like we
Planned today
And you'll be safe when I step aside
If you see me again, run and hide

And you'll go away
You look relieved when you say that nothing is ever gonna go like we
Planned today
And you'll be safe when I step aside
If you ever see me again, run and hide

I don't believe that he makes you laugh
Does he even make you smile?
But all that matters is that at least he doesn't make you cry
Unless he's braindead or violent I believe he's the one to keep
Anyone is perfect when you compare them to me

Then you said you'll go away
You look relieved when you say that nothing is ever gonna go like we
Planned today
And you'll be safe when I step aside If you see me again, run and hide

And you'll go away
You look relieved when you say that nothing is ever gonna go like we
Planned today




And you'll be safe when I step aside
If you ever see me again, run and hide

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Traffic Island's song "Perfect" tell the story of a relationship that has fallen apart due to the singer's mistakes. The singer recognizes that they do not deserve the forgiveness or the chance to make things right, but they do not want to force their partner to stay. Even if they were to try and make amends, they know it is too late, that nothing they say will change what has been done. The years of mindless mistakes they have made have left them amazed that their partner is still with them. However, when their partner tells them that they are finally leaving, they look relieved, and the singer knows it is the right decision. They promise their partner that they will stay away and not try to make things right anymore.


The singer is trying to make the most of their days and be okay, but they recognize they have no right to be in pain after what they have done. They won't let their partner forgive them this time and promise to ignore any attempts to reach out. The singer sees their partner and themselves as equally weak but in different ways. As their partner leaves, they promise them safety, and that if they ever see them again, they should run and hide.


In the last stanza, the singer is convinced that their partner's new partner can't make her as happy as they did, but they know it doesn't matter. As long as they are not making her cry, it is good enough. They recognize that anyone is perfect compared to them and promises their partner safety as they leave.


Line by Line Meaning

I hope you will hear me, I don't say I deserve it
I don't expect forgiveness, but I want to talk to you.


But I'm not gonna force you to stay
I respect your decision to leave if you want to.


I know it's far too late to make you believe anything I say
I understand that I can't change your mind with words.


After all these mindless years
I realize that I've been foolish and careless.


I'm amazed I can look you in the eye
I am surprised I can face you after what I've done.


It's hard to believe that you're still laying here with me
I'm grateful that you're still with me despite everything.


Then you said you'll go away
When you told me you were leaving,


And you'll be safe when I step aside
I'll make sure that you're safe and protected when I'm no longer in your life.


If you ever see me again, run and hide
You need to avoid me if our paths cross in the future.


I'm trying to be okay, I'm trying to stay sane making the most of my days
I'm trying to cope with the pain and live my life as best I can.


'Cos after what I've done I have no right to be in pain
I feel that I deserve the suffering that I'm going through.


Whenever you call me I'll ignore it
I will not respond to your attempts to contact me.


We are equally weak but in different ways
We both have our flaws but they manifest in different ways.


I don't believe that he makes you laugh
I don't think that your new partner is as good for you as I was.


But all that matters is that at least he doesn't make you cry
As long as he treats you well, that's all that counts.


Unless he's braindead or violent I believe he's the one to keep
Unless he is terrible in some way, I think you should stay with him.


Anyone is perfect when you compare them to me
I see myself as so flawed that anyone else seems perfect by comparison.




Contributed by Kennedy N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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