“Perfect,” the opening track on Ed Sheeran’s third studio album ÷ (Divide), has become one of the most beloved love songs of recent years.
The song, which Sheeran wrote for his wife-to-be, Cherry Seaborn, is a tender and heartfelt ballad that celebrates traditional romance and commitment.
In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind the lyrics and uncover the emotions and messages that Sheeran intended to convey.
Lyrics Interpretation
Before we delve into the story behind this song, let’s take a closer look at each verse of the lyrics.
Verse 1
I found a love for me
Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me
The first verse of “Perfect” sets the tone for the song, introducing the theme of love and the feeling of finally finding one’s soulmate.
Sheeran sings about discovering a deep connection with someone, describing his partner as “beautiful and sweet.” He goes on to express his surprise that this person had been waiting for him all along, emphasizing the serendipitous nature of their relationship.
Chorus
‘Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow
Your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you’re holding mine
The chorus highlights the innocence and vulnerability of young love. Despite not fully understanding the depth of their emotions, Sheeran vows to never give up on this relationship.
The lyrics also reveal the importance of physical affection in their bond, as he asks his partner to “kiss me slow.” This tenderness emphasizes the significance of their connection.
Verse 2
Baby, I’m dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
When you said you looked a mess
I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it,
Darling, you look perfect tonight
In this verse, Sheeran paints a picture of an intimate moment shared between two lovers. Dancing in the dark, with their favorite song playing in the background, the couple is content and carefree.
Despite any insecurities his partner may have, Sheeran reassures her that she looks perfect in his eyes. This demonstrates the unconditional love and acceptance present in their relationship.
Verse 3
Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I’ll share her home
I found a love to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own
In this verse, Sheeran expresses his admiration for his partner’s strength and resilience. The lyrics reveal the couple’s shared dreams and the hope that they will build a future together. Beyond simply sharing their love, Sheeran envisions a life where they carry each other’s burdens and raise a family together.
Bridge
We are still kids but we’re so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we’ll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I’ll be your man
I see my future in your eyes
The bridge reiterates the theme of young love but emphasizes the couple’s determination to fight against any challenges they may face. Sheeran exudes confidence in their relationship, knowing that they will overcome any obstacles. The lyrics also highlight the couple’s commitment to one another, with Sheeran asking his partner to “hold my hand” and promising to be her man.
Final Chorus
No, no, no
Baby, I’m dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect
I don’t deserve this
You look perfect tonight
The final chorus of “Perfect” reinforces the romantic and intimate atmosphere that has been present throughout the song. Sheeran expresses his unwavering faith in their relationship, describing his partner as an angel who looks perfect. The lyrics also convey a sense of humility, as Sheeran admits that he feels undeserving of such a wonderful love.
True Meaning Behind “Perfect”
Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” is a romantic ballad that has resonated with listeners worldwide. Written about his then-girlfriend (now wife) Cherry Seaborn, the song captures the essence of their love story, which began when they reconnected after having known each other since school. Their relationship started in July 2015, and they announced their engagement in January 2018.
The inspiration for the song’s lyrics came during a visit to singer James Blunt’s house in Ibiza. Sheeran and Blunt listened to rapper Future’s music at 6 am, with “March Madness” being the song that sparked the idea for “Perfect.”
Sheeran envisioned the image of being “barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song” and booked a studio to flesh out the idea. He knew it was special from the moment it was created.
Sheeran aimed to write the best love song of his career with “Perfect,” wanting to surpass the success of his hit “Thinking Out Loud.” He decided to make the song 100% his own, showing the world his capabilities as a songwriter and musician.
Ed produced the song himself with help from Will Hicks and collaborated with his brother, Matthew Sheeran, who provided the strings orchestration. Their collaboration was a fulfillment of their grandmother’s final wish to see the brothers working together on a song.
The initial inspiration from Future’s “March Madness” evolved into the tender, heartfelt lyrics of “Perfect,” which has become a modern classic in its own right.
The song reflects the deep love and commitment between Sheeran and Seaborn, capturing the essence of their relationship through its beautiful melody and evocative lyrics.
The song’s production, featuring Sheeran’s collaboration with his brother, adds an additional layer of emotional depth to the song, making it a true testament to the power of love and family.
Music Video
If you’re a fan of Ed Sheeran, then you might have seen the music video for “Perfect” on his YouTube channel. The video was released on 9 November 2017, and it features Sheeran and actress Zoey Deutch in a winter wonderland setting. Directed by Jason Koenig, who also directed the “Shape of You” video, the “Perfect” video takes place at an Austrian ski resort in Hintertux.
In the video, Sheeran and Deutch go on a ski trip with friends and dance in the snow before ending up in a cozy cabin together. The simple story and beautiful cinematography have received praise from fans and critics alike. MTV UK writer Ross McNeilage even called it a “Christmas dream” for its wintery visuals.
Since its release, the “Perfect” music video has gained over 3.2 billion views on YouTube, making it the 26th most viewed video on the site as of October 2022. The video also received nominations for Song of the Year, Best Pop Video, and Best Direction at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.
If you haven’t seen the “Perfect” music video yet, it’s definitely worth checking out for its romantic storyline and stunning visuals.
Conclusion
Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” is a love song that has touched the hearts of millions, and its inspiration and creation tell a story that is just as romantic and meaningful as the song itself. The journey of the song, from its origins in Ibiza to its heartfelt lyrics and the collaboration with Sheeran’s brother, demonstrates the power of love and the beauty of family connections.