Album: No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls
Songwriters: Pierre Bouvier, Chuck Comeau
Length: 4:39
Release of the single: August 26th 2003
Release of the music video: September 2003
Single cover: here
The song, that takes a form of a letter, describes the band members’ frustration and struggles with their parents’ not wanting to let them drop out a school and just start a music career.
“Back then, we couldn’t understand why our parents were opposed to our plan to leave school to make music. It was our dream and we believed in it so much that failure seemed impossible. Today, it’s different: time has proved us right, but in those days, there was no guarantee it was going to work! Looking back, I completely understand why our parents were worried. In music, it’s all too true that “many are called but few are chosen.” I think they didn’t want us to reach age 30 with broken dreams and no future.” – Chuck Comeau
– Chuck now acknowledges that the lyrics of “Perfect” were too harsh
– until this day, Simple Plan still finish all their shows with this song [with the exception of a few festivals/TV appearances]
Hey dad look at me
Think back and talk to me
Did I grow up according to plan?
Do you think i’m wasting my time
Doing things I wanna do?
‘Cuz it hurts when you disapprove all along
And now I try hard to make it
I just want to make you proud
I’m never gonna be good enough for you
I can’t pretend that I’m all right
and you can’t change me
‘Cuz we lost it all
Nothing last for ever
I’m sorry I can’t be perfect
Now it’s just too late and we can’t go back
I’m sorry I can’t be perfect
I try not to think
About the pain I feel inside
Did you know you used to be my hero?
All the days you spent with me
Now seem so far away
And it feels like you don’t care anymore
And now I try hard to make it
I just want to make you proud
I’m never gonna be good enough for you
I can’t stand another fight
And nothing’s alright
Nothing’s gonna change the things that you said
Nothing’s gonna make this right again
Please don’t turn your back
I can’t believe it’s hard just to talk to you
‘Cuz you don’t understand