In 2017, Ed Sheeran captivated music lovers with Shape of You, which became the most listened to song on US radio. In 2018, this conditional nomination was submitted to another work by the same musician. American radio stations most often aired his song Perfect.
Of course, this is not the main achievement of the popular track. He headed more than a dozen charts, the single was sold in huge circulation, and the video clip was nominated for MTV Video Music Awards in three categories.
The story behind Perfect by Ed Sheeran
Perfect was the first song written for Sheeran’s third studio album. Ed himself composed the music and lyrics.
This is a love ballad dedicated to Cherry Seaborn, Ed’s girlfriend. They had known each other since their school days, but their romantic relationship began much later, when they began to communicate again in New York.
Sheeran recalled that inspiration visited him when he visited James Blunt (James Blunt) in Ibiza. It was early in the morning when they were listening to music. In an interview with Zane Lowe, Ed said:
We danced barefoot on the grass to our favorite song, which was March Madness – Future… I rented the studio for the day. I had it, and I said, “Just let me flesh it out.” So the song was born, and on the same day it was almost completed. I knew she was special.
Zane Lowe and Ed Sheeran
In this interview, Sheeran also reminisced about the history behind Perfect:
The song we’re listening to is March Madness by Future, which can be considered the least romantic song in the world. We were in Ibiza at James Blunt’s house. It was at some point in the night and people just turned on house music. I just don’t like house – I don’t like it at all! So I changed it to March Madness – Future. It was full of people in their forties who asked, “What are you doing? What is it?” And then we danced.
Entertainment Tonight Canada
Another quote from the author:
We got really drunk, took off our shoes and danced on his lawn, and then we jumped into the pool… The next day I thought: “This is a cool story” – and I put it in the basis of the song.
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
Ed has repeatedly said with what thoughts he composed the composition, and often compared it with his other hit:
I think Perfect is actually better than Thinking Out Loud. I think I was always afraid that Thinking Out Loud would be the defining word for me and my career. Therefore, I wrote many songs, trying to surpass it. I think I succeeded.
Music Choice
I had to make it so that it was me for a hundred cents. So that everyone who listens to her will say: “Ah! He really knows how to do it!” I wanted to transcend Thinking Out Loud because I knew that song defined me.
Zane Lowe and Ed Sheeran
I just wanted to surpass Thinking Out Loud. I only thought about it. I wanted to surpass it because I knew that song would define me. For the next fifty years, it will be like you only have one song. It’s like you’re one of those artists who have two or three songs. And then you start to look like Van Morrison.
Beats 1
Ed Sheeran produced the record himself, but brought in Will Hicks to collaborate. Brother Matthew Sheeran helped him orchestrate the strings.
On September 26, 2017, the song Perfect was released as the fourth single from the album “÷”. It climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the UK chart and the charts in many other countries.
Clip Perfect – Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran uploaded the lyrics music video for Perfect to YouTube on September 22, 2017.
On November 9, Ed Sheeran unveiled the official music video for Perfect, featuring actress Zoey Deutch. At the MTV Video Music Awards, the video was nominated in three categories.
Sheeran explained how the idea for the video came about:
The idea for the video came about because I love Christmas. There aren’t enough Christmas videos coming out right now. I wanted snow and romance.
In an interview with The Sun, Ed also admitted that he was inspired by East 17’s Stay Another Day video.
Watch the video clip of Ed Sheeran’s Perfect.
Cover versions
On December 1, 2017, Ed Sheeran released a new version of the song, recorded with Beyonce. The track was called Perfect Duet.
On December 15 of the same year, Sheeran presented a cover performed with Italian tenon Andrea Bocelli. This version is called Perfect Symphony.
Interesting Facts
- Ed invited his brother to work on the song together because that was their grandmother’s dying wish.
- On the 52nd week of Perfect on the Billboard Hot 100, Ed Sheeran became the first solo artist to manage a three-song year on the chart. This song joined his Shape of You and Thinking Out Loud.
- In 2018, British Radio Smooth listeners ranked Perfect at number one on their All Time Top 500 list.
Perfect Lyrics Ed Sheeran Lyrics
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
‘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
chorus:
Baby, I’m dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight
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
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
Chorus
Baby, I’m dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot in the grass, listening to our favorite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect, no I don’t deserve this
You look perfect tonight
Perfect lyrics by Ed Sheeran
I found love.
Darling, dive in after me.
I found a girl, beautiful and sweet.
I did not even suspect that someone was waiting for me,
‘Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it is.
This time I won’t leave you.
Darling just kiss me slowly
I have nothing but your heart
And in your eyes is mine.
Chorus:
Baby I’m dancing in the dark holding you in my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite tune.
When you said you didn’t look good, I whispered with bated breath
But you heard, darling, that you look perfect tonight.
I found a woman stronger than any of my acquaintances.
We have common dreams with her, I hope one day we will have a common home.
I found love to not only keep my secrets,
To bring love to raise our children.
We’re still kids but we’re so in love
Against all odds.
I know we’ll be fine now.
Honey, just hold my hand.
Be mine and I will be yours.
I see the future in your eyes.
Chorus
Baby I’m dancing in the dark holding you in my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite tune.
I believe in what I see.
Now I know that I met an angel in the flesh.
And she looks perfect, no I don’t deserve it
You look perfect today.
Song quote
I just wrote it down and sent it to her [Шерри Сиборн]because she was living in New York at the time, so I didn’t see how she reacted. I think she liked it – it’s a good song.
Ed Sheeran, BBC Radio 2
