Ed Sheeran wrote this tender love ballad for the woman who would eventually be his wife.
A Slow Burn
Cherry Seaborn was just Ed Sheeran’s girlfriend when he penned what some fans call the perfect love song – until they announced their engagement in 2018. This was, incidentally, the same year that “Perfect” received three MTV Video Music Award nominations.
The couple first met in 2015 while attending school together but subsequently fell out of touch. Later when Cherry worked in New York, they picked the relationship back up and took it to the next level. Ed Sheeran officially dedicated this iconic love ballad to his now-wife, Cherry.
Barefoot on the Grass
In a Smooth Radio interview, Sheeran said he was inspired by a specific experience in Ibiza during a visit to fellow singer James Blunt’s place. There, the essence of the song came to him when they were having an early-morning dance party in Blunt’s front yard.
“Barefoot on the grass, dancing to our favorite song … I booked the studio for the day, and I had that and I was like, right, let me just flesh that out. And the song happened and was sort of finished that day. I knew it was special.”
This “barefoot on the grass” moment is literally referenced in the chorus. Some postulate that his use of the word “future” may even be a reference to their choice of music for their al fresco dance party at dawn: Future the rapper.
How does “Perfect” compare to other Sheeran compositions?
Both the song’s music and lyrics fit perfectly in the vein of classic love songs. Ed himself has declared that “Perfect” is superior to his other hit, “Thinking Out Loud.”
“Perfect” bears many of the stylistic hallmarks of “18,” which Sheeran composed for One Direction. The lyrics also involve young love, reflected in lines such as:
“I have loved you since we were 18 / Long before we both thought the same thing”
Compare that to the line in “Perfect”:
“‘Cause we were just kids when we fell in love / Not knowing what it was”
Ed Sheeran’s tender words mixed with his sincere tone and heartfelt delivery make the song an obvious pick for weddings:
“I found a love for me / Darling just dive right in”
What makes the lyrics feel so genuine?
Part of the reason why the lyrics read so genuinely is owed to the early age at which the couple first met. They started their relationship while still growing up and learning how to express themselves.
Ed sings that he hadn’t been able to properly tell her how he feels. The idea is that this time, in this very song, he’ll finally get it right and we all get to hear him do it.
“When you said you looked a mess / I whispered underneath my breath / But you heard it / Darling, you look perfect tonight”
Although she might see herself as less than perfect, Sheeran professes his perfect physical affection for his bride-to-be.
“I have faith in what I see / Now I know I have met an angel in person / And she looks perfect”
When Ed says, “perfect,” he means that he sees her as perfect and that they are perfect together and couldn’t be anything further from a value judgment.
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
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
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 lover, 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
Baby, I’m dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favorite song
When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful
I don’t deserve this
Darling, you look perfect tonight
Baby, I’m dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on 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
I don’t deserve this
You look perfect tonight
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Ed Sheeran
Perfect lyrics © Emi April Music Inc., Bmg Platinum Songs Us, Virginia Beach Music, Prescription Songs, Oakland 13 Music, Holy Cannoli Music, Mo Zella Mo Music, Music Of Big Deal, The Family Songbook, Bob Erotik Music, Ppm Music, Aidenjulius Music, Songs Of Universal Inc., Ppm Music Ltd
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