Perfect Girl

written by: Sarah McLachlan and Pierre Marchand

Lyrics

Am I faithful, am I strong, and am I good enough to belong
In your reverie a perfect girl
Your vision of romance is cruel and all along I played the fool
All you expectations bury me

Don’t worry you will find the answer if you let it go
Give yourself some time to falter
But don’t forgot knowing that you’re loved no matter what
And everything will come around in time

I own my insecurities I try to own my destiny
That I can make or break it if I choose
But you take my words and twist them ’round
‘Til I’m the one who brings you down
Make me feel like I’m the one to blame for all of this…

Don’t worry you will find the answer if you let it go
Give yourself some time to falter

But don’t forgot knowing that you’re loved no matter what
And everything will come around in time
You need everybody with you on your side
Know that I am here for you but I hope in time
You’ll find yourself all right alone
You’ll find yourself with open arms
You’ll find yourself you’ll find yourself in time

The riot in my heart decided to keep me open and alive
I have to take myself away from you
‘Cause I can’t compete I can’t deny there’s nothing that I didn’t try
How did I go wrong in loving you

Don’t worry you will find the answer if you let it go
Give yourself some time to falter
But don’t forgot knowing that you’re loved no matter what
And everything will come around in time

 

Appears on

Afterglow (2003)
Afterglow Live (2004)

Afterglow Live DVD (2004)

 

Versions

Album Version
from “Afterglow”
Track length: 3:43

Live: Afterglow Live
from “Afterglow Live”
Track length: 3:36

 

Compilations

Album Name
Track length
Version

 

Credits

Vocals, Piano, Keyboards: Sarah McLachlan
Keyboards: Pierre Marchand
Hammond Organ: David Kershaw
Guitars: Michel Pepin, Michael Chaves, Yves Desrosiers
Bass: Tony Levin
Cello, Vocal Treatments: Jorane
Percussion, Drums, Keyboard Bass: Ashwin Sood
Percussion: Jerry Marotta

 

Collaborations

 

Trivia/Notes

 

Sarah says

AB: So, here’s a personal question. The words to Perfect Girl are very poignant for me, but I’m reading them and I’m thinking, how can somebody like you have any insecurities? I know you’re a regular person, but I mean, what is it that you’re worried about?
Sarah: To be honest, that song didn’t start out about me. It was about a friend of mine going through a really hard breakup and just not being able to let it go. But, as songs often begin about somebody else, often my own personal experience gets dragged in there. I was incredibly insecure, as a teenager especially, and even as a young adult. Especially as far as men. I made some really, really stupid choices. ”
– Interview with AmericanBaby.com, January 2004

 

Live Video