“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran is a romantic pop ballad from his third studio album, ÷ (Divide). Written by Ed Sheeran and produced by Sheeran and Will Hicks, the song was released as a single in 2017 through Asylum Records and Atlantic Records. It became one of Sheeran’s most recognizable love songs and was written about his future wife, Cherry Seaborn, whom he had known from school before reconnecting with later in life.

Musically, “Perfect” is a soft, emotional ballad built around a classic romantic arrangement. The main instruments include acoustic guitar, piano, bass, drums, and orchestral strings. One of the most important musical details is the string orchestration by Matthew Sheeran, Ed Sheeran’s brother. According to the article, this was the first time the two brothers collaborated on a song, and the orchestral arrangement later became especially important in the version recorded with Andrea Bocelli.

The lyrics describe a sincere and idealized love story, with images of dancing together, growing up, and finding someone who feels like home. Sheeran said the inspiration came after visiting James Blunt’s house in Ibiza, where he and others were listening to Future’s “March Madness” early in the morning. The line about being “barefoot on the grass” came from that moment, and Sheeran later said he knew the song was special once it was finished.

“Perfect” became a major international hit. It reached No. 1 in the United Kingdom and the United States, and its success was boosted by several alternate versions, including “Perfect Duet” with Beyoncé and “Perfect Symphony” with Andrea Bocelli. These versions helped the song reach different audiences: one leaning into pop duet territory and the other into a more classical crossover sound.

One curiosity about “Perfect” is that Sheeran considered it one of the most important songs of his career. In 2023, when asked which of his songs might become his equivalent of “Yesterday” — the song that would define his body of work — he answered “Perfect.”

Another interesting detail is that the song was the first track Sheeran wrote for ÷. Its traditional love-song structure, emotional lyrics, and wedding-friendly atmosphere helped make it one of the most popular modern romantic ballads.

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I found a love for me
Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead
I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
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
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

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 favourite 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 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

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