Simple Plan
Album: No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls
Song: Perfect
Reviewed by: Krystal Burns
The Band
Simple Plan consists of five Canadian guys based in Montreal: Chuck (drums), Pierre (vocals), Jeff (lead guitar), David (bass and back vocals), and Sob (guitar and back vocals). They’ve been together since early 2000, although a couple of them have been playing together since the early ‘90s when they were just 13.
The Music
Simple Plan released their debut album “NO PADS, NO HELMETS… JUST BALLS” in 2002. The more popular songs on the album include, “I’m Just a Kid,” “I’d Do Anything,” “Addicted,” and “Perfect.” The songs are mostly about the down and out feelings that pertain particularly to adolescents and young adults. Despite the catchy and upbeat sounds, also described as “punk pop fun”, the lyrics tend to be emotional and dark, if not utterly depressing. Other songs include, “Worst Day Ever” and “God Must Hate Me.”
The Song
Their song “Perfect” is about a guy who has a fight with his Dad. What they fight about is not of much importance in the song. The real issue is that he feels his father expects too much of him and is never satisfied with who he is and what he’s doing. He’s tired of feeling like he’s not perfect, hence the name of the song. At some point, most of us have felt this way; as Christians we know Christ has forgiven our sins. But we still have to deal with the sometimes less than sympathetic positive or negative criticism of others. The question is how should we respond to that.
The song repeats the chorus several times, which reads, “I’m sorry/ I can’t be perfect/ Now it’s just too late/ And we can’t go back…” It doesn’t take a genius to figure out this is not a sincere apology. The fact that this guy isn’t perfect should come as no surprise—no one is perfect. Everyone messes up at some point. Romans 3:10-12 says, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Again Isaiah writes that we all like sheep have gone astray (53:6). Kids, parents, and even grandparents all struggle and make mistakes. There’s no need to feel sorry for yourself and apologize for not being perfect—you never will be this side of heaven!
Since we’re not perfect the question is how will we react when someone tries to point us in the right direction. The song goes on to talk about how this guy feels about being reprimanded, “But it hurts when you/ Disapprove all along… I’m never gonna be good/ Enough for you… And you can’t change me.” Sounds like this guy is a little bitter and doesn’t really like to be told what to do or how to do it. But the Bible tells us it’s good to be corrected—that’s how we learn from our mistakes. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11). Proverbs 12:15 also says, “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” And again “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke” (Proverbs 13:1). Besides, God gave your parents a hard job too, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him” (Proverbs 13:24).
Finally, even if someone is all up in your face and truly being offensive and insulting, there is a right and wrong way to react. The guy in the song says the damage is done and basically the relationship is ruined, “Nothing’s gonna change/ The things that you said/ Nothing’s gonna make this/ Right again…” He has drawn a line that his dad crossed and there’s nothing to be done about it. But the Bible says reconciliation is possible if we are willing to forgive each other and put the past behind us. God tells us “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit… Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as Christ God forgave you” (Eph. 4:30-32). Remember, no one is perfect. And just as you would like people to be patient with your shortcomings, be patient with others as well.
So What Do You Think?
1. Why do you think kids relate so well to songs like this one?
2. Do you think it’s possible for Christians to be perfect? Why or
why not?
3. How do you usually feel when someone confronts you?
4. If you do mess up, what steps do you need to take receive forgiveness?
(see 1 John 1:9)