This song discusses self worth. Embracing your true inner self, and not changing who you are to conform into society. It is a song that engages everyone, because everyone has had difficulties in life. I do believe I have read that this song was originally about Alecia's husband but changed to her audience. 'Perfect' isn't just a song, its a message we should all live by, to help us better understand that we don't know what people are going through, or how it affects them as a person and individual.