Perfectionist Blues
R.I.C.
Head full of diamonds, pockets full of sand
Got a million dollar dreams trapped in this two-bit hand
Sketches for a symphony, a novel in my head
But the fear of every flaw leaves all the words unsaid
I see the sunrise, but it's never just right
Chasing the daylight, through every night
I'm painting a picture, but the colours don't blend
Endless revisions, where does it end?
Oh, the perfectionist blues, what a heavy load
Chasing illusions down a winding road
Need to learn to settle, need to let it go
Perfection's just a shadow, a truth I need to know
The world isn't flawless, even God made a few
Mistakes in creation, a cosmic debut
The stars in their courses, they sometimes collide
Perfection's a myth that I've got to let slide
They say even God ain't perfect, made some stumbles on his way
Mountains and the oceans, imperfections in their display
Maybe beauty lies in flaws, the cracks that let the light shine through
Maybe "good enough" is all we ever need to pursue
Perfectionist blues, I'm gonna rewrite your song
Break free from the loop, let my creations flow strong
No more chasin' shadows, just gotta find my peace
"Good enough" is openin' doors, a sweet release
Diamonds in my dreams can shimmer just as bright
Even with a grain of sand, they'll catch the morning light
So goodbye perfectionist blues, I'm singin' a brand new tune
Good enough is beautiful, it's high time to bloom
R.I.C.'s Perfectionist Blues
The song "Perfectionist Blues" delves into the introspective journey of an artist grappling with the paralyzing effects of perfectionism. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt lyrics, the songwriter explores the tension between creative aspirations and the crippling fear of imperfection.
The opening lines paint a stark contrast between grand ambitions and perceived limitations: "Head full of diamonds, pockets full of sand / Got a million dollar dreams trapped in this two-bit hand." This juxtaposition sets the tone for the internal struggle that follows, where brilliant ideas remain trapped by self-doubt.
As the song progresses, we see the exhausting cycle of endless revisions and the inability to find satisfaction in one's work. The lyrics "I see the sunrise, but it's never just right / Chasing the daylight, through every night" beautifully capture the restlessness of a perfectionist mind, always seeking an unattainable ideal.
The chorus introduces the concept of "perfectionist blues," framing this mindset as a burden that weighs heavily on the artist. It acknowledges the need to "learn to settle" and "let it go," recognizing that the pursuit of perfection is often an illusion that hinders rather than helps.
A turning point in the song comes with the realization that imperfection is a universal trait, even extending to the divine. The lines "They say even God ain't perfect, made some stumbles on his way / Mountains and the oceans, imperfections in their display" offer a perspective shift, suggesting that flaws are an inherent part of creation and beauty.
This epiphany leads to a powerful conclusion: "Maybe beauty lies in flaws, the cracks that let the light shine through / Maybe 'good enough' is all we ever need to pursue." Here, the songwriter embraces the idea that imperfections can be a source of uniqueness and charm, rather than something to be eliminated.
The final verses show a transformation in attitude, with the narrator deciding to "rewrite" the perfectionist blues and break free from its constraints. The acceptance of "good enough" is framed not as settling for less, but as a liberating force that opens doors and allows for creative flow.
Ultimately, "Perfectionist Blues" is a song of self-acceptance and artistic liberation. It encourages listeners to find beauty in imperfection and to value the act of creation over the pursuit of an impossible standard. The journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance is portrayed as a path to personal and creative growth, offering a hopeful message to anyone caught in the grip of perfectionism.