Perfect Life

Steven Wilson's song "Perfect Life" is a poignant reflection on the transient nature of relationships and memories. The narrative is told from the perspective of someone who recalls a brief but impactful period in their youth when they had a sister for six months. This sister, who arrived unexpectedly, brought with her a sense of wonder and new experiences, introducing the narrator to music, books, and even the rebellious act of smoking a cigarette. The bond they formed was intense and transformative, encapsulating a period of perceived perfection in the narrator's life.

The lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphors that deepen the emotional impact of the story. The sister's arrival is described as being "pale and shellshocked," suggesting a troubled past that the narrator could not fathom. Their shared moments, such as listening to mix tapes and watching barges on the Grand Union Canal, are depicted with a sense of nostalgia and longing. The sister's remark that "the water has no memory" serves as a metaphor for the fleeting and impermanent nature of their time together, hinting at the inevitable fading of memories.

As the song progresses, the perfect life they shared begins to dissolve. The sister gradually becomes a distant memory, to the point where the narrator can no longer recall her face, voice, or even her name. This loss underscores the theme of impermanence and the bittersweet reality that even the most cherished moments can fade away. The repetition of the phrase "We have got the perfect life" at the end of the song serves as a haunting reminder of the ephemeral nature of happiness and connection.