A Perfect Sonnet

Album: Every Day and Every Night (2000)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • On the five-song EP that gained the band wider recognition, "A Perfect Sonnet" is an example of intense, emotional, highly poetic songwriting. The song begins with only acoustic guitar and Conor Oberst's distinctive voice, and then drums and more instrumentation are added, rounding out the second half of the song. It was one of the most notable songs of this early stage in Bright Eyes' career, addressing mental health problems and the struggle to maintain an optimistic attitude toward healing.
  • The song was released on Every Day and Every Night as well as on the Crank Records 2001 compilation One: It's All Good, Man.

Comments: 2

  • Rachael from New Orleans, LaThis song. This song writer. Just...Frick...perfection. It makes me want to wail and sob the lyrics along with Connor.

    But as for me I'm coming to my final failure
    I've killed myself with changes trying to make things better
    But I ended up becoming something other than what I had planned to be
  • Alessandra from St.louis, Moi really love Bright Eyes & Conor is a god. lol. but yes. i think this song is deeper than being explained, but oh well. that is my opinion.... or maybe i just like to use more, and more descriptive words.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.