A Perfect Indian

Album: Universal Mother (1994)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about the actor Daniel Day-Lewis, who at the time was working on the movie The Last Of The Mohicans, which is why O'Connor called it "A Perfect Indian."

    "People think we had an affair but we never did," she explained in her book Rememberings. "We were getting very friendly until I blew the friendship by losing my temper with him one night in a crazy way that I do sometimes. One of the effects of my childhood, unfortunately, so the song is as much about my upbringing as it is about Daniel."

    "It's not that I was in love with him," she added. "But I was very fond of him as a friend."
  • This piano ballad is part of Sinéad O'Connor's fourth album, Universal Mother, released after she consciously moved away from the world of pop music. O'Connor had a massive hit in 1990 with "Nothing Compares 2 U," a cover of a Prince song. The ensuing fame punctured her mental health and taught her that she'd be happier making music more on her terms to a smaller audience.
  • O'Connor had some hair by this point, but we don't see it on the album cover, which uses a picture she painted herself.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Yacht Rock Quiz

Yacht Rock QuizFact or Fiction

Christopher Cross with Deep Purple? Kenny Loggins in Caddyshack? A Fact or Fiction all about yacht rock and those who made it.

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?Song Writing

Katy Perry mentions McDonald's, Beyoncé calls out Red Lobster, and Supertramp shouts out Taco Bell - we found the 10 restaurants most often mentioned in songs.

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)Songwriter Interviews

"Come On Eileen" was a colossal '80s hit, but the band - far more appreciated in their native UK than stateside - released just three albums before their split. Now, Dexys is back.

AC/DC

AC/DCFact or Fiction

Does Angus really drink himself silly? Did their name come from a sewing machine? See if you can spot the real stories about AC/DC.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."