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

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

TV Theme Songs

TV Theme SongsFact or Fiction

Was a Beatles song a TV theme? And who came up with those Fresh Prince and Sopranos songs?

Michael Sweet of Stryper

Michael Sweet of StryperSongwriter Interviews

Find out how God and glam metal go together from the Stryper frontman.

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."