Ever since One Direction's new song "Perfect" debuted, it's been the source of speculation. Fans immediately picked up on the 1D track's similarities to Taylor Swift's "Style" (which is universally assumed to be about her relationship with Harry Styles). For this reason, loyal listeners suspected it was Styles' musical response to his ex. While fans can ponder this all they want, the only one who really knows the truth is Harry Styles himself. Luckily, People decided to go straight to the source and ask him just that. So, is "Perfect" about Taylor Swift? According to One Direction's fabulously-haired frontman, it's open to interpretation. In the interview, Harry Styles wouldn't confirm the song is about Swift. Instead, he told People,
I think people interpret songs in different ways. I'm never going to tell someone what a song's about because I feel like it's up to them.
Although it's a bit of a non-answer, I actually think it's a perfect response. (Pun not intended.) By leaving it open to fans' interpretation, Styles isn't confirming the rumors, but he's not denying them either. Plus, it would've been pretty rude if he was like, "Nope, who's Taylor Swift? I would never write a song about her." He could've been a total jerk about it, but he chose to stay diplomatic and that's great. Further proving his politeness, Styles admitted he hasn't heard the "Perfect" and "Style" mash-up that circulated the Internet (which makes no sense — has he been living under a rock?), he still said, "I'm sure it's good." Of course it is!
While Styles wouldn't say much else, co-writer and bandmate Louis Tomlinson had this to say about the T. Swift rumors: "I think everybody draws from personal experiences, so of course to a degree I'm sure that influenced some of it. Down to specifics to who that song is exactly about, that's fan's interpretation, I suppose." Hmmm, very interesting! Another non-answer, but still suggests that yes, one of Styles' past relationships did influence his writing. And what relationship stands out more than the time he dated Taylor Swift?
Although fans may never know for sure who inspired "Perfect," at least this is a much more peaceful exchange than when Swift wrote "Dear John," huh? John Mayer's response "Paper Doll" wasn't as heartwarming, to say the least. Mayer's words "You're like 22 girls in one / And none of them know what they're running from" have quite a different tone than One Direction's lyrics like, "If you're looking for someone to write your breakup songs about / Baby I'm perfect / Baby we're perfect."
All in all, it must be pretty nice to be a famous musician and channel all those post-breakup feelings into song, instead of a pint of Ben & Jerry's. And one thing is certain, whoever did inspire "Perfect" helped create a hit.
