Music Review: The Band Perry "Done"

The Band Perry

Done

Album: Pioneer

Year: 2013

       Kimberly Perry plans to blindside her boyfriend with a breakup in the bristled  “Done.”

           Cross guitars open the single, setting a disaffected tone.  He’s still chatting on his phone with his friend. She turns his head away him as he laughs and stares outside the window of the car. It’s just his way of reminding her who has the control in the relationship. Any mentions of living together possibly in the future are met with the answer of: “when we are very, very serious.” She had hoped he would at least elaborate more on what very, very serious meant to him. All this time, he’s been self-absorbed, clueless to what she really feels. He needs to know treating people like they are invisible has consquences. However, he will learn it in a way that doesn’t involve her breaking any laws. (“You've been wearing that crown and tearing me down/It's been a while since you treated me right/You strung me along for far too long cause I never gave up the fight/Until now/It’s gonna hit you hard til you see stars/It’s gonna put you through a world of hurt/Oh I don't believe in getting even but getting what you deserve/Oh my, Oh my.”)

          In the chorus, her mother raised her to be polite and avoid direct conflict. Her mother may not think it’s ladylike but she needs to stand up to him. Being the docile girlfriend has turned her into a doormat. She has to get rid of him. She doesn’t like the only time he’s there for her is when he wants to fool around. Otherwise, he keeps her waiting and makes sure he has the upper hand. (“Mama always told me that I should play nice/She didn't know you when she gave me that advice/I'm through with you/You're one bridge I'd like to burn/Bottle up the ashes, smash the urn/I'm through with you/La dee da/I don't wanna be your just for fun/Don't wanna be under your thumb/All I wanna be is done.”)

          At a party, he told her her clothing was inapproriate for the party in front of the host. Such lectures are common. She can no longer be humilated by him anymore. She can’t even stand being in the same room with him. One day, she won’t hold back, telling him what a hypocrite and fake he actually is. He will be shocked to see her anger and won’t know how to respond. (“You crossed the line too many times/I'm gonna put you in your place/You play with dynamite, don't be surprised/When I blow up in your face/Oh my, Oh my.”)

                  The chorus is sung again.

                In the bridge, he is his top priority, his vague answers lead to more turns when she responds the same way,, leaving her wondering how he really feels. She can’t waste her time with someone she can’t trust. (“With your selfish ways/And all the games you play/I'm through with you/And everything you say/Mama told me that I should play nice/She didn't know you when she gave me that advice.”)

               The chorus is sung again with an extra “all I wanna be is done” added at the end.

               After a grunt from Perry, she says “all I wanna be done” to close the single.

            Perry’s hawkish, chafed vocals are hell bent on causing some law-abiding havoc. Her mother meant well but taught her how to be a doormat. Her boyfriend will find out there is a time limit on his games, rendering his rules useless.

            The furious “Done” doesn’t back down, following through on its threat.