Now look at you, been walking in here looking all pretty and angry and mean and good
Now I know you didn’t get your hair done so you could just sit down and just sit still
Aye, we tryna have a good time tonight, let’s go, baby!
It’s my birthday
(No, it’s not)
But I still look good, though
(Hot comb hot)
Ow, I bet you want an autograph
(For you and your friends)
Gotta do it in the penthouse
That’s where I keep my pen
What, you can’t dance? Ain’t got rhythm?
What, you got a man? I don’t see you with him
Put your phone down, let’s get it
Forget your Instagram and your Twitter
Got me like whoa, wait a minute
You need to take a minute
Loosen them shoulders up
Pour it up, let’s work
Throw some perm on your attitude
Girl, you gotta relax, ooh, uh
Let me show you what you got to do
You gotta lay it back
Matter of fact? Band, show her how to lay it back, uh!
Show her how to lay it back, uh
Show her how to lay it back, aw
Show her how to lay it back
Alright!
Come on, baby, I love you
(No, you don’t)
You never know, I might though
Can’t say I won’t, ah
There’s that smile I’m looking for
(Was that so hard?)
Ooh, if you ever need to smile again girl, take my card
Razzle-dazzle, never gon’ stop
What you want is what I got
You wanna get down? You gotta get up
Don’t be stingy with your big ol’ butt
You got a booty like
Whoa, wait a minute
I’m just playin’ with you
Loosen them shoulders up
Pour it up, let’s work
Throw some perm on your attitude
Girl, you gotta relax, ooh, uh
Let me show you what you got to do
You gotta lay it back
Matter of fact? Band, show her how to lay it back, uh!
Show her how to lay it back, uh
Show her how to lay it back, aw
Show her how to lay it back
Alright!
Aye, now you got it, baby! You tryna have some fun tonight, you just gotta follow these simple instructions, you ready?
You need to activate your sexy (Activate your sexy)
Silky, smooth and snap (Silky, smooth and snap)
Now lean with it (lean), throw a lil’ Sheen in it (Sheen)
Then pat, pat, pat ’til it’s flat
One more time
You need to activate your sexy (Activate your sexy)
Silky, smooth and snap (Silky, smooth and snap)
Uh, now lean with it (lean), throw a lil’ Sheen in it (Sheen)
Then pat, pat, pat ’til it’s flat
I’ll sing it again
Throw some perm on your attitude
Girl, you gotta relax, ooh, ooh
Let me show you what you got to do
You gotta lay it back
Matter of fact? Band, show her how to lay it back, uh!
Show her how to lay it back
Show her how to lay it back
Show her how to lay it back
Alright!
Feel-Good Funk: The Playful Energy of “Perm”
Bruno Mars’s “Perm” bursts with infectious energy and charisma, channeling the spirit of classic funk and soul. The lyrics invite listeners to let loose, have fun, and shed their inhibitions. Mars uses playful commands and witty banter—like “throw some perm on your attitude”—to encourage confidence and self-expression on the dance floor. The song’s call-and-response style and cheeky humor emphasize a carefree atmosphere, urging everyone to relax, put away their phones, and enjoy the moment. With its references to dance moves and self-care rituals, “Perm” not only pays homage to old-school party anthems but also celebrates individuality and the joy of feeling good in your own skin.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bruno Mars
- Songwriters: Bruno Mars, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Christopher Brody Brown
- Release Year: 2016
- Label: Atlantic Records