"perfect world" was first written and recorded well into the recording sessions for "after the disco", borrowing elements from the title track, "after the disco", a track which they had finished working on by the time "perfect world" had been conceived. a chord progression for the song was the first written element of the song; instruments and vocals were recorded later on. two versions of "perfect world" were originally created by the band; one version presenting the song as a lighter, yet fast-paced melody and one presenting it as a heavier, slower melody. the final version of the track that appears as the opening track on "after the disco" features elements of both of the original versions of the track, mixing it into a single track.