"perfect world" is a song written by james mercer and brian burton of the american alternative rock band broken bells. it was originally recorded by the band for their second studio album, "after the disco", where it appears as the opening track on the album. a "perfect world" promotional single was released for streaming on the australian branch of commercial music streaming service spotify on february 4, 2014, becoming the third release by the band in promotion of "after the disco", after singles "holding on for life" and "after the disco."