The title track concerns a dying old man returning to apologize to his estranged daughter for unspecified past misdeeds.

Among the other songs, "Evie's Tears" apparently refers to sexual abuse (evidently by a priest), and "Dolores" is based on Nabokov's Lolita.

Despite the preponderance of dark subject matter, the album has a jaunty feel as Johnston demonstrates an ability to craft winning pop melodies.

This Perfect World was produced by Butch Vig, who also played on the album's minor hit, "Bad Reputation."

Other notable contributors include cellist Jane Scarpantoni, who performed on two tracks, and Marshall Crenshaw.