Here's a breakdown:
* Perked you up: Means to make you feel more alert, lively, or cheerful.
* Like air a deflated inner tube: This is a comparison. A deflated inner tube is useless until it's filled with air. The phrase implies that the words had a similar effect, making you feel revitalized and ready to go.
Example:
"After a long day, I was completely drained. But then my friend told me some funny stories, and those words perked me up like air a deflated inner tube. I felt ready to tackle the rest of the evening!"
This example illustrates how the phrase can be used to describe a situation where someone feels tired or discouraged, and then something unexpected happens to boost their spirits.