CocoRosie began as a duo, with Sierra singing, playing the guitar, piano and harp, and Bianca singing and manipulating various children's toys, electronic and percussion instruments, as well as other exotic noisemakers. They subsequently added various backing musicians, usually a bassist, keyboardist, and beatboxer. They have been a very active touring group, playing across Europe, the United States, and elsewhere.
They have released seven full-length albums: La maison de mon rêve (2004), Noah's Ark (2005), The Adventures of Ghosthorse and Stillborn (2007), Grey Oceans (2010), Tales of a GrassWidow (2013), Heartache City (2015) and Put the Shine On (2020).
In 2003, Bianca was growing restless and decided it was time for a change. Leaving her apartment in Brooklyn to travel the world, she ended up at Sierra's apartment in Paris. Over the course of the next two months, the women spent nearly every waking hour in Sierra's bathroom, chosen as the most acoustic and isolated room in the apartment. Soon, they had completed both a hip-hop recording (never released) called "word to the crow" and their proper debut album La Maison de Mon Rêve.
Originally, La Maison de Mon Rêve was only intended to be distributed within a close circle of friends. However, by 2004 the lo-fi album had been released on independent label Touch and Go Records, who had obtained a copy of the CD and had uncharacteristically pursued signing the artists. Since the creation of their first album, the Casady sisters have been virtually inseparable.
Stylistically they may be assigned to the indie rock, psychedelic folk, folktronica genres, and are sometimes associated with the New Weird America movement. Sierra, who studied operatic vocal techniques, takes the lead vocals and also plays guitar, harp and flute. Bianca is a percussionist and also beatboxes. The group also uses various objects such as toys to construct their unique sound. Popular indie bands such as The xx name them as a major influence.
They were actively touring during most of 2004, playing across the U.S. and throughout Europe with artists such as TV on the Radio, Bright Eyes, Battles, Devendra Banhart, and Busdriver among others.
Official website: http://www.cocorosiemusic.com
03 Jesus Loves Me
CocoRosie Lyrics
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But not my wife
Not my nigger friends
Or their nigger lives
But Jesus loves me
That's for sure
'Cause the bible tells me so
Don't forget about that
Apple, spell don't fall in the
Wishing well wishing for
Heaven and gettin' hell
Wash behind your eras don't smell
Cover them freckles
Don't ask don't tell
Kiss your papa but not
Too long hold his hands
Don't do no wrong
Jesus loves me
But not my wife
Not my nigger friends
Or their nigger lives
But Jesus loves me
That's for sure
'Cause the bible tells me so
Hush don't cry dry them tears
Time'll wash away all
Them years scare or a bruise
Pick and choose when
You're all grown up
You'll have the blues
Life'll give you that
Wedding ring fancy cars
And diamond things
You best believe in Jesus'
Way and never fall asleep
Forgetting to pray
Jesus loves me
But not my wife
Not my nigger friends
Or their nigger lives
But Jesus loves me
That's for sure
'Cause the bible tells me so
The song "Jesus Loves Me" by CocoRosie is a commentary on the hypocrisy and discrimination present in organized religion. The lyrics express the idea that while Jesus may love the singer, he does not extend that love to their wife or their black friends and their lives. The use of the derogatory term "nigger" emphasizes the discrimination present in society and religion, and highlights the fact that love and acceptance are not equally distributed to everyone.
The chorus of the song, "Jesus loves me, that's for sure, 'cause the bible tells me so," is a nod to the traditional Christian hymn "Jesus Loves Me." However, the use of this phrase in the context of the verses that precede it creates a sense of irony, highlighting the disparity between the ideals of love and acceptance promoted by Christianity and the reality experienced by those who are marginalized in society.
The second verse of the song advises the listener to "read your bible good and well," but also warns against blindly following the teachings of the church without questioning them. The line "don't forget about that apple spell don't fall in the wishing well wishing for heaven and getting hell" suggests that blindly following religious teachings without critical thinking can lead to unintended consequences or a negative outcome.
Line by Line Meaning
Jesus loves me
I believe that Jesus loves me
But not my wife
Jesus doesn't love my wife
Not my nigger friends
Jesus doesn't love my black friends
Or their nigger lives
Jesus doesn't love the lives of my black friends
But Jesus loves me
I believe that Jesus loves only me
That's for sure
I'm certain of this
'Cause the bible tells me so
I base my beliefs on what the bible says
Read your bible good and well
You must read and study the bible thoroughly
Don't forget about that
Don't forget the importance of the bible
Apple, spell don't fall in the
Be careful not to be tricked by the devil
Wishing well wishing for
Be careful what you wish for
Heaven and gettin' hell
You might end up in hell even if you try to go to heaven
Wash behind your eras don't smell
Clean yourself properly and avoid bad odors
Cover them freckles
Hide your imperfections
Don't ask don't tell
Keep secrets to yourself
Kiss your papa but not
Show affection to your father, but within certain limits
Too long hold his hands
Don't hold hands with your father for too long
Don't do no wrong
Don't do anything bad
Hush don't cry dry them tears
Don't cry, wipe away your tears
Time'll wash away all
Things will get better over time
Them years scare or a bruise
Difficult times will leave scars
Pick and choose when
Choose wisely
You're all grown up
When you become an adult
You'll have the blues
You might feel sad at times
Life'll give you that
Life will present you with
Wedding ring fancy cars
Material possessions such as a wedding ring and fancy cars
And diamond things
And expensive jewelry
You best believe in Jesus' way
You should believe and follow Jesus' teachings
And never fall asleep
And never forget
Forgetting to pray
To pray regularly
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Bianca Leilani Casady, Sierra Rose Casady
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind