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
Broken Chariot
CocoRosie Lyrics
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My broken chariot dispair
Oh my love
The lyrics of CocoRosie's song "Broken Chariot" seem to be a lament of lost love or perhaps a nostalgic remembrance of a great love that has been broken. The use of the words "dispair" and "broken" indicate that the love might not have been a happy one, or it might have ended in a painful way. The metaphor of a broken chariot emphasizes the idea of something that was once whole and powerful, but now lays in ruins. The chariot is often used as a symbol of strength and power, so the use of the term "broken chariot" is quite poignant; it suggests that even the strongest and most powerful things can fall apart.
The lyricist seems to be addressing the object of their affection directly, as if speaking to them, and the repetition of the phrase "my love," reinforces this intimate and personal feel. The tone of the song is emotional and melancholy, perhaps hinting at a sense of regret or loss. The ambiguity of the lyrics allows the listener to fill in their own experiences of lost or broken love, making the song universal and relatable to a wide audience.
Line by Line Meaning
My love
The affectionate feeling that I have towards someone special.
My broken chariot despair
I am feeling deeply saddened and hopeless because my vehicle of comfort and protection is no longer functional.
Oh my love
Expressing the intensity of my emotions towards the person I love.
Contributed by Juliana I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.