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
Houses
CocoRosie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'll tell you that I love her
'Cause she feeds me all kinds of foods, la la la
She feeds me all kinds of foods
Don't you love your baby
Tell me
Tell me, tell me, tell me truth
And all the food you ate
Big houses burn
Big houses burn down
Big houses burn
Big houses burn down
Big houses burn
Big houses burn down
Big houses burn
Big houses burn down
Big houses burn
Big houses burn down
Don't burn down mine
The lyrics of "Houses" by CocoRosie touch upon the themes of love for family, gratitude for birth mothers, and the dangers of wealth and possessions. The singer expresses her love for her mother who feeds her various kinds of foods. She then asks the listener if they love their baby and to tell her the truth. The singer goes on to talk about how the food people eat is enough to fill their plates. The chorus then warns about the dangers of big houses, which can burn down, but the singer pleads for her own home not to burn down.
The song's lyrics can be interpreted in different ways, but one interpretation might be that the singer is cautioning against the danger of excess and consumption. The luxurious homes, big houses, can easily burn down, highlighting the fragility of wealth and material possessions. The singer's plea to spare her own home from burning might be seen as a desire to hold onto the comforts of home and love that she has.
Line by Line Meaning
Ask me about my mother
I am willing to share details about my mother.
And I'll tell you that I love her
I have great affection for my mother.
'Cause she feeds me all kinds of foods, la la la
My mother provides me with diverse types of food.
She feeds me all kinds of foods
I have access to different cuisines through my mother's cooking.
Don't you love your baby
I wonder if you have strong feelings of love for your child.
Tell me
Please share your thoughts with me.
Tell me, tell me, tell me truth
I want honest answers from you.
And all the food you ate
I'm curious about your past meals.
Enough to fill your plate
I imagine you've consumed a plentiful amount of food.
Big houses burn
Large homes can be destroyed by fire.
Big houses burn down
Large houses can be completely destroyed by fire.
Don't burn down mine
Please don't destroy my home by fire.
Contributed by Asher A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.