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
I Love Jesus
CocoRosie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 "I Love Jesus" by CocoRosie is a confrontational piece that deals with the themes of racism, bigotry, and hypocrisy. The lyrics are delivered in a spoken-word style and are purposely transgressive. The first verse reveals a stark contrast between the love that the persona receives from Jesus and the lack of love that his wife and "nigger friends" receive. Despite this, the persona is certain of Jesus' love because it is written in the Bible. The song also contains lines that appear to be a warning or a set of instructions on how to live a fruitful life according to the teachings of the Bible. The persona warns against wishing for heaven and getting hell, and the need to wash behind the ears so as not to smell.
The second verse advises the persona to cover up freckles, kiss his papa but not too long, not to do any wrong, and pick and choose when he's all grown up. It also talks about the challenges that life can bring, such as getting married, having fancy cars and diamond things, and how one should remember to believe in Jesus' way and never forget to pray. The song's chorus is repeated three times, for emphasis, and suggests that despite the persona's own flaws and the flaws of those around him, he is confident in Jesus' love for him because the Bible tells him so.
Overall, "I Love Jesus" is a provocative song that challenges the listener to confront their own beliefs and values. It raises questions about what is written in the Bible, the role of religion, and how society's prejudices can be reconciled with religious teachings.
Line by Line Meaning
Jesus loves me
Despite my flaws and imperfections, Jesus loves and cares for me unconditionally.
But not my wife
Although Jesus loves me, he does not approve of my actions towards my wife, and I need to address and correct them.
Not my nigger friends
Unfortunately, there is prejudice and discrimination within my beliefs towards my black friends, and I need to recognize that Jesus loves them just as much as he loves me.
Or their nigger lives
I must acknowledge that black lives matter, and Jesus cares about the well-being and justice for every individual regardless of their race.
But Jesus loves me
Despite my shortcomings and struggles, I know that Jesus loves and accepts me.
That's for sure
I have faith and trust in the love of Jesus and his teachings.
'Cause the bible tells me so
I believe in the guidance and wisdom of the Bible, and I use it to navigate through life's challenges.
Read your bible good and well
To fully understand and follow the teachings of the Bible, it is essential to read and study it carefully and attentively.
Don't forget about that
It is crucial to remember and apply the teachings of the Bible in daily life.
Apple, spell don't fall in the
Avoid temptation and evil influences, and always stay true to the principles and morals of the Bible.
Wishing well wishing for
Be mindful of the desires you have in life and ensure they align with the values of the Bible.
Heaven and gettin' hell
The choices we make in life determine our eternal fate, whether it be heaven or hell.
Wash behind your eras don't smell
Take care of yourself physically and maintain proper hygiene to avoid unpleasant smells and conditions.
Cover them freckles
We all have imperfections or blemishes, but it is important to embrace and accept them rather than hiding or being ashamed of them.
Don't ask don't tell
It is essential to be honest and transparent in our actions and intentions, rather than hiding or suppressing the truth.
Kiss your papa but not
Show appreciation and love to your father, but also set appropriate boundaries and maintain healthy relationships with him.
Too long hold his hands
Avoid being overly dependent or clingy when it comes to relationships, even with family members.
Don't do no wrong
Follow the principles and morals of the Bible and avoid making harmful or sinful choices.
Hush don't cry dry them tears
During tough times, it is important to stay strong, composed, and hopeful, rather than giving into sadness or despair.
Time'll wash away all
With time and patience, you can heal and move on from difficult experiences or traumas in life.
Them years scare or a bruise
Despite the pains or scars of the past, you can still find hope and happiness as time goes on.
Pick and choose when
Exercise wisdom and discernment when making choices, rather than acting impulsively or recklessly.
You're all grown up
As you mature and grow older, it is important to continue learning and improving yourself.
You'll have the blues
Life has its ups and downs, and it is natural to experience sadness or challenges, but remember that better times will come.
Life'll give you that
Life is full of surprises and challenges, but it is essential to stay resilient and optimistic through it all.
Wedding ring fancy cars
Material possessions and wealth may bring temporary happiness, but it is essential to prioritize meaningful relationships and values in life.
And diamond things
The pursuit of materialistic desires should not interfere with the pursuit of spiritual or emotional fulfillment in life.
You best believe in Jesus' way
It is crucial to have faith in the teachings and guidance of Jesus to navigate through life's challenges and struggles.
And never fall asleep
Stay alert and mindful of your actions and choices, rather than becoming complacent or indifferent towards them.
Forgetting to pray
Prayer can bring comfort, guidance, and strength during tough times, and it is essential to maintain a strong relationship with God through prayer.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Bianca Leilani Casady, Sierra Rose Casady
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@xxdarkangel15xx
I'd just like to point out that most of "us": the people of color, lgbtq, irish folk, and people abused by direct relatives in the name of obedience to "God" and "His word" in the comments, got the message and appreciated it.
@inphanta
I'm black and this song doesn't bother me at all. I understand its intent.
@genericusername337
I miss this cocorosie sound. :(
@Reverly
I can't believe people are not getting the sarcasm and irony in the lyrics!
@ErgoDog
loooooove this
@Shinnyuu2
I'm not so much taking sides in the debate as I'm amazed that it's been years and we still havent come to a consensus.
@beeandbirds
Hey, i know that the use of the "N" word in this music is very controversial. But, for me, its clear that the lyric says about straight racist white men, and the music clarifies that the cristianism favors them. It's just ironic. And it's very known that the bible is racist and sexist. But i know that the use of this is problematic, and i think they know about it. But it was needed for increase the context of the music.
@ashleyohohoh
I 'unno, I like it. I feel calm. 😴
@fooknagga9560
Based Jesus
@luukvandongen6889
I agree with Juan. Besides as we all know, Cocorosie uses obscene language quite often. Cocorosie is NOT in any way blind to the damage the word does. In an interview Bianca said that in their songs a lot of times they put in words/ statements they hate. It's a way of criticism, they imitate the racists and sexists. So I don't think you can say that Cocorosie doesn't know enough about it, I think they used the word in a way that criticizes racism even more.