The band's early work drew influence from Siouxsie and the Banshees and Joy Division. After signing with the British record label 4AD in 1982, they released their debut album Garlands later that year. The addition of Raymonde in 1983 solidified their final lineup, which produced their biggest hit in the UK, "Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops", peaking at No. 29 on the UK Singles Chart. In 1988, Cocteau Twins signed with Capitol Records in the United States, distributing their fifth album, Blue Bell Knoll, through a major label in the country. After the 1990 release of their most critically acclaimed album, Heaven or Las Vegas, the band left 4AD for Fontana Records, where they released their final two albums.
After nearly 20 years together, the band disbanded in 1997 in part due to issues stemming from the disintegration of Fraser and Guthrie's romantic relationship. In 2005, the band announced that they would reunite to headline Coachella and embark on a world tour but the reunion was cancelled a month later after Fraser refused to perform on stage with Guthrie. In a 2021 interview, Raymonde confirmed that Cocteau Twins "will never reform".
08. Spooning Good Singing Gum
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
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Long love found of long by the dove
Love, love, happy
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
Love, love, happy
Cute couple
Cute couple
Simply caught up
Happy and then
Happy and then
The lyrics of Cocteau Twins' Spooning Good Singing Gum are poetic and cryptic, leaving much room for interpretation. The song speaks of days that are nervous and long by the sea, suggesting a sense of anxiety and restlessness. The phrase "long love found of long by the dove" is harder to decipher, but it could refer to the discovery of a long-lasting love, perhaps found through a process of searching akin to that of a dove. The repetition of the word "love" in the lyrics, coupled with the recurring phrase "ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha," creates a sense of lightheartedness and joy, suggesting that perhaps the singer has found happiness in the form of a newfound love.
The lines "cute couple, simply caught up, happy and then" further reinforce the idea of newfound love and the simple joy that comes with it. The use of the word "caught up" suggests a sense of being swept away or consumed by the feeling of love, as if one is unable to control the intensity of their emotions. Overall, the lyrics of Spooning Good Singing Gum convey a sense of both anxiety and joy, creating a vivid image of someone caught up in the throes of a new relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Days, nervous, long by the sea
Anxiety-filled days seem longer by the sea
Long love found of long by the dove
Long-lasting love discovered near the peaceful dove
Love, love, happy
Love brings happiness
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha
Expressing joy and laughter
Love, love, happy
More love brings more happiness
Cute couple
Adorable pair
Cute couple
Continuing to describe the cute pair
Simply caught up
Lost in the moment
Simply caught up
Unable to think of anything else
Happy and then
Feeling joy in that moment
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SIMON PHILIP RAYMONDE, ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN A. GUTHRIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind