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".
Aikea Guinea
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like he's gonna have to make me
He gladdens
When he pushes away
Like he's gonna have to make me
He gladdens
Oh, please
When he pushes away
Like he's gonna have to make me
He he he he he he
It's so good to have a man
It's so good to have him check him out
Saliva peeks from his trail
I gained a lot of advice from him
It's so good to have a man
It's so good to have him check him out
Saliva peeks from his trail
I gained a lot of advice from him
Oh, please
Please
It's so good to have a man
It's so good to have him check him out
At night
Oh, please
Please
It's so good to have a man
It's so good to have him check him out
When he pushes her back
Like he's gonna have to make me
Saliva peeks from his trail
I gained a lot of advice from him
It's so good to have a man
It's so good to have him check him out
Saliva peeks from his trail
I gained a lot of advice from him
When he pushes her back
Like he's gonna have to make me
Saliva peeks from his trail
I gained a lot of advice from him
It's so good to have a man
It's so good to have him check him out
Saliva peeks from his trail
I gained a lot of advice from him
Oh, please
Please
When he pushes her back
Like he's gonna have to make me
Please
Please
It's so good to have a man
It's so good to have him check him out
My love
The lyrics of Cocteau Twins' song "Aikea-Guinea" are highly abstract and difficult to interpret in a straightforward manner. The band's lead singer, Elizabeth Fraser, was known for her use of nonsensical, stream-of-consciousness lyrics that were more concerned with the sound and flow of the words than with their literal meaning. However, there are a few possible interpretations of this particular song.
One possible interpretation is that the song is about the power dynamics and sexual tension between a man and a woman. The repeated phrase "When he pushes away / Like he's gonna have to make me / He gladdens" could be interpreted as the woman enjoying the feeling of being pursued and desired by the man. The line "Saliva peeks from his trail / I gained a lot of advice from him" could suggest that the woman is getting advice or guidance from the man, perhaps related to their sexual relationship.
Another possible interpretation is that the song is about the joy of being in a relationship with a man, as suggested by the line "It's so good to have a man / It's so good to have him check him out." The repeated use of the word "please" could suggest a desire for the man's attention or affection. However, the abstract nature of the lyrics makes it difficult to say for certain what the song is about.
Overall, "Aikea-Guinea" is a prime example of Cocteau Twins' unique and enigmatic approach to songwriting, with lyrics that resist easy interpretation and encourage the listener to focus on the emotions and ambiance created by the music.
Line by Line Meaning
When he pushes away
When he rejects or distances himself from me
Like he's gonna have to make me
As if he is trying to prove something by pulling away
He gladdens
He makes me happy
Oh, please
An expression of desire or desperation
Please
An appeal for something to happen or be given
It's so good to have a man
It is enjoyable or satisfying to be with a man
It's so good to have him check him out
It is enjoyable or satisfying to observe or admire him
Saliva peeks from his trail
A sensual or sexual reference to drooling over him
I gained a lot of advice from him
I learned many things from him
At night
A time of day or context for enjoyment of his company
When he pushes her back
When he distances himself from another woman
Please
An appeal for something to happen or be given
My love
An expression of endearment or affection
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN A. GUTHRIE, SIMON PHILIP RAYMONDE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind