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".
Blood Bitch
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blood bitch
There's a corona
A corona swelling
Pressing hands
Against this scar
There's no warmth
There's no warmth to be felt
Don't damn this cold flame
Neither one or the other
Has much form or shape
Cold burns powerful
Has powerful needs
Holds back
What's my worth?
There's a fire
I'll paint the blood bitch
The blood bitch black
Lift or carry us (curious?)
Your the same old song
The lyrics to Cocteau Twins' song "Blood Bitch" are enigmatic and filled with metaphors. The song is open to interpretation, but it seems to reference a powerful, commanding woman or force, represented by the title "blood bitch." The image of a corona swelling could be interpreted as a crown, adding to the theme of royalty or power. The singer is pressing their hands against a scar, perhaps symbolizing a wound caused by this powerful force. Despite the burning cold of this force, the singer urges not to damage their altar nor damn the cold flame.
The chorus repeats the phrase "blood woman, blood bitch"; it is possible that these lyrics refer to the power that women hold in their bodies through menstruation, and how this natural process can be seen as threatening or even terrifying to some. The powerful and cold woman holds back something, but it is unclear what that is. The singer seems to be questioning their own worth or power in comparison.
The final lines "there's a fire, I'll paint the blood bitch / the blood bitch black / lift or carry us (curious?) / your the same old song" could be interpreted in various ways. It seems that the singer is acknowledging the fire or passion within themselves, and that they will try to paint the mysterious, powerful woman with the color black, perhaps further emphasizing the fear they feel. The last lines can be understood in various ways, but it seems to be a callout to someone or something that is no longer interesting or inspiring.
Line by Line Meaning
Blood woman
Referring to a woman who has a strong, powerful presence, much like the power of blood flowing through one's veins.
Blood bitch
Using a derogatory term to describe a woman who is seen as fierce and unapologetic, but also acknowledging the strength and forceful nature of her being.
There's a corona
There is an aura or essence surrounding the person being described, something that sets them apart and demands attention.
A corona swelling
This person's aura is expanding, growing more intense and powerful over time.
Pressing hands
Others are trying to contain or control this individual, to keep them from fully expressing their strength.
Against this scar
The person is wounded or damaged in some way, and this is being used to try to control them.
There's no warmth
Despite the presence of this powerful individual, there is no sense of comfort or safety around them.
There's no warmth to be felt
Others are unable to connect with this person on an emotional level, and may feel intimidated or frightened by their power.
Don't damage my altar
This individual has a sacred space or sense of self that they need to protect, and they will not allow others to compromise it.
Don't damn this cold flame
The individual's inner fire or passion is cold and intense, but it is still valuable and should not be rejected or judged.
Neither one or the other
This person is not easily categorized as either good or evil, kind or cruel, and defies easy classification.
Has much form or shape
This person is constantly changing and evolving, and cannot be pinned down to any one definition or identity.
Cold burns powerful
This individual's coldness or aloofness is part of what makes them so intimidating and strong.
Has powerful needs
This person has intense desires and motivations that are not easily understood or satisfied.
Holds back
This person is not fully revealing their true self or potential, and may be intentionally keeping others at a distance.
What's my worth?
This person is questioning their own value and worth, possibly due to feeling misunderstood or rejected by others.
There's a fire
Despite their cold exterior, this person has a strong inner fire that motivates and drives them forward.
I'll paint the blood bitch
The singer is claiming their own power and strength, and will not allow others to define them or put limits on their potential.
The blood bitch black
This person's power and strength may be dark or intense, but it is still beautiful and valuable.
Lift or carry us (curious?)
The artist is questioning whether others will support and uplift them, or if they will try to hold them back.
Your the same old song
This person has encountered similar attitudes and attempts to control them in the past, and is not swayed by these tactics.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN A. GUTHRIE, WILLIAM HEGGIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind