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".
Calfskin Smack
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Life, it, it just seems right, now
And when I had you
I didn't always want you, baby
I'd cry myself out
But you survived and this amased me
(Even into)
Call, call, calling to yourself
(Calling to find)
Then find anger's a part of me
(Anger's a cannibal)
You won, you'se flawless, little fell (?)
The Cocteau Twins are known for their cryptic and dream-like music, and "Calfskin Smack" is certainly no exception. This song explores themes of self-discovery and acceptance, and reflects on the difficulty of coming to terms with one's own anger and flaws. The opening lines, "I have to follow my path/heart, Life, it, it just seems right, now" suggest that the singer is on a journey of self-discovery and is embracing the uncertainty and ambiguity of life. The following lines, "And when I had you/I didn't always want you, baby/I'd cry myself out/But you survived and this amazed me" may be referring to a past relationship that didn't work out, but the partner ultimately survived the break-up and moved on. This may have motivated the singer to also move on and embrace their own path.
The chorus of the song is particularly interesting, as it's difficult to decipher what the band is saying. The lyrics could be "Stiv, stiv, God made it claw (Even into) Call, call, calling to yourself (Calling to find) Then find anger's a part of me (Anger's a cannibal) You won, you'se flawless, little fell (?)." The first part of the chorus may be commenting on the pain and struggle of self-discovery, while the latter part appears to be directed at someone else who is "flawless".
Line by Line Meaning
I have to follow my path/heart
It is necessary for me to act in accordance with my personal beliefs and desires
Life, it, it just seems right, now
At this moment, life feels like it is going in the correct direction
And when I had you
During the time when I was in a relationship with you
I didn't always want you, baby
My affections and desires towards you were not constant
I'd cry myself out
I would express my emotions to the point of exhaustion
But you survived and this amased me
You were able to endure my volatile emotions and this surprised me
Stiv, stiv, God made it claw (?)
A repeated phrase with unknown meaning
(Even into) Call, call, calling to yourself
Attempting to communicate with or find oneself
(Calling to find) Then find anger's a part of me
After searching within oneself, discovering that anger is a strong aspect of one's personality
(Anger's a cannibal)
A metaphorical statement comparing anger to a consuming force
You won, you'se flawless, little fell (?)
A statement directed at an unknown subject, seemingly congratulating them for their perfection
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN GUTHRIE, SIMON RAYMONDE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@indorianshell
I have to follow my pride
Life, is, it just seems right, now
(Ouh la la la la la)
And when I had you
I didn't always want you, baby
I'd cry myself out
But you survived and this amazed me
Sleep, sleep, God made it cry
(Even into)
Call, call, calling to yourself
(Calling to find)
Then find anger's in a part of me
(Anger's a cannibal)
You won, those flawless, little flaws
@iluvj00
The power of this song is not to be underestimated. It's heavenly, it can take you right up there and sit you over the clouds very close to the source of everything, I like to call it sun.
@derechoprocesalexplicado.2039
❤zzzźzź1p
@777pusher
RIP Shum!! You were a YouTube Godsend!!! We will forever appreciate your talent and love for our favorite band/group!!!!!
@SoupySoupySoupySoup
How did you find this out? :(
@777pusher
@@Soupboss77 it’s been years, and I can’t pinpoint when I found out, but still, a massive loss to CT fans on YT!!
@SoupySoupySoupySoup
@@777pusher Oh my... what a shame.. rest in peace Shum. What lovely videos you posted. Bless your soul.
@deisegmz
Coisa linda essa música ♥ banda maravilhosa.
@brettlomayma1401
Milk and Kisses , was one of their best albums I think. Its been awhile since I've listened to the entirety of it. Though it still brings me back to the first time i heard it when I bought it, so many years ago. I've always loved The Cocteau Twins and they always bring me back to that same feeling of harmony.
@soundseeker63
This song is like pure sunshine for the soul. Definitely one of CTs "happiest" tracks, along with Ivo and Carolyn's Fingers. What a joy :-) Love those ooooh lalalalala harmonies!
@777blueray
Their music transcends all time and space bringing a deeper reality into being revealing ultimate beauty,bliss and the harmony which is inevitable as a result of listening to the Cocteau Twins