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".
Carolyn's Fingers
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She fell down into this dirty mess
Some people see me laugh and tell us,
'It's wrong to make fun of me'
(Even they don't give any more)
(Try, try to fall)
She fell down into this mess
(Try, try to fall)
She fell down and he's so sick of it all
And of me
This part not out of her saw fit to drop
Whispers might prove it all
(You're just closer to me when you fall, but you broke)
This would prove it all
(You just closer to me, but you broke)
This would prove it all
Sleep now
You susur, try to talk
Reach out for that hand
Reach out for that hand
(And even they don't give any more)
(Try, try to fall)
Even then they don't give
(Try, try to fall)
You just closer to me at the fall
But you don't want, want me hand
You're just closer to me
But you don't want, want my hand
The song 'Carolyn's Fingers' by Cocteau Twins tells a story of a woman who falls into a 'dirty mess' after being told that she is full of love. The mentioning of her falling down and trying to talk or reach out for a hand shows her disorientation and vulnerability. The lyrics suggest that other people witnessed her struggle and instead of helping, made fun of her. This can be seen in the line, 'Some people see me laugh and tell us, it's wrong to make fun of me.' The repetition of the line, 'Try, try to fall' emphasizes the theme of falling, both physically and emotionally, and being unable to get up or receive help.
The second half of the song seems to shift focus to a different person, with the lines 'You're just closer to me when you fall, but you broke' and 'You're just closer to me, but you don't want, want my hand.' The meaning behind this shift is ambiguous, but it could be interpreted as a reflection on the singer's own struggles with vulnerability and relationships. Overall, the song has a haunting and dreamlike quality, typical of Cocteau Twins' unique style.
Line by Line Meaning
When he said, 'You are full of love'
She became overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing him say that she was filled with love.
She fell down into this dirty mess
The intensity of her emotions caused her to figuratively collapse into a state of confusion and chaos.
Some people see me laugh and tell us, 'It's wrong to make fun of me'
Despite her outward appearance of happiness, some perceive her behavior as inappropriate or disrespectful.
(Even they don't give any more)
Even those who used to support her or give her attention are no longer doing so.
(Try, try to fall)
She is tempting fate by allowing herself to fall emotionally and mentally.
She fell down into this mess
Her emotional and mental state has become overwhelmingly chaotic and confusing.
(Even then they don't give)
Even in her most vulnerable state, those who used to support her or give her attention are still absent or unhelpful.
(Try, try to fall)
Despite the lack of support, she continues to allow herself to fall emotionally and mentally.
She fell down and he's so sick of it all
Her continued emotional and mental fall has caused her loved one to become exhausted and frustrated.
And of me
He is not only sick of her emotional and mental state but also of her as a person.
This part not out of her saw fit to drop
She is struggling to keep a part of herself hidden or controlled.
Whispers might prove it all
The truth about the hidden part of herself may come out in whispers or through rumors.
(You're just closer to me when you fall, but you broke)
He feels closer to her when she is vulnerable, but her emotional and mental fall has caused a strain in their relationship.
This would prove it all
The truth about their strained relationship would become clear if she were to let herself completely fall.
Sleep now
She is being encouraged to rest and find peace in her current state.
You susur, try to talk
She is urged to communicate her needs and feelings, even if it is difficult.
Reach out for that hand
She is encouraged to seek support from those who care for her.
(And even they don't give any more)
Even those who used to support her or give her attention may no longer be able to provide the same level of help or support.
(Try, try to fall)
Despite the uncertainty of receiving support, she continues to allow herself to fall emotionally and mentally.
Even then they don't give
Even in her deepest state of vulnerability, those who used to support her or give her attention are still absent or unhelpful.
(Try, try to fall)
Despite the lack of support, she continues to allow herself to fall emotionally and mentally.
You just closer to me at the fall
He feels a sense of closeness to her during her emotional and mental fall.
But you don't want, want me hand
She is struggling to accept support from those who care about her.
You're just closer to me
Their relationship is strengthened when she is vulnerable and in need of support.
But you don't want, want my hand
Despite her need for support, she is struggling to accept help from her loved one.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SIMON PHILIP RAYMONDE, ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN A. GUTHRIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kostyapakhomov6921
When he said, 'You are full of love'
She fell down into this dirty mess
Some people see me laugh and tell us,
'It's wrong to make fun of me'
She fell down into this mess
(Even then they don't give)
(Try, try to fall)
She fell down and he's so sick of it all
And of me
This part not out of her saw fit to drop
Whispers might prove it all
(You're just closer to me when you fall, but you broke)
This would prove it all
(You just closer to me, but you broke)
This would prove it all
Sleep now
You susur, try to talk
Reach out for that hand
Reach out for that hand
(And even they don't give any more)
(Try, try to fall)
Even then they don't give
(Try, try to fall)
You just closer to me at the fall
But you don't want, want me hand
You're just closer to me
But you don't want, want my hand
@beamsinvestigations1986
In my opinion, Elizabeth is the finest and most melodious songbird on earth... gorgeous voice, and gorgeous melodies.
@tjn8666
40 years of enjoying this epic fucking masterpiece. Cheers to the next 40❤
@mstozsto4756
36 (2024-1998)
@soundseeker63
Released June '88. 35 years. Definitely still a masterpiece.
@marinawolf
I was 17 when I first heard this. I've listened to it through the decades and at 47 now, still love it.
@bash8257
My sentiments exactly
@aidannolte5777
I’m 17 discovering this now. Respect
@spinglasshydra
I was 13 in 83' and so my first love affair with all things Cocteau...!
@trustthescience2260
HS '91?
@romans_1202
Oh yeah. It’s still an amazing song!