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".
Ella Megalast Burls Forever
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Through the heart and breast
Men don't have that much
Through the heart and breast
None of it, seems to me, with what... a tear
None of it, seems to me, with what... a tear
Felt it from the heart again
(For those who achieve this grace)
Don't hold that against me
Felt it from the heart again
(For those who achieve this grace)
Mistakes
Whisked away
Away and
Be joyful and joyful
Mistakes
Whisked away
Away and
Be joyful and joyful
With all the feelings on the ground
Men don't have much
Through the heart
Through the heart and breast
The only way in (x4)
The lyrics of Cocteau Twins' "Ella Megalast Burls Forever" seem to be exploring the theme of emotional expression and the barriers to male vulnerability. The opening lines declare that men don't reveal much of themselves "through the heart and breast," suggesting that the social and cultural expectations of masculinity discourage men from sharing their emotions openly. The lines "None of it, seems to me, with what... a tear" reinforce this sentiment, as tears are often seen as a symbol of weakness in men.
Despite this, the song also acknowledges the value of accessing one's emotions and achieving a sense of grace. The lines "Felt it from the heart again / (For those who achieve this grace) / Don't hold that against me" suggest that vulnerability can lead to a deeper spiritual understanding, but there is fear attached to this revelation. The repeated refrain "Mistakes / Whisked away / Away and / Be joyful and joyful" further emphasizes that a sense of levity and acceptance can be found in letting emotions flow freely.
Overall, "Ella Megalast Burls Forever" explores the dichotomy of male emotional expression - the suppression and fear of vulnerability versus the power and grace found in accessing one's feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Men don't tell much
Men are often reserved and don't reveal much about themselves
Through the heart and breast
Men don't express their emotions, typically keeping them hidden
Men don't have that much
Men don't possess the ability or willingness to express their emotions
None of it, seems to me, with what... a tear
Even in emotionally charged situations, men don't show their emotions outwardly, typically not shedding tears
Felt it from the heart again
The emotions being felt were deeply affecting and genuine
(For those who achieve this grace)
These intense emotions are only experienced by those who are truly lucky
Don't hold that against me
Please don't judge me for feeling these intense emotions
Mistakes
Errors or missteps that were made
Whisked away
Removed or taken away quickly
Away and
Vanished and
Be joyful and joyful
Despite the sadness or mistakes that were made, find joy in life and be happy
With all the feelings on the ground
All the emotions felt have been exposed and laid bare, possibly causing vulnerability
Through the heart
Emotions are felt deeply and from the soul
The only way in (x4)
The only way to fully experience emotions is to allow them into your heart and be open to their impact
Contributed by Henry B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.