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".
For Phoebe Still a Baby
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who I've never seen
Had you asked, I'd be right out
And maybe
In a good time
Phoebe, then I'll tuck you in
How is it
You do
(Listen, angel)
Run along, and shine the world
(This night, angel)
Don't tell
(Please smile on, angel)
Run along, and shine the whole night away
And, say
And maybe
In a good time
Phoebe, then I'll tuck you in
Little Phoebe
Who I've never seen
Had you asked, I'd be right out
For love feels
(Listen, angel)
Feels
(Listen, angel)
Run along, and shine the world
(This night, now, angel)
It's all the same
(Listen, now, angel)
Run along, and shine the whole world, angel
How is it
(Listen, angel)
You do
(Listen, angel)
Run along, and shine the world
(This night, angel)
Don't tell
(Please smile on, angel)
Run and shine the whole world now, my angel
The lyrics to Cocteau Twins' song "For Phoebe Still a Baby" are a beautiful and haunting tribute to a child named Phoebe. The song's lyrics describe the singer's desire to meet and comfort Phoebe, even though they have never seen her. The singer longs to be with Phoebe "in a good time" and promises to tuck her in. The repeated refrain of "Listen, angel" suggests a soothing lullaby or prayer. The song reminds the listener that even in difficult times, there is hope and beauty in the world, embodied in the innocence of a child.
The song's lyrics are evocative and poetic, invoking a sense of tenderness and longing. The repetition of phrases like "listen, angel" and "run and shine the whole world now" reinforce the sense of a cherubic, innocent being who embodies hope and possibility. The song's title, "For Phoebe Still a Baby," suggests that Phoebe may have passed away, but her memory lives on and inspires the singer to seek comfort and solace in her memory. Overall, Cocteau Twins' "For Phoebe Still a Baby" is a touching tribute to the wonder and beauty of a child's life, even after it has ended.
Line by Line Meaning
Little Phoebe
The singer is addressing a little girl named Phoebe.
Who I've never seen
The singer has never seen Phoebe before.
Had you asked, I'd be right out
If Phoebe had asked the singer to be with her, the singer would have come out to spend time with her.
And maybe
Perhaps someday the singer will get to spend time with Phoebe.
In a good time
When the time is right for both of them.
Phoebe, then I'll tuck you in
If the singer gets to spend time with Phoebe, she will tuck her in at bedtime.
How is it
The singer is curious about something.
(Listen, angel)
The singer is addressing Phoebe.
You do
The singer is asking Phoebe a question.
Run along, and shine the world
The singer wants Phoebe to go out and explore the world, to be happy and radiant.
(This night, angel)
The singer is addressing Phoebe again.
Don't tell
The singer is asking Phoebe to keep a secret.
(Please smile on, angel)
The singer hopes Phoebe will continue to be happy and joyful.
Run along, and shine the whole night away
The singer wants Phoebe to keep being radiant and joyful all night long.
And, say
The singer is asking Phoebe to speak up.
It's all the same
The singer is saying that everything is equal.
(Listen, now, angel)
The singer is addressing Phoebe again.
Run along, and shine the whole world, angel
The singer wants Phoebe to keep being radiant and spreading joy wherever she goes.
How is it
The singer is asking yet another question of Phoebe.
You do
The singer is asking Phoebe another question.
Run along, and shine the world
The singer wants Phoebe to continue radiating positivity and joy wherever she goes.
(This night, angel)
The singer is addressing Phoebe again.
Don't tell
The singer is repeating her request to Phoebe to keep a secret.
(Please smile on, angel)
The singer is expressing her hope that Phoebe will continue to be happy and joyful.
Run and shine the whole world now, my angel
The singer wants Phoebe to keep spreading joy and positivity throughout the world.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SIMON PHILIP RAYMONDE, ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN A. GUTHRIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind