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".
Grail Overfloweth
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
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And music, And there is love, (x2)
Grail overfloweth, There is rain
And there's saliva, And there's you
Flinch for him
More than the other fakes
I sleep
Horizontally
You speak
You wish me to, See to you
Grail overfloweth
There is rain
Grail overfloweth
There is you and me
(x5)
Grail overfloweth
The lyrics to Cocteau Twins' song Grail Overfloweth are complex and open to interpretation. At its core, the song conveys a sense of abundance and overflow, with the "grail" symbolizing something precious and holy that overflows with rain, music, love, and saliva. These elements are juxtaposed with the cryptic lyrics describing a person who is flinching and fake, and a narrator who sleeps horizontally and is spoken to by someone who wishes to be seen.
One possible interpretation of the song is that it is about the overwhelming power of love and desire, which can overflow and intoxicate like a holy grail. The rain, music, and saliva may symbolize the physical and emotional sensations of being in love, while the cryptic lyrics about fakes and flinching suggest the obstacles and distractions that can get in the way of true love.
Another interpretation is that the song is about the search for spiritual or emotional fulfillment, represented by the grail that overflows with rain, music, and love. The singer may be seeking guidance or enlightenment from someone they trust, but feels overwhelmed and confused by their own desires and the distractions around them.
Overall, the lyrics to Grail Overfloweth are poetic and enigmatic, inviting listeners to interpret them in their own way.
Line by Line Meaning
Grail overfloweth
Life is filled with abundance and wealth.
There is rain
Life has its struggles and downfalls.
And music
Music is a source of joy and comfort in life.
And there is love
Love is a powerful force that enriches life.
Grail overfloweth
Life continues to be abundant and fulfilling.
There's saliva
There is tension and unease in a particular situation or relationship.
And there's you
You are involved in this situation or relationship.
Flinch for him
You are willing to stand up for someone even in the face of opposition.
More than the other fakes
The person you are defending is more genuine and authentic than others who may be involved in this situation or relationship.
I sleep horizontally
You sleep peacefully and without worry.
You told momma
You confided in someone you trust, likely seeking guidance or comfort.
You speak
You have a voice and your opinions and feelings matter.
You wish me to, See to you
You are seeking attention or care from someone else.
Grail overfloweth
Despite struggles and tension, life continues to be abundant and fulfilling.
There is you and me
We are both involved in this situation or relationship and are responsible for working through any challenges together.
Grail overfloweth
Life is an ever-present cycle of abundance and struggle, but ultimately remains fulfilling and worthwhile.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN GUTHRIE, WILLIAM HEGGIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind