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".
Half-Gifts
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you can't have me, you want me
Because you know that you're not risking anything
Intimacy is when we're in the same place at the same time
Dealing honestly with how we feel, and who we really are
That's what grown-ups do
Well I'm still a junkie for it
It takes me out of my aloneness
But this relationship cannot sustain itself
Intimacy is when we're in the same place at the same time
Dealing honestly with how we feel, and who we really are
That's what grown-ups do
That is mature thinking
I just have to know how to be in the process
Of creating things in a better way
And it hurts but it's a lie that I can't handle it
I still have a world of me-ness to fulfill
I still have a life, and it's a rich one even with mourning
Even with grief and sadness
I still care about this planet
I am still connected to nature and to my dreams for myself
[x2]
I have my friends, my family
I have myself
I still have me
The lyrics to Cocteau Twins' "Half-Gifts" describe the complexity of intimacy and the struggle to balance emotional connection with personal fulfillment. The first verse describes the paradoxical nature of desire. When two people are together in a relationship, there is a perceived risk of emotional vulnerability. However, when that relationship is unattainable or distant, desire can be intensified because there is no risk of loss or rejection. This idea of wanting what we can't have is a recurring theme in the song.
The chorus emphasizes the importance of honesty and vulnerability in emotionally mature relationships. The singer acknowledges that true intimacy requires presence, honesty, and acceptance of our true selves. While this type of connection can be elusive and challenging to maintain, it is the hallmark of a "grown-up" relationship.
The second verse speaks to the singer's struggle to balance the need for intimacy with personal fulfillment. They describe their desire for connection as a kind of addiction that temporarily distracts them from their own internal loneliness. However, they ultimately recognize that a relationship cannot sustain itself on this dynamic alone, and they must also focus on their own personal growth and healing.
Overall, "Half-Gifts" explores the complexities of emotional connection and highlights the importance of balancing personal needs with the desire for intimacy.
Line by Line Meaning
It's an old game, my love
You have a history of wanting me only when you can't have me.
When you can't have me, you want me
Your desire for me increases when you can't have me.
Because you know that you're not risking anything
You feel safe in desiring me because you know you won't have to risk anything to have me.
Intimacy is when we're in the same place at the same time
Intimacy requires physical proximity and presence.
Dealing honestly with how we feel, and who we really are
True intimacy requires honesty and vulnerability about our emotions and identities.
That's what grown-ups do
Honesty and vulnerability are mature and responsible behaviors.
Well I'm still a junkie for it
I still crave intimacy even though I know it is not sustainable in this relationship.
It takes me out of my aloneness
Intimacy temporarily alleviates my feelings of loneliness and isolation.
But this relationship cannot sustain itself
This relationship cannot last without true intimacy and honest communication.
I just have to know how to be in the process
I need to learn how to create a better relationship through communication and personal growth.
Of creating things in a better way
I need to work on improving myself and my relationship with my partner.
And it hurts but it's a lie that I can't handle it
It is difficult to face the truth, but I am capable of handling it.
I still have a world of me-ness to fulfill
I have personal goals and aspirations that I am still working towards achieving.
I still have a life, and it's a rich one even with mourning
Despite experiencing grief and sadness, my life still has meaning and richness.
Even with grief and sadness
My life has value even in the midst of difficult emotions.
I still care about this planet
I have a sense of global responsibility and concern for the well-being of the earth.
I am still connected to nature and to my dreams for myself
Even in difficult times, I remain connected to the natural world and my personal aspirations.
I have my friends, my family
I have a support system of loved ones in my life.
I have myself
Ultimately, I am self-reliant and capable of pursuing my own happiness and well-being.
I still have me
Despite any hardships or relationship struggles, I still have a sense of self and personal identity.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN GUTHRIE, SIMON RAYMONDE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@monica61378
It's an old game, my love
When you can't have me you want me
Because you know
That you're not risking anything
Intimacy is when
We're in the same place at the same time
Dealing honestly with how we feel, and who we really are
That's what grown-ups do
That is mature thinking
Well i'm still a junkie for it
It takes me out of my aloneness
But this relationship cannot sustain itself
Intimacy is when
We're in the same place at the same time
Dealing honestly with how we feel, and who we really are
That's what grown-ups do
That is mature thinking
I just have to know
How to be in
The process
Of creating things in a better way
And it hurts but it's a lie
That i can't handle it
I still have a world of me-ness to fulfill
I still have a life, and it's a rich one
Even with mourning
Even with grief and sadness
I still care about
This planet, i am still connected to nature
And to my dreams for myself
I have my friends
My family
I have myself
I still have me
I have my friends
My family
I have myself
I still have me
@Luciall15
I've been in love and obsessed with this song... Without a clear understanding of the lyrics, I could just melt with it... But now that I've read them, omg, i'm so softly heartbroken. She spoke my heart out!
"I just have to know
How to be in
The process
Of creating things in a better way
And it hurts but it's a lie
That i can't handle it
I still have a world of me-ness to fulfill
I still have a life, and it's a rich one
Even with mourning
Even with grief and sadness
I still care about
This planet, i am still connected to nature
And to my dreams for myself
I have my friends
My family
I have myself
I still have me"
❤
@berttalima1
...That's what grown-ups do
That is mature thinking
I just have to know how to be in the process
Of creating things in a better way
And it hurts but it's a lie that I can't handle it
I still have a world of me-ness to fulfill
I still have a life, and it's a rich one even with mourning
Even with grief and sadness
I still care about this planet
I am still connected to nature and to my dreams for myself
I have my friends, my family
I have myself
I still have me
@SantiagoGonzalez-sl5lj
My daily routine:
-Waking up
-Having lunch
-Not believing how underrated this band is
-Having Dinner
-Going to sleep
@bobotrone
sí
@RyanVoorhies
this is the realest song i've ever listened to. i listen to it every time i'm really sad. i listen to it at least once every 2 days. it's honest and personal. and beautiful. and so multidimensional. it's life itself, to me. milk & kisses is one of their strongest albums, imo. it has the right amount of bleak and euphoric energy.
@BioDieselEstate
Yeah ... And to think they then broke up. For me, it's one of those things that I remember exactly when I heard Cocteau Twins were no more. Where I was. What I was doing. It broke my heart then. It still does now.
@Despyzi
hey, you still listening to it?
@RyanVoorhies
@@Despyzi yep!
@RyanVoorhies
@@Despyzi I have a deeper love for this album. I now see this album as them performing as the shell of a band 💔 that’s what I find fascinating about this album. They know it’s over, and they’re just giving it one last show.
@Despyzi
@@RyanVoorhies thats amazing! after 8 years... this is true love for a band
@mrsszmanda07
I literally can't explain how Cocteau Twins make me feel..it's out of mind,body and soul..so beautiful
@Backngoth
One of the best songs of all time. One of the best bands of all time.