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".
It's All but an Ark Lark
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All for my (x3)
Charisma (x4)
(x2)
Barking, bighting at monster sails (my own star-sails?) (x4)
It's all but an, all but an ark lark
It's all for (oftenoff in) my
All for my (x3)
(x2)
Is mocking bird my lullabies? (x4)
It's all but an ark lark (x2)
Off in my (x4)
The lyrics to Cocteau Twins' song "It's All but an Ark Lark" are cryptic and open to interpretation. The phrase "all for my charisma" appears multiple times throughout the song, hinting at a self-centered or egotistical mindset. The line "barking, biting at monster sails" suggests a struggle against an unknown force, perhaps a societal or cultural opposition. The repetition of the phrase "it's all but an ark lark" could be interpreted as a dismissal or downplaying of a significant event or experience.
The next verse introduces the line "is mocking bird my lullabies?" which could be interpreted as a reflection on the singer's surroundings or inner thoughts. The continuous repetition of the phrase "all for my charisma" could suggest that the singer is preoccupied with their own self-image or ego, possibly to a detrimental level. Overall, the song's lyrics leave much up to the listener's interpretation and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
It's all for my
Everything is done for me
All for my (x3)
Everything is for me, solely for me
Charisma (x4)
A magnetic and charming quality that is unique to me
(x2)
Barking, bighting at monster sails (my own star-sails?) (x4)
Challenging obstacles and difficulties, perhaps those of my own making, with great force and determination
It's all but an, all but an ark lark
Everything is just an illusion, a game or a fanciful creation
It's all for (oftenoff in) my
Again, everything is done for me
All for my (x3)
Once again, everything is for me, solely for me
Charisma (x4)
My unique and magnetic quality is mentioned again, underlining its importance to me
(x2)
Is mocking bird my lullabies? (x4)
A question about the nature of what comforts and soothes me. Is it the mocking bird's song that lulls me to sleep?
It's all but an ark lark (x2)
The title phrase is repeated, reminding me that everything is just an illusion or a game
Off in my (x4)
The final phrase is repeated to end the song, perhaps emphasizing the idea that everything is within my own mind or imagination
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN A. GUTHRIE, WILLIAM HEGGIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind