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".
Oomingmak
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the real business
all this I ever spent
a meaner rythym
fatasy greenery
all in all an enemy (or early morning millionare as everyone seems to put down)
enemy, synergy
intermixed with legacies
better quakes.....
Oomingmak...OOmingmak
drifting on forever on a side wall
fantasy greenery
all in all an enemy....
nervousness, anarchist....
clearly spoke
clearly wrote...
Feet Like Fins
A time to live again
a little tense
beyond belief!....
I grew up
setting blocks...
The song Oomingmak by Cocteau Twins has been interpreted in a variety of ways, but most agree on a general sense of ethereal, dreamlike themes. The opening lines of the song describe a sense of trepidation or anxiety, as if something significant is about to happen. The reference to "real business" and "meaner rhythm" suggest a world of power struggles and competition. The "fantasy greenery" could be interpreted as a metaphor for an alternate reality or a refuge from the harshness of existence. As the song continues, there is a sense of opposing forces at work, with "enemy" and "synergy" both mentioned. The idea of legacies adds a sense of timelessness or ongoing battles waged across generations. Despite this conflict, there is an underlying sense of hope for "better days."
The song takes its title from the word "omingmak," which means muskox in Inuit. The reference to drifting forever on a side wall could be interpreted as a longing for a simpler, wilder existence, or as a commentary on the power dynamic in the world. The repetition of "fantasy greenery" reinforces the idea that there is a sense of escapism at work. The reference to nervousness and anarchy could suggest a desire to break free from societal norms and expectations. The final lines of the song—clearly spoke, clearly wrote—could be interpreted as a call to action, a reminder to always be direct and honest in one's dealings.
Line by Line Meaning
Soon as he was agreed
As soon as the agreement was made
the real business
The main purpose or objective
all this I ever spent
All that I have ever used or consumed
a meaner rythym
A harsh or unpleasant beat or tempo
fatasy greenery
Imaginary or unreal green plants
all in all an enemy (or early morning millionare as everyone seems to put down)
Overall, a person or thing which causes problems or is disliked by many people
enemy, synergy
A person or thing that is harmful, combined with the interaction or cooperation of multiple entities to produce a greater result
intermixed with legacies
Combined with traditions or something passed down from a previous generation
better days
A time in the future that is more beneficial or pleasant than the present
better quakes.....
More favorable, sudden movements of the earth's surface
Oomingmak...OOmingmak
A repeated sound or call, similar to a name or title
drifting on forever on a side wall
Moving aimlessly or without purpose for eternity in a specific direction
fantasy greenery
Plants that only exist in the imagination or in a daydream
all in all an enemy....
All things considered, a hated or disliked individual or object
nervousness, anarchist....
A state of feeling uneasy or anxious, in combination with a person who promotes disorder and revolt against authority
clearly spoke
Communicated in a way that was easily understood
clearly wrote...
Wrote in a way that was easy to read and comprehend
Feet Like Fins
Having a physical characteristic or trait that resembles a fish's flipper or paddle
A time to live again
A moment in which one is given the chance to start anew, to experience life as if given a second chance
a little tense
Slightly anxious or nervous
beyond belief!....
Incredibly unbelievable or hard to comprehend
I grew up
I was raised and had experiences that shaped who I am
setting blocks...
Laying a foundation or establishing a base for future endeavors
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN A. GUTHRIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind