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".
Otterley
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Allow me
Please
Get help
Only in your note
Only listen
Where are you going
Whose mousse
Sell our little home
That's what I'm saying
It's almost right
It's a loved one
It's oh, so hard
You should go home
Through the pain
Sure
Bravo
Please
Please
Pull
Only the lonely
Sell some
Sell our minnow
Suppose he can
If we aren't home
So come over
So sleep
It's so hard
It's also ugly
Leveled home
Bricks so
So firm
The lyrics of Cocteau Twins’ song Otterley are quite cryptic, and open to interpretation. It is possible that the song is about the aftermath of a breakup or an emotional loss. The singer in the song seems to be addressing someone, asking them to allow them to help or get help. There is a sense of urgency, possibly stemming from a feeling of isolation and loneliness. The line “Only listen” could be interpreted as a plea for the other person to hear what the singer is saying or feeling.
There are references to home and selling it, which could also indicate a loss of stability or security. The line “It’s so hard, it’s also ugly” could reflect a sense of despair or hopelessness, and the line “Leveled home, bricks so firm” could represent how difficult it is to move on from a painful experience. The repetition of the words “sure” and “please” could indicate a desire for reassurance or comfort.
Overall, the song seems to capture the overwhelming feelings that come with heartbreak or loss, and the struggle to find hope and healing in the midst of it.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm sure
I am confident of this
Allow me
Let me help
Please
Do it, if you may
Get help
Find someone to assist you
Only in your note
Communication is important
Only listen
Be attentive to what people tell you
Where are you going
What is your destination?
Oh, the song would
If only the melody could...
Whose mousse
Who owns the hair product?
Sell our little home
Give up our humble abode
That's what I'm saying
I am simply expressing my thoughts
It's almost right
It's not completely accurate, but close enough
It's a loved one
This person is dear to me
It's oh, so hard
This is an incredibly difficult situation
You should go home
It's time to leave
Through the pain
Despite the discomfort
Pull
Put some effort into it
Only the lonely
People who feel isolated
Sell some
Possibly referring to a yard sale or auction
Sell our minnow
Give away our small fish
Suppose he can
Maybe he is capable of doing that
If we aren't home
In case we are not present
So come over
Visit us
So sleep
Get some rest
It's so hard
This is extremely challenging
It's also ugly
The situation is unpleasant to look at
Leveled home
A flat or even foundation
Bricks so firm
The blocks are solid and strong
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN A. GUTHRIE, SIMON PHILIP RAYMONDE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind