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".
Perhaps Some Other Aeon
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
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Perhaps some other animal
Perhaps some other aeon
A change of head in hole
Oh well, if he shaves his headdress
[Chorus x3]
I was near when you died at birth
I was near when you were born in death
I've felt the faces within you
It is a more sacred sin then on this list
And on the way there
[Chorus x2]
The lyrics of Cocteau Twins's song "Perhaps Some Other Aeon" are abstract and open to interpretation, as is typical of the band's style. The chorus suggests the idea of alternate realities and different forms of existence - the possibility of being a different animal or living in a different aeon (a long period of time). This leaves the meaning open-ended, but there seems to be a sense of longing or dissatisfaction with the current reality or identity.
The following lines are somewhat cryptic, but they seem to suggest a change or transformation of some kind. "A change of head in hole" could refer to a change in perspective or worldview, or perhaps even a ritual act. "If he shaves his headdress" could imply shedding a previous identity or position of authority. This could be interpreted as a call to abandon old ways of thinking or being, to embrace something new.
The final verse is perhaps the most intriguing, as it speaks of being present both at birth and death, and sensing the "faces" within the person. This may touch on the concept of reincarnation or spiritual connectedness, and the idea of a "sacred sin" adds to the mystique. The final line of "and on the way there" leaves the interpretation to the listener, but could suggest a journey or transition from one state to another.
Line by Line Meaning
Perhaps some other animal
Maybe in a different life form
Perhaps some other aeon
Maybe in a different time period
A change of head in hole
A new beginning in a confined space
Oh well, if he shaves his headdress
Accepting a change in appearance, no matter how symbolic
I was near when you died at birth
I have a connection to the end of life, as well as the beginning
I was near when you were born in death
I was present when you entered the afterlife
I've felt the faces within you
I understand the complexities of your emotions and thoughts
It is a more sacred sin then on this list
It is a transgression that holds deep spiritual meaning
And on the way there
On the journey towards that sacred sin
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN A. GUTHRIE, WILLIAM HEGGIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TheRabidglow
That's right, Z E R O dislikes!!! Flawless...
John Wilson
Absolute classic!!! great post daisaigai. This song is also on the uk release of the Garlands cd as a bonus track (along with a few others)
curvalecce
I've always thought of this song being the account of the mother looking down at her newly-stillborn child. I was near, when you died at birth I was near, when you were born in death Perhaps we'll meet in some other aeon...
CAROPASK
I never heard this song before!!!! Amazing!! Thanks Daisaigai
Crescent Simon
Sweet motions and notions; an insight into their early development as a Post-Punk/Folk band.
frank schweigert
This Bassline!!!!!
999klondike
Pure inspiration.
doverman74
I love CT thanks for posting
Hirsute63
Rare indeed daisaigai7, been into CT since 82 & heard this the 1st time about 4 months ago. An hour of Eloquent sounds? Released then or now? Cheers for posting
SWTinFLA
This is also included on my copy of the Garlands CD.