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".
Persephone
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey, ever dirt even there month got a car
Here's what it takes [Repeat x4]
Paper chase is on
These are on my speed
For he warbled
Bought arachnophobe
Paper chase is on
These are on my space
Paper chase is on hey, the chances I must face
These are on my speed Oh, you warbler
For he warbled hey, that's by the car
Bought arachnophobe
On the tiara
By the gin's rack
Paper chase is on
These are on my space
I watch him trail [Repeat x4]
Hey, for eight means paper chase
Paper warm beings means the paper chase
For our time being's for our time being's never changes this
Never changes this [Repeat x2]
Here's what it takes [Repeat x6]
Paper warm beings means the paper chase here's what it takes
For our time being's never changes this
[Repeat x3]
Here's what it takes
Hey, for eight means paper chase
For our time being's never changes this
[Repeat x2]
The lyrics of Cocteau Twins’s “Persephone” are challenging to interpret, primarily because the band emphasized mood and sound over traditional lyricism. However, one can understand it as discussing the vanity and materialism that dominate American society. The paper chase refers to the pursuit of money and success in the form of material goods while the warbled voice represents the voice of reason, arguing that this pursuit of materialism is ultimately futile. The singer appears to be observing someone who is caught up in this paper chase or a societal construct that values these materialistic traits over human qualities.
The imagery in the song amplifies the sense of malaise and confusion inherent in the lyrics. The tiara and gin's rack refer obliquely to luxury and extravagance. While the appearance of arachnophobia suggests that the object of the subject's attention is not in control of their own life or thoughts, despite their external show of success. The statement “for our time being’s never change this” suggests that these values have been a part of humanity for a long time and are unlikely to change soon.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, the chances I must waste
I need to take some risks and put myself out there.
Hey, ever dirt even there month got a car
Even the most unlikely of things can happen.
Here's what it takes [Repeat x4]
This is what I need to do to succeed.
Paper chase is on
I'm pursuing success at all costs.
These are on my speed
I'm moving quickly towards my goals.
For he warbled
He sang with joy.
Bought arachnophobe
I'm afraid of spiders.
On the tiara, by the gin's rack
I'm surrounded by luxury and decadence.
Paper chase is on hey, the chances I must face
I need to take a risk to pursue success.
Oh, you warbler
You sing with joy.
Hey, that's by the car
Success is within reach.
These are on my space
I'm in control of my own destiny.
I watch him trail [Repeat x4]
I'm observing someone else's journey.
Hey, for eight means paper chase
I'm dedicated to pursuing success.
Paper warm beings means the paper chase
I'm fully committed to the pursuit of success.
For our time being's for our time being's never changes this
In the meantime, my focus remains on success.
Never changes this [Repeat x2]
I'm fully committed to this path, it will never change.
Here's what it takes [Repeat x6]
This is what I need to do to achieve success.
For our time being's never changes this [Repeat x3]
I'm committed to this path, it won't change.
Hey, for eight means paper chase
I'm committed to pursuing success.
For our time being's never changes this [Repeat x2]
I'm dedicated to my path towards success, it never changes.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN A. GUTHRIE, SIMON PHILIP RAYMONDE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind