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".
Smile
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I really need to know if you are in love...
Choose your way of life
Choose your way of life, Damon
It's your life, It's your
It's your life, It's your
Choose your way of life
Choose your way of life, Damon
The lyrics to "Smile" by Cocteau Twins are somewhat abstract, as is typical of the band's style. However, there are a few possible interpretations of the lines "Long-term scares us when we're down... I really need to know if you are in love..." One interpretation is that the singer is expressing a fear of commitment and the vulnerability that comes with being in a long-term, serious relationship. They may be asking if their partner is truly invested in the relationship and if they share the same level of commitment, as a way to assuage their own fears. Another interpretation could be that the singer is experiencing a period of sadness or depression, and wonders if their partner's love for them is enough to help lift them out of it.
The repeated phrase "Choose your way of life, Damon" adds to the ethereal, dreamlike quality of the song. It could be interpreted as the singer telling someone named Damon to make a choice about their own life, and to take control of their fate instead of relying on others to guide them. Alternatively, it could be interpreted as the singer telling themselves to make a decision about how they want to live their life and what direction they want to take.
Line by Line Meaning
Long-term scares us when we're down...
The fear of committing to something that may last a long time intensifies when we're feeling low or uncertain about our present state.
I really need to know if you are in love...
I have a strong desire to understand if your emotions for me extend beyond mere like or if you are truly in love with me.
Choose your way of life
Decide on the path that you will take in life, considering the consequences and outcomes of your choices.
Choose your way of life, Damon
In particular, Damon, make a conscious decision on the direction that you will take in your life, keeping in mind the possible consequences.
It's your life, It's your
Your life belongs to you and it is your responsibility to navigate it in the best way that you know how.
It's your life, It's your
Do not let the expectations or opinions of others overpower your own choices, since ultimately, it is your life to live.
Choose your way of life
At every point in life, it is crucial to make deliberate decisions about the direction of one's life, regardless of circumstances or societal norms.
Choose your way of life, Damon
In particular, Damon, take charge of your life and make the right choices that will reflect your true self and lead to a fulfilling life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN GUTHRIE, SIMON RAYMONDE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Biebel
Probably one of the best Cocteau Twins ever - the bass line is gorgeous, the chord changes so artistically complex, vocals shifting between moods like poetry, just pure genius.
Marty Fisket
Right !
thebrilliantdan
Thats what I’m saying !!!
Crazy Crickeeet
John Biebel - “shifting between [complex] moods” = music that conveys emotional truth / timeless work of art.
Pookerly
There will NEVER be a band like them, been a fan for 30 years and nothing comes close
Black Wax
I can say at the age I am now that Cocteau Twins have shaped my live.
Suzie Bouret
Me too! Oui!
Ser}I{ Skifotavrus
Have listened this composition first time,and how a huge an old fan of CT say yes! It's amazing&awesome!Greetings to all CT fans from Russia!!!
Phil Jarvis
Amen. Same, fan since 1982, blown away then, still blown away now.
Pookerly
+james woody wont happen i,m afraid just have to love the history