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".
Summer-Blink
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How do I feel
About myself?
I try
I am resourceful
I contribute
I belong when I contribute
I don't have to
I'm accepting myself as I really am
I'm feeling love for my successes
Thank you for showing me respect
(I think, "Yes, I'm doing a fine job")
The foundation of my self-respect
I think, "Yes, I'm doing a fine job"
I'm accepting myself as I really am
I'm feeling love for my successes
Thank you for showing me respect
(I think, "Yes, I'm doing a fine job")
The foundation of my self-respect
Thank you for your encouragement
(I think, "Yes, I'm doing a fine job")
For my efforts and improvements
Ooh, you have [x8]
I think, "Yes, I'm doing a fine job"
Thank you for showing me respect
(I think, "Yes, I'm doing a fine job")
The foundation of my self-respect
Thank you for your encouragement
(I think, "Yes, I'm doing a fine job")
For my efforts and improvements
Cocteau Twins’ song “Summer-Blink” is an anthem to self-acceptance and self-love. The lyrics convey the message that specific achievements or perfectionism are not necessary to feel worthy, and that the foundation of one’s self-respect comes from recognizing personal accomplishments and receiving respect and encouragement from others. The repetition of “I’m accepting myself as I really am / I’m feeling love for my successes / Thank you for showing me respect” throughout the song emphasizes the importance of self-love, self-respect, and the support of others in building a healthy sense of self-worth.
The lyrics can be seen as a message of empowerment for those struggling with self-doubt and insecurities. The line “I belong when I contribute” suggests that everyone has something valuable to offer and that their contributions are what make them valuable members of society. Furthermore, the phrase “I try, I am resourceful, I contribute” highlights the importance of effort, creativity, and participation in one’s own life.
Overall, “Summer-Blink” is a reminder that everyone deserves to feel proud of their accomplishments and to be respected and encouraged by those around them. It encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and to recognize their own worth, despite any self-doubt or negative self-talk.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh, you have
I am grateful
How do I feel
I am questioning myself
About myself?
Regarding my self-image
I try
I put forth effort
I am resourceful
I make use of my abilities
I contribute
I offer my support
I belong when I contribute
I feel a sense of belonging when I help
I don't have to
I don't need to be
Be perfect
Flawless or faultless
I'm accepting myself as I really am
I am embracing my true self
I'm feeling love for my successes
I am proud of my accomplishments
Thank you for showing me respect
I appreciate your recognition
(I think, "Yes, I'm doing a fine job")
I am confident in my performance
The foundation of my self-respect
My self-esteem is built on this
Thank you for your encouragement
I value your support and motivation
For my efforts and improvements
Regarding my attempts to better myself
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SIMON PHILIP RAYMONDE, ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN A. GUTHRIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ezramarie6007
Ooh, you have
Ooh, you have
Ooh, you have
Ooh, you have
How do I feel
About myself?
I try
I am resourceful
I contribute
I belong when I contribute
I don't have to
Be perfect
I'm accepting myself as I really am
I'm feeling love for my successes
Thank you for showing me respect
I think, "Yes"
The foundation of my self-respect
"I'm doing a fine job"
I think, "Yes, I'm doing a fine job"
I'm accepting myself as I really am
I'm feeling love for my successes
Thank you for showing me respect
I think, "Yes"
The foundation of my self-respect
"I'm doing a fine job"
Thank you for your encouragement
I think, "Yes"
For my efforts and improvements
"I'm doing a fine job"
Ooh, you have
Ooh, you have
Ooh, you have
Ooh, you have
Ooh, you have
Ooh, you have
Ooh, you have
Ooh, you have
I think, "Yes, I'm doing a fine job"
Thank you for showing me respect
I think, "Yes"
The foundation of my self-respect
"I'm doing a fine job"
Thank you for your encouragement
I think, "Yes"
For my efforts and improvements
"I'm doing a fine job"
@plainchemicals
Remember coming home from long days in college in the 90s and listening to this. So good!
@popolbruh8263
The one time they make a song that's understandable, it goes really fucking deep. God damn. One of the greatest bands of all time. Thank you, Liz.
@LizardCane
the Doom Generation soundtrack!
@brvndxxxn
Doom Generation introduced me to this amazing band.
@schuco2
gives me chills up my spine every time i hear it, even 20 years later.
@spikeburst6527
You too? 😳
@lary6187
Wow it's weird I thought that was 90s leftover seems that the 90s fans are loyal
@witchisinthebelltower2032
It's so uplifting,I'm accepting myself as I really am.Liz's vocals are so enchanting , so velvety smooth.
@charliez077
their b-side catalogue is absolutely ridiculous. yet another really good song :)
@LunaSeaSane
I'm accepting myself as I really am. Nice.