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".
Treasure Hiding
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fear of flying
Fear of flying
With our love
Now I am sure
You and I will(the lips, the heart)
And you and I yeah
The lips, the heart
Illuminated
Fear of flying (the lips, the heart)
Fear of flying
Fear of flying (the heart, the soul,
Illuminated, illuminated)
The lips the heart
The heart the soul
Illuminated
Heart-shaped chews and traps
Treasure hiding
Scared of temptress skill
Love I'd sold, I was trying
Deep without us
Down down and further- tears
Collective in try and stop
Fire is out
Not ready focus
Life places scars
Purify them
Constancy
Purifies new skins
In excelcius
Glee she'll use as fire
Lips spread the fire
Your heart
And you are ready
The lips, the heart
You're the fire, you're the flame
The heart, the soul
Hand in hand, hand in hand
The Cocteau Twins' "Treasure Hiding" is a dreamy and ambiguous song that is open to interpretation. In general, the song seems to explore themes of fear, love, and self-discovery. The repeated phrase "fear of flying" may represent a fear of vulnerability or taking risks in a relationship, while the lines "heart-shaped chews and traps, treasure hiding, scared of temptress skill" could be interpreted as a warning against the dangers of falling for superficial attractiveness or manipulation.
However, the song's lyrics also feature more positive and hopeful themes, such as the idea of "purifying" one's scars and constantly renewing oneself in order to find true love and happiness. The final lines "hand in hand" suggest a sense of unity and connection between two people who have overcome their individual fears and uncertainties.
Overall, the lyrics of "Treasure Hiding" are poetic and impressionistic, inviting listeners to bring their own interpretations and emotions to the song.
Line by Line Meaning
You listen hard
You pay close attention
Fear of flying
Anxiety related to flying in the air
Fear of flying
Anxiety related to flying in the air
With our love
Because of our love
Now I am sure
I am now certain
You and I will(the lips, the heart)
Our love (represented by lips and heart) will keep us together
And you and I yeah
You and I, yes
Illuminated
Shining brightly
The lips, the heart
Our love
Illuminated
Shining brightly
Fear of flying (the lips, the heart)
Our love is strong enough to overcome anxieties
Fear of flying
Anxiety related to flying in the air
Fear of flying (the heart, the soul, Illuminated, illuminated)
Our love (heart and soul) shines brightly, despite fears
The lips the heart
Our love
The heart the soul
The deeper part of our love
Illuminated
Shining brightly
Heart-shaped chews and traps
Deceptive methods of capturing love
Treasure hiding
Our love is hidden, perhaps because of fear
Scared of temptress skill
Afraid of being lured away from our love
Love I'd sold, I was trying
I tried to give up our love, but I couldn't
Deep without us
In a world without our love
Down down and further- tears
A sad, descending feeling
Collective in try and stop
Working together to prevent something
Fire is out
The passion has diminished
Not ready focus
Unwilling to concentrate
Life places scars
Experiences leave lasting emotional marks
Purify them
Cleanse those marks
Constancy
Steadfastness, faithfulness to love
Purifies new skins
Cleanses us and prepares us for a new layer of love
In excelcius
In high spirits
Glee she'll use as fire
She will channel joy into passion
Lips spread the fire
Passion is kindled by a kiss
Your heart
Your love
And you are ready
You are prepared to love
The lips, the heart
Our love
You're the fire, you're the flame
You are passionate and full of desire
The heart, the soul
The deepest part of our love
Hand in hand, hand in hand
Together and inseparable
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN GUTHRIE, SIMON RAYMONDE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Aaron Hahn
Reading the comments,.. it's great to know I'm not alone in the love of the build up at 2:36. I almost can't wait for that moment while listening. Heart gripping music. Cheers to all CT fans out there.
The Spin'glass Hydra
I went to their concert in 1996, and that explosion, at the end; your speaking, of was spectacular at the end.
Nikki Farrington-Clarke
isn't it spectacular?? Sends shivers down my spine bloody hell!
roque III
classical CT explosion
Efrat Manaster
So true
m barchello
You would love the build up at the end of the "PUR" song either !!
Judus Masamune
My childhood before trauma , before my parents were ruined by each others toxicity , before I learnt the way of the world and all it’s horrors. This song will always remind me of a childs purity and innocence and their heart before it gets tested by life
roque III
that´´s why Robin´s guitar (all CT but specially Robin´s effects) are magic,he transports us to childhood
caprickornio
tears just flow while listening... my favorite band forever ❤️❤️❤️
CLEASINCROMICO
This absolutaly brilliant!!!! The most beautiful song I ever listened. I will always thank Cocteau Twins for appearing in my live somehow in 1984 and changed it forever!!