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".
the itchy glowblow blow
Cocteau Twins Lyrics
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Little, he needs
(Didn't he? How hadn't he?)
Little, you may need
And you know how sometimes
When your face gives right in to him
You've chosen your life for your man, yea
Standing at his feet
(Didn't he? How hadn't he?)
Sometimes he flailed
But you're glad he cares
But you're glad he
And you died sometimes
When your face gives right in to him
You've chosen your life for your man, yea
For him? For yourself?
Futile, in love
(Didn't he? How hadn't he?)
Futile is this fever
And you died
Did I see dark lines?
So, what have you got now?
Futile, in love
(Didn't he? How hadn't he?)
Futile is this fever
The spirit of life fires me now
The spirit of life fires me now
The spirit of life fires me now
The spirit of life fires me now
The spirit of life fires me
The lyrics of "The Itchy Glowblow" by Cocteau Twins are quite abstract, filled with suggestive imagery that can be interpreted in a number of ways. The song seems to deal with the complexities of a relationship, possibly a toxic one, where both partners are struggling to find their own identity while remaining connected to each other. The lines "Little, he needs / Little, you may need" suggest that both parties in the relationship are dependent on each other in some way, creating a power dynamic that may be unhealthy.
The chorus of the song emphasizes how one partner may give up their own goals and dreams for the sake of the other person, but also hints at the confusion and uncertainty that may come with such a sacrifice. The lines "For him? For yourself? / Futile, in love" suggest that the singer is questioning whether their sacrifice is really for the greater good, or if it is just a futile attempt to maintain a relationship that may not be worth saving.
The lyrics also touch on themes of death and darkness, with lines like "And you died sometimes / When your face gives right in to him" and "Did I see dark lines? / So, what have you got now?" These lines suggest that the relationship is taking a toll on the singer, possibly even causing them physical harm.
Overall, the song seems to be a meditation on the difficulties of being in a complicated relationship, where love and dependence can blur the lines between self-sacrifice and self-destruction.
Line by Line Meaning
Still stepping over me
He's still walking all over me, despite all I do.
Little, he needs
He needs very little from me, and that's all he expects.
(Didn't he? How hadn't he?)
Asking in disbelief, how could he not have seen what he's doing to me?
Little, you may need
Although you may need very little from him, he still expects everything from you.
And you know how sometimes
You know that feeling, when you can't resist him regardless of the consequences.
When your face gives right in to him
When you give in to his desires and put aside your own wishes.
You've chosen your life for your man, yea
You've chosen a life where your every decision is based on your man's wants and needs.
And look at your goals
You gave up on all your ambitions and dreams and are now standing at his feet.
Standing at his feet
You're being submissive and giving up your own identity for his sake.
(Didn't he? How hadn't he?)
Continuing to question how he could have missed the effect he has on you.
Sometimes he flailed
He sometimes wavers and is unsure of what he wants from you or the relationship.
But you're glad he cares
Even though he might hurt you, you're still happy that he cares enough to try.
But you're glad he
You're satisfied and content with the fact that he's still there for you.
And you died sometimes
There are moments when you feel like you're suffocating and can't breathe.
When your face gives right in to him
Repeating the earlier statement about giving in to him completely.
You've chosen your life for your man, yea
Reinforcing how all your choices revolve around him and his wants, not yours.
For him? For yourself?
Asking the question of whether all your efforts and choices have been for him, or if they're actually for your own happiness.
Futile, in love
Despite all the struggles and hardships, you still have faith and hope in love.
(Didn't he? How hadn't he?)
Continuing to question how he could have ignored the effect he has on you and your life.
Futile is this fever
You're starting to question whether the constant passion and love you have for him is futile and pointless.
And you died
There are moments when you feel like your life is slipping away, and you're just going through the motions.
Did I see dark lines?
Wondering if the love and passion you once had is tainted or darkened in some way.
So, what have you got now?
Questioning what you're left with after all the sacrifices, the lost ambitions and goals, and the unanswered questions.
The spirit of life fires me now
Describing a newfound spirit and energy that's fueling you and making you more alive.
The spirit of life fires me now
Repeating the earlier line to emphasize how renewed and empowered you feel.
The spirit of life fires me now
Continuing to emphasize how the renewed drive and energy is transforming you.
The spirit of life fires me now
Ending with a repetition of the same line, conveying the intense energy, and life-affirming transformation you're experiencing.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SIMON PHILIP RAYMONDE, ELIZABETH FRASER, ROBIN A. GUTHRIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind