Cico Buff
Cocteau Twins
Celestial Love and the Fragility of Affection in 'Cico Buff'
The Cocteau Twins' song 'Cico Buff' is a poetic exploration of love's ephemeral and fragile nature, wrapped in the band's signature ethereal soundscapes. The lyrics, delivered in Elizabeth Fraser's distinctive, almost otherworldly voice, weave a tapestry of emotions that oscillate between the celestial and the earthly. The song opens with a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty in love, as the narrator reflects on the fickleness of affection and the vague nature of their partner's feelings. This sets the stage for a deeper contemplation of love's transient beauty and the comfort found in the cosmic order.
The recurring imagery of stars throughout the song serves as a metaphor for guidance and constancy amidst the fluctuating emotions of love. The stars 'take care of me' and 'take care of those they love,' suggesting a protective and nurturing force that contrasts with the human experience of love, which is often fraught with inconsistency and doubt. This celestial metaphor elevates the theme of love to a universal level, implying that while human love may be fickle, there is a greater, more enduring love that watches over us.
The refrain 'Don't care if you're fickle, oh that I find' repeated multiple times, underscores the acceptance of love's imperfections. It suggests a resignation to the fact that love, in its human form, is inherently flawed and unpredictable. Yet, there is a sense of solace in this acceptance, as the narrator finds peace in the knowledge that love, in all its forms, is a part of the larger cosmic flow. The song's ethereal quality, combined with its introspective lyrics, creates a hauntingly beautiful meditation on the nature of love and the comfort found in the stars' eternal presence.