Frou-frou Foxes In Midsummer Fires

The Cocteau Twins, known for their ethereal soundscapes and the distinctive, often indecipherable vocals of Elizabeth Fraser, have a reputation for creating music that defies conventional interpretation. 'Frou-frou Foxes In Midsummer Fires' is no exception, with its abstract lyrics and lush instrumentation that evoke a dreamlike state. The song's title itself suggests a whimsical, almost fantastical scene, setting the tone for the poetic ambiguity that follows in the lyrics.

The repeated lines 'I buckled in lust / As got in the wrist / How marriages been / In war all we lose' could be interpreted as a reflection on the complexities and struggles of relationships, possibly hinting at the pain and loss that can come from love and its entanglements. The imagery of 'fire-drake's ignitions' and references to 'infant's breath' and 'milk and wrap to baby' evoke a sense of primal, elemental forces at play, perhaps symbolizing the raw emotions and nurturing aspects of human connections.

The song's refrain, with its mentions of being 'singed by it' and 'pulled around of my blazening eyes,' suggests an overwhelming sensory experience, possibly love or passion, that is both captivating and disorienting. The 'useless science of cherry-coloured light' could be a metaphor for the futile attempts to rationalize or scientifically dissect such profound experiences. Throughout the song, there is a sense of yearning and a desire to find meaning or connection ('to wait for you'), which is echoed in the music's swirling, atmospheric quality. The Cocteau Twins' music often leaves much to the listener's interpretation, and 'Frou-frou Foxes In Midsummer Fires' is a beautiful example of their ability to weave together enigmatic lyrics and haunting melodies into a tapestry that invites endless contemplation.