Oil Of Angels
Cocteau Twins
The Ethereal Struggle of Focus and Distraction
The song 'Oil Of Angels' by Cocteau Twins is a mesmerizing blend of ethereal sounds and cryptic lyrics, characteristic of the band's unique style. The lyrics, filled with repetition and fragmented phrases, create a sense of anxiety and distraction. The opening lines, 'Fi-fi-fi-fi-fi-fi-fi-first, he-he-he-he-he-he's inched her latch down,' suggest a hesitant and anxious action, setting the tone for the rest of the song. The stuttering and repetition emphasize a struggle to communicate or act, reflecting a deeper emotional turmoil.
The recurring theme of distraction versus focus is central to the song. The lines 'I will learn to focus on / Oh, you hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo, cause you won't / Recognize it, stabilize it' highlight a personal battle to maintain focus amidst chaos. This struggle is further underscored by the repeated use of 'distraction' and 'focus,' suggesting an ongoing effort to find stability and clarity. The mention of 'rights of her, rights / Treasure her, treasure / Her freshness' could be interpreted as a plea to value and protect something pure and untainted, possibly a relationship or a personal sense of self.
The song also touches on themes of respect and improvement. Phrases like 'things take me / to exception look for respect' and 'he even finds a way / supreme, man improves' suggest a journey towards self-betterment and the pursuit of respect. The imagery of 'holding rain' and 'things we couldn't do' evokes a sense of longing and unfulfilled potential, adding a layer of melancholy to the song. Overall, 'Oil Of Angels' is a haunting exploration of the human psyche, filled with abstract imagery and emotional depth, inviting listeners to find their own meaning within its ethereal soundscape.