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Cocteau Twins — Road, River And Rail
Album: Heaven or Las Vegas
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1752









Released: 1990
Length: 3:13
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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He'll be flied away
From those choices that they took
Naked and caught on the Isle de la Cite
Roll of home may be

There's over eleven since she's been
For machine and a feeling I still care
Faulting to mention forms in flight
Fabulous in dream of eve

Flaying on the ground and your infant lives
From out of the bayous
Seen the way is corporeal
The little pants into nowheres

Through Paris breaks soul
From out of the bayous
From must have beige
So we didn't while we seized

Until the fog made me run through that hectic glare
Love won't be forged
And was a fog, was them that cherished
Road, river and rail

"So embarrassed, I'm not sure at all", lies mother's daughter
Truth is she found love
Truth is she found love
Truth is she found love

Road, river and rail
Comments (173)add comment
Elizabeth Fraser is magnificent.
Posted 1 year ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
 stegokitty wrote:

I remember reading an article, years ago, about CT and Elizabeth's "lyrics".
From what I remember, there are few actual lyrics in most of the songs, at least few that make any sense, but most are more like whatever words (or just sounds) she thought sounded right for the music.

I'm no expert in CT, but for this album, the song "Iceblink Luck" is probably the closest one will get to actual words, and even then, the arrangement of those words are ambiguous to say the least.
CT fans feel free to correct me on any of this.
I accept correction. 



Also I believe that Japanese record labels insisted on including lyric sheets in their albums even if they weren't provided. So a lot of the "lyrics" out there are actually some non-English speaking staff members writing down what they thought she was singing, to sometimes hilarious results. 

The official Cocteau Twins website about their lyrics is a fun read.
Posted 1 year ago by jkamm14    [ Reply ]
 dianneluna wrote:

How can I dislike ambient/techno/electronica so, and yet LOVE the Cocteau Twins so very very much?


Well it's guitars and no synths (except for the drum machine) so not really "electronica". And it's got Liz Fraser's amazing, otherworldly voice. That's how I came to love Cocteau Twins!
Posted 1 year ago by jkamm14    [ Reply ]
This is an exceptional album and the production on it is brilliant… Some commenters here think they know something about it and are showing themselves to be clueless.
Posted 1 year ago by tm    [ Reply ]
I did live audio production for them, once in the '80s.  GREAT SHOW!!  I had never heard of them before that show.  Thanx for playing this tune, RP!   
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Always love it when Liz comes on, with or without her CT bandmates. Love the thick scots accent which might tend to obscure her lyrics for those unused to it.
This tune is a great one, although it doesn't show off her incredible vocal range.
Still, it's one of my favorites.
Posted 2 years ago by kenmo    [ Reply ]
Picked up a bootleg copy of this in Bangkok when it first came out.  Takes me back to Thailand  whenever I hear this album.  It was lovely then and still is.
Posted 2 years ago by terryweir    [ Reply ]
Excellent!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 stegokitty wrote:

I remember reading an article, years ago, about CT and Elizabeth's "lyrics".
From what I remember, there are few actual lyrics in most of the songs, at least few that make any sense, but most are more like whatever words (or just sounds) she thought sounded right for the music.

I'm no expert in CT, but for this album, the song "Iceblink Luck" is probably the closest one will get to actual words, and even then, the arrangement of those words are ambiguous to say the least.
CT fans feel free to correct me on any of this.
I accept correction. 

hahaha - I remember the older tunes and heard the same about lyrics; this reads like a "Google Translate" was used

Posted 2 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
All this time, certain articles I've read about Cocteau Twins suggest Elizabeth Fraser sings nonsense words, but I'm coming to find out they're actual genuine lyrics sung with a certain creative spin.
Posted 2 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Elizabeth Frazer was dating Jeff Buckley before his untimely death.  That's all the gossip I have to share. 
Oh, and these lyrics remind me of Jon Anderson from Yes.  As the band would say in an interview " we never knew what the hell he was singing"  
Posted 3 years ago by cmactavish    [ Reply ]
 vandal wrote:

Interesting. I hear a little Chrissie Hynde ... 

 

I hear the Cocteau Twins strangely ...... feckin A Star!
Posted 3 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
 Edweirdo wrote:
I love the Cocteau Twins but, like many of their contemporaries, they were not served well by the prevalent technology and production techniques.  This sounds so thin, toppy and weedy.
 
That's why engineers invented the tone control, the loudness button, and the contour button. Judicious use of which can improve the imperfect. 

Posted 4 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
 kbs wrote:
I'm hearing Sam Brown...
 
Interesting. I hear a little Chrissie Hynde ... 

Posted 4 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
I love the Cocteau Twins but, like many of their contemporaries, they were not served well by the prevalent technology and production techniques.  This sounds so thin, toppy and weedy.
Posted 4 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
Fun band to listen to. Always interesting
Posted 4 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
This is truly a stand- out song for me...I always enjoy it when it comes on. somewhat surreal.
Has a Chrissie Hynde feel to it 
Posted 4 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
Bill, please play some stuff from Pink Opaque.
Posted 4 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
I'm hearing Sam Brown...
Posted 4 years ago by kbs    [ Reply ]
 hschlossberg wrote:
I don't think I've ever before now seen Cocteau Twins lyrics spelled out.  I love the band but have always listened as though the vocals are just another instrument, making random sounds.  Lyrics?  Hmmm...
 
This is their later stuff when they tried to make it palatable to the common hear. 

Bill, it'd be good to hear earlier stuff like from The Pink Opaque
Posted 5 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
I don't think I've ever before now seen Cocteau Twins lyrics spelled out.  I love the band but have always listened as though the vocals are just another instrument, making random sounds.  Lyrics?  Hmmm...
Posted 5 years ago by hschlossberg    [ Reply ]
Listening to the Cocteau Twins sing about the Ilse de la Cite as Notre Dame burns. :-(
Posted 5 years ago by metlhrst    [ Reply ]
I think this is their most accessible album, as you can actually understand some of the lyrics!
Posted 5 years ago by brogdenstevens    [ Reply ]
check out 'Garlands', far better than the younger stuff of Cocteau Twins
Posted 6 years ago by Krist    [ Reply ]
I always love hearing this record that I originally fell in love with in the 90's. It brings back great memories of my college days. 
Posted 6 years ago by bdecuir    [ Reply ]
 jtherieau wrote:
"The little pants into nowheres"?



 
LOLler!
Posted 6 years ago by wtango    [ Reply ]
always love to hear this record. memories of an old girlfriend who introduced me to this record. Lovely woman. hope she's doing well.
Posted 6 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
"The little pants into nowheres"?


Posted 6 years ago by jtherieau    [ Reply ]
OMG - Thank you sooo much for CT {#Roflol}
Posted 7 years ago by trinsion406    [ Reply ]
CT can do no wrong.{#Whistle}
Posted 7 years ago by supermotion    [ Reply ]
I remember reading an article, years ago, about CT and Elizabeth's "lyrics".
From what I remember, there are few actual lyrics in most of the songs, at least few that make any sense, but most are more like whatever words (or just sounds) she thought sounded right for the music.

I'm no expert in CT, but for this album, the song "Iceblink Luck" is probably the closest one will get to actual words, and even then, the arrangement of those words are ambiguous to say the least.
CT fans feel free to correct me on any of this.
I accept correction. 
Posted 8 years ago by stegokitty    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

Recognizable English is very over-rated, and seldom cromulent.

 
You embiggen us all with your wisdom.
Posted 8 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Wow! It's been a really long time since I've heard this. Thanks!!
Posted 8 years ago by asilbuch    [ Reply ]
 Hasan wrote:

Huh?  What?  Sarcasm?   The song was nearly over before I heard any recognizable English.

 
Recognizable English is very over-rated, and seldom cromulent.
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
like most of their songs beautiful!  but yes, the odd absinthe minded lyrics like they tore up their diaries then picked and arranged these sentences to share with us  : )
Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 Hasan wrote:

Huh?  What?  Sarcasm?   The song was nearly over before I heard any recognizable English.

 
Most CT songs don't have any recognizable English. The title track to this album is more or less understandable. 
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 
ccjemmett wrote:
More Twins, please.
 
 YES!


Posted 9 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
More Twins, please.
Posted 10 years ago by ccjemmett    [ Reply ]
 fiddler wrote:
I would kiss Elizabeth's feet. Well...with permission, of course.

 
Wouldn't you prefer kissing them with your lips?  Nice tune.
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 Dana_Montroy wrote:

It's a mesmerizing song to be sure - just have no clue what it's about.

 
You're right, there is no clue in each song of Cocteau Twins. The voice of Liz makes soundscapes of the words. But feel free to make your own interpretation of the poetry! {#Cheers}
Posted 10 years ago by Ghiaap    [ Reply ]
 Ghiaap wrote:
One of the rare songs you can actually hear what she's singing! Love it >8

 
It's a mesmerizing song to be sure - just have no clue what it's about.
Posted 10 years ago by Dana_Montroy    [ Reply ]
 Ghiaap wrote:
One of the rare songs you can actually hear what she's singing! Love it >8

 
Huh?  What?  Sarcasm?   The song was nearly over before I heard any recognizable English.
Posted 10 years ago by Hasan    [ Reply ]
{#Heartkiss}.......... luv it a lot 9
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches loves this song...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
One of the rare songs you can actually hear what she's singing! Love it >8
Posted 11 years ago by Ghiaap    [ Reply ]
Huge fan here. My favorite song...I never tire of it.
Posted 11 years ago by Robin_in_PA    [ Reply ]
I would kiss Elizabeth's feet. Well...with permission, of course.
Posted 11 years ago by fiddler    [ Reply ]
What a wonderful, atmospheric blast from the past. The Cocteau Twins were wonderful.
Posted 11 years ago by hidey    [ Reply ]
I thought I had missed a song from "For the Roses"    how sweet it is...

All praise to the music guru — Bill    We are sacrificing a bottle of Ripple to you ..    
Posted 11 years ago by That_SOB    [ Reply ]
YAY! More CT please.
Posted 11 years ago by SlinkyJ    [ Reply ]
Yes, but what is she saying?!

 alaken wrote:
So good to hear this again, one of the truly unique groups. Her voice and delivery are amazing! Would love to hear more CT on RP!
 


Posted 11 years ago by sajitjacob    [ Reply ]
So good to hear this again, one of the truly unique groups. Her voice and delivery are amazing! Would love to hear more CT on RP!
Posted 12 years ago by alaken    [ Reply ]
When I was in high school the only people cool enough to know about and listen to these guys were the girls who had older sisters in college at the time.
Posted 12 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
icy blink luck luck ( Cocteau speak for wicked cool )
Posted 12 years ago by neuticle    [ Reply ]
mmmmmmmmmmmmm  {#Hug}
Posted 12 years ago by asilbuch    [ Reply ]
More please
Posted 12 years ago by neuticle    [ Reply ]
Amazed Ol' Bill doesn't play more Cocteau Twins..bring it on
Posted 12 years ago by neuticle    [ Reply ]
 zatxela wrote:
Damn, I stubbed my Cocteau again...hate it when I do that!
 

5555555555555
(rofl)


Posted 12 years ago by AndyFarang    [ Reply ]
Ah, Elizabeth. *sigh*
Posted 12 years ago by fiddler    [ Reply ]
mmmmmm...........yummy scrummy...

 just what was needed to round off a mellow evening :-)
Posted 12 years ago by AndyFarang    [ Reply ]
Love to hear the Twins on RP. Nostalgia! Please play their early stuff and This Mortal Coil...
Liz Frazier is best
Posted 12 years ago by Ghiaap    [ Reply ]
Still stunning after all these years.
Posted 12 years ago by raelic    [ Reply ]
oooohhhhh! sweet remember ......thk
Posted 12 years ago by miragioVision    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:

Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...


 
 
We'd like a headcount, please. ;-)
Posted 12 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
Lush.
Posted 12 years ago by MinMan    [ Reply ]
Far from their best, but nice to hear some CT on RP.  Would love to hear more here and better cuts!
Posted 12 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
At first, I thought this was "Song For Sharon" by Joni Mitchell (well the volume was turned way down, and there are some similarities...)  Happy that it's the Cocteau Twins, though.  Good stuff!
Posted 12 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
This is good.
Posted 13 years ago by Andy_B    [ Reply ]
More Twins!!
Posted 13 years ago by cirruss    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

I suppose it could be called "Gallic".

 


Freak me out already Nice Tune !
Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

Gaelic? I have a decent bit of Scots Gaelic and I don't recognise it in Liz's burblings - sounds like French to me, but in truth you're often hard pushed to figure out what language Liz is using, or even if you figure out the language what the meaning is. Which, as an old CT fan, is part of the attraction :)

 
I suppose it could be called "Gallic".

Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Damn, I stubbed my Cocteau again...hate it when I do that!
Posted 13 years ago by zatxela    [ Reply ]
 KeithT wrote:
Have to admit that, though I was "aware" of the Twins, I'm not sure that I had ever listened to them.  This was a great intro for me. Thanks, Bill!  
 
Ditto!

Posted 13 years ago by paulmack    [ Reply ]
CT were (and are) simply awesome.
Posted 13 years ago by ParkerH    [ Reply ]
Have to admit that, though I was "aware" of the Twins, I'm not sure that I had ever listened to them.  This was a great intro for me. Thanks, Bill!  
Posted 14 years ago by KeithT    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

Gaelic? I have a decent bit of Scots Gaelic and I don't recognise it in Liz's burblings - sounds like French to me, but in truth you're often hard pushed to figure out what language Liz is using, or even if you figure out the language what the meaning is. Which, as an old CT fan, is part of the attraction :)
 
She's indeed using a bit of french here.
Posted 14 years ago by vincetrader    [ Reply ]
 doctec wrote:
Stream of consciousness English/Gaelic mix.  Quite evocative IMHO.
 
Gaelic? I have a decent bit of Scots Gaelic and I don't recognise it in Liz's burblings - sounds like French to me, but in truth you're often hard pushed to figure out what language Liz is using, or even if you figure out the language what the meaning is. Which, as an old CT fan, is part of the attraction :)

Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 Businessgypsy wrote:
Would be nice paired with another pensive road classic, Joni Mitchell's Hejira

 
Yes, that would follow quite nicely after this one! {#Sunny}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Can only take them in small doses, but this is definitely one of their better efforts!{#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
It is funny sometimes, how small my world is?  Although I heard a ton of '80's' fallout, I just wrote down he name of an album I want to hear?!!!  From 20 years ago...thx
Posted 14 years ago by ddbz    [ Reply ]
Would be nice paired with another pensive road classic, Joni Mitchell's Hejira

Posted 14 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
After over 20 years, I still haven't tired of CT.
Posted 14 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]

This entire album makes me think of snowy days by the fire.


Posted 14 years ago by Egrey    [ Reply ]
 MsJudi wrote:
Cool... I've only ever heard this in English.
 

Really?  You've heard this in English?  Are there any CT songs that can accurately be termed "English"? {#Tongue-out}
Posted 15 years ago by mrandrew    [ Reply ]
Cocteau Twins: Best band on earth and surroundings....

matias

Posted 15 years ago by matiaspolanco    [ Reply ]
Cool... I've only ever heard this in English.
Posted 15 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
 manzanitafire wrote:


Could this possibly be considered English?
 

Stream of consciousness English/Gaelic mix.  Quite evocative IMHO.
Posted 15 years ago by doctec    [ Reply ]
 deanofox wrote:
I swear I've just heard her say "My little pants smell of nose sweat".
 
ROTFL! {#Roflol}
Posted 15 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Ah thanks for playing this. Makes me think that there's hope for the world if this is played still somewhere :)

Posted 15 years ago by gold    [ Reply ]
I would almost rate these guys godlike (almost).

Note: I recently came across a rare YouTuibe video of this singer sitting in with Peter Gabriel.
Posted 15 years ago by derekd    [ Reply ]
 nigelr wrote:
Exquisite tapestry.
 
Agreed, beautiful song and album.
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 apd wrote:

Deep and meaningless, just the way I like them.
 

Could this possibly be considered English?
Posted 15 years ago by manzanitafire    [ Reply ]
I swear I've just heard her say "My little pants smell of nose sweat".
Posted 15 years ago by deanofox    [ Reply ]
Their best album?
Posted 16 years ago by tony99    [ Reply ]
 rgrace wrote:
Yeah, even if their lyrics are utter and complete nonsense...
 
Deep and meaningless, just the way I like them.


Posted 16 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
makes me fall asleep{#Yawn}
Posted 16 years ago by spiritual76    [ Reply ]

 

Wow!, a singular voice of Ms. Elizabeth Fraser   *  8  *



Posted 16 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Wow... somebody had fun with their chorus pedal.
Posted 16 years ago by pkimbrel    [ Reply ]
...there's something about the way that cocteau twins guitar beds are always just slightly flat which works so well, like a beloved old faded sepia fabric...
Posted 16 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
Exquisite tapestry.
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
wferrier wrote:
One can never get enough Cocteau Twins.
One set is two times too much.
Posted 16 years ago by kinAy    [ Reply ]
zzzzzzzzzz. Wow that was a sleeper. They should change the name of the album to "Music to Nap By."
Posted 16 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
One can never get enough Cocteau Twins.
Posted 16 years ago by wferrier    [ Reply ]
mandolin wrote:
...i swear, this sounds exactly like the cocteau twins...
I know! It's uncanny!
Posted 16 years ago by d00kie    [ Reply ]
so nice
Posted 16 years ago by coentje    [ Reply ]
A favorite album from one of my favorite bands.
Posted 16 years ago by doctec    [ Reply ]
...i swear, this sounds exactly like the cocteau twins...
Posted 16 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
I re-discovered this group 5 years ago and I bought all the Cd's, Elizabeth voice is incredible and the music make me fly .
Posted 17 years ago by albertgf    [ Reply ]
rgrace wrote:
Yeah, even if their lyrics are utter and complete nonsense...
Huh? Normally, you're a font of wisdom, but this comment is quite off the mark...to wit:
Road, River and Rail Really far away Though those choices can't be told Naked and caught on the Île de la Cité Oh holy pew is of eleventh century Full of shame and a fearless decay Formed into an angel From some flower Fabulous and dreamery Flame on the crown in her influence
That's the prettiest, most poetic nonsense I've heard in quite some time. Still love them, and all their 4AD stable-mates.
Posted 17 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
Same set again; it's a nice mix! 9:30 am - AfroCelts - Seed 9:27 am - Cocteau Twins - Road, River And Rail 9:21 am - Loreena McKennitt - The Mummers Dance
Posted 17 years ago by Kristi    [ Reply ]
rgrace wrote:
Yeah, even if their lyrics are utter and complete nonsense...
Na-uh. Elizabeth Frasier has a habit of sometimes singing in Gaelic, you pleb...
Posted 17 years ago by out_to_lunch    [ Reply ]
Oh wow, Cocteau Twins. C'mon Summerhead!!!
Posted 17 years ago by out_to_lunch    [ Reply ]
very nice I did not fully appreciate before. In this context, I like it very much.
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
Fabulous! Good to hear the Cocteau Twins again.
Posted 17 years ago by rbigelo    [ Reply ]
WhiskeyDude wrote:
I've been listening to CT for over 20 years and while I love their earlier stuff the best (along with so many other early 4AD bands) - this track is simply great. If you haven't seen it -- look for their single CD box set fron Japan. The sound quality is unreal.
The Peel Sessions CD is Outstanding, can't believe the sound they get "live"
Posted 17 years ago by festerfree    [ Reply ]
Egrey wrote:
Why do I associate music by the Cocteau Twins with a snow-covered winter day? Am I alone on that?
agreed.
Posted 17 years ago by brownbrown    [ Reply ]
raelic wrote:
Requires a rating of 11 to be added.
Yeah, even if their lyrics are utter and complete nonsense...
Posted 17 years ago by rgrace    [ Reply ]
dianneluna wrote:
How can I dislike ambient/techno/electronica so, and yet LOVE the Cocteau Twins so very very much?
because they have nothing to do with ambient/techno/electronica and so on? because they come from a completely different background musically? because the Cocteau Twins' music is just so beautiful that no words can do it jusctice?
Posted 17 years ago by gernick    [ Reply ]
Requires a rating of 11 to be added.
Posted 17 years ago by raelic    [ Reply ]
I've been listening to CT for over 20 years and while I love their earlier stuff the best (along with so many other early 4AD bands) - this track is simply great. If you haven't seen it -- look for their single CD box set fron Japan. The sound quality is unreal.
Posted 17 years ago by WhiskeyDude    [ Reply ]