My Gen X Playlist: Carolyn’s Fingers – Cocteau Twins

My wife once was contacted by a television producer. She shares the same name as a television star and they were creating a reality show where people who share the same name, switch places and are filmed living the other person’s life.

My wife was a good match with the TV star. Both were the same age, attended the same university and from afar, there even could be an argument of a slight resemblance of the two. Be on TV? It piqued her interest.

Out of curiosity, my wife asked about the benefit to her if she agreed to do the show. The long of the short of it was she got to be on national TV. I guess that’s another way of saying her 15 minutes of fame.

I didn’t mind if she chose to be on the show. If she wanted to, go for it. But under one condition. I’m not going on it at all. There is a simple fact that once it’s on the internet, it’s memorialized out there forever. I’m bound to say something lame or awkward that would make me feel foolish, but would probably make great TV. I’m not looking for even one of those fifteen minutes. I’m good with staying under the radar. I was a hard pass.

In the end, she decided against it. A part of her thought it might be fun playing her almost twin on TV. It really wasn’t her thing. And even if she decided to be on the show, I’m not sure if the show even took off in the first place. Besides, I always tell her she is the OG and they should have asked the other namesake twin if she wanted to switch places with my wife instead. I’m sure that version would have made it on the airwaves.

I have at least three Cocteau Twins CDs in my collection, but if you asked me to name a song title, I’d be at a loss. I just remember I loved her voice. This was a CD I probably put on while doing stuff and I enjoyed the cool background vibe. Carolyn’s Finger was the first song I heard from them. I was drawn in to the singer’s ethereal voice. And as I listened to this song over and over again this morning, I’m realizing it’s way too good to have been kept in the background. Damn, this brought back a real cool nostalgic vibe. And from the comments, I’m not the only one captivated by her voice.

Does she… know what her voice sounds like? Like does she even understand how out of this world it is?

YouTube comment by nervousbunny

The first time I heard her was in 1998, when I was 38 years old. Today, November 29, 2024, at 64 years old, I am still enthralled by her voice.

YouTube comment by julitozoo

First heard this while driving, and had to pull the car over to listen to what I couldn’t believe I was hearing. Then, to call the college radio station to find out WHAT WAS THAT SONG? I floated into work late and couldn’t have cared less.

YouTube comment by peripeteya

My only regret of discovering this ethereal music is that I’ll never be able to listen to it like it’s the first time. Don’t be ashamed, shedding tears is a normal reaction upon hearing this Cocteau Twins song.

YouTube comment by ely_oh

–

For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

When he said, 'You are full of love'
She fell down into this dirty mess
Some people see me laugh and tell us,
'It's wrong to make fun of me'

(Even they don't give any more)
(Try, try to fall)
She fell down into this mess
(Even then they don't give)
(Try, try to fall)
She fell down and he's so sick of it all
And of me

This part not out of her saw fit to drop
Whispers might prove it all
(You're just closer to me when you fall, but you broke)
This would prove it all
(You just closer to me, but you broke)
This would prove it all
Sleep now
You susur, try to talk
Reach out for that hand

Reach out for that hand
(And even they don't give any more)
(Try, try to fall)
Even then they don't give
(Try, try to fall)
You just closer to me at the fall
But you don't want, want me hand
You're just closer to me
But you don't want, want my hand