“Pitch The Baby” is a song by Cocteau Twins, a Scottish rock band that gained popularity in the 1980s. The song, included on their 1990 album “Heaven or Las Vegas,” has a haunting melody and a dreamy quality to it that is characteristic of the band’s sound.
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At first listen, the lyrics of “Pitch The Baby” might not seem to make much sense. But with a closer look, the meaning behind the song becomes clear.
The song is about the struggle to let go of something that is holding you back, even though it might be a painful process. The metaphor of “pitching the baby” refers to the act of throwing away something that you have invested time and emotion into, even if it’s no longer serving you.
The Lyrics
Before diving into the meaning behind the song, let’s take a look at the lyrics of “Pitch The Baby:”
Pitch the baby
Out of the window
Into the sky
Out past the buildings
Past the jail and
Past the tracks
And past the money
And past the system
And past the drugs and
Past the pain and
Past the sex
And past the fact that
You’re aging
Past the snakes and
Past the seasons and
Past this bittersweet
Circus hell
At first glance, the lyrics might seem like a jumbled mess of phrases. However, upon closer inspection, they reveal a deeper meaning.
The Meaning Behind The Lyrics
The first line, “Pitch the baby,” sets the tone for the rest of the song. The phrase is a metaphor for getting rid of baggage, whether it be emotional, physical, or otherwise.
The next few lines describe throwing this baggage out of the window, past various obstacles and challenges, until it’s out of sight. The repetition of “past” emphasizes the need to move on from these roadblocks and focus on the future.
Lines like “past the money” and “past the system” suggest that the song is speaking directly to the societal pressures and expectations that we encounter in our daily lives.
The line “past the fact that you’re aging” is particularly poignant, as it speaks to the fear of growing old and the need to constantly keep up appearances.
But the song doesn’t stop there. It continues on to describe throwing away “the snakes and past the seasons and past this bittersweet circus hell.” These lines are a reminder that even though we might encounter hardships and challenges, we need to keep moving forward and letting go of what’s holding us back.
The Importance of Letting Go
The theme of letting go is one that is prevalent throughout Cocteau Twins’ music. In fact, the name of the band itself is a reference to the French author Jean Cocteau’s life motto: “Il faut se ressembler soi-même,” which translates to “One must always be oneself.”
The act of pitching the baby, while it might be painful and difficult, is ultimately necessary for personal growth and self-discovery. This idea is reflected in the chorus of the song:
And if you feel like you’re losing everything
Always remember that trees lose their leaves every year
And still they stand tall, waiting for better days to come
The message here is clear: even if it feels like everything is falling apart, there is always hope for new beginnings and better days ahead.
The Legacy of “Pitch The Baby”
“Pitch The Baby” remains one of Cocteau Twins’ most beloved and well-known songs. Its message of letting go and moving forward is one that still resonates with listeners today.
The band’s influence can be heard in the music of countless other artists, from indie bands like Beach House and Tame Impala to mainstream acts like Lorde and Lana Del Rey.
Even though the band disbanded in 1997, their music continues to inspire and to be discovered by new generations of listeners.
FAQs
What inspired the lyrics of “Pitch The Baby?”
While Cocteau Twins’ lyrics are often abstract and open to interpretation, in an interview with Melody Maker in 1990, vocalist Elizabeth Fraser explained that the song was about the need to let go of things that were holding her back, even if it was difficult.
What is the meaning behind the title “Heaven or Las Vegas?”
The title of the album, which includes “Pitch The Baby,” is a reference to the two places that represent the extremes of human experience: one is a place of pure pleasure and excess, while the other is a place of desolation and despair.
Why did Cocteau Twins disband?
After 16 years of making music together, the members of Cocteau Twins decided to disband in 1997. While the split wasn’t publicly attributed to any one specific reason, it was rumored that conflicts within the band contributed to the decision.
Who were Cocteau Twins’ musical influences?
Cocteau Twins drew influence from a variety of genres, including post-punk, shoegaze, and dream pop. Some of their musical inspirations included Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and This Mortal Coil.
What was the reception to “Pitch The Baby” when it was released?
“Heaven or Las Vegas,” the album that features “Pitch The Baby,” was critically acclaimed upon its release in 1990. The song itself was praised for its dreamy, ethereal quality and poetic lyrics.
Has “Pitch The Baby” been covered by other artists?
Yes, “Pitch The Baby” has been covered by several artists over the years, including dream pop band Widowspeak and indie rock musician Kevin Devine.
What other songs should Cocteau Twins fans check out?
Cocteau Twins’ discography is filled with gems, but some standout tracks include “Cherry-Coloured Funk,” “Bluebeard,” and “Heaven or Las Vegas.”
What impact did Cocteau Twins have on the music industry?
Throughout their career, Cocteau Twins helped to shape the sound of dream pop and shoegaze, two genres that would go on to influence countless other bands. Their unique sound and poetic lyrics continue to inspire new generations of musicians.
What is Elizabeth Fraser up to now?
After Cocteau Twins disbanded in 1997, Fraser went on to pursue a solo career and collaborate with several other artists. She also contributed vocals to several film soundtracks, including “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.”
What is the legacy of Cocteau Twins?
Cocteau Twins’ influence can be heard in the music of countless other bands, from indie to mainstream. Their unique sound and emotional depth have made them a beloved and influential band even decades after their disbandment.
What advice does “Pitch The Baby” offer to listeners?
The main message of “Pitch The Baby” is the importance of letting go of what’s holding you back and embracing new beginnings. It encourages listeners to keep moving forward even in the face of adversity.
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