The Simple Minds Song That Inspired the Band Name ‘Cocteau Twins’

• By Tina Benitez-Eves
• American Songwriter
• 26-May 2023

Formed in Grangemouth, Scotland in 1979, Elizabeth Fraser, Robin Guthrie, and Will Heggie called themselves Cocteau Twins.

The name derived from the song “Cocteau Twins” by fellow Scottish band Johnny and the Self-Abusers, which later became Simple Minds.

The song, written by Jim Kerr, was linked to two men in Glasgow who were known for their fondness for film and the French poet Jean Cocteau.

I see them walking

You know they’re walking at night

Ohh in the dark you know

They’re shining out so bright

Your snarky voices are gonna come on so near

As every picture becomes so clear

Simple Minds later reimagined the song “No Cure,” and released it on their 1979 debut, Life in a Day.

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