Pixies

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Sitting here wishing on a cement floor
Just wishing that I had just something you wore
I put it on when I grow lonely
Will you take off your dress and send it to me?

[Verse 2]
I miss your kiss and then I miss your head
And a letter in your writing doesn't mean you're not dead
Run outside in the desert heat
Make your dress all wet then send it to me

[Verse 3]
I miss your soup and I miss your bread
And a letter in your writing doesn't mean you're not dead
So spill your breakfast and drip your wine
Just wear that dress when you dine

[Interlude]
P-I-X-I-E-S

[Verse 4]
Sitting here wishing on a cement floor
Just wishing that I had just something you wore
Bloody your hands on a cactus tree
Wipe it on your dress and send it to me
[Verse 5]
Sitting here wishing on a cement floor
Just wishing that I had just something you wore

Cactus is a song by the Boston-based alternative rock band Pixies. Formed in 1986, Pixies quickly rose to fame with their unorthodox approach to rock music. Known for their explosive live performances, cryptic lyrics, and unique instrumentation, Pixies were ahead of their time and influenced a myriad of bands that came after them. One of their most renowned songs, Cactus, was included in their 1988 album Surfer Rosa.

About Cactus

Cactus explores the complicated and often strange feelings that arise from romantic relationships. At its core, the song is about a man who loves a woman who has no interest in him. The lyrics are dark and brooding, perhaps reflective of the frustration and hopelessness that both the narrator and the woman feel. As with many of Pixies' other songs, the lyrics are often open to interpretation, and fans can debate their meaning for hours.

One of the most striking aspects of Cactus is its distinctive sound. The track features a prominent bassline that drives the song forward, as well as guitar chords that are both jarring and strangely beautiful. Black Francis' vocals are haunting and raw, lending an emotional weight to the already complex lyrics. The song has a tempo that constantly shifts, accompanied by tense pauses, making it feel both restless and unpredictable.

Cactus was produced by Steve Albini, an influential producer who has worked with many alternative rock bands, including Nirvana, PJ Harvey, and The Breeders. Albini's minimalistic approach to production gives the song a raw, unadulterated feel that perfectly complements Pixies' experimental sound. Cactus stands out on Surfer Rosa as one of the album's most intricate and well-crafted songs.

The song has since been covered by other artists, including David Bowie, who included his version on his 2002 album Heathen. Bowie's take on the song offers a different perspective, with his iconic vocals taking on a more ethereal quality.

Looking back, Cactus is a testament to Pixies' unique approach to music. The band's willingness to experiment with unconventional sounds and lyrics made them trailblazers in the alternative rock genre. Cactus remains one of their most enduring tracks, a song that continues to captivate audiences more than thirty years after its original release.

• Release Date: March 21, 1988
• Artist: Pixies