Cactus

David Bowie's song 'Cactus' is a haunting exploration of longing and desperation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone yearning for a tangible connection with a loved one who is far away. The repeated imagery of wishing on a cement floor suggests a sense of stagnation and hopelessness, as if the narrator is stuck in a place where their desires cannot be fulfilled. This feeling is compounded by the request for a piece of clothing, something intimate and personal, to bridge the emotional distance between them.

The song's use of stark and sometimes violent imagery, such as 'bloody your hands on the cactus tree' and 'make your dress all wet,' adds a layer of raw, visceral emotion. These lines suggest a willingness to endure pain and discomfort for the sake of feeling closer to the absent loved one. The mention of 'a letter in your writing doesn't mean you're not dead' underscores the depth of the narrator's despair, indicating that written words are insufficient to alleviate their sense of loss and longing.

Bowie's choice to include his own name, 'D-A-V-I-D,' in the lyrics adds a personal touch, blurring the lines between the artist and the narrator. This could be interpreted as a way of making the song's themes of longing and desperation more immediate and relatable. The song's repetitive structure and haunting melody further emphasize the cyclical nature of the narrator's yearning, creating a powerful and emotionally charged listening experience.