Cactus

Pixies' song 'Cactus' is a raw and evocative exploration of longing and desperation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is deeply yearning for a connection with a loved one who is far away. The repeated imagery of sitting on a cement floor and wishing for something the loved one wore underscores the depth of this longing. The cement floor symbolizes a cold, hard reality, contrasting sharply with the warmth and intimacy of the desired clothing item.

The song's protagonist is so desperate for a connection that they ask for the loved one to send a dress, even if it is stained with blood from a cactus tree. This request is a powerful metaphor for the lengths to which they are willing to go to feel close to the person they miss. The cactus tree, with its sharp thorns, represents the pain and sacrifice involved in maintaining this connection. The act of wiping blood on the dress and sending it symbolizes a tangible, albeit painful, piece of the loved one that the protagonist can hold onto.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of physical and emotional hunger. The protagonist misses not just the loved one's physical presence but also the small, everyday comforts they provided, like soup and bread. This longing is so intense that even a letter in the loved one's handwriting is not enough to reassure them of their existence. The song's raw, almost primal, plea for connection is a testament to the deep human need for intimacy and the lengths to which people will go to feel close to those they love.