I'm Amazed

Pixies' song 'I'm Amazed' is a fascinating blend of fragmented storytelling and cryptic lyrics, characteristic of the band's unique style. The song opens with a dialogue between Kim Deal and Black Francis, recounting a mysterious and somewhat scandalous event involving a man and field hockey players. The conversation is disjointed and filled with ellipses, creating an atmosphere of secrecy and intrigue. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which continues to explore themes of amazement and bewilderment through a series of seemingly unrelated vignettes.

The lyrics then shift to a more personal narrative, with Black Francis reflecting on various moments from his life. The line 'The day before that I was wed, she went upstairs and she cut her hair (away)' suggests a significant and possibly traumatic event, perhaps a wedding or a breakup, that left a lasting impression. The repetition of 'I'm amazed' throughout the song underscores a sense of wonder and confusion, as if the narrator is trying to make sense of these fragmented memories and experiences.

The song also touches on themes of childhood and nostalgia, with the line 'And when I was a little boy, a ball of string my favorite toy' evoking a simpler, more innocent time. This contrasts sharply with the more adult themes of the earlier verses, highlighting the complexity of the narrator's emotions. The final verse, 'Before I died, I took my Honda and packed it up up up to Arizona,' suggests a desire for escape or a fresh start, further emphasizing the theme of amazement at life's unpredictable twists and turns. Overall, 'I'm Amazed' is a rich tapestry of enigmatic narratives and emotional depth, inviting listeners to ponder the mysteries of life and memory.