The Pixies, an alternative rock band from Boston, are widely regarded as one of the most influential and groundbreaking groups of the 1980s and 1990s. With their unconventional song structures, loud-soft dynamics, and surreal lyrics, the Pixies helped to define and shape the sound of alternative rock. Their music was a blend of punk, surf rock, and pop, and their use of dissonant harmonies and unconventional instrumentation created a unique and distinct sound that was unlike anything else at the time.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the 20 best Pixies songs of all time, showcasing the band’s innovation and creativity. From their early hits like “Gigantic” and “Here Comes Your Man” to their later, more experimental tracks, this list includes some of the most iconic and influential songs from their extensive discography. We have included tracks from some of their most well-known albums, such as “Surfer Rosa” and “Doolittle,” as well as lesser-known gems that showcase their musical range and evolution.
Whether you are a long-time fan of alternative rock or just discovering the Pixies for the first time, this list is sure to offer something new and exciting. From their frenetic energy to their haunting melodies, the Pixies’ music continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. So put on your headphones, crank up the volume, and enjoy our list of the 20 best Pixies songs of all time.
1. Where Is My Mind? (Surfer Rosa, 1988)
“Where Is My Mind?” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies. It was released in 1988 as part of their debut album “Surfer Rosa”. The song’s distinctive and recognizable intro, featuring a descending guitar melody, has become an iconic part of the band’s legacy and has been used in various films, television shows, and commercials.
The lyrics of “Where Is My Mind?” are somewhat cryptic and elusive, leading to a range of interpretations over the years. Some have suggested that the song is about the feeling of losing one’s grip on reality or a sense of detachment from the world around them. Others have seen it as a commentary on the state of society or the destructive nature of human behavior.
2. Debaser (Doolittle, 1989)
“Debaser” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1989 as part of their second album “Doolittle”. The song is known for its fast-paced tempo, distorted guitar riffs, and energetic vocals, and has become one of the band’s most iconic and recognizable tracks.
The lyrics of “Debaser” were inspired by the surrealist filmmaker Luis Buñuel and his film “Un chien andalou”. The song references the film’s famous opening scene in which a razor blade is used to cut a woman’s eye, with lead singer Black Francis shouting “slicing up eyeballs” in the chorus. The song’s cryptic and abstract lyrics, combined with its aggressive sound, make for a powerful and intense listening experience. “Debaser” was praised by critics upon its release and has since become a staple of the Pixies’ live shows. Its influence can be heard in the work of many other alternative and indie rock bands that emerged in the 1990s and beyond. The song’s music video, directed by Tim Pope, features footage of Buñuel’s films and is widely regarded as one of the best music videos of the era.
3. Monkey Gone To Heaven (Doolittle, 1989)
“Monkey Gone To Heaven” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1989 as part of their second album “Doolittle”. The song features a memorable opening riff played on a 12-string guitar, as well as a prominent bassline and haunting, ethereal vocals by lead singer Black Francis.
The lyrics of “Monkey Gone To Heaven” address a range of environmental and spiritual themes, including pollution, the depletion of natural resources, and the search for meaning and purpose in a seemingly chaotic world. The song’s title refers to a Buddhist belief that there are 32 heavens and 32 hells, and that monkeys are said to be found in the 28th heaven. “Monkey Gone To Heaven” was widely praised upon its release and has since become one of the Pixies’ most beloved and enduring songs. It features a powerful and anthemic chorus, with Francis shouting “This monkey’s gone to heaven” over a swelling wave of guitars and drums.
4. The Holiday Song (Come On Pilgrim, 1987)
“The Holiday Song” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1987 as part of their debut mini-album “Come On Pilgrim”. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and driving rhythm, with lead singer Black Francis delivering his trademark yelps and screams over a backdrop of distorted guitars and pounding drums.
The lyrics of “The Holiday Song” are somewhat enigmatic, with Francis singing about a range of disconnected images and ideas, including a “fiery demon” and “cherry lipstick”. The song’s cryptic and surreal lyrics are characteristic of the Pixies’ early work and reflect the band’s fascination with the weird and the off-kilter.
Despite its relatively simple structure and lyrics, “The Holiday Song” has become a fan favorite and a staple of the Pixies’ live shows. Its energetic and infectious sound, combined with Francis’ distinctive vocal style, make for a memorable and engaging listening experience.
5. Here Comes Your Man (Doolittle, 1989)
“Here Comes Your Man” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1989 as part of their second album “Doolittle”. The song features a catchy, jangly guitar riff and a sunny, pop-infused melody, making it one of the band’s most accessible and commercially successful songs.
The lyrics of “Here Comes Your Man” tell the story of a man on the run from the law, as well as the woman who is waiting for him to return. The song’s narrative is conveyed through vivid and poetic language, with lead singer Black Francis singing lines like “Outside there’s a boxcar waiting / Outside the family stew / Out by the fire breathing / Outside we wait ’til face turns blue”.
“Here Comes Your Man” was a hit upon its release and has since become one of the Pixies’ most beloved and enduring songs. Its catchy melody and upbeat tempo have made it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows, while its popularity has helped to introduce the Pixies to a wider audience.
6. Tame (Doolittle, 1989)
“Tame” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1989 as part of their second album “Doolittle”. The song features a frenetic and aggressive sound, with lead singer Black Francis delivering his vocals in a wild and frantic style over a backdrop of distorted guitars and pounding drums.
The lyrics of “Tame” are characterized by their profanity and explicit sexual references, as Francis sings lines like “I think I’m pretty tame now / I raise my shirt / I let you see my world / I let you see my little pearl”. The song’s confrontational and provocative lyrics are typical of the Pixies’ early work, and reflect the band’s interest in exploring taboo subjects and pushing the boundaries of traditional rock songwriting.
Musically, “Tame” is a standout track on “Doolittle”, featuring a relentless and propulsive rhythm that drives the song forward. The band’s use of stop-start dynamics and sudden shifts in tempo add to the song’s sense of chaos and unpredictability, making for an intense and thrilling listening experience.
7. Gigantic (Surfer Rosa, 1988)
“Gigantic” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1988 as part of their debut album “Surfer Rosa”. The song is notable for its infectious bassline, catchy chorus, and driving rhythm, as well as for the powerful and emotive vocals of bassist Kim Deal, who takes on lead vocal duties for the song.
The lyrics of “Gigantic” are characterized by their sexual imagery and provocative language, with Deal singing lines like “Gigantic, gigantic, gigantic / A big, big love”. The song’s suggestive lyrics and playful tone reflect the Pixies’ interest in exploring taboo subjects and challenging traditional notions of gender and sexuality.
Musically, “Gigantic” is a standout track on “Surfer Rosa”, featuring a driving rhythm and a distinctive bassline that anchors the song’s melody. The band’s use of dissonant guitar riffs and dynamic shifts in tempo add to the song’s sense of tension and energy, while Deal’s powerful and emotive vocals give the song a sense of raw emotion and intensity.
8. Gouge Away (Doolittle, 1989)
“Gouge Away” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1989 as part of their second album “Doolittle”. The song is notable for its driving rhythm, intense energy, and dynamic shifts in tempo and volume, as well as for the powerful and emotive vocals of frontman Black Francis.
The lyrics of “Gouge Away” are cryptic and surreal, with Francis singing lines like “Gouge away / You can gouge away / Stay all day / If you want to”. The song’s enigmatic lyrics reflect the Pixies’ interest in exploring abstract themes and concepts, and add to the sense of tension and unease that runs throughout the song.
Musically, “Gouge Away” is a standout track on “Doolittle”, featuring a driving rhythm section and a dynamic guitar riff that builds in intensity throughout the song. The band’s use of sudden shifts in tempo and volume add to the song’s sense of unpredictability and urgency, while Francis’ powerful and emotive vocals give the song a sense of raw emotion and intensity.
9. Hey (Doolittle, 1989)
“Hey” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1989 as part of their second album “Doolittle”. The song is notable for its sparse instrumentation, haunting melody, and emotive vocals, as well as for its exploration of themes of loss, mortality, and redemption.
The lyrics of “Hey” are introspective and poetic, with frontman Black Francis singing lines like “We’re chained / We’re chained / We’re chained / We’re chained / We’re chained”. The song’s enigmatic lyrics and haunting melody create a sense of melancholy and introspection, and reflect the Pixies’ interest in exploring abstract themes and emotions.
Musically, “Hey” is a departure from the Pixies’ more energetic and dynamic tracks, featuring sparse instrumentation and a slow, deliberate tempo. The song’s use of acoustic guitar and gentle, muted percussion add to the sense of intimacy and introspection, while Francis’ emotive vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion.
10. Bone Machine (Surfer Rosa, 1988)
“Bone Machine” is the opening track of the Pixies’ debut album “Surfer Rosa”, released in 1988. The song is notable for its raw energy, driving rhythm, and intense vocals, as well as for its exploration of themes of violence, death, and human frailty.
The lyrics of “Bone Machine” are cryptic and surreal, with frontman Black Francis singing lines like “Your bone’s got a little machine”. The song’s enigmatic lyrics and intense vocals create a sense of urgency and unease, and reflect the Pixies’ interest in exploring abstract themes and emotions.
Musically, “Bone Machine” is a high-energy track that sets the tone for the rest of “Surfer Rosa”. The song’s driving rhythm section and raw guitar riff create a sense of urgency and momentum, while Francis’ intense vocals convey a sense of raw emotion and energy.
Despite its cryptic lyrics and intense sound, “Bone Machine” has become a fan favorite and a classic of the alternative rock genre.
11. Wave Of Mutilation (Doolittle, 1989)
“Wave of Mutilation” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1989 as part of their second album “Doolittle”. The song is notable for its surf-rock inspired guitar riff, dreamy vocals, and vivid imagery, as well as for its exploration of themes of death, destruction, and transformation.
The lyrics of “Wave of Mutilation” are poetic and evocative, with frontman Black Francis singing lines like “I’ve kissed mermaids, rode the El Niño / Walked the sand with the crustaceans”. The song’s vivid imagery and dreamy vocals create a sense of otherworldliness and introspection, while its exploration of themes of death and transformation add an element of darkness and mystery.
Musically, “Wave of Mutilation” is driven by a surf-rock inspired guitar riff, with drummer David Lovering providing a steady beat and Kim Deal’s bass guitar adding depth and texture to the song. Francis’ vocals are dreamy and ethereal, adding to the song’s sense of introspection and introspection.
12. Velouria (Bossanova, 1990)
“Velouria” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1990 as part of their third album “Bossanova”. The song is notable for its ethereal vocals, lush instrumentation, and cryptic lyrics, as well as for its exploration of themes of love, desire, and transformation.
The lyrics of “Velouria” are cryptic and mysterious, with frontman Black Francis singing lines like “A blinding light, a hundred yards away / Is where I stay, stake my tent and wait”. The song’s enigmatic lyrics and ethereal vocals create a sense of otherworldliness and introspection, while its exploration of themes of love and desire add an element of passion and intensity.
Musically, “Velouria” features lush instrumentation, with a distinctive guitar riff, shimmering synthesizer sounds, and a steady drumbeat providing a rich and textured backdrop for Francis’ vocals. The song’s ethereal sound and lush instrumentation create a dreamlike atmosphere, adding to its sense of introspection and introspection.
13. Caribou (Come On Pilgrim, 1987)
“Caribou” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1987 as part of their debut mini-album “Come On Pilgrim”. The song is notable for its driving rhythm, jagged guitar riffs, and enigmatic lyrics, as well as for its exploration of themes of violence, power, and masculinity.
The lyrics of “Caribou” are cryptic and mysterious, with frontman Black Francis singing lines like “Up to my neck in the sweat of a suitcase / I wandered off and found myself all alone / And then I knew my loneliness was real”. The song’s enigmatic lyrics and jagged guitar riffs create a sense of tension and unease, while its exploration of themes of violence and power add an element of darkness and intensity.
Musically, “Caribou” features a driving rhythm, with a steady drumbeat and Kim Deal’s bass guitar providing a foundation for Joey Santiago’s jagged guitar riffs. The song’s tense and abrasive sound creates a sense of urgency and intensity, adding to its exploration of themes of violence and power.
14. Dig For Fire (Bossanova, 1990)
“Dig For Fire” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1990 as part of their third album “Bossanova”. The song is notable for its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and playful lyrics, as well as for its exploration of themes of creativity, inspiration, and the artistic process.
The lyrics of “Dig For Fire” are playful and irreverent, with frontman Black Francis singing lines like “There is this old man who spent so much of his life sleeping / That he is able to keep awake for the rest of his years”. The song’s playful lyrics and upbeat tempo create a sense of optimism and energy, while its exploration of themes of creativity and inspiration add an element of introspection and reflection.
Musically, “Dig For Fire” features a catchy melody, with Francis’ vocals and Joey Santiago’s guitar riffs creating a memorable hook. The song’s upbeat tempo and lively instrumentation create a sense of energy and excitement, adding to its exploration of themes of creativity and inspiration.
15. Vamos (Surfer Rosa, 1988)
“Vamos” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1988 as part of their debut album “Surfer Rosa”. The song is notable for its driving rhythm, distinctive guitar riffs, and bilingual lyrics, as well as for its exploration of themes of alienation, disconnection, and identity.
The lyrics of “Vamos” are sung partly in English and partly in Spanish, with frontman Black Francis singing lines like “Estoy cansado de ser hombre / Y no puedo luchar contra el hombre”. The song’s bilingual lyrics and driving rhythm create a sense of disorientation and disconnection, while its exploration of themes of identity and alienation add an element of introspection and uncertainty.
Musically, “Vamos” features a driving rhythm, with a fast-paced drumbeat and Joey Santiago’s distinctive guitar riffs creating a sense of urgency and energy. The song’s bilingual lyrics and abrasive sound create a sense of tension and unease, adding to its exploration of themes of alienation and disconnection.
16. Planet Of Sound (Trompe Le Monde, 1991)
“Planet of Sound” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1991 as part of their fourth album “Trompe Le Monde”. The song is notable for its heavy, distorted guitars, propulsive drumbeat, and dark, surreal lyrics, as well as for its exploration of themes of existential angst, alienation, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
The lyrics of “Planet of Sound” are cryptic and surreal, with frontman Black Francis singing lines like “I pick up my uzi and Mozambique / Cock it and shoot it and they fall in a pile”. The song’s dark, surreal lyrics create a sense of unease and disorientation, while its exploration of themes of alienation and existential angst add an element of introspection and reflection.
Musically, “Planet of Sound” features heavy, distorted guitars, with Joey Santiago’s riffs creating a sense of chaos and dissonance. The song’s propulsive drumbeat and driving rhythm create a sense of urgency and energy, adding to its exploration of themes of alienation and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
17. Cecilia Ann (Bossanova, 1990)
“Cecilia Ann” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1990 as part of their third album “Bossanova”. The song is notable for its driving surf rock-inspired guitar riffs, pounding drumbeat, and infectious energy, as well as for its exploration of themes of youth, rebellion, and freedom.
The lyrics of “Cecilia Ann” are sparse and repetitive, with frontman Black Francis shouting lines like “Cecilia, you’re breaking my heart / You’re shaking my confidence daily”. The song’s simple, anthemic lyrics and energetic delivery create a sense of rebelliousness and freedom, while its exploration of themes of youth and rebellion add an element of nostalgia and longing.
Musically, “Cecilia Ann” features driving surf rock-inspired guitar riffs, with Joey Santiago’s distinctive style adding a sense of urgency and energy. The song’s pounding drumbeat and driving rhythm create a sense of momentum and freedom, adding to its exploration of themes of youth, rebellion, and the search for independence.
18. Levitate Me (Come On Pilgrim, 1987)
“Levitate Me” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, originally released in 1987 as part of their debut mini-album “Come On Pilgrim”. The song is known for its hypnotic bassline, frantic drumbeat, and stream-of-consciousness lyrics, as well as for its exploration of themes of spirituality and transcendence.
The lyrics of “Levitate Me” are poetic and surreal, with frontman Black Francis chanting lines like “Dove nested towers / The hour was strike / The street quicksilver moon / Carriage across the fog” over a hypnotic bassline and driving drumbeat. The song’s stream-of-consciousness lyrics create a sense of transcendence and spiritual yearning, while its relentless rhythm creates a sense of urgency and momentum.
Musically, “Levitate Me” is notable for its hypnotic bassline, which forms the backbone of the song and creates a sense of propulsion and forward motion. The song’s frenzied drumbeat and distorted guitar riffs add to its intensity, creating a sense of chaos and abandon.
19. Dead (Doolittle, 1989)
“Dead” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released on their 1989 album “Doolittle”. The song is known for its dark and unsettling lyrics, driven by a driving bassline and Kim Deal’s haunting vocals.
The lyrics of “Dead” are cryptic and unnerving, exploring themes of death, decay, and isolation. Frontman Black Francis sings lines like “I’ll sleep in your bed of nails / And you can keep the sheets” over a driving bassline and pounding drums, creating a sense of unease and tension.
Musically, “Dead” is notable for its driving bassline, which provides the song with its distinctive rhythm and propulsion. Kim Deal’s vocals add to the song’s haunting quality, as she sings the chorus in a ghostly falsetto. The song’s distorted guitars and frenzied drumming add to its sense of urgency and intensity.
20. Greens And Blues (Indie Cindy, 2014)
“Greens and Blues” is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, released on their 2014 album “Indie Cindy”. The song features lead vocals from bassist Kim Deal, who had left the band prior to the album’s release.
“Greens and Blues” is a reflective and introspective song, with lyrics that touch on themes of nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time. Kim Deal’s vocals are warm and comforting, delivering lines like “Time is running out, but I’m still young” with a sense of wistful longing.
Musically, “Greens and Blues” is anchored by a steady drumbeat and a jangly guitar riff, creating a sense of forward momentum and energy. The song’s chorus features a soaring melody and a lush vocal arrangement, with Deal’s lead vocals complemented by harmonies from the rest of the band.
Jared Parker is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
