Released: 2024
Pixies’ song “Chicken” deals with themes of vulnerability and the feeling of running in circles without making progress. The lyrics use the metaphor of a chicken and zombie to explore these feelings.
The first verse starts with the line “Sometimes I feel like a chicken”. This sets up the metaphor. Feeling like a chicken can imply being scared or powerless.
When the lyrics say “When something aloft cuts my head right off”, it suggests sudden and unexpected events that cause turmoil. The mention of “decapitation” adds a sense of losing control or direction.
The chorus emphasizes this feeling of being lost, with the lines “I’m not down on my knees, oh no, I’m just running round in circles”. It shows a struggle without giving up.
In the second verse, the singer compares themselves to a zombie, indicating a feeling of being emotionally numb or detached. Searching for a lover who won’t harm them adds a layer of desperation.
The repetition of “I’m begging you, please” in the chorus highlights the plea for understanding or help. The ongoing theme of running in circles suggests a cycle of hope and disappointment.
