☝️ Key Points
- The song describes the singer as a cheerful and lively being, compared to a pixie, a paper-cutout doll, and a cartoon character.
- It also touches on bad mood and unhappy people projecting their negative emotions onto others.
- It addresses the themes of privilege and manipulation in the media, particularly the portrayal of children with dark makeup and heroin-addict breath.
- It points out that life entails suffering and that some people even enjoy it.
- The singer emphasizes her willingness to help others and create a positive atmosphere.
Interpretation
In the song 'Pixie' by
Ani Difranco, the singer describes herself as a 'Pixie', a kind of fairy-like creature that is cheerful and lively. She also compares herself to a paper-cutout doll and a cartoon character. She says that she creates a cheerful atmosphere in a room and likes to have bright colors.
In the song lyrics, she also talks about bad moods and unhappy people. She describes how a man behind the counter looks annoyed and takes out his bad mood on her. She says she doesn't care what his problem is, she just wants to be left alone. She encourages others to hold hands and pretend to have fun, even if they don't.
The song lyrics also address the privileges of white children on television, who play with death and present themselves with their dark makeup and heroin-addicted breath. The little fish wriggling on the hook symbolize the people who are manipulated by the media. The singer also criticizes the critics who look for her true meaning in phone books.
The text also talks about how life involves suffering and how some people even like it. She says the little man is not so kind, but life has treated him badly, so he should wipe off his smile and try to be cool.
Finally, the singer says she would like to perfect the art of appearing bored and indifferent, but then she would be out of a job. She affirms that she is a cheerful and lively person who is always ready to help others.