The Cactus Where Your Heart Should Be
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics


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The cactus where your heart should be has lovely
Little flowers so though it's always pricking me
My ardor never sours the cactus where your heart
Once was has power to rend and flay I stick because
I'm stuck, because I just can't tear myself away




Overall Meaning

The Magnetic Fields's song "The Cactus Where Your Heart Should Be" is an aptly titled and heartbreaking song. The lyrics describe a person who is in love with someone who is emotionally unavailable, comparing their heart to a cactus. The song starts by acknowledging the prickliness of the person's heart, but quickly moves to describe the beauty of the cactus's flowers, signifying a potential for love and emotional fulfillment. However, despite the constant emotional pain caused by loving someone with a cactus heart, the singer's love only intensifies. It's clear that the singer is torn between their desire for emotional fulfillment and their inability to leave the person they love.


Line by Line Meaning

The cactus where your heart should be has lovely little flowers
Despite the fact that you lack emotional capacity, I appreciate the positive qualities you possess, much like how a cactus can be beautiful despite its prickly nature.


So though it's always pricking me my ardor never sours
Although your behavior constantly hurts me, my love for you remains strong and unwavering.


The cactus where your heart once was has power to rend and flay
Even though you used to have the ability to love, your emotional emptiness now has the power to hurt and harm those around you.


I stick because I'm stuck, because I just can't tear myself away
Despite being aware of the pain you cause and the lack of reciprocity in our relationship, I am unable to leave because my love for you is too strong and enduring.




Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Written by: Stephin Merritt

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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