The Happening

The Pixies' song 'The Happening' delves into the theme of extraterrestrial encounters and the human response to such an event. The lyrics open with a reference to 'Number fifty-one,' a clear nod to the infamous Area 51, a top-secret U.S. Air Force facility often associated with UFO sightings and conspiracy theories. The imagery of a ranch 'baking in the sun' beneath the sky sets a desolate, mysterious scene, hinting at the hidden secrets that lie within this enigmatic location.

As the song progresses, it describes an extraordinary event where an alien ship lands on the Las Vegas strip. The aliens step out into the lights, greeting humanity with a simple 'HI!' This moment is depicted as a spectacle, blending the mundane with the extraordinary. The juxtaposition of the alien encounter with the glitzy, commercialized setting of Las Vegas underscores the surreal nature of the event, making it both a public spectacle and a profound moment of contact.

The narrative then shifts to the perspective of a person driving near the Great Salt Lake, who becomes captivated by the news of the alien landing. The excitement and chaos of the event are palpable as the driver forgets about the laws and the rain, driven by a sense of freedom and exhilaration. The broadcast of the event, featuring an interview with a character named Bill Goodman, adds a layer of realism to the fantastical story. The song concludes with the protagonist's determination to reach Las Vegas and witness the historic event, reflecting a deep-seated human curiosity and the desire to be part of something monumental.