Pixies: "Where Is My Mind?"

Explore various piano solo arrangements by Jennifer Eklund of "Where Is My Mind?," an alternative rock classic from the 1980s performed by The Pixies.

This post is part twelve of the Sonic Surprises Sheet Music Series.

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About Pixies:

Pixies are an American alternative rock band formed in 1986 in Boston, Massachusetts. The band’s lineup consists of Black Francis (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Joey Santiago (lead guitar), Paz Lenchantin (bass, backing vocals), and David Lovering (drums, percussion). Pixies are known for their distinctive blend of punk, indie rock, and surf rock, characterized by Black Francis’s cryptic lyrics, Joey Santiago’s innovative guitar work, and their dynamic song structures.

They released their debut album, “Surfer Rosa,” in 1988, followed by “Doolittle” in 1989, both of which are considered seminal works in the alternative rock genre. Pixies disbanded in 1993 but reunited in 2004 and have since released several albums, including “Indie Cindy” (2014) and “Beneath the Eyrie” (2019). They have influenced numerous bands and musicians with their unique sound and are celebrated for their raw energy and unconventional songwriting.

About “Where Is My Mind?“:

“Where Is My Mind?” is a renowned song by the American alternative rock band Pixies. It serves as the seventh track on their influential 1988 debut album “Surfer Rosa.” The song is credited to the band’s frontman, Black Francis, who wrote it during his time at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, drawing inspiration from his experiences while scuba diving in the Caribbean. Guitarist Joey Santiago crafted the iconic guitar line, characterized by its distinctive lazy arpeggio that instantly captivates listeners.

The song gained widespread recognition and popularity after its inclusion in the 1999 film “Fight Club,” notably featuring in the film’s final scene, which significantly expanded its audience reach. Since then, “Where Is My Mind?” has become one of Pixies’ signature songs, frequently covered by various artists and featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials.

Beyond its association with “Fight Club,” the song has left a lasting impact in popular culture. It has been featured in several TV shows, including “Criminal Minds” and “The Leftovers,” as well as films like “Mr. Nobody” and “Sucker Punch.” Notably, Pixies’ original version and Maxence Cyrin’s piano cover were both used in HBO’s acclaimed series “The Leftovers.”

Despite its widespread use in media, “Where Is My Mind?” has been subject to criticism for its repetitive inclusion, often being seen as a cliché and a shorthand for indicating a character’s struggle with reality or mental turmoil.

In an intriguing twist, it was revealed in 2023 that a specific remark made by Francis at the beginning of the song triggered certain Google phones to switch off their alarms, adding an unexpected layer to its cultural impact and legacy.

1. “Where Is My Mind?” Advanced Piano Solo

Key features of the advanced version:

Appropriate for late intermediates & up
This chords and lots of layering
7 total pages
Run time is approximately 4:00

Where Is My Mind? (Advanced Piano)

Where Is My Mind?, as performed by The Pixies, stylishly arranged for advanced piano by Jennifer Eklund.

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🧐 Sheet music sneak peek:

2. “Where Is My Mind?” Intermediate Piano Solo

Key features of the intermediate version:

Appropriate for intermediates & up
Textures are thinner and melody stays in range throughout
7 total pages
Run time is approximately 4:00

Where Is My Mind? (Intermediate Piano)

Where Is My Mind?, as performed by The Pixies, stylishly arranged for intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund.

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🧐 Sheet music sneak peek:

3. “Where Is My Mind?” Easy Piano Solo

Key features of the easy piano version:

Abridged version for late beginners & up
In the original key (sorry, this is a song that just shouldn’t be transposed so you’ll need to deal with the key signature)
4 total pages
Run time is approximately 3:15