Build High

I think this song is about the tower of babel, as the Pixies often used biblical references in their songs. The first verse seems to ask for help, which was the basic idea of the tower, as everyone spoke the same language. The second could be from the Point of View of the tower; as tall as it was, it probably wouldn't be beautiful and it would stand out. As for the line "Lately it makes me feel just like someone's forming in the air," maybe a reference to God? He didn't want the tower to exist, so he destroyed it. As for the chorus, thats more or less self-explanatory

The line about someone or something forming in the air does definitely lend credence to the idea that this song is about the tower of babel, but the rest of the song sort of indicates it's about the WPA during the depression... The singer is asking someone or something else to build high, because the singer is broke and has all these dire problems they need help with. The hold me up with pride thing even though I'm wretched thing is pure populism.

So does this mean Black Francis thinks the way we got out of the depression was a bad thing?

The guy is way down on his luck. poor son a bitch cant get a break he is saying that hes about as low as dirt. and he needs to be built up from the person being sung to. he needs hope and pride. no money to feed his dog. or help his old man out.

Its the style of the song that makes it seem old fashioned like in the 40's. that twangy folk. they were building all the high buildings in all the big citys.

but i donno

The pixies also right alot of songs with sexual tones, which got me thinking, and I know it sound perverse but, could this song be about getting turned on.....like boners haha?

I actually think he's singing about being on laughing gas, especially since he does the dramatic laughing/singing on "high".