Coin-Operated Boy

"Coin-Operated Boy"
Single by The Dresden Dolls
from the album The Dresden Dolls
ReleasedDecember 13, 2004
GenreDark cabaret
Length4:46
LabelRoadrunner
Songwriter(s)Amanda Palmer
The Dresden Dolls singles chronology
"Girl Anachronism"
(2003) 		"Coin-Operated Boy"
(2004) 		"Sing"
(2006)

"Coin-Operated Boy" is a single by The Dresden Dolls duo, taken from the self-titled debut album The Dresden Dolls. It was produced by Martin Bisi and released on December 13, 2004, by Roadrunner Records. "Coin-Operated Boy" was written by Amanda Palmer. The song makes heavy use of staccato, and includes instruments such as a toy piano.

Interpretation

Palmer expounds on the many advantages of an artificial and subhuman partner over real ones in a tick-tock rhythm reminiscent of automata or clockwork. The song has broad overtones of lonely narcissism, and a desire for intimate loyalty and affection without personal sacrifice or vulnerability.[1] Caroline Bologna of The Huffington Post writes that the song "suggests themes of masturbation as it explores the idea of the pleasure of love without the 'complications' of a real partner".[2]

Legacy

Reception

In Australia, the song was ranked #12 on Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2004.

It has been parodied and used in advertisements and products.[3][4] The song was featured in the third episode of the DC Studios animated series Creature Commandos, titled "Cheers to the Tin Man".[5]

Track listing

German CD single
  1. "Coin-Operated Boy" - 3:33
  2. "Coin-Operated Boy" (Live) - 5:44 (This is the same version as the one found on A Is for Accident.)
  3. "Baby One More Time" (Live) - 3:20

It is in The Dresden Dolls Companion.

Personnel

References

  1. ^ "Contact Booking". The Dresden Dolls. 2006-01-15. Archived from the original on 2009-07-05. Retrieved 2012-01-01.
  2. ^ Bologna, Caroline (August 27, 2015). "22 Sexy Songs That Give Female Masturbation The Love It Deserves". The Huffington Post. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  3. ^ Moron Life. "Beer-Activated Girl on MoronLife.com". Retrieved 2 March 2011.
  4. ^ "Darbo Homepage: Description of commercial". Darbo.at. Retrieved 2012-01-01.
  5. ^ Craig, Richard; Howard, Brandon. "Creature Commandos Soundtrack Guide: Every Song In James Gunn DC Universe TV Show". Screen Rant. Retrieved December 13, 2024.