Coin-Operated Boy
2004 single by The Dresden Dolls
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"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.
| "Coin-Operated Boy" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by The Dresden Dolls | ||||
| from the album The Dresden Dolls | ||||
| Released | December 13, 2004 | |||
| Genre | Dark cabaret | |||
| Length | 4:46 | |||
| Label | Roadrunner | |||
| Songwriter | Amanda Palmer | |||
| The Dresden Dolls singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Coin-Operated Boy" on YouTube | ||||
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.
In popular culture
It has been parodied and used in advertisements and products.[3][4][5] The song was featured in the third episode of the DC Studios animated series Creature Commandos, titled "Cheers to the Tin Man".[6]
Track listing
- German CD single
- "Coin-Operated Boy" - 3:33
- "Coin-Operated Boy" (Live) - 5:44 (This is the same version as the one found on A Is for Accident.)
- "Baby One More Time" (Live) - 3:20
It is in The Dresden Dolls Companion.
Personnel
- Amanda Palmer - piano, vocals, lyricist, composer, songwriter
- Brian Viglione - drums, guitar
- Martin Bisi - Memory Man
- Michael Pope - music video director