| Coin-Operated Boy | |
| Cover: | coin_boy.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | The Dresden Dolls |
| Album: | The Dresden Dolls |
| Released: | December 13, 2004 |
| Genre: | Dark cabaret |
| Length: | 4:46 |
| Label: | Roadrunner |
| Prev Title: | Girl Anachronism |
| Prev Year: | 2003 |
| Next Title: | Sing |
| Next Year: | 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.
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]
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]
It is in The Dresden Dolls Companion.