Coin-operated boy

sitting on the shelf, he is just a toy

but I turn him on and he comes to life

automatic joy

that is why I want a coin-operated boy......

- Coin-Operated Boy by The Dresden Dolls -

 

A friend of mine sent me the song with a message attached saying something along the lines of “you’ll like this song, it’s about dildos lol” Naturally intrigued, I listened. I giggled at the obvious sex toy connotations and tapped my foot along to the rhythm. It was not until I had listened to the song a few times that I realised what it was actually about: loneliness, heartbreak, frustration at being lonely, with undertones of self-loathing. That was something I could connect to. The double entendre, and double meanings within The Dresden Doll’s writing style are why I fell in love with their music. They draw you in with amusement and a catchy tune and rip your heart out with raw human emotion.
The Coin-Operated Boy hand-held brooch is what you see before you. It is formed from my hand, and electroplated in smooth shining silver, tactile and glorious to touch and fondle. When I feel alone or sad, I touch things, anything, I run my fingers over things, it calms my anxiety. This piece sits inside its plush little box, a box for a bedside table. When you feel lonely you can take it out and hold in in your hand, run your fingers over its indents, or you can you use its contents...