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

Made of plastic and elastic
He is rugged and long lasting
Who could ever ever ask for more?
Love without complications galore

Many shapes and weights to chose from
I will never leave my bedroom
I will never cry at night again
Wrap my arms around him and pretend

Coin operated boy
All the other real ones that I destroy
Cannot hold a candle to my new boy
And I'll never let him go

And I'll never be alone
And I'll never let him go
And I'll never be alone, go
And I'll never be alone, go

And I'll never be alone, go
And I'll never be alone, go
And I'll never be alone
Not with my coin operated boy

This bridge was written to make you feel smitten
And with my sad picture of girl getting bitterer
Oh, can you extract me from my plastic fantasy
I didn't think so but I'm still convincible

Oh will you persist even after I bet you a million dollars
That I'll never love you and will you persist even after I kiss you
Goodbye for the last time will you be trying to prove it, I'm dying
To lose it, I'm losing my confidence

I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it
I want to, I want to, I want to, I want to
I want you, I want you, I want you, I want you
I want a, I want a, I want a, I want a coin operated boy

And if I had a star to wish on for my life
I can't imagine any flesh and blood could be this match
I can even take him in the bath
Coin operated boy, he may not be real experienced with girls

But I know, he feels like a boy should feel, isn't that the point
That is why I want a coin operated boy
With a pretty coin operated voice saying
That he loves me, that he's thinking of me
Straight and to the point that is why
I want a coin operated boy


Lyrics submitted by okokayok

Coin-Operated Boy Lyrics as written by Amanda Palmer

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Coin-Operated Boy song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

186 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +9
    General Comment

    ..... ummm. please. give amanda more credit. I don't think this song is as literal as you make it out to be. i don't think it's about a dildo or a sextoy.. but more about domination over a guy, and not being emotionally controlled by one or reliant on one. it's about not being disappointed, and about not being hurt continually.

    anna118kon November 23, 2004   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    "A skewed nursery-rhyme melody moves from despondent resignation to a desperate plea for true love." good description of this song.

    hoydenon September 27, 2004   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    A dildo has no ass. You cannot fuck a dildo in the ass. Clearly, the song is about a sextoy on one level, but there are enough words and phrases scattered throughout that hint that there is more to the song than "Ode to a Vibrator". The song is using a sextoy as a metaphor, asking us to imagine a lovetoy: something you could turn on and off at will, and have it love you when you wanted, just like you can turn on a vibrator and get instant satisfaction, on your own schedule.

    ChonChonBickayon November 19, 2004   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    My two cents..... I just recently heard this song, and loved it.....

    At first, I thought it was about a dildo, but, after listening to the lyrics, and seeing the video, it's not about that at all. She's been through alot of guys, and emotionally wrecked. In the bridge of the song, she makes an honest plea for an old lover, and she gives up, and creates this "plastic fantasy" of a coin operated boy who gives her the love she needs when she needs it and has no other purpose; and she subsequently has complete control and domination over him. Thus the line "I can even fuck him in the ass" in the live version. Go to their site, watch the video, and you'll get it.

    sleeptech81on December 05, 2004   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    You know, if there happens to be a website that the artist actually posts the true intentions of the song's lyrics on (dresdendolls.com/main1.htm), maybe it would be a good idea to CHECK the website before posting nonsense and insulting others' ideas. Christ.

    LadyGrey88on January 09, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Heard a live version, where she says "I can even fuck him in the ass" instead of "take him in the bath"

    penatr8on September 24, 2004   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    oooh this song makes me laugh.. just cos its so nice and bouncy. it may be about a sex toy.. but i doubt it, it should be about a girl who wants a physical relationship and an affectionate partner, but she doesnt want to have to give anything back :)

    smashing_meon November 30, 2004   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    This song is awesome. I love that at their shows you see a bunch of hardcore goths rocking out to a song that has a melody that songs like it should be played on Sesame Street. Amanda and Brian peform wonderfully together.

    xImmune2Gravityxon December 10, 2004   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    I've been relating to this song more and more as time goes by, even though it's not exactly my favorite on the album.

    I might make friends but in the end there's always something about each and every one of them that ticks me off, leaving me wishing for one of the imaginary ones who listens to what I say and can offer intelligent replies. I was told once that a robotic boyfriend would be ideal for me because he would never disagree with me.

    So I take this as a song about loneliness. That's me reading Star Wars comics and imagining General Grievous in frilly pink dresses and talking to me about world hunger XP

    sheela_lon December 10, 2007   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Um, no. This is an extremely perverted song. It's about a dildo/blow up doll. Some sex toy.

    FCUKitsJesson February 29, 2008   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve. The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future. Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere" The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Album art
Holiday
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday". I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example: "'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Album art
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Album art
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.