I Touch Myself

Divinyls' song "I Touch Myself" is a provocative and candid exploration of self-love, desire, and the deep emotional connection one can feel towards another person. The lyrics are straightforward yet layered with meaning, capturing the essence of longing and the intimate act of self-pleasure as a form of expressing love and desire for someone else. The repeated line, "When I think about you, I touch myself," serves as a powerful declaration of how deeply the subject is affected by their feelings for the other person.

The song delves into themes of self-exploration and vulnerability. Lines like "I search myself, I want you to find me" and "I forget myself, I want you to remind me" suggest a yearning for validation and connection. The act of touching oneself is not just a physical response but also an emotional one, symbolizing the merging of self-love with the love for another. This duality is further emphasized by the juxtaposition of self-affirming statements like "I love myself" with the desire for the other's love and presence.

Culturally, "I Touch Myself" was groundbreaking when it was released in the early 1990s. It challenged societal norms around female sexuality and self-pleasure, topics that were often considered taboo. The song's boldness and honesty resonated with many, making it an anthem of sexual empowerment and self-acceptance. Divinyls, known for their edgy and unapologetic style, used this song to push boundaries and encourage listeners to embrace their desires openly and without shame.