Stock Exchange

Miss Kittin's song 'Stock Exchange' delves into the high-pressure, glamorous, and often superficial world of corporate business. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman navigating the male-dominated world of high finance and corporate deals. The imagery of shaking hands in the back of a Mercedes, carrying a top-secret lucky charm, and wearing sunglasses in the rain all contribute to a sense of constant motion and relentless ambition. The protagonist is caught in a cycle of business transactions and superficial interactions, symbolized by the 'stock exchange' metaphor.

The song also explores themes of identity and self-worth. The protagonist questions the authenticity of her 'pink punk costume' and the role she plays to seduce Japanese businessmen. This costume represents the facade she must maintain to succeed in her environment, highlighting the performative nature of her existence. The mention of expensive aftershave and being touched in the lift of the Empire State Building underscores the objectification and commodification she experiences. The repeated refrain of 'Stock exchange woman' and 'Ex-change' emphasizes the transactional nature of her life, where even her identity is subject to exchange and negotiation.

Additionally, the song touches on the psychological toll of this lifestyle. The protagonist's longing for a hot bath and the dark thought of cutting her veins reveal a deep sense of exhaustion and despair. The constant ringing of her cell phone, likened to a non-stop metronome, symbolizes the unending demands and pressures she faces. Her psychiatrist's advice to go to a spa contrasts sharply with her reality of jet-setting to Vienna, illustrating the disconnect between her needs and her obligations. Through 'Stock Exchange,' Miss Kittin offers a critique of the dehumanizing effects of corporate culture and the sacrifices made by those who inhabit it.