Jenny Hval：Meaning of Engines In The City Songmeaning

The song "Engines In The City" by Jenny Hval explores the idea of self-sufficiency and empowerment through the use of an electric toothbrush. The lyrics describe the protagonist arriving in a new town with her electric toothbrush, which she uses to pleasure herself. However, when the batteries run out, she learns to make the humming sound on her own and becomes "the engine now." Through this experience, the protagonist finds a new sense of independence and self-reliance. She no longer needs external sources to create pleasure and is able to initiate and control her own experience. The line "We share things, but not language" suggests that this newfound empowerment is something personal and unique to the protagonist, not easily understood or communicated to others. Overall, "Engines In The City" is a song about finding power in oneself and taking control of one's own pleasure and experiences.