I Touch Myself: A Bold Anthem of Female Sexual Empowerment.

When the Australian rock band Divinyls released "I Touch Myself" in 1990, the music world experienced a seismic shift. Bold, provocative, and unapologetically honest, the song sparked controversy and conversation alike. Written by Divinyls members Christina Amphlett and Mark McEntee, along with famed songwriters Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly (who also co-wrote hits like Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”), I Touch Myself emerged as a powerful anthem of sexual autonomy—particularly female sexual autonomy—during a time when such topics were still largely taboo in mainstream music.

Origins and Composition

I Touch Myself was the lead single from Divinyls’ self-titled fourth studio album. The idea behind the song was both daring and straightforward: to write a love song from a woman's perspective that includes a candid admission of self-pleasure. Amphlett’s sultry, unapologetic vocals turned the potentially controversial subject matter into something empowering rather than exploitative. The lyrics are direct—“I love myself / I want you to love me”—yet they never feel gratuitous. Instead, the song presents female desire and self-love in a raw, emotional, and liberating way.

Musically, the song combines alternative rock with pop sensibilities, making it catchy while still retaining an edgy attitude. The slow, hypnotic guitar riff and Amphlett’s seductive voice drive the song’s intimate yet defiant tone. The production emphasizes her delivery, creating a confessional atmosphere that invites listeners into a private moment without shame.

Cultural Impact and Controversy

At the time of its release, I Touch Myself was groundbreaking. While male artists had long been free to express sexuality in their lyrics, women rarely did so without being judged or censored. Divinyls' single challenged these double standards head-on. It soared to number one on the Australian charts and reached number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, proving that audiences were ready for more open discussions about female desire.

However, its frank subject matter also led to significant backlash. Many radio stations were hesitant to play the track, and the music video, though tame by today's standards, was considered risqué. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the song gained notoriety and became an enduring symbol of feminist expression in pop music.

Christina Amphlett, who had a reputation for being a provocative and fearless performer, took the criticism in stride. For her, the song wasn’t just about physical intimacy; it was about honesty and control over one’s own body and experiences. In doing so, she paved the way for future female artists to be more open about their sexuality without apology.

A Feminist Pop Milestone

In retrospect, I Touch Myself occupies a unique place in feminist pop music history. It delivered a message that was ahead of its time—self-love is not shameful, and female pleasure deserves to be recognized. The song doesn’t frame masturbation as a substitute for romantic love but rather as an expression of self-respect and bodily autonomy.

This message was particularly significant during the early '90s, a period still defined by conservative cultural norms around sexuality. In many ways, the song predicted the more open, diverse conversations around gender, desire, and identity that would flourish in the decades to come.

Artists such as Madonna, Alanis Morissette, Pink, and even more contemporary figures like Lizzo and Billie Eilish owe part of their artistic freedom to trailblazers like Amphlett, who weren't afraid to break boundaries.

A Legacy Beyond Music

Beyond its place in music history, I Touch Myself has had a significant influence on social causes, particularly breast cancer awareness. In 2013, Christina Amphlett passed away after a battle with breast cancer. Before her death, she had expressed the desire to use her most iconic song to promote health and early detection for women.

Honoring her wish, the I Touch Myself Project  was launched in 2014. Australian celebrities and musicians came together to record a tribute video featuring the song, encouraging women to regularly check themselves for signs of breast cancer. This initiative gave the song a renewed purpose, transforming its original message of self-love into one of self-care and health awareness.

The project struck a chord worldwide, proving that I Touch Myself was more than just a provocative pop hit—it had become a vehicle for empowerment and education, a reminder of Amphlett’s fierce spirit and her desire to help women take control of their bodies in every sense.

Conclusion

More than three decades after its release, I Touch Myself remains a defining moment in music history. It’s a song that dared to speak openly about female desire, challenging norms and breaking down barriers with every note. What could have been dismissed as a novelty song became a cultural milestone, thanks to Christina Amphlett’s fearless artistry and the songwriters' commitment to truth.

In an era where discussions about bodily autonomy, consent, and sexual identity are more relevant than ever,  I Touch Myself continues to resonate. Its legacy lives on as both a feminist anthem and a powerful reminder that self-love—whether emotional, sexual, or physical—is a radical act of empowerment.

(FAQs)

1. What is "I Touch Myself" and who performs it?

"I Touch Myself" is a 1990 hit song by Australian rock band Divinyls, fronted by vocalist Chrissy Amphlett. It was released as the lead single from their self-titled album Divinyls.

2. What is the song about?

The song openly expresses a woman’s sexual autonomy, desire, and pleasure. It's a celebration of female sexuality without shame—reclaiming self-love and bodily agency in a frank, unapologetic way.

3. Why was "I Touch Myself" considered controversial?

At the time of its release, the song’s candid lyrics about female masturbation were provocative and challenged societal taboos. Some radio stations even banned it, while others embraced its boldness.

4. How did the public and critics react to the song?

Reactions were mixed initially—ranging from discomfort to praise for its honesty. Over time, it’s been widely recognized as a pioneering track that contributed to conversations around female empowerment and sexual health.

5. What makes the song empowering for women?

It places a woman’s sexual experience at the center—without objectification or catering to the male gaze. By vocalizing something often considered taboo, it helped normalize self-pleasure and emotional ownership over one’s body.

6. How did Chrissy Amphlett view the song?

Chrissy Amphlett saw the song as powerful and liberating. In interviews, she emphasized that it wasn’t meant to be vulgar—it was meant to be real, personal, and honest. Her raw, edgy performance added depth to its message.

7. Has the song been used in advocacy or social campaigns?

Yes. After Chrissy Amphlett died of breast cancer in 2013, the “I Touch Myself Project” was launched in her honor. The campaign encourages women to perform regular breast self-exams and take charge of their health, reinforcing the song's empowering message in a new context.

8. Is the song still relevant today?

Absolutely. Its message of self-love, bodily autonomy, and empowerment continues to resonate in an era where discussions of consent, identity, and sexual freedom are increasingly front and center.

9. Has "I Touch Myself" influenced other artists or media?

Yes. The song has been covered, referenced, and celebrated in various media, often cited as a trailblazer for more open portrayals of female desire in music and pop culture.

10. How did the song perform commercially?

"I Touch Myself" was a commercial success, reaching #1 in Australia, #4 in the US Billboard Hot 100, and charting highly in several other countries. Its popularity helped solidify Divinyls' place in pop-rock history