Atomic Garden
-Bad Religion Lyrics

Everybody wants to dance in a playpen
People want to have fun and surround themselves with others who share their interests.

But nobody wants to play in my garden
However, people are not willing to engage in activities that the singer is interested in and has passion for.

I see the hippies on an angry line
The singer observes protesters who are demonstrating with negative emotions.

Guess they don't get my meaning
The artist assumes that the protesters do not understand what he is trying to say.

I'm enchanted by the birds in my blossoms
The artist is fascinated by the beauty that nature offers and finds joy in its presence.

I'm enamored by young lovers on the weekend
The singer admires the passion and excitement that young couples display during their free time.

I like the fourth of July
The singer enjoys Independence Day, a holiday celebrated in America on July 4th.

When bombs start flashing
The artist is not only talking about fireworks, but is also implying a fascination with the power of explosives.

And I wish I had a shiny red top
The artist expresses a desire to possess something similar to a firetruck, so that he can have control over the use of explosive devices.

A bugle with a big brass bell would cheer me up
The artist would like a musical instrument that can create a loud and joyful noise to cheer him up.

Or maybe something bigger that could really go pop
He also desires something that can make a louder and more destructive noise.

So I could make the gardening stop
The artist is willing to stop doing something he loves (gardening) to make room for dangerous activities.

Come out to play
The singer is calling out for people to join him in his dangerous activities.

And we'll pretend it's Christmas Day
The singer wants to create an illusion of joy and happiness, similar to what is typically experienced on Christmas Day.

In my atomic garden
The singer wants to create a dangerous and explosive environment that he refers to as his garden.

All my scientists are working on a deadline
The artist has a team of scientists who are working on something that needs to be completed soon.

So my psychologist is working day and night time
The artist has a psychologist who is working hard to understand and help him.

They say they know what's best for me
The singer's team of scientists and psychologist claim to know what is best for him despite his desires and interests.

But they don't know what they're doing
The singer has doubts about the competence of his team and is skeptical about their plans.

And I'm glad I'm not Gorbachev
The artist expresses relief that he does not have the level of responsibility and pressure that a famous political leader like Gorbachev has.

'Cause I'd wiggle all night
If he had such a job, he would be unable to sleep and would feel uneasy.

Like jelly in a pot
The artist would feel vulnerable and unstable, similar to how jello moves inside a container.

At least he's got a garden with a fertile plot
The singer acknowledges that Gorbachev has a productive and noteworthy career, where he is making positive contributions to society.

And a party that will never stop
In contrast, the artist has created an environment that is dangerous and constantly changing, where he can indulge in his destructive desires.

I hope there's nothing wrong out there
The singer is conflicted about his actions and desires, and is concerned that his actions may be causing harm to others.

I'm watching from my room inside my room
He is feeling isolated and removed from the world, as he is confined in his own space and is only observing the outside world from a distance.