Atom played his final show in August 2003 and is now a member of the bands Armalite and Dead Best.
Anarchy Means I Litter
Atom and His Package Lyrics
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The lyrics of Atom and His Package's song Anarchy Means I Litter are a satirical take on the punk anarchism movement. The singer in the song, who is likely Atom, describes how he obtained his political beliefs from the same songs that his friends listen to, and how he takes five-finger discounts or steals from a record store rather than paying for music, which he sees as easier than stealing the things he wants that have a real value. He also criticizes those who demand fair compensation for their work and claims that calling them greedy is easier than acknowledging their right to receive payment for what they do. With phrases like "tear this stupid city down" and "throw our trash on the ground," the singer mocks the punk anarchist movement and their supposed beliefs. He goes on to say that those who fly the flag and name the name of anarchism are setting back those who know how to behave, once again poking fun at the movement's perceived inconsistency.
The line "Liberate that bottle of malt liquor! Oh, I get it. Anarchy means that you litter (nice!)" is particularly biting, suggesting that punk anarchists use their beliefs as an excuse to indulge in self-destructive behavior. The singer goes on to say that if these individuals were to drop their trash on him, he would do the same to them.
Overall, the song lampoons the idea of anarchism and suggests that those who hold such beliefs do so without understanding their true implications. It pokes fun at the movement's supposed hypocrisy and self-destructive tendencies, painting a picture of an ideology that ultimately serves no real purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a patch. I got a pin. Obtained political beliefs from the same songs as my friends.
I have these small accessories that signify my political beliefs, which I got inspired from the same songs my friends listen to.
I got a five finger discount to the little record store, its easier that to get the stiff I want out.
I stole some records from a local store because it's easier than stealing drugs.
And if you want fair compensation for the work that you do, well then your greedy, get out, we have amazing names to call you.
If you demand fair compensation for your hard work, we will accuse you of being greedy and call you names.
Ever think that there's a difference who you're stealing from? So, fine, I'm not punk and you are (a moron).
Have you ever considered the consequences of stealing from different kinds of people? And by the way, just because I don't steal, doesn't mean I'm not punk like you.
We're gonna tear this stupid city down. Throw our trash on the ground.
We plan to destroy the city and leave our garbage on the streets as a way of expressing our dissatisfaction.
(Whine Whine Whine when no bands come to town).
We complain non-stop about the lack of good bands in town.
Liberate that bottle of malt liquor! Oh, I get it. Anarchy means that you litter (nice!).
Let's free this bottle of malt liquor from the store shelves and litter the streets with it. That's what anarchy is all about, right?
So, if you're flying the flag, and you're naming the name, then you're setting back the ones who know how to behave.
If you're publicly showing your support for a certain group, you're actually hindering the progress of those who know how to behave.
It's a good thing this repleneshes itself, or who would be left to take advantage of your "help"?
Luckily, there will always be more resources to exploit, otherwise, who would benefit from our supposed acts of help?
Gonna drop our trash on you.
We're going to throw our garbage at you as a way to express our disdain and protest.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Adam Goren
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind