"Atomic City" by Holly Johnson is a politically charged song that encourages listeners to fight back against the system and embrace their individuality. Johnson laments the negative impact of consumerism, TV game shows, and environmental pollution on society. The lyrics touch upon the themes of dystopia and a lack of freedom while highlighting the superficiality and emptiness of a life merely driven by wealth. Johnson urges listeners to find their inner strength and resist the oppressive nature of the ruling structures of society before it's too late.

The song references an Atomic City where a party is taking place, but it is not a place where people are sitting pretty because most are slaves to the system. The chorus presents the idea that people should be grateful for the state of the world they're in because it could be worse, referring to Jupiter or Mars were the environment is even more inhospitable for human life. Johnson also highlights pollution, radiation, and other environmental issues that were crucial in the 80s.

Overall, the song is an invitation to embrace hope and find freedom outside the constraints of consumption-driven societies. Its message is a rallying cry to fight back against the oppression and to find one's true self by looking beyond material possessions and societal barriers.