Oliver’S Army Lyrics
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Lyrics
Don't start that talking
I could talk all night
My mind was sleep walking
While I'm putting the world to rights
Call careers information
Have you got yourself an occupation?
Oliver's Army is here to stay
Oliver's Army are on their way
And I would rather be anywhere else
Than here today
There was a Checkpoint Charlie
He didn't crack a smile
But it's no laughing party
When you've been on the murder mile
All it takes is one itchy trigger
One more widow one less white nigger
Oliver's Army is here to stay
Oliver's Army are on their way
And I would rather be anywhere else
Than here today
Hong Kong is up for grabs
London is full of Arabs
We could be in Palestine
Overrun by a Chinese line
With the boys from the Mersey and the Thames and the Tyne
But there's no danger
It's a professional career
Though it could be arranged
With just a word in Mr. Churchill's ear
If you're out of luck or out of work
We could send you to Johannesburg
Oliver's Army is here to stay
Oliver's Army are on their way
And I would rather be anywhere else
Than here today
And I would rather be anywhere else
Than here today
And I would rather be anywhere else
Than here today
Song & Lyrics Facts
Elvis Costello & The Attractions' song "Oliver's Army" was released on their 1979 album Armed Forces. Written by Elvis Costello and Steve Nieve, the song features a catchy melody and witty lyrics that tell the story of an army recruiting young men to fight in a war they don't understand.
Band members included Elvis Costello (vocals and guitar), Bruce Thomas (bass guitar), Pete Thomas (drums) and Steve Nieve (keyboards). The lyrics of the song are very cleverly written, as Elvis Costello uses metaphors to describe the consequences of going off to war. He paints a vivid picture of the soldiers who have been recruited and the families left behind, all while delivering a strong anti-war message.