Oliver's Army
Elvis Costello \/ The Attractions Lyrics
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I could talk all night
My mind goes sleepwalking
While I'm putting the world to right
Called careers information
Have you got yourself an occupation?
Oliver's army are on their way
And I would rather be anywhere else
But 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
Only takes 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
But 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
But here today
And I would rather be anywhere else
But here today
And I would rather be anywhere else
But here today, oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh
The song "Oliver's Army" by Elvis Costello and The Attractions was released in 1979 as a single and later on the album "Armed Forces". The song's lyrics explore the themes of war and imperialism, examining the ways in which the use of armed forces can have devastating consequences. The title is a reference to Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army, which was a highly effective fighting force that helped Cromwell overthrow King Charles I.
The opening lines of the song suggest that the singer is ready to talk about these difficult topics at length, even if it means staying up all night. The reference to "putting the world to right" implies a sense of frustration with the current state of affairs and a desire to make things better.
The lyrics then turn to the idea of careers and occupation, suggesting that perhaps joining the military may be seen as a viable career path for some. However, the subsequent verses highlight the dangers and ethical concerns of sending troops into battle. The line "Only takes one itchy trigger, one more widow, one less white n****r" is a powerful indictment of the ways in which wars can lead to unnecessary loss of life and the perpetuation of racism.
The final verse references specific locations such as Hong Kong, London, Palestine, and Johannesburg, highlighting the global reach of militaristic imperialism. The repeated refrain of "Oliver's army is here to stay" emphasizes the idea that once a country starts using its military as a tool of foreign policy, it becomes difficult to disengage.
Overall, the song is a powerful commentary on the dangers of military intervention and the necessity of critically examining the justifications for war.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't start me talking
I have a lot to say about the world
I could talk all night
I have so much to say that I don't need to stop
My mind goes sleepwalking
My mind drifts off while I talk
While I'm putting the world to right
I'm trying to fix the world's problems
Called careers information
Have you figured out what you're doing with your life?
Have you got yourself an occupation?
Have you found a job that you're happy with?
Oliver's army is here to stay
The army is constantly growing and isn't going away
Oliver's army are on their way
The army is actively recruiting more members
And I would rather be anywhere else
I really don't like being in this situation
But here today
But I can't leave right now
There was a checkpoint Charlie
There was a military checkpoint
He didn't crack a smile
The checkpoint guard was very serious
But it's no laughing party
This is a serious and dangerous situation
When you've been on the murder mile
When you've been in a dangerous area where people have been killed
Only takes one itchy trigger
All it takes is one person to pull the trigger
One more widow, one less white nigger
One less man, and his wife will become a widow
Hong Kong is up for grabs
Hong Kong is being fought over by different countries
London is full of Arabs
London has a large Arab population
We could be in Palestine
We could be in a dangerous area of the Middle East
Overrun by a Chinese line
The Chinese army could take over
With the boys from the Mersey and the Thames and the Tyne
Referring to the different regions of England
But there's no danger
There's no immediate danger at the moment
It's a professional career
Being in the military is a serious profession
Though it could be arranged
It's possible to change my situation
With just a word in Mr. Churchill's ear
With the right connections, I could make a change happen
If you're out of luck or out of work
If you're having a tough time financially
We could send you to Johannesburg
The army could send you to a different location to work
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DECLAN MACMANUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jamesjoseph7508
@@nessi777 it will never be cancelled..
The N word was used because that is what Catholics were looked upon as in that period.
Should Birkenau be bulldozed because of what happened here.?
Sometimes we need reminders...and especially for those that think by abolishing a name or a place, history magically disappears.
Ive lost a little bit of love for Elvis for what he is doing.
His prerogative though.
I will continue to sing it in its original form,,,,40 years and never a complaint yet.
Well plenty for the singing....but nt the lyrics ;-)
@andrespaz-moscoso2291
I’m probably the youngest in this comment section. I’m 14 and this was my dad’s favorite song. He passed a month ago and I’m listening on repeat because of him
@ConnorUdhus
I'm just a teensy bit older, 16 turning 17 in a couple weeks. Recently got into Costello and no one under the age of 50 seems to care! I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure he would be so grateful you're reconnecting with his favorites.
@williamhilinsky1327
God bless your dad.
@catkinscat6082
Bless you, music can help you through the worst of times
@mickeymisa9350
Bless you, you had a lovely father and you will be a good man for this. respect to you.
@CliveTheFrog
Ur dad was a legend
@Reizermo
Met him twice on the street in London. We had a nice chat. He even remembered me the second time. Sound guy. Amazing talent.
@fisherdole196
I saw him live in London, he came down from the stage and passed playing the guitar just next to me, I didnt know what to do when he came just a feet or two next to me so I just touched him and said someting stupid I guess?
@stuartmckern6206
Wow!!
@0002EcM
He married above his weight