Oliver's Army
Elvis Costello · Elvis Costello Limited Edition Collector's Box Set - Amazon.Com E [2007]
Don't start that talking
I could talk all night
My mind is sleepwalking
While I'm putting the world to right
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
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
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,
oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh ......
I could talk all night
My mind is sleepwalking
While I'm putting the world to right
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
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
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,
oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh ......
Oliver's Army
Elvis Costello's "Oliver's Army" stands as a defining track from his 1976 album, The Breakdown. The song exemplifies his signature blend of sharp lyricism and driving, jazz-inflected pop rhythms. Written during a period of intense creative output, the recording showcases Costello's mastery of the piano and his ability to construct complex musical narratives within a concise framework. As a staple of his discography, the track remains a critical example of his work during the mid-1970s, influencing countless artists who followed in the wake of his distinctive sound. Its enduring appeal lies in its perfect marriage of wit, melody, and rhythmic precision.