Oliver's Army

Elvis Costello & the Attractions, Elvis Costello

About Oliver's Army

"Oliver's Army" is a song written by Elvis Costello and performed by Elvis Costello and the Attractions, from the former's third studio album Armed Forces (1979). The song is a new wave track that was lyrically inspired by the Troubles in Northern Ireland and includes lyrics critical of the socioeconomic components of war. Costello had traveled to Northern Ireland and was influenced by sights of British soldiers patrolling Belfast. Musically, the song features a glossy production and a keyboard performance inspired by ABBA, creating a juxtaposition between the lyrics and music that both critics and Costello himself have pointed out. Released as the first single from Armed Forces, "Oliver's Army" was Costello's most successful single in the United Kingdom, spending three weeks at number two on the UK Singles Chart and remaining on the chart for 12 weeks. The song also charted in New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland and Australia, and spawned a successful follow-up single, "Accidents Will Happen", that reached the top 30 in the UK. 


Year:
1979
3:00
459 
#1

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Don't start me talking
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 is here to stay
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 n*gger

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

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Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello (born Declan Patrick MacManus, 25 August 1954) is an English singer-songwriter. He began his career as part of London's pub rock scene in the early 1970s and later became associated with the first wave of the British punk/New Wave movement of the mid-to-late 1970s. Steeped in word play, the vocabulary of Costello's lyrics is broader than that of most popular songs. His music has drawn on many diverse genres; one critic described him as a "pop encyclopaedia", able to "reinvent the past in his own image". more »

5 fans

Written by: Elvis Costello

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Background
"Oliver's Army" is a song written by Elvis Costello and performed by Elvis Costello & The Attractions. The song is from their 1979 album "Armed Forces".
Inspiration
"Oliver's Army" was mainly inspired by Costello's reaction to the political conflicts and civil unrest in Northern Ireland.
Title Reference
The song's title, "Oliver's Army," is a reference to Oliver Cromwell, who led military campaigns in Ireland during the 17th century.
Musical Influences
Many reviewers have drawn comparisons between "Oliver's Army" and songs by ABBA, citing similarities in its use of layered pianos and harmonious vocals.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, the song received critical acclaim and is widely considered one of Elvis Costello's greatest musical achievements.
Chart Performance
The song was a commercial success as well. It peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart in 1979, making it the highest-charting single of Elvis Costello's career.
Use of Lyrics
It's noteworthy for its politically-charged lyrics which expressed disdain for military conflicts and imperialism.
Controversial Lyric
Despite its popularity, the song has been the subject of controversy due to its usage of a racial slur. Costello has stated he regrets including the offensive word in the song.
Live Performances
Costello has often performed "Oliver's Army" during his live shows, occasionally altering the controversial lyrics.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists over the years, including Okkervil River and Frank Turner, showcasing its enduring popularity and relevance.

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