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artist
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Oliver's Army
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Pop
Oliver's Army was released on January 5, 1979 by UMe/Elvis Costello as a part of the album Armed Forces (Remastered 2020)
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OVERVIEW

LYRICS

Music Video

Music Video

Credits

PERFORMING ARTISTS
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Vocals
Steve Nieve
Steve Nieve
Keyboards
Bruce Thomas
Bruce Thomas
Bass Guitar
Pete Thomas
Pete Thomas
Drums
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Songwriter
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Nick Lowe
Nick Lowe
Producer
Roger Bechirian
Roger Bechirian
Engineer
Bob Ludwig
Bob Ludwig
Mastering Engineer

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Don't start that talking
I could talk all night
My mind was sleepwalking
While I'm putting the world to right
Call careers information
Have you got yourself an occupation?
[Chorus]
Oliver's army is here to stay
Oliver's army are on their way
And I would rather be anywhere else
But here today
[Verse 2]
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 ****
[Chorus]
Oliver's army is here to stay
Oliver's army are on their way
And I would rather be anywhere else
But here today
[Bridge]
Hong Kong is up for grabs (Is up for grabs)
London is full of Arabs (Is full of Arabs)
We could be in Palestine
Overrun by the Chinese line
With the boys from the Mersey and the Thames and the Tyne
[Bridge]
But there's no danger
It's a professional career
Though it could be arranged
With just a word in Mister Churchill's ear
If you're out of luck or out of work
We could send you to Johannesburg
[Chorus]
Oliver's army is here to stay
Oliver's army are on their way
And I would rather be anywhere else
But here today
[Outro]
And I would rather be anywhere else
But here today
And I would rather be anywhere else
But here today
[Outro]
Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Written by: Elvis Costello

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