Costello, Elvis - Oliver's Army Lyrics






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?

[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

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

[Chorus]

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

[Chorus]





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Costello, Elvis Oliver's Army Comments
  1. M.... O....

    The man who didn't want to go to Chelsea and was a conscript of Oliver's Army. What isn't to like....

  2. A.... W....

    oh f*ck...Memories...i love this tune, and this new wave era...

  3. M.... F....

    This old tune wreaks of 1979 yet somehow never gets old🙃

  4. A.... H....

    Just can’t stop listening to this song it is so good!! Don’t think I’ll ever tire of hearing it

  5. J.... B....

    Costello's catchiest song.

  6. H.... M....

    Or maybe he shouldn't have said that word at all

  7. H.... M....

    Instead of saying the other thing🤬 he should have said digger like digging in the dirt that's less offensive 👍🏻

    H.... M....

    He’s making fun of offensive statement by using it, notice the Asian guy playing bongos aswell so it’s not just the African Americans

    H.... M....

    No because that doesn't make any sense. He didn't use nigger just to be offensive, it's a lyric. Digger would have been stupid.

    H.... M....

    OK all at mit it's stupid be that's all I could come up with 🤔

  8. V.... S....

    Does anyone know where that beach, with the volcano in the background is?

    V.... S....

    Not 100% certain but I think it may have been filmed on the island of Mauritius. Have a feeling I read it somewhere.

    V.... S....

    @john perks Cheers. I'll investigate further. I wouldn't mind going there myself.

    V.... S....

    Also recall that it may have been filmed in Hawaii, which is probably a more logical place. Let us know if you find any more positive info. Thanks.

  9. P.... P....

    From a time when pop was actually exciting !

  10. K.... G....

    Putting the world to right, that's what it's about.

  11. A.... N....

    Who's Allah Vazami ?

  12. M.... ....

    Hong Kong was indeed up for grabs.

  13. K.... T....

    This reminds me of revenge of the nerds for some reason. I think it's Costello.

  14. D.... E....

    "R Whites Lemona-a-ade: I'm a se ret lemonade drinker. R Whites, R Whites".
    Which Elvis Costello and his Dad, wrote and performed. Remember the bloke in the 70's advert, going to the 'fridge in the middle of the night to secretly slurp his stash? That was
    Mr. MacManus Senior, aka, Elvis Costello's Daddy. Absolutely true.

  15. V.... o....

    I'm getting nostalgic, considering what pop music was back then. Witty, intelligent and ironic, please take me back to the 80s!

    V.... o....

    Can I come with you

  16. F.... s....

    Dedicated to the brave men and women who still fight the war long after their return. I wish you peace.

  17. P.... L....

    I fell in love with Elvis Costello and the attractions when I heard this,went straight out bought it and then armed forces,great album..

    P.... L....

    Elvis is and was a very talented songwriter not given enough credit though such a shame

  18. A.... M....

    Elvis has got more talent in his big toe than all today's so called musical artist put together 👍

    A.... M....

    And he's really good at saying the n word

  19. D.... J....

    I enlisted

  20. s.... c....

    Genius!!!

  21. J.... z....

    This man was a serious songsmith.

  22. J.... D....

    Is this pitched up? I remember it being A Major, but this sounds like Bb Major.

  23. N.... B....

    Hands up all those that remember check point Charley ..............shit i'm old ;)

  24. V.... b....

    2020 chooooooon

  25. K.... H....

    Listening in 2020 with clear vision.

  26. I.... s....

    Which Elvis is better:

    Like:Costello

    Reply:Presley

    I.... s....

    Theres only one elvis and its not presley

    I.... s....

    Costello all day long but I don't mind a bit of Presley now and then

    I.... s....

    Both great , on overall influence Presley is on a higher plane , without any doubt.

    I.... s....

    @stevie mac -Yeah but Musically EC has it all over The King.

    I.... s....

    Not really comparing like with like.  Both were/are massively culturally important.  Preserve them both for future generations.

  27. C.... S....

    When he says "White Nigga" he is referring to Catholics in Northern Ireland. & When he says London is "full of Arabs" he's also referring the Irish & how the English treated them like crap especially in London. Hope this clear things up for the snowflakes.

  28. g.... ....

    London is full of Arabs.How prophetic.

  29. S.... ....

    This best album beginning to end.

  30. k.... H....

    He looks pissed but great song

  31. N.... J....

    0:57 Micheal Palin 😂

  32. J.... H....

    if you're outta luck or outta work we could send you to Johannesburg

  33. 1.... ....

    This is why Damone had a "Trust Elvis" poster.

  34. r.... ....

    That guy who plays the bongos, what has he got on his head?

  35. B.... ....

    I wish he would do a tour.

  36. K.... J....

    “Hong Kong is up for grabs” 40 years later and this makes more sense now lol

    K.... J....

    "London is full of arabs"

  37. u.... ....

    with just a word in MR CHURCHILLS  ear

  38. M.... B....

    It's not racists at all

  39. J.... G....

    straight up classic. dripping with irony and still catchy as hell.

    J.... G....

    His best album.

  40. S.... ....

    This reminds me of the 70s in Perranporth when I was a kid,it seemed to be playing everywhere

  41. r.... j....

    he's so babey wtf i'm going to cry

    r.... j....

    WAIT DID HE JUST SAY THE N WORD

  42. P.... ....

    He was being ironic.

  43. B.... F....

    So what about 'Woman Is The Nigger Of The World' by John Lennon? Is he satan too then... ?

  44. J.... ....

    I was 14 in 1979 and remember going in to town to buy this record with my best mate Steve.
    Its still up there as one of my favorite songs along with Accidents will happen.
    And 40 years later me Steve and Elvis are still best mates.

    J.... ....

    I rode my bike to the mall to but this record. Had to have it.

  45. K.... 2....

    "London is full of Arabs"
    Good eye, Elvis.

    K.... 2....

    You haven't got it yet, that's all.

  46. G.... W....

    Declan’s finest

  47. t.... ....

    Saying the "N word" makes some into heroes, others deplorables.

  48. N.... P....

    notice the version played on the radio these days have parts missing

  49. B.... S....

    This is so catchy, I didn't realize he dropped an N bomb until now.

  50. S.... ....

    if u understand the song u will get it

  51. D.... J....

    I'm old and have seen every major act from 1969 to 1985. The Attractions live was one of the tightest... which I think is critical w/ Costello. Mothers of invention circa '70 - '75 still number one "TIGHT"!!

  52. B.... W....

    🌠😍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️😎

  53. A.... S....

    Only intelligent people understand the meaning of this song's lyrics.

  54. C.... -....

    This song is just pure brilliance

  55. M.... ....

    I put this on a a duke box when I was 9yrs old and a friend of my mum and dad said 'He has got good taste' lol. This man is a genius of music!

  56. 4.... ....

    I hope Elvis got some royalties from "How I Met Your Mother"

    4.... ....

    He absolutely would have, if not it would’ve been the easiest lawsuit to win in the world

  57. N.... ....

    Brilliant.

  58. C.... ....

    738 people didn't crack a smile

  59. r.... ....

    'If you're out of luck or out of workWe could send you to Johannesburg...'

  60. A.... L....

    Kopite..x

  61. W.... G....

    Simply brilliant

  62. A.... B....

    Best Elvis on the Planet 🧶😉

  63. u.... ....

    with just a word in mr. CHURCHILL,S EAR

  64. D.... C....

    His eyes look so high,Love his music always have

  65. D.... O....

    Elvis Costello mad as a box of frogs.
    Bloody brilliant tune still banging after 40 years 😜

  66. j.... ....

    Will always be a great song

  67. k.... ....

    the strat he's playing on the beach is probably a brand new Fender 'The Strat' - gold knobs etc and painted headstock - one of Fender's last desparate hurrahs before they nearly went down the shitter

  68. X.... P....

    That’s what you get when your dads a secret lemonade drinker.

  69. B.... P....

    Looking for a girl I use to know back in 1977 her name was Debbie and she lived in Blaby Leicestershire......her last name I never new...... her Dad was Colin he was a lorry driver worked for Coates of Leicester and she also had a Brother....... My name his ( Git I would imagine) Pete from Kettering I use to ride my motorbike over to see her on Sunday afternoon but I let her down badly and I want to say sorry and ask her if she could forgive me..... so if anyone knows her please let her know Thanks.......👍🇬🇧🤓

    B.... P....

    Jongle Wongle Where are you from ? I’m in England ......I hope you can find the blond stunner.....👍🇬🇧🤓

    B.... P....

    @Ba Pete I got back to this guy about this previous casual and he said he was " 40 " from, say, 6 - 7 years ago. So that his age almost would fit as the younger brother, if that " 40 " was upwardly variable by just a couple of years. But he says now it was a younger sister - so that the " gorgeous " sister " is still in - but its younger sister. Would need to have been specifically older sister.

    B.... P....

    Jongle Wongle Look like you might find her.......are you in the UK or somewhere else.....👍🇬🇧🤓

    B.... P....

    @Ba Pete You might require a private investigator for your case. You might have just enough info A skilled one who can follow the leads without alarming and ruffling feathers. But they probably cost a fortune. Doesn't matter regarding my case. It would have been a quaint coincidence, but the bond stunner is all past the board

    B.... P....

    Jongle Wongle A bit late but have a good Year.....who knows what it will bring......👍🇬🇧🤓

  70. S.... ....

    He’s making a dig at Irish people isn’t he 😂

    S.... ....

    more like a dig a the British Empire, Army and soldiers for hire. Back in the 70's, there was a different approach to racism, imperialism and fascism in the media. They sought to demonstrate its absurdity, not sanitize away references to it. Mel Brooks and his movies comes to mind.

    S.... ....

    David fair nuff. I get a lot of the references he’s making but you’re right I’m missing context 😂

  71. S.... ....

    What is even happening here 😂

    S.... ....

    Real music. Take notes.

  72. K.... O....

    This is funny because i have assistents that help me so i call them olivers army( sorry i am not good at typing)

  73. p.... ....

    good song

  74. J.... K....

    Elvis Song for decades, still supposedly alive, saw him live in Hollywood recently.
    Winston Churchill with the v sign. Supposedly put down the nazis in '45 but seems
    like no where done yet. Typical football stadium 50 mil in south bay?
    Makes no sense to me. 50 mil to each player per season? How does that add up?
    Football pays way more.

  75. J.... B....

    Verse 1]
    Don't start that talking
    I could talk all night
    My mind goes 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
    Only takes one itchy trigger
    One more widow, one less white nigger

    [Chorus]
    Oliver's army is here to stay
    Oliver's army are on their way
    And I would rather be anywhere else
    Than here today
    Bridge]
    Hong Kong is up for grabs
    London 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

    [Verse 3]
    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

    [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
    And I would rather be anywhere else
    But here today

  76. z.... ....

    This was never censored, not even on totp, nobody noticed.

    z.... ....

    And it shouldn't be either, it is a song for heaven's sake.

    z.... ....

    Did any of these idiots hear that he said, "WHITE n*****"? Grow up, people!

    z.... ....

    @Joel Springman Yes, they heard and why would they need to grow up if they didn't? I stated they didn't notice.

    z.... ....

    i dd....told my dad...he said, 'its your future'

    z.... ....

    @Joel Springman And it was never censored until about ten years ago after certain folk started getting offended on behalf of easily offended black folk who might by chance hear the song. Try looking up the context of the phrase in relation to British and Irish culture.

  77. d.... ....

    Write anything that comes close and then drop a thumbs down, cnts!

    d.... ....

    ABBA already wrote Dancing queen. But, I have to admit that despite his obvious geekiness, Elvis Costello made some great records.

    d.... ....

    @anonymous person Kin A, Battered Old Bird springs to mind..

    d.... ....

    @duffymoony Shipbuilding

  78. A.... ....

    In the late 70's he played Winnipeg, Manitoba. Security were getting a little rough with the kids at the front of the stage. He stops mid-song and shouts " You! Motherf*&^#$s!" Leave my friends alone!

  79. �.... ....

    名曲。

  80. J.... W....

    Play it at 213 rpm next time, but still short of the vocals getting squeaky. Although, actually, this upload came up okay with the enhanced speed.

  81. J.... s....

    The next Elvis

  82. J.... K....

    Elvis wears those big plastic frame glasses, hopefully with
    shatter resistant lenses, for a reason. Whole lotta shrapnel
    flyin' through the air as usual. Glendale's full of Arabs and I love
    falafel so that works out great. Hong Kong's never been up for
    grabs unless someone's got megatons of megabucks.
    Winston Churchill with the v-sign.

  83. B.... x....

    Even in the seventies 'One little white nigger' was seen as risky but when you put them together how can it be...?

  84. s.... w....

    elvis costello is a legend!!

  85. S.... C....

    Never noticed before, you can clearly see he's singing "BUT here today" although the audio is "THAN here today"

    S.... C....

    The audio is "but here today". The word "but" is stretched out,

  86. b.... ....

    you won't hear this version on any radio station-make the most of it before the PC brigade censor it

  87. P.... M....

    I especially adore the piano riff on this - not least for the fact it was directly inspired by Abba's Dancing Queen.

  88. G.... A....

    Raimundosssss

  89. B.... B....

    London is full of Arabs

  90. m.... ....

    Have you ever noticed that the people who scream racism have no idea what racism actually is?

    m.... ....

    matrix26uk and then people who call out racism don’t know that the song is about the Irish.

  91. c.... ....

    if you see racism in these lyrics you're missing the point.

  92. D.... P....

    They were a cheery lot, cheery and violent.

  93. B.... F....

    28 OCTOBER 2019 STILL LISTENING

    B.... F....

    Me too ! 😀

  94. K.... D....

    Should I like or dislike cuz I'm not sure what to do

    K.... D....

    To ask a question like that I feel the best thing you can do is delete..... YOURSELF !

  95. B.... C....

    Such an upbeatune about a really downbeatopic...try to do that Beiber or whoever

  96. B.... C....

    The incomparable EC (DM) @ his best...long live the real Evis from Mempha

  97. A.... W....

    Anti war, not racist, but racism usually drive war.

  98. S.... T....

    haha I love this song and I know it's anti-imperialist and anti-racist, but it's hilarious how much this didn't age well, I'd kill for a gif of when the band is dancing around in those rice hats lmao