I love that song #13 - "Oliver's Army" by Elvis Costello
This is NOT an analysis of a song, merely personal observations about a song that I love.
"Oliver's Army" by Elvis Costello
From Declan McManus's 1979 album, Armed Forces, this song alludes to several "trouble spots" around the world including South Africa, Palestine, Cyprus and "Checkpoint Charlie". It has been suggested that the "Troubles" in Belfast prompted Costello to write this "anti-occupation anthem".
"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 video>
"Oliver's Army"
Written by Declan Macmanus
• Copyright © Universal Music Publishing Group
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 nigger
Hong Kong is up for grabs
We could send you to Johannesburg
But here today, oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh