Oliver's Army lyrics

[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

• Artist:Elvis Costello
• Album:Armed forces(1979)