Elvis Costello
Oliver’s Army
[Verse 1]
Don't start that talking
I could talk all night
My mind's been sleepwalking
While I've been setting the world to right
My careers information
Have you got yourself an occupation?
[Chorus]
Oliver's army is here to stay
Oliver's army, they are on their way
And I would rather be anywhere else
But here today
[Verse 2]
There was a Checkpoint Charlie
He did not crack a smile
Oh it's no laughing party
When you've been on the murder mile
Only takes is one itchy trigger
One more widow, one less white n***a
[Chorus]
Oliver's army is here to stay
Oliver's army, they are on their way
And I would rather be anywhere else
But here today
[Bridge]
Hong Kong is up for grabs
London is full of Arabs
You could be in Palestine
Overrun by the Chinese line
With the boys from the Mersey and the Thames and the Times
[Verse 3]
But there's no danger
It's a professional career
All this 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, they are on their way
And I would rather be anywhere else
But here today
Oh I would rather be anywhere else
But here today