Oliver's Army - Elvis Costello

Oliver's Army
Elvis Costello

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)