In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Don't start me talking, I could talk all night
My mind goes sleepwalking while I'm putting the world to rights
Called careers information, have you got yourself an occupation?
Oliver's army is here to stay
Oliver's army is 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
Oliver's army is here to stay
Oliver's army is on their way
And I would rather be anywhere else but here today
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 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 and out of work
We could send you to Johannesburg
Oliver's army is here to stay
Oliver's army is on their way
And I would rather be anywhere else but here today
My mind goes sleepwalking while I'm putting the world to rights
Called careers information, have you got yourself an occupation?
Oliver's army is here to stay
Oliver's army is 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
Oliver's army is here to stay
Oliver's army is on their way
And I would rather be anywhere else but here today
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 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 and out of work
We could send you to Johannesburg
Oliver's army is here to stay
Oliver's army is on their way
And I would rather be anywhere else but here today
Lyrics submitted by BrownBabu84, edited by Mellow_Harsher
Oliver's Army Lyrics as written by Elvis Costello
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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Isn't this by Elvis Costello?
They did a cover...made famous by Elvis Costello.
Costello is a legend. Brilliant lyricist. I've never heard this blur version though... where can I get it?