Oliver's Army Lyrics

originally performed by 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? 

     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)