Bayside is one of many artists to cover “Oliver’s Army.” The song was written by English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello and originally performed with his backing band, The Attractions, in 1979.
The song’s namesake most likely refers to Oliver Lyttelton, a President of the Board of Trade under for...
[Verse 1]
Don't start me 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
But 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, you're 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
And I would rather be anywhere else
But here today
And I would rather be anywhere else
But here today
[Outro]
Wha-oh-oh-oh-oh
Wha-oh-oh-oh-oh
Wha-oh-oh-oh-oh
Wha-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oliver’s Army was written by Elvis Costello.
Oliver’s Army was produced by Shep Goodman & Aaron Accetta.
Bayside released Oliver’s Army on Tue Oct 23 2012.