Oliver’s Army

Words and Music by: Elvis Costello

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Don’t start me talking
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I could talk all night ~~~~~
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My mind goes sleepwalking
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While I’m putting the world to right
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Called careers information
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Have you got yourself an occupation ?

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There was a checkpoint Charlie
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He did’nt crack a smile ~~~~~~~~~
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But it’s no laughing party
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When you’ve been on the murder mile
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Only takes one itchy trigger
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One more widow, one less white nigger

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Olivers army is here to stay ~~~~
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Olivers army are on their way ~~~~~
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And I would rather be an-y-where else
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But here to – day

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Honk Kong is up for grabs
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London is full of arabs
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We could be in Palestine
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Ov-er run by a Chinese line
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With the boys from the Mersey
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And the Thames and the Tyne ~~~~~~

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But there’s no danger
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It’s a professional career
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Though it could be arranged
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With just a word in Mister Churchills ear
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If you’re out of luck or out of work
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We could send you to Jo-han-es-bourg ~~~~

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Olivers army is here to stay ~~~~
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Olivers army are on their way ~~~~~
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And I would rather be an-y-where else
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But here to – day
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OH OH OH, OH ~~~~~~
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OH OH OH ~~~~~~~ …….