Elvis Costello & The Attractions — Oliver's Army

[Verse 1] Don't start that 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 Than 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 or 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 [Outro] 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