Oliver's Army

Oliver's Army is a song written by Elvis Costello, originally performed by Elvis Costello and the Attractions and appearing on the album Armed Forces in 1979. It is an anti-military song, attacking the British Army for targeting disadvantaged young men leaving secondary school (when the song was written in the late 1970s, England had a record high unemployment rate). The title refers to Oliver Cromwell, who as Protector of the Commonwealth created the first "modern" army in Britain. The song also mentions specific "trouble spots" in the world, such as South Africa (at the time experiencing turmoil over Apartheid), Palestine, and most prominently Northern Ireland. In reference to the latter country, Costello included the controversial lyric "It just takes one itchy trigger/One more widow, one less white nigger", referring to the Irish, as they have historically been oppressed by the English, much as black people have been oppressed in many countries.

Related Topics:
Elvis Costello - Armed Forces - 1979 - British Army - 1970s - England - Oliver Cromwell - Protector of the Commonwealth - Britain - South Africa - Apartheid - Palestine - Northern Ireland

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The "Oliver's Army" single (with a b-side of Costello performing "My Funny Valentine" solo) peaked at #2 on the UK charts. It was recorded at Eden Studios in West London.

Related Topics:
My Funny Valentine - Eden Studios

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During the recording of Armed Forces, the incomplete "Oliver's Army" was nearly dropped from the album, but was eventually kept after keyboardist Steve Nieve created a piano part for the song that was reminiscent of ABBA's "Dancing Queen."

Related Topics:
ABBA - Dancing Queen

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