Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Oliver's Army [360p × 720p]

The British military was heavily present in Northern Ireland.

The bright, catchy melody masks a grim lyrical subject. 📝 Lyrical Themes and Origins

Produced by Nick Lowe for the album Armed Forces . Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Oliver's Army

The song contains a highly controversial racial slur in the second verse: "Only takes one itchy trigger / One more widow, one less [slur]."

The song was written during a period of high unemployment and social unrest in the UK. 1978 (recorded), 1979 (released). The British military was heavily present in Northern Ireland

Ranked by Rolling Stone and NME as one of the greatest songs of all time.

The song critiques how the British Army recruited young, unemployed men from poor areas. The song contains a highly controversial racial slur

It is the centerpiece of Armed Forces , which was originally titled Emotional Fascism .