Elvis Costello & The: Attractions - Oliver's Army

Costello wrote the song after visiting , during "The Troubles."

Refers to Oliver Cromwell , the 17th-century English leader who led a brutal conquest of Ireland.

While the lyrics are biting and political, the music is intentionally upbeat. New Wave / Power Pop. Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Oliver's Army

The song critiques how the British Army recruited young, unemployed men from poor areas.

Ranked by Rolling Stone and NME as one of the greatest songs of all time. Costello wrote the song after visiting , during

In 2022, Costello announced he would stop performing the song live and asked radio stations to stop playing it, stating that the slur "poisons" the song's intent for modern audiences. 💿 Critical Reception Chart Success: Spent 12 weeks on the UK charts.

Costello used the term to describe how the British establishment viewed poor white Irish/mercenary soldiers as disposable. The song critiques how the British Army recruited

Produced by Nick Lowe for the album Armed Forces .