Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Oliver's Army -

Steve Nieve’s piano part was inspired by Abba’s "Dancing Queen."

The song contains a highly controversial racial slur in the second verse: "Only takes one itchy trigger / One more widow, one less [slur]." Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Oliver's Army

Costello used the term to describe how the British establishment viewed poor white Irish/mercenary soldiers as disposable. Steve Nieve’s piano part was inspired by Abba’s

It transformed Costello from a "pub rock" figure into a mainstream pop star. ⚠️ Controversy Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Oliver's Army

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