Uploaded by worship999 on Aug 15, 2008
One of Elvis Costello's early hit, but most apt in today's world. Warning-graphic war images....not for the faint hearted.
Top Comments
All Comments (32)
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...and i would rather be anywhere else but here today!!!
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sitill bang on wtih the images good job well done
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@JeffreyP506 I always thought the song refered to the conflict in northern Ireland
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@Svenkrone That's pretty much it. While the term started as a racial slur for Africans it has implications beyond skin color.
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@JeffreyP506 someone else mentioned that as well, I sort of see what you mean- so a "white nigger" is like a lower class person that gets expolited by their government? Like a soldier in a war- "cannon fodder" etc?
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@Svenkrone No, the term white nigger is more of an ecomoic slur. The poor (black or white) look to join the army as a way to get ahead. One less "white nigger" is one less poor white guy that nobody important will give a shit about. While the song is likely about the British Army it also tranlates beyond England. Oliver refers to Cromwell yes, but I think it also refers to Oliver North, covert wars of the 80's and merc guns for hire even today.
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There is an error here. It says "white nigger." However, nigger is a racial slur for a BLACK person.
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Dont know how many i've heard ' merrily singing along' not realizing what it's about.
Great Video.
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But there's no danger....
No, not much!
Look at that blazing tank to see the truth.
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The lyrics refer to the British Army. With particular reference to Northern Ireland, since the Troubles were in full swing at the time the song was written, Oliver Cromwell formed the New Model Army in the 17th Century, from which many British Army regiments today trace their ancestry. He also fought a particularly bloody campaign in Ireland, and many people today accuse him of war crimes. Hence, given the presence of the British Army in Ulster at the time of the song's writing: Oliver's Army
roguetrooper1981 1 year ago 15
Brilliant. Costello when he was REALLY cutting edge and pertinent. (He still can be, sometimes).Very poignant. Great Video.Well done to those that made this, and to those who posted it > Ten out of ten!
henrysgigs1 2 years ago 9