Industry Jun 8, 2026
Elvis Costello Defends Removal of N-word from 'Oliver's Army'
“I no longer use words that go off like alarm clocks, because indignation about that word stops people hearing what the song is about"
Originally published by
NME
Elvis Costello has defended his decision to remove the N-word from his song 'Oliver's Army,' stating that the word functions like an 'alarm clock' that distracts from the song's message.
Costello asserted that his intention was not to be 'woke' but to ensure the lyrical content is heard. Originally reported by NME.
Costello asserted that his intention was not to be 'woke' but to ensure the lyrical content is heard. Originally reported by NME.