According to Sound on Sound, the title "Oliver" refers to English statesman Oliver Cromwell, who personally led the Parliamentarian forces which conquered Ireland in 1649. In addition to the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the song references other "imperialist battles" in Hong Kong, Palestine and South Africa. However, Costello later explained that the song was not intended to be a comprehensive political piece; he said "It wasn't supposed to read like a coherent political argument. It was pop music". He also pointed out that the opening lyrics "argued the absurdity of even trying to write about such a complex subject".
