The Beautiful Occupation

"The Beautiful Occupation" is the second single from Scottish indie rock band Travis' fourth studio album, 12 Memories. The single peaked at #48 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming their worst performing single to date. The song was written by frontman Fran Healy and is a reflection of the anti-war sentiments of the War on Iraq,[1] also carrying serious criticism to the invasion itself.[2]

"The Beautiful Occupation"
Single by Travis
from the album 12 Memories
B-side	"The Score", "I Don't Mean To Get High", "Distraction", "Back in the Day"
Released	15 December 2003
Recorded	Late 2001
Genre	Indie rock
Length	3:47
Label	Independiente
Songwriter(s)	Fran Healy
Producer(s)	Steve Orchard, Travis, Tchad Blake
Travis singles chronology
"Re-Offender" (2003) "The Beautiful Occupation" (2003) "Love Will Come Through" (2004)

"The Beautiful Occupation" is available free at the Peace Not War site.[3]

Track listing

• UK CD1

1. "The Beautiful Occupation" - 3:47
2. "The Score" - 4:19
3. "I Don't Mean To Get High" - 2:58

• UK CD2

1. "The Beautiful Occupation" - 3:47
2. "Distraction" - 4:11
3. "Back In The Day" - 3:23

• 7" Vinyl

1. "The Beautiful Occupation" - 3:47
2. "I Don't Mean To Get High" - 2:58

• Minidisc

1. "The Beautiful Occupation" - 3:47
2. "Enemy" - 3:22

Charts

Chart (2003–04)	Peak position
Germany (Official German Charts)[4]	97
UK Singles (OCC)[5]	48

References

1. Anti War Songs: The Beautiful Occupation AntiWarSongs.com
2. Travis name The Beautiful Occupation as their next single IndieLondon
3. PeaceNotWar.org
4. "Offiziellecharts.de – Travis – The Beautiful Occupation". GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
5. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 9 February 2014.