Singer Oliver Anthony, whose viral anthem “Rich Men North of Richmond” has taken the internet by storm, has weighed in on the unexpected political twist surrounding his song. The track, which highlights the struggles of the working class, unexpectedly found its way into the 2024 Republican presidential primary debate, leaving Anthony both amused and concerned.
In a YouTube video shared recently, Anthony expressed his amusement at the song’s political adoption, stating, “It’s funny because the song is written about the people on that stage.” However, he also voiced his frustration at political attempts to align with his music, regardless of their affiliation. He emphasized that his song was never intended as a political statement and urged for it not to be weaponized for political gain.
While “Rich Men North of Richmond” has found a strong following among conservatives, Anthony used the video to emphasize his neutrality, stating, “I see the right trying to characterize me as one of their own, and I see the left trying to discredit me; that sh*t’s gotta stop.” The unexpected political association with his song has clearly left him conflicted.
Despite the political controversy, the song has achieved remarkable success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart within days of its release. Anthony also acknowledged the complexities of the music industry, describing it as even dirtier than most people realize.
One interesting aspect that emerged from Anthony’s YouTube video was the song’s broad appeal. He noted that the song had resonated with a diverse group of people, dispelling the notion that it solely attracted conservative listeners.
“Rich Men North of Richmond” has garnered support from country stars like Travis Tritt and John Rich, but it has also courted controversy for its lyrics touching on politicians and welfare recipients. Anthony, who positions himself as politically centrist, continues to navigate the unexpected journey of his song’s viral success while emphasizing its original message of the working class struggle.
