Oliver Anthony Attack Over Lyrics
Country artist Oliver Anthony has scored a major hit with his single “Rich Men North of Richmond”, and it is increasingly becoming the sound of a generation. His song has struck a chord with rural, working-class people all over the US, and has become an anthem expressing the anxieties of a group of people who feel like they’re being left behind by politicians and an unfeeling society.
Anthony’s song is an exploration of all the obstacles working-class people face in a country with increasing income inequality. The lyrics speak to the plight of a segment of the population feeling increasingly displaced, ignored and powerless.
The song has caught the attention of numerous outlets, and the response has been divisive. Progressives have argued that the song plays into right-wing tropes, and have connected it to Republican-leaning activities. Meanwhile, the libertarian magazine, Reason, has taken a more cynical view of the song, arguing that it’s more of a populist meme politics than an authentic representation of working-class America.
Elsewhere, National Review, a Republican-leaning magazine, put out an article about the song which has caused many people who view the song as an anthem to roll their eyes. The article takes a dismissive attitude towards those who are singing in solidarity with Anthony’s song, arguing that it’s their own fault if they’re struggling, and that “good-paying jobs” are still out there. While this attitude may be common in places like National Review, it doesn’t address the reality on the ground for many working-class people, many of whom don’t have the resources or training necessary to get better jobs.
Next time, National Review should consider putting gutter criticism like this where it belongs — in the garbage can.
“He should’ve written a song about this instead of that,” is no different than a food critic trashing a steak restaurant because he wanted something vegan. It’s a… https://t.co/DGJEPJfWGn
— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) August 14, 2023
Oliver Anthony has undoubtedly tapped into a zeitgeist. The song has sparked passionate debate across political lines, and the country seems to have heard his voice loud and clear. With more and more people joining Anthony’s chorus, it’s clear that the problems of the working class are not going to be addressed quickly, if at all. The cries of the people have been heard, but it remains to be seen if and when anyone will act on them.
Next time, National Review should consider putting gutter criticism like this where it belongs — in the garbage can.
“He should’ve written a song about this instead of that,” is no different than a food critic trashing a steak restaurant because he wanted something vegan. It’s a… https://t.co/DGJEPJfWGn
— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) August 14, 2023