Oliver Anthony’s “Rich Men North of Richmond” is the most talked about song in America.
Released just this month, the blue-collar tune is already approaching 40 million views on YouTube and landed on top of Billboard’s Hot 100 on Tuesday, making Anthony the first musician ever to hit No. 1 with no previous chart history. It was even the subject of the first question at the Republican presidential primary debate on Wednesday.
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Though a clear hit with listeners, the song has come under attack in some quarters for its economic populism. Anthony takes aim at everything from inflation and high taxes to low wages and welfare.
Because of the song’s subject matter, I don’t think it’s unfair to describe Anthony’s song as politically charged, as some have. And though there’s no doubt that the song has resonated with people of all backgrounds, it’s hardly surprising that many journalists have attacked the song for this very reason.
Keep pretending all these people don’t exist. Keep convincing yourself this isn’t real. Keep pretending this doesn’t resonate with real people.
— Will Cain (@willcain) August 18, 2023
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What’s a bit more shocking is the possibility that Anthony’s heartfelt song and outspoken views may have resulted in unwanted attention from a different source: the FBI.
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