Oliver Anthony became known in 2023 after his song “Rich Men North of Richmond” went viral online.
He sings folk and country music about working-class life and everyday struggles.
Born in Virginia, he worked factory jobs before music and wrote songs that speak to regular people’s concerns about money, work, and life.
About the Song
“Rich Men North of Richmond” is a country song by Oliver Anthony, released on August 8, 2023.
The song became very popular because of its honest lyrics, which talk about social and money problems. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making it a big success for the artist.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 8, 2023 |
| Album | Self-released (no specific album) |
| Writers | Oliver Anthony |
| Producers | Oliver Anthony |
Rich Men North of Richmond Lyrics by Oliver Anthony
Verse 1
I’ve been sellin’ my soul, workin’ all day
Overtime hours for bullshit pay
So I can sit out here and waste my life away
Drag back home and drown my troubles away
Pre-Chorus
It’s a damn shame what the world’s gotten to
For people like me and people like you
Wish I could just wake up and it not be true
But it is, oh, it is
Chorus
Livin’ in the new world
With an old soul
These rich men north of Richmond
Lord knows they all just wanna have total control
Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do
And they don’t think you know, but I know that you do
‘Cause your dollar ain’t shit and it’s taxed to no end
‘Cause of rich men north of Richmond
Verse 2
I wish politicians would look out for miners
And not just minors on an island somewhere
Lord, we got folks in the street, ain’t got nothin’ to eat
And the obese milkin’ welfare
Well, God, if you’re five-foot-three and you’re three-hundred pounds
Taxes ought not to pay for your bags of Fudge Rounds
Young men are puttin’ themselves six feet in the ground
‘Cause all this damn country does is keep on kickin’ them down
Pre-Chorus
Lord, it’s a damn shame what the world’s gotten to
For people like me and people like you
Wish I could just wake up and it not be true
But it is, oh, it is
Chorus
Livin’ in the new world
With an old soul
These rich men north of Richmond
Lord knows they all just wanna have total control
Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do
And they don’t think you know, but I know that you do
‘Cause your dollar ain’t shit and it’s taxed to no end
‘Cause of rich men north of Richmond
Outro
I’ve been sellin’ my soul, workin’ all day
Overtime hours for bullshit pay
Live Performance of the Song
First Live Performance
Oliver Anthony’s first live performance of ‘Rich Men North of Richmond,’ showcasing his raw talent and emotional delivery.
Similar Songs Like Rich Men North of Richmond by Oliver Anthony
Here are some similar songs by Oliver Anthony that share themes, music elements, and emotional tone with “Rich Men North of Richmond”:
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“I Want to See the World”: A song about seeking a better life and exploring personal growth.
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“Hollow Bones”: Deals with themes of struggle, self-reflection, and the human experience.
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“Backwoods Rebel”: Focuses on themes of freedom, independence, and living life on your own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Oliver Anthony Music say about “Rich Men North of Richmond”?
Oliver Anthony said he wrote the song about everyday workers’ struggles and wasn’t trying to make money or become famous.
Who does “Rich Men North of Richmond” refer to?
The title points to politicians in Washington DC, which sits north of Richmond, Virginia, who make choices affecting working people.
How did the song perform commercially?
The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and other music charts, making Anthony the first artist to debut at #1 without prior chart history.
What is the story about Oliver Anthony?
Anthony worked factory jobs, lived in a trailer, and made music for fun before his song went big on social media.
