“It’s aggravating seeing people on conservative news try to identify with me, like I’m one of them,” Anthony said in a video published on YouTube on Friday, speaking from what looked like the cab of a rain-spattered pickup truck. “It was funny seeing my song … at the presidential debate because it’s like I wrote that song about those people, you know, so for them to have to sit there and have to listen to that, that cracks me up,” he said.
Today, we’re diving into a hot topic that’s been buzzing in the country music scene involving Maren Morris and Oliver Anthony’s viral hit, ‘Rich Men North of Richmond.’ Let’s get into it!
Recently, Maren Morris, a somewhat notable figure in the country music industry, sparked a bit of controversy with her comments on Oliver Anthony’s song during a chat on The New York Times’ Popcast Podcast. The song in question, ‘Rich Men North of Richmond,’ has been making waves, not just in the United States, but globally, striking chords with listeners across borders.
Maren recently stepped away from the country music scene, expressed mixed feelings about the song. Initially impressed by Anthony’s vocal prowess and the bluegrass sound, she found herself thrown for a loop by the second verse, describing it as ‘problematic.’ The verse touches on several socio-political issues, including politicians, poverty, welfare, and obesity, and it has sparked various reactions from the public. The issues were because his song didn’t fit with the narrative she has been pushing for years.
The verse that really stirred the pot for her goes like this:
“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’ welfareWell, 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”
Oliver Anthony uses his platform to voice concerns about societal issues, but it’s this very verse that Maren found to be problematic, sparking a lot of discussions online.
Listen to the full song here:
Maren pointed out a trend where songs like Anthony’s are being co-opted by political entities, particularly the conservative right. What’s funny to me is that the liberal left does the same with songs. Politicians for decades have used trending music to align with their movements.
However, Anthony has firmly resisted his work becoming a political anthem, ensuring it remains a voice for the people, irrespective of their political affiliations.
Oliver Anthony is criticizing politicians he said “weaponized” his hit song “Rich Men North of Richmond” — not only Democrats who consider the track a right-wing polemic, but also Republicans who embraced it at their party’s first presidential debate.
Personally I feel like the song is great and addresses all the corruption on both sides of the government.
The song has not only become a topic of debate but has also connected with people worldwide, addressing relatable issues and becoming a voice for many. The question arises: Is the song problematic, or is it a raw, unfiltered expression of prevailing issues?
Maren has been a part of many controversies over the past few years and it seems like she’s just trying to stay in the news cycle. She’s recently announced her departure from country music.
What do you think about Oliver Anthony’s ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’? Is it a necessary commentary on current societal issues, or does it tread into problematic territory? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s get a conversation going!
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You can view the entire interview below, with the Oliver Anthony conversation happening around the 42 minute mark: