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Virginia factory worker Oliver Anthony has a certified hit on his hands with ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’ as the song shot to No. 1 on Apple Music’s global charts.
The song, released in early August, topped the charts alongside notable names like Taylor Swift, Doja Cat, Travis Scott and fellow country singer Morgan Wallen.
“Rich Men North of Richmond” gained mass notoriety for its “chilling” portrayal of “average man” life in the United States.
The lyrics include, “Lord, it’s a fucking shame / What the world has done / For people like me and people like you / I wish I could wake up and it wasn’t true.”
The music video for the song, which features Anthony strumming a guitar and singing emotionally in front of the camera, amassed more than 18 million views in one week.
Virginia factory worker Oliver Anthony (pictured) has a certified hit in his hands with ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’ as the song shot to No. 1 on the global Apple Music charts
The song, released in early August, topped the Apple Music charts
Anthony, who lives in Farmville – an hour from Richmond – said the song was meant to share the struggles of blue-collar workers.
“The universal thing I see is that no matter how hard they try in everything they do, they can’t quite get ahead because the dollar isn’t worth enough, they’re overtaxed,” Anthony said.
“I want to be a voice for these people. And not just them, but humans in general,” the “Rich Men North of Richmond” singer-songwriter explained.
“As long as you’re above the dirt, you have a fighting chance,” he continued.
On Spotify, the song captured nearly 6 million plays in just five days.
He is also currently predicted as a contender to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 the graph arrives at the end of August.
The tune was embraced as the “working class anthem” by many conservatives while some progressives remained skeptical due to its lyrics.
The song addresses child trafficking, even alluding to the late billionaire Jeffrey Epstein and his illicit activities involving minors.
“I wish politicians care about miners and not just miners on an island,” Anthony sings in the song, which is just over three minutes long.
The singer also talks about out-of-touch politicians, high taxes and those who take advantage of the system by “dealing with welfare”.
“Lord, we have people on the streets, they have nothing to eat and the well-being of the obese,” he sings. “Well my God, if you’re 5-foot-3 and weigh 300 pounds, taxes shouldn’t be paying for your bags of fudge rings.”
His message was amplified by major voices, including Fox News’ Laura Ingraham and popular podcast host Joe Rogan.
Oliver Anthony’s song beat out country singer Morgan Wallen (left) and Taylor Swift (right)
Anthony, who lives in Farmville – an hour from Richmond – said the song was meant to share the struggles of blue collar workers
The reaction to the song was instant, with the song climbing the charts and millions of people around the world sharing how the song touched them.
“I am a 40 year old Iraqi veterinarian. This one made my eyes a little soggy too… But I’m very proud of this young man for having the nerves to tell it like it is. Semper Fidelis Oliver,” one person wrote on YouTube.
“This is the first time a non-gospel song has brought tears to my eyes and left me speechless. It’s beautifully written and so true,’ one woman shared.
‘I am 75 years old. I’ve been working overtime for bullshit all my life and I approve of this post,” added another.
“I’ve been an ironworker for 17 years and bankruptcy is an understatement for my finances. This song is the ‘American Dream’,” wrote one person who resonated.
Outside the United States, the musician’s supporters have weighed in on social media
“Speaking of Ireland, this song is an emotional masterpiece. It really moves me many times every time I play it,’ one person wrote.
“You’re talking about the majority of F**k rich men north of Richmond.”
‘Just a guy from Greece here… A lifelong dream to move to the United States one day. Some would say that a song like this should only put me off, but damn it…I’ve always been inspired by its people, its real people, its heart and its soul, and this man who sings this song is one nice example,’ another commenter shared on YouTube.
“This song is not just for the United States, this song should bring everyone together, at least everyone whose heart is in the right place,” the commentator continued.
Since being uploaded, Anthony’s song has also been welcomed with open arms by many in the music industry.
One man, Jason Howerton, said on Twitter that “legendary country producer” John Rich offered to pay Anthony to record his debut album.
Howerton also claimed in a tweet that Rich would produce the album for the singer.
On Thursday, rapper Gucci Mane also showed interest in the country singer in an Instagram post.
In a post, the ‘Black Beatles’ crooner told his followers that he would love to sign Anthony to his 1017 imprint.
‘Aye fam, I need your help on this one, I’m trying to sign these guys as my first country artists at 1017!!!’ wrote the rapper.
Gucci Man shared a screenshot of the song on Apple Music and urged his 17 million followers to help him connect with the ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’ singer.
“I need the information ASAP,” he shared.
Since finding success seemingly overnight, Anthony has briefly taken a step back to deal with the newfound fame.
Clearly overwhelmed by the rise to the top of the chart, Anthony posted on Facebook that he was “so grateful” for the support and was working on new music and shows.
“I’m working on concert planning and will post a schedule when it’s available.”