According to “High Value Dad” founder Jason Howerton, Oliver Anthony, a non-religious man and former Virginia factory worker turned country singer, went viral after promising God he’d get sober if he’d help him follow his dream.
Thirty days after Anthony cried out to God about his mental health struggles and alcohol issues, the sober Anthony was asked to record a song for radiowv’s YouTube music channel.
The song was titled “Rich Men North of Richmond” and immediately went viral on social media following its release. To date, radiowv’s video of Anthony’s song has over 12.5 million views.
The lyrics argue that American working class citizens struggle to make ends meet while wealthy government officials in Washington D.C. seek to take control of our nation.
At his first live show since the song’s release, which was held at a farmer’s market in Currituck, North Carolina, Anthony opened the show up by reading Psalm 37:12-20. The show was attended by thousands of fans.
“It’s crazy to me because I remember, back in June, I played here for about 20 people,” Anthony said. “That’s the beautiful part of this country. Even an idiot like me can make something happen, so if I can do it, you can do it.”
“Before we start singing,” he said, “I just have something I felt compelled to share with you.” He then read the Bible passage:
The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. The blameless spend their days under the LORD ’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty. But the wicked will perish: Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.
When Anthony finished reading, the crowd responded with thunderous applause.
Anthony’s mixture of Scripture reading and profanity-laced lyrics has resulted in some controversy among Christians, some of whom have shared their appreciation for the song, while others voiced their displeasure.
As we watch cultural history in the making with the vital hit “Rich Men North of Richmond,” the amateur historian in me wants to help document the key players involved (as far as I can tell).
Of course all the genius and credit lies with Oliver Anthony for writing & performing… pic.twitter.com/dIseNUq4dn
— William Wolfe 🇺🇸 (@William_E_Wolfe) August 11, 2023