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Jason Isbell recently spoke out about the new artist Oliver Anthony, and it is safe to say he is not fond of the songwriter’s lyrics. Was Isbell too harsh?
Oliver Anthony’s “Rich Men North Of Richmond”
Christopher Anthony Lunsford is a 31-year-old male country artist from Virginia. His career took off in August when a video of his song, “Rich Men North Of Richmond,” exploded on YouTube. The statistics were record-breaking, and the young singer became a sensation over the span of a few hours. Many people within the community have compared his success with Jason Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town.”
Oliver’s song still holds the #1 spot for the top music video on YouTube, even though it has been over a month since that post was made. However, Jason Aldean’s song, “Try That In A Small Town,” is much different than Oliver Anthony’s “Rich Men North Of Richmond.” Both songs happen to have some sort of controversy surrounding them, though.
Oliver Anthony’s song is unique because of how bluntly political it is, and not many people can vibe to that. His song was actually used in a GOP debate, which Oliver was not pleased about.
I. Don't. Support. Either. Side. Politically. Not the left, not the right. Im about supporting people and restoring local communities.
Now, go breath some fresh air and relax. Please? 🙂 I'm not worth obsessing over, I promise. Go spend time with your loved ones.
— Oliver Anthony Music (@AintGottaDollar) August 26, 2023
Here are the lyrics that seem to be causing the most trouble:
“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”
Jason Isbell Speaks About His Opinion
Jason Isbell is a well-established rock artist who has been in the music industry for over 20 years. The 44-year-old is known for his 2013 hit “Cover Me Up.” Jason has dabbled in many music genres, has worked with a few different bands, and has won countless impressive awards. When it comes to a career in music, Isbell is an expert. The advice he offers could be very worthwhile, especially to a newer artist.
Jason Isbell did that exact thing in an interview with the Los Angeles Times and offered up a piece of advice to Oliver Anthony. Here is what he says:
“Buddy, there’s a reason you just don’t jump in the f— pool. There’s something there. But that’s the song you should have written when you were 16, and then, when you were 19, you should have rewritten it without the part about hating people on welfare. And then when you are 20 you throw the whole thing out and write another song.”
Despite what Jason Isbell has to say, there is no denying Oliver Anthony’s words have found meaning in the hearts of many. He has nearly 7 million monthly listeners and millions of views, comments, follows, and likes across every platform.
Even though fellow artists and fans find some of his lyrics controversial, Oliver speaks his truth without shame. Not many people have the bravery to do that, especially when facing backlash such as this. What are your thoughts on his song “Rich Men North Of Richmond?”
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