Oliver Anthony Says It’s ‘Really Funny To Watch’ The Debate And Controversy Surrounding His Track ‘Rich Men North Of Richmond’
31.08.2023 - 23:51
/ etcanada.com
Country artist Oliver Anthony, who went viral earlier this month since debuting his song “Rich Men North of Richmond”, is reacting to the controversy surrounding the hit.
While appearing on Wednesday’s episode of the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, Anthony — who made chart history upon debuting at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making him the first-ever artist without any prior chart history to do so — said it’s been “really funny to watch” people debate over the controversial track and attempt to dig into his past.
Since Anthony — a former factory worker and farmer — released the track on YouTube on Aug. 8, “Rich Men North of Richmond” has been interpreted as a working class anthem, been condemned for being “fatphobic” and was labelled a “right-wing anthem,” mainly due to its lyrics.
READ MORE: Who Is Oliver Anthony? All About The Controversial ‘Rich Men North Of Richmond’ Singer Topping The Billboard Charts
In the track, Anthony sings, “I’ve been selling my soul…For bullshit pay,” and references the “obese milkin’ welfare,” with the lyrics: “If you’re five foot three and you’re three hundred pounds/ Taxes ought not to pay for your bags of fudge rounds.”
The musician recently defended his track in a video statement, saying that left-wingers “misunderstood my words,” and criticized Republicans for “weaponizing” the meaning behind the lyrics, which he wrote.
Now, while chatting with Rogan, Anthony acknowledged: “I’m the subject matter the last couple of weeks.
“People are just trying to find out who’s this Oliver Anthony guy, and where does he work, and who did he vote for, and what’s his family like and yada yada,” he elaborated. “They want to build this image of whatever it is that the person behind the song