Rich Men North of Richmond by Oliver Anthony – Video & Lyrics

Oliver Anthony isn’t just another name in the vast world of country music; he’s a beacon of hope and authenticity. From the moment I stumbled upon his soulful tunes, I was immediately entranced. His songs weren’t just melodies; they were narratives of real life, stories of hardships, dreams, and the everyday struggles that so many face. The more I listened, the deeper I delved into the world of this budding artist from Farmville, VA.

It’s easy to picture Oliver, serenading the evening away in the backdrop of the Virginian landscape, with his three loyal dogs by his side. He isn’t just about the music; there’s a dream he’s building, one brick at a time. On a plot of land, Oliver envisions a future farm, bustling with livestock and echoing with the laughter and memories of family and friends.

Rich Men North of Richmond Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I’ve been sellin’ my soul, workin’ all day
Overtime hours for bullshit pay
So I can sit out here and waste my life away
Drag back home and drown my troubles away

[Pre-Chorus]
It’s a damn shame what the world’s gotten to
For people like me and people like you
Wish I could just wake up and it not be true
But it is, oh, it is

[Chorus]
Livin’ in the new world
With an old soul
These rich men north of Richmond
Lord knows they all just wanna have total control
Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do
And they don’t think you know, but I know that you do
‘Cause your dollar ain’t shit and it’s taxed to no end
‘Cause of rich men north of Richmond

[Verse 2]
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

[Verse 3]
Well, God, if you’re 5-foot-3 and you’re 300 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

[Pre-Chorus]
Lord, it’s a damn shame what the world’s gotten to
For people like me and people like you
Wish I could just wake up and it not be true
But it is, oh, it is

[Chorus]
Livin’ in the new world
With an old soul
These rich men north of Richmond
Lord knows they all just wanna have total control
Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do
And they don’t think you know, but I know that you do
‘Cause your dollar ain’t shit and it’s taxed to no end
‘Cause of rich men north of Richmond

[Outro]
I’ve been sellin’ my soul, workin’ all day
Overtime hours for bullshit pay.

Rich Men North of Richmond Lyrics Meaning

Oliver Anthony’s “Rich Men North of Richmond” isn’t merely a song; it’s a vivid tapestry that captures the essence of the American spirit and the struggles of the working class.

Each note and lyric resonates deeply, painting a poignant picture of a world where blue-collar souls grapple with the weight of dreams and realities. Through his heartfelt melodies, Oliver tells the story of individuals caught in the ever-widening chasm between the opulence of the rich and the modest hopes of the everyday man.

The song becomes an anthem for those who feel overshadowed by the towering might of power and wealth. With evocative lines like ‘Living in the new world / With an old soul,’ Oliver juxtaposes the age-old values of hard work and authenticity against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world.

It’s a stirring reminder of the strength, resilience, and undying spirit of the ‘forgotten’ many, echoing their yearning for recognition, respect, and a fair shot at their dreams.