The popular song “Rich Men North of Richmond” made its way onto the Republican presidential debate stage, but the singer and songwriter behind the song is not happy about its unauthorized use for partisan political purposes. Oliver Anthony, the Virginia-based musician who wrote the song, rejects the weaponization of his music and finds it amusing that it was used as the opening question for the Fox News-hosted Republican debate.
In a YouTube video, Mr. Anthony expressed his amusement at seeing his song at the presidential debate, as it was originally written about the people on that stage. He clarifies that the song has nothing to do with the president and is aimed at politicians and the wealthy elite in Washington, D.C., which is about 100 miles north of Richmond.
During the debate, Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis suggested that the song struck a nerve because President Biden was putting America on a trajectory of decline. However, Mr. Anthony emphasizes that his song is not about the president but rather about the people on the stage and others like them.
Despite criticism from liberals and support from conservatives, Mr. Anthony considers himself politically neutral, and he does not appreciate the song being used to further any political agenda. He hopes to stop the weaponization and the attempts to characterize him based on political affiliations.
While “Rich Men North of Richmond” has gained popularity and reached number one on the Billboard charts, Mr. Anthony is concerned about its misuse and wants the focus to be on the underlying message of frustration with increasing taxes, the devaluation of the dollar, and welfare abuse.
Fox News anchor and debate moderator Martha MacCallum defended the use of the song, stating that it was meant to spark an important conversation about the government’s role in helping or hurting the people. However, Mr. Anthony emphasizes that the song should not be used to blame the poor but rather to question the effectiveness of welfare programs.
In conclusion, Mr. Anthony wants to put an end to the weaponization of his song and hopes that the focus can shift back to the important issues it addresses.
