“Rich Men North Of Richmond”- The Libertarian Take

An Elegy Mourning the End of the Middle Class & American Dream

In the midst of a world that seems increasingly plagued by economic uncertainty, cultural turmoil, and a growing sense of disenfranchisement, novice folk-country singer-songwriter Oliver Anthony (whose real name is Christopher Anthony Lunsford) offers a poignant commentary in his viral August 2023 single, "Rich Men North Of Richmond."

Anthony's lyrics mourn the loss of the American dream for those at the wrong end of the ever-growing wealth gap and blames crony politicians for the current financial state of a country teetering on the edge of a recession.

While Anthony hasn't publicly declared a political alliance and is assumed Republican, his lyrics resonate with Libertarians principles exposing the corrupt power dynamics in DC that shape modern society.

"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."

The opening lines of the song capture the sentiment of hardworking Americans caught in a cycle of long hours and barely-livable wagest o rise above poverty. His lyrics can't help but bring to mind the old adage that we are meant to do so much more than work, pay bills, and die.

"Lord, it's a damn shame what the world's gotten to. For people like me and people like you."

Anthony laments the unfortunate state of the country today where inflation due to mass government spending is coming off of a 40 year high. The average American struggles to afford gas and groceries much less the "American dream" of supporting a family and owning a home and vehicle on an average salary.

Wish I could just wake up and it not be true. But it is, oh, it is."

The desire to wake up to a different reality is palpable, yet the acknowledgment that the current state of things remains unchanged is deeply felt. The repetition of "it is, oh, it is" emphasizes the undeniable nature of the situation, underscoring a sense of helplessness and the need to confront the harsh truths of the world we live in.

"Livin' in the new world, with an old soul."

The chorus starts by solidifying Anthony's conviction that the unending economic difficulties experienced by Americans have become the accepted new normal. The nation's relentless momentum towards woke, socialist ideology and rampant war and spending has become tajen us so far off course that the previous way of life is now implausible.

"These rich men north of Richmond."

The "rich men north of Richmond" symbolize the elites in Washington DC (north of Richmond, VA) who wield authority over policies and decisions that impact the lives of the masses, often to their own benefit. The chorus serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of concentrated power.

"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."

The aspiration of politicians for "total control" mirrors apprehensions regarding excessive governmental influence and the gradual erosion of personal liberties. A notable illustration is the Patriot Act, one of the most substantial encroachments on personal freedoms and privacy rights, which persists in undermining civil liberties to the this day.

"'Cause your dollar ain't shit and it's taxed to no end, 'Cause of rich men north of Richmond"

The song's rallying cry of "Your dollar ain't shit" serves as a passionate call to attention, highlighting the diminishing worth of the US dollar. This decline in value results in reduced buying capacity for essential items such as housing, cars, gas, and groceries. Meanwhile the government uses tax dollars to take its cut of corporate profits, income, retirement accounts, property, and sale of all goods. Anthony's lyrics shed light on the consequences our governmental fiscal strategy and support the Libertarian belief that taxation is theft.

"I wish politicians would look out for miners."

Upon the songs release, the Biden administration had sent $100B+ to the Ukraine to fund a proxy war with Russia under the guise of protecting "freedom and democracy." Anthony touches on the desire for government to spend taxpayer dollars at home, ensuring its own hardworking citizens are taken care of before those in foreign lands.

The mention of miners in particular pays homage to Anthony's own heritage hailing from Appalachian roots, tracing back to working-class ancestors who played a role in constructing the nation, only to suffer from the devastating impact of black lung and the opioid crisis. This plea for political consideration resonates with the broader theme of advocating for the rights and interests of essential workers in society.

"And not just minors on an island somewhere."

In perhaps his most scathing line, Anthony's mention of politicians excessively focusing on "miners on an island" indirectly hints at the issue of international child trafficking. He shared that he felt compelled to address this matter as he observed it becoming disturbingly normalized. Notably, Epstein Island is rumored to have been visited by a circle of influential politicians. This song emerges just a month after the July 4 unveiling of "The Sound of Freedom," a blockbuster expose on child trafficking.

"Lord, we got folks in the street, ain't got nothin' to eat. And the obese milkin' welfare."

Anthony's critique extends to the welfare system and government assistance, shedding light on the inefficiencies and abuses that arise with government interventions and unchecked social safety nets. More directly this time, Anthony references the unaffordability of necessities like food in the most prosperous county on Earth. He masterfully juxtaposes the skyrocketing 500k+ homeless with the 42% of Americans considered obese. Anthony's reference to "obese milkin' welfare" takes a jab at the all too common pattern of government regulation creating a negative incentive structure that hurts the very people it claims to protect. These sentiments echo the core Libertarian values of limited government intervention and personal responsibility.

"Well, God, if you're 5-foot-3 and you're 300 pounds, taxes ought not to pay for your bags of fudge rounds."

Anthony's next line highlights the irony that the obese, who by definition are eating too much food, can get government subsidies to buy more food, even obesity-inducing treats like "fudge rounds." This example hits on a key Libertarian argument that governments are incentivized to exacerbates societal issues such as obesity and homelessness, in order to intervene more to solve them. Even Anthony's acknowledgement that taxes "ought not to pay" echoes the desire among many Americans to have more control over what their tax dollars fund.

"Young men are puttin' themselves six feet in the ground. 'Cause all this damn country does is keep on kickin' them down."

The songs release corresponds with the month GM(August 2023) that suicide rates hit an all time high in the US. Anthony sheds light on the tragic outcome for young individuals who feel trapped in a system where striving for happiness feels like a hopeless endeavor. This stark portrayal of the consequences of societal challenges and lack of opportunities resonates with the song's broader themes of individual struggles and the need for change.

In Conclusion

The song's message is clear: it's not about left vs. right but about everyday Americans vs. the elite who control money and power. Anthony's apolitical stance highlights the shared sentiment that government, regardless of party affiliation, serves its own interests over those of the people it represents.

"Rich Men North Of Richmond" reflects the challenges faced by individuals striving for prosperity and personal freedom. It underscores the Libertarian concern that excessive government intervention and concentrated power can undermine these very values. While the song paints a bleak picture of the current state of affairs, it also offers a glimmer of hope and encourages listeners to actively participating in the politics shaping their world.

Through thoughtful reflection and open dialogue, songs like "Rich Men North Of Richmond" have the potential to inspire change and fuel discussions about the role of government, individual liberty, and the pursuit of a more equitable and prosperous society. As we decode the lyrics and delve into their underlying themes, we can engage in meaningful conversations that bridge ideological divides and pave the way for a more freedom-leaning future.

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Read the full lyrics below to "Rich Men of Richmond"

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 I've been sellin' my soul, workin' all day Overtime hours for bullshit pay