'Rich Men North of Richmond' Draws Praise, Criticism From Listeners

A new country song is soaring up the charts while also stirring up controversy.

The Details: Titled "Rich Men North of Richmond," the song by singer-songwriter Oliver Anthony has more than 20 million views on YouTube since being published on Aug. 9, and has risen to #1 on the iTunes country chart. Its conservative themes and lyrics have drawn praise from some and criticism from others.

The Lyrics: Anthony sings, "Livin' in the new world / With an old soul / These rich men north of Richmond / Lord knows they all just wanna have total control ... 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."

How the Media Covered It: Left-rated sources often framed the song as crude and overly conservative. The Independent (Lean Left bias) highlighted critics who called it "fatphobic" and "offensive." Rolling Stone (Left bias) called it "populist" and "polarizing." Conversely, Fox News (Right bias) highlighted a fellow country singer who said the song "goes back to the roots" of country music and "speaks a lot of truth." Many right-rated sources highlighted reports that Anthony has passed on up to $8 million worth of record deals after releasing the song.