The Compass of Power

Only this podcast can explain “Rich Men North of Richmond.”

August 22, 2023 Adam Wilson Season 1 Episode 29
The Compass of Power
Only this podcast can explain “Rich Men North of Richmond.”
Show Notes

The song by Oliver Anthony isn’t actually liberal or conservative. It’s Appalachian. It talks about the same things that have animated singers in the Scotch-Irish-settled parts of America for 250 years, and it does it in the same musical style, too. 

The real scandal is that so many online outlets want to claim some of its fame by shaming or blaming a work of art for being indicative of its culture.
 
 Here’s the song:  Oliver Anthony - Rich Men North Of Richmond - YouTube

 Here’s a sample of coverage (BBC):  Rich Men North of Richmond: The hit song that has divided the US