Editorial: Why “Rich Men North of Richmond” Resonates, by Eric Sammons,

By Eric Sammons, Crisis Magazine, Aug. 17, 2023

Eric Sammons is the editor-in-chief of Crisis Magazine.

A week ago, no one had heard of Oliver Anthony or his song, “Rich Men North of Richmond.” Now he’s a celebrity and “Rich Men” is the #1 song in the country, with the music video having already reached 17 million views on YouTube. Why has this song gone so viral? Why is it resonating with so many people? Because it taps into the deep discontent so many Americans feel today about the direction of our country; it expresses what many believe but don’t know how—or are afraid—to say.