Oliver Anthony went viral last week for his song “Rich Men North of Richmond.” The song’s message prompted a lively post from Mark Wright, who argued that the song dismisses America as the land of opportunity:
Yes — it is a damn shame what the world’s gotten to. But we can fix it. We don’t have to just dream about it. Indeed, if we want to, we can fix it on our own even if Washington is standing in our way or looking down its nose at us. I don’t expect Oliver Anthony — or any singer-songwriter — to put a fully formed philosophy in a three-minute song, and I don’t need to agree with its message to enjoy it: There’s always room for Etta James to sing the blues. Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker” is a masterpiece, even if I’m done living that particular kind of life. And Woody Guthrie is a genius, even if his politics were juvenile and absurd.
Much could be said about Anthony’s music, but more of interest to me is the ability in America for ordinary, unfamous people who sing with passion to be propelled to viral heights. People should share their talents even when they’re not guaranteed an audience.
A year ago, a song was posted to Facebook that now has a whopping four likes. It’s by Stephen Herreid. I chanced upon it this weekend because of a random Facebook friend of Herreid’s who has (unbeknownst to Herreid) loved the song since its release. It’s worth a listen, to remind you of people’s creative potential and because of its killer lyrics:
So, Jesus and Satan walked into the bar / “Line them up,” says the Savior, “I ain’t driving too far” / Devil says, “but you live up in Heaven, I thought” / “Go to Hell,” says the Lord, “I’m from here and you’re not” . . . Cause humanity’s already had its best shot / And the first thing we did was steal fruit and get caught.
Whatever your ideological verdict on Anthony’s music, it’s good to see unknown or little-known artists share their talent. You never know when someone, somewhere, might be listening.