Oliver Anthony was relatively unknown until this week. Three million views in the first three days on YouTube, and many more elsewhere:
The song is lyrical poetry for just about everyone. But there are some hidden gems many haven’t yet noticed
Living in the new world
With an old soul
Of course the “new world” represents the present and today’s challenges. However it is also a nod to the “new world order” (a devilish dream of world-wide dominance for certain politicians). This is beautifully contrasted by “old soul”. This calls to mind a history, experience, happiness, trust, spirituality, and freedom.
rich men north of Richmond
Clearly a reference to Washington DC: the epicenter of political power (and consequently tremendous wealth and corruption). Also, some might think of wealthy New York bankers. “Men” may represent gender, but may also represent humans more generally. The lyric works whether we think of political or financial “riches”. But a little deeper: some may also think of the North / South divide along the Mason-Dixon line through the Civil War. After all, Abraham Lincoln wrote that his purpose in the Civil War was to retain control of the South (not to end slavery). This may be a triple-entendre, or this may be an unintentional association: the lyric is incredibly catchy either way.
I wish politicians would look out for miners
And not just minors on an island somewhere
A reference to Espstein Island and the depraved politicians that visited. However, the lyrics could also be interpreted as “look out for minors” (protect minors). Many find the world’s corruption of children through things like ideologically driven and irreversible surgery to be criminally evil.
Lord, we got folks in the street, ain’t got nothing to eat
There is an unprecedented rise in homelessness, open drug dens, and rampant crime among the most populous US cities. In some cases, the government attorneys seem to be working to make things worse.
And the obese milking welfare
The fact that this is a legitimate complaint is itself incredible. The welfare trap is increasingly exposed for the incalculable destruction welfare causes.
And they don’t think you know, but I know that you do
Some have heard this line as “you know that you do” and found it an empowering reminder to trust yourself.
Thank you to Christophy Anthony Lundsford (Oliver Anthony Music) for this gem and for sticking around to get to know your creator!
