Oliver Anthony: Country Music, Blue-Collar America, Fame, Money, and Pain | Lex Fridman Podcast #469
Oliver Anthony is singer-songwriter who first gained worldwide fame with his viral hit Rich Men North of Richmond. He became a voice for many who are voiceless, with many of his songs speaking to the struggle of the working class in modern American life.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep469-sb
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
*Transcript:*
https://lexfridman.com/oliver-anthony-transcript
*CONTACT LEX:*
*Feedback* – give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey
*AMA* – submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama
*Hiring* – join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring
*Other* – other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact
*EPISODE LINKS:*
Oliver’s X: https://x.com/AintGottaDollar
Oliver’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/oliver_anthony_music_
Oliver’s YouTube: https://youtube.com/@oliveranthonymusic
Oliver’s TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@oliveranthonymusic
Oliver’s Website: https://oliveranthonymusic.com/
Oliver’s FaceBook: https://facebook.com/OliverAnthonyMusicOfficial/
Oliver’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oliveranthonymusic
*SPONSORS:*
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
*MasterClass:* Online classes from world-class experts.
Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/masterclass-ep469-sb
*Shopify:* Sell stuff online.
Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/shopify-ep469-sb
*Oracle:* Cloud infrastructure.
Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/oracle-ep469-sb
*Tax Network USA:* Full-service tax firm.
Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/tax_network_usa-ep469-sb
*LMNT:* Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix.
Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/lmnt-ep469-sb
*OUTLINE:*
0:00 – Introduction
1:14 – Open mics
5:17 – Mainstream country music
14:24 – Fame
20:20 – Music vs politics
29:10 – Rich Men North of Richmond
39:20 – Popularity, money, and integrity
54:08 – Blue-collar people
1:06:11 – Depression
1:31:04 – Nature
1:53:40 – Three-legged cat
2:02:11 – I Want to Go Home (live performance)
2:05:50 – Guitar backstory
2:10:12 – Playing live this year
*PODCAST LINKS:*
– Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
– Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
– Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
– RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
– Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
– Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips
*SOCIAL LINKS:*
– X: https://x.com/lexfridman
– Instagram: https://instagram.com/lexfridman
– TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lexfridman
– LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lexfridman
– Facebook: https://facebook.com/lexfridman
– Patreon: https://patreon.com/lexfridman
– Telegram: https://t.me/lexfridman
– Reddit: https://reddit.com/r/lexfridman
@lexfridman
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep469-sa
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
0:00 – Introduction
1:14 – Open mics
5:17 – Mainstream country music
14:24 – Fame
20:20 – Music vs politics
29:10 – Rich Men North of Richmond
39:20 – Popularity, money, and integrity
54:08 – Blue-collar people
1:06:11 – Depression
1:31:04 – Nature
1:53:40 – Three-legged cat
2:02:11 – I Want to Go Home (live performance)
2:05:50 – Guitar backstory
2:10:12 – Playing live this year
Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/oliver-anthony-transcript
CONTACT LEX:
Feedback – give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey
AMA – submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama
Hiring – join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring
Other – other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact
EPISODE LINKS:
Oliver's X: https://x.com/AintGottaDollar
Oliver's Instagram: https://instagram.com/oliver_anthony_music_
Oliver's YouTube: https://youtube.com/@oliveranthonymusic
Oliver's TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@oliveranthonymusic
Oliver's Website: https://oliveranthonymusic.com/
Oliver's FaceBook: https://facebook.com/OliverAnthonyMusicOfficial/
Oliver's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oliveranthonymusic
SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
MasterClass: Online classes from world-class experts.
Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/masterclass-ep469-sa
Shopify: Sell stuff online.
Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/shopify-ep469-sa
Oracle: Cloud infrastructure.
Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/oracle-ep469-sa
Tax Network USA: Full-service tax firm.
Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/tax_network_usa-ep469-sa
LMNT: Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix.
Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/lmnt-ep469-sa
@missmelis7260
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Skipping those meetings is what’s killed the quality of Boeing jets that then cause a lot of deaths. Kind of a stupid dip shit take on so-called bureaucracy and engineering knowing that. When it comes to music… Only a fellow musician should be helping edit or produce your music. If you’re a good fit that shouldn’t take away from the quality of your songs and should only make them better. But I bet Oliver Anthony takes it as criticism instead of collaboration and he lets it hurt his feelings. Because he’s so obsessed with not falling for the trap of popular culture and media… they worship with money and sex… he doesn’t get that you can be a simple man who’s not shallow and live a meaning for life. While still knowing how to operate the modern world and enjoy money. He’d claim he doesn’t enjoy money at all… Yes, he does. He enjoys fame an even more. But the boy sings with his whole heart and that’s what we love about him… gotta have a good melody and well structured song. He also doesn’t ever know half about anything to talk about it and preach the way he does. Chris, you need to learn to go with the flow and just chill. I never seen such a simple man overcomplicate every little thought and moment in life. It’s OK if you can’t talk like Copernicus or something you’re not Plato or Aristotle and that’s OK. I love watching Selena Gomez bf make music… starts with the tune first and the words come after. Lex, If you’d ask harder questions when you had more serious guests on people wouldn’t be hating on you so much right now. The latest and people that are on your playlist, well, I’m not gonna watch them. They look boring. In fact I’m tuning out of this one right now.
@joeburnham636
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
You are right, brother. I worked those jobs too and I LOVED to talk to people. Idk why I don't do what you are doing. GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER.
@rosieclindist373
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Like your Pod Cast really mature not like emotionally insecure programmers. Thank you for sharing what you know .
@4bidden14
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Love this dumbass intro, the rich men north of rich men or whatever, you continue to normalize all of these billionaires, who are the guys I'm pretty sure he's talking about.
@johnford4609
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
2nd ad, 9:44.
@johnford4609
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
First ad, four minutes in…
@johnford4609
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
I have a theory that both of these guys have working relationships with the CIA. Kind of like a modern day Project Mockingbird type of thing. Anybody else get that feeling?
@smalcar2
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
What an amazing gift to hear two people bearing their soul while speaking with humility and integrity. It's a rare thing. Thank you, thank you! OA, your music reaches so deep. We need this. BTW, Like the new hair look.
@stevesharp6138
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Lex keep doing you!!!!! Would love to see another interview with Ashton Forbes!!!!And maybe Hal putoff!!
@doomedoptimism1015
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
The idea of a tornado being a good thing that drives change is a fallacy. Yes, good leaders push the envelope and know what is signal and what is noise, but that doesn't mean you have to do everything with a sledge hammer. I think companies and organizations thrive DESPITE people like that, not because of them. What you need are professionals that know what they are doing, are listened to, but ultimately the decision gets made by the leader for better or worse and you move forward. Companies that flounder because they are "too soft" are usually just lacking courage to commit to something and focus.
To me the biggest concern is when you have someone who is a "tornado" type person, and they get the wrong idea stuck in their head. You can't argue or win over a tornado, and so you get even more hopelessly stuck. Decisions made by committee are also unhelpful because no one ever agrees and compromises usually cost you everything worth while.
Leaders need to balance the courage to commit to something, with the humility to be open to other ideas, and the resolve to take accountability no matter the outcome, and leave the rest to your team. No man is an island.
@A_Ray91
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Thank you for your music sir
@rvascend166
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Drexel
@Buzz_15900
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
view are really popping off with this one lex
@CatherineMontie-r8f
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Got a lighter with your signature on it Chris from Alexandria, La concert. Had the best time of my life. You could feel the spirit in the crowd! Ready for the 2025 tour, dont ever forget to stop in Louisiana. We love you!
@JackieRoberts-i2h
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Hello I watch the show a few times in the past watching you interview Chris, Oliver, well I really enjoyed the way you went about it so thank you you got another human being following you just saying Tennessee
@RelentlessSavageryGaming
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
1:22:00 Almost died on a motorcycle wreck in 2019 puttin all my life plans on hold to say the least. Destroying me physically to put it mildly. (Silver lining, brought me way closer to God) So many kept saying well at least you got paid well from it. I quickly realized money will never replace your health. Health is wealth is a very real thing! Coming from someone who has been in the 7 digits I give you my word money is not the solution to everything as I once thought. Makes life a little easier but also has its own set of problems. I would happily be poor again but able to train boxing and mma as well as all the other physical hobbies I can no longer do, at least for now. Praying when I finally give in an have this below the knee amputation, I will regain my quality of life and be able to enjoy the simple things life has to offer pain free. 🙏🏻❤️
@RelentlessSavageryGaming
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
1:21:20 As I’m literally doing door dash delivery to make an extra buck 😂 God works in mysterious ways. Definitely brought me to this podcast. Already loved Lex and now I definitely love Oliver Anthony as a person as well as a musician/artist ❤️🙌🏻🙏🏻 #StayBlessed
@RelentlessSavageryGaming
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
1:08:57 I myself can relate tremendously. Respect for the honesty. I feel this DEEPLY 🙌🏻🙏🏻❤️
@wvgal7788
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Two of my favorite people. ❤ Im a WV gal living in East TN now. Big fan of you both. Please keep doing exactly what you guys are doing. Stay authentic and unapologetically yourselves. ❤ yall have inspired tons of people just by being yourself. Thank you both. God bless yall!!
@nathancross664
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Fellas that's hear its starting with MAGA, It's not 100% of everything we all want but it a start, Higher wages and a bit less taxes. No tax on tips. No tax on overtime, No tax on SS. We have to take the small wins to eventually build up to the big ones. I love what Both yall have to say butt if you only want large win good fucking luck.
@craigsolomon4783
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Authentic people are Threatening to superficial,fake,people……..
@lochquatch8896
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
UP michigan! WE hungry for music.
@WP_3rd
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Have an old school truck driver on, not the new steering wheel holders.
@themjawns
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
I can't stand this whiny jew (Fridman)
@LevorkianMathmatition
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
To this day, I believe my dogs know me better than any human I am close to. My late son said the same, I was devastated at the time because I was his mom but I know exactly what he meant
@LevorkianMathmatition
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Being patriotic is not the problem, being lied to by your government is
@LevorkianMathmatition
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
I delivered newspapers while I was pregnant and making less than 3.5o? An hour with my angel dog who kept me safe every night 7days a week to deliver propaganda disguised as news. I know now that I was part of a cabal and thought I was patriotic, but now I know. This was in the 198os
@lyricsourcecode5186
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Pleaseasezzzz…invite Rabbi David VIGLER ON YOUR PODCAST. YOU WOULD NOT REGRET IT.
@lyricsourcecode5186
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
I would love to see you and David Vigler on a pod cast it will b epic
@margaretc5679
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Free goats?! 😂
@marylamoreaux5341
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
All great nations were killed by the administrative state. Rome. Spain. England.
@jocelyneboutot5722
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
I was raised with Roy Clark and Hee Haw! What a beautiful childhood I had with these beautiful simple moral people that just love what they do. I saw Jamie Johnson about 10 years ago in concert and I tell you, he didn't want to get off stage he just wanted to keep playing. He is wonderful. I love you too Mr. Anthony. I love old country. It's where God is.
@P51
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
love the Roy Clark shout-out. he was a virtuoso
@sack_nz9831
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
i heard from a you tuber EVERYONE from Appalachia is racist! Isn't Wendigon from there???
@bradfordcustoms7588
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
I like this guy
@lyricsourcecode5186
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Had I any money I would have built a stadium and what's funny is that I write the words to the songs that people need. So if just one person decided to not pretend the words where they're own it would set an example. I guess no one will believe me as long as the lies keep going …like the latest polar prize song. It's probably me… what hurts is that people join in on it
@lyricsourcecode5186
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
You almost called him on it….
..he is talking about the music.
.I know because I wrote the lyrics to Rich men North of Richmond. I even said I want an unknown unsigned to sing it.
@lyricsourcecode5186
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Bullshit!!!
@lyricsourcecode5186
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Bullshit
@Lisa-on3ee
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
This was the best interview! Thank you so much!!!honest,real and informative 💜
@lyricsourcecode5186
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Your doing great Lex❤
@lyricsourcecode5186
August 15, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Alot of talk when fear keeps the truth to the victims who have no way to speak out because they are surrounded by the takers of the soles of the rightoughs.
Comments are closed.