"Rich Men North of Richmond", a viral YouTube song that launched country singer and Farmville, Va. resident Oliver Anthony into the national spotlight, has ascended to the No. 2 slot on Spotify U.S.
Anthony's song, which appears to take aim at politicians, has resonated with people across the country, while also causing controversy due to its lyrics.
As of Monday morning, the original YouTube video, posted to radiowv's account, has amassed more than 29 million views.
It has sat at No. 1 on Apple Music since last week.
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Thousands show up to see 'Rich Men North of Richmond' singer Oliver Anthony
Anthony performed a free show for thousands of fans at the Eagle Creek Golf Club and Grill in Moyock, N.C on Saturday. News 3 was there and talked to several attendees.
"He's the best thing that ever happened to this county," said one fan.
"It's all about the words and the music," said another fan, Trisha Fish. "He speaks the truth."
The hit song accuses "rich men north of Richmond" of wanting to "have total control, wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do."
It also disparages people who are obese, suggesting that they are "milkin' welfare".
"Well, God, if you're 5-foot-3 and you're 300 pounds, taxes ought not to pay for your bags of fudge rounds," according to the lyrics.
Anthony claimed in a Facebook post on Thursday that he had brushed off an $8 million offer to sign with a record label.
"I don't want 6 tour buses, 15 tractor trailers and a jet. I don't want to play stadium shows, I don't want to be in the spotlight," he wrote.
"I wrote the music I wrote because I was suffering with mental health and depression. These songs have connected with millions of people on such a deep level because they're being sung by someone feeling the words in the very moment they were being sung."
