The Oliver Anthony song “Rich Men North of Richmond” has gone viral in recent days, becoming the anthem for the Republican party. Some (but definitely not all) of Anthony’s anger is understandable. After all, we’re suffering under a very broken and sick system. The problem is, Anthony’s anger, and the anger of millions of other Americans, is directed at the wrong people; it’s directed at people who are suffering just like they are. And the twisted irony is that Anthony’s anger, and the anger of millions of other Americans, is being exploited by the very people who are the source of that anger. You couldn’t make this up.

If you’re need of an antedote to this sad state of affairs, have a spoonful of the brilliant Billy Bragg’s “Rich Men Earning North of a Million”. I’ve copied the lyrics here in case you want a double helping.

 

Rich Men Earning North of a Million

If you’re selling your soul, working all day

Overtime hours for bullshit pay

Nothing’s gonna change if all you do

Is wish you could wake up and it not be true

 

Join a union, fight for better pay

Join a union, brother, organise today

 

You’ll see where the problem really lies

When the union comes around:

Rich men earning north of a million

Wanna keep the working folk down

Wanna keep the working folk down

 

If you form a union, you’ll soon find

That working people are all of one kind

So we ain’t gonna punch down on those who need

A bit of understanding and some solidarity

 

That ain’t right, friend

 

If you’re struggling with your health, putting on the pounds

Doctor gives you opiates to help you get around

Wouldn’t it be better for folks like you and me

If medicine was subsidised and healthcare was free

 

Join a union, fight for better pay

Join a union, sister, organise today

 

It comes down to the self same thing

If you’re black or white or brown:

Rich men earning north of a million

Wanna keep the working folk down

Wanna keep the working folk down

 

We know your culture wars are there to distract

While libertarian billionaires avoid paying tax

You want to talk about bathrooms while the flood waters rise,

The forest is on fire and the wind burns our eyes

 

Something’s wrong here

 

They want to divide us, because together we’re strong,

Are you gonna take action now you’ve sung your damn song?

If you don’t like the rich man having total control,

You better get the union to roll

 

Join a union, fight for better pay

Join a union, organise today

 

Don’t matter if you live in the city

Or some little country town

Rich men earning north of a million

Rich men earning north of a million

Rich men earning north of a million

Wanna keep the working folk down

Wanna keep the working folk down

 

If you’re selling your soul, working all day

Overtime hours for bullshit pay

Join a union

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