• SCB@lemmy.world
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          10 months ago

          The song is not about “rich men” in general but about politicians in Washington DC. Those are, specifically, the “rich men north of Richmond” he is discussing.

          His claim is not that business owners pay too little, but that the government is taking too much, and giving it to welfare queens.

          You may want to consider reading the actual lyrics.

          • luckyhunter@lemmy.world
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            10 months ago

            Yes that is one of the things he talks about, among many. funny enough he only mentions the word politician once when talking about miners and doesn’t call them rich men. almost as if he wrote the song that way on purpose. Which is why it’s so damn popular with people of all classes, colors, and political leanings.

            • SCB@lemmy.world
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              10 months ago

              He mentions politicians every time the chorus comes around. That is what “rich men north of Richmond” means. That’s why he isn’t calling out wealthy people south of Richmond. DC is north of Richmond.

              I can’t tell you why the song is popular, but I can definitely parse the meaning of the lyrics, which you seem to be struggling with.

              These rich men north of Richmond

              Lord knows they all just wanna have total control

              Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do

              And they don’t think you know, but I know that you do

              'Cause your dollar ain’t shit and it’s taxed to no end

              Cause of rich men north of Richmond

              This is explicitly about politicians. The entire song is.

              The only other lyrics with any content are

              Well, God, if you’re 5-foot-3 and you’re 300 pounds Taxes ought not to pay for your bags of fudge rounds Young men are puttin’ themselves six feet in the ground ‘Cause all this damn country does is keep on kickin’ them down

              Lambasting “welfare queens” and taxes.

              Needless to say, this song isn’t popular with me, because I am capable of understanding both the lyrics and how taxes and welfare work within the context of the economy.

              At no point does he decry wealthy business owners or anything of the sort, which sort of takes away from your “any political leanings” argument. This is very explicitly one political leaning, and from a person who isn’t very knowledgeable.

              • luckyhunter@lemmy.world
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                10 months ago

                As i said in my comment, he mentions politicians 1 time. You can’t think of any other rich cities north or Richmond? Because i can think of a couple. If you choose to read between the lines and interpret it in only a way that you don’t like, then that’s on you.

                • SCB@lemmy.world
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                  10 months ago

                  Those rich cities aren’t taxing people.

                  This is just basic understanding of verse man, not sure how else to help you. You are absolutely incorrect here.