Sounds like Oliver Anthony is firing some shots in the direction of Tyler Childers.
Videos by Wide Open Country
In the opening lines of his new song "Hank," one could interpret Anthony's lyrics as taking a swipe at the "Bitin' List" singer.
Who is Oliver Anthony?
Anthony emerged from obscurity with his 2023 breakout hit "Rich Men North of Richmond." The song articulates the frustrations of Appalachia's working class. It debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, making Anthony the first artist to premiere at number one with no prior chart presence.
The song led to the release of Anthony's full-length debut, "Hymnal of a Troubled Man's Mind," in March 2024. The album didn't reach the heights of "Rich Men North of Richmond." However, the autobiographical album did peak at number 42 on Billboard's Top Current Album Sales chart.
The conservative singer-songwriter returned earlier this year with the single "Scornful Woman." He explained on the podcast The Joe Rogan Experience that the song is about his divorce.
"She wants everything," Anthony said. "She wants all the money he's going to be making in the future because she was with him when he was broke."
What Does Anthony Have Against Tyler Childers?
Anthony recently previewed a song titled "Hank." The track, whose title alludes to Hank Williams Jr., is about embracing a simpler way of life and striving to create music in the same vein as Williams and Waylon Jennings. However, it's the opening lyrics that caught our attention.
"Songs about trotting lines
And coal mines
And chewing on a hickory twig
In this world that I despise
I'm just trying to live life
The same way that my grandad did
And my songs might be missing
Two ole boys kissin'
But they ain't gonna
Miss that soul
Of a young man livin'
In a world that's forgettin' all the things
That the good Lord told..."
The line about the "two ole boys kissin'" immediately brings to mind the music video for the Tyler Childers' ballad "In Your Love." It depicts the story of a love affair between two coal miners in the 1950s.
Anthony's fans were quick to react to the lyric.
"Oliver is what we was hoping Tyler Childers was gonna be."
"I think he just dissed Tyler Childers."
"Love the Childers jab in there."
What are your thoughts on Anthony's new song? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
