Pom in Oz with Derek Goforth: Viral protest song has me reflecting on life as I prepare to turn 50

You may not have heard of American country singer Oliver Anthony or seen his viral song on YouTube or another platform, but I bet you will come across it soon. The song, Rich Men North of Richmond, went viral when it was shared to X (formerly Twitter) and now sits on well over 50 million views, and rising. This song and Anthony’s story might just be the most significant protest song I have heard for decades. As I approach the milestone of turning 50, I find myself reflecting on life’s journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. One prevailing truth that stands out is the profound importance of personal responsibility and accountability. In an age marked by finger-pointing and a culture of blame, Anthony’s song strikes a chord for me as a stark reminder of the need for self-reflection and ownership of my actions. The song’s evocative lyrics and haunting melody carry a message I believe has the power to reverberate across generations. It’s become all too common to witness people casting blame on external factors, conveniently sidestepping their own role in shaping their destinies. It seems an everyday occurrence that someone is shouting and bawling about some undefined injustice but when asked for specifics screams ….phobic! I honestly think Rich Men North of Richmond serves as an unvarnished critique of a society where individuals often opt for the easy way out — pointing fingers at others, the powerful, or the system — rather than confronting the uncomfortable truth that personal choices and actions play an undeniable role in shaping one’s life. This anthem of yearning and aspiration becomes even more powerful when juxtaposed against a backdrop of excuses and evasion that seems rampant today. As someone who has witnessed the ebb and flow of decades, I’ve come to appreciate the timeless wisdom of taking responsibility for my own circumstances. There’s a certain liberation that comes with acknowledging the path to success is paved with determination, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to overcome obstacles. Blaming others, while momentarily satisfying, only perpetuates a cycle of victim-hood that stifles growth and potential. If I make a mistake, I own it, if I see injustice I call it out. I don’t look around for people to blame, when I should be shouldering responsibility myself. Anthony’s story peels back the layers of societal disparity, to examining the choices we make and the accountability we bear. For me, the song serves as a mirror, reflecting our world’s tendency to overlook the power we hold within ourselves to effect change. Perhaps it is true, the older you get the more right-leaning and conservative you are, but maybe the truth is the older you are, the more you learn. The more educated you are about the world, the more you see people who, let’s be honest, should be making better choices instead of relying on others for handouts. I for one think the cliché of the fish and the fishing rod holds true. Give a person a rod, teach them how to fish and they will want for nothing. Keep giving them fish, guess what, all they will want for is … yep, more fish. For me, this song encapsulates the essence of a generation that yearns for a return to accountability and ownership, reaffirming we are the ones who can take charge of our own destinies. Derek Goforth is an expat of 13 years and father of three living in Geraldton