Good Ole Dog

We need leaders who have something to say.

Did you watch? No. Not the Presidential debate. Did you see the Oliver Anthony’s live show from the North Street Press Club in Farmville, VA? It was broadcast on Facebook last night. If you didn’t, you should. It was a special moment in history. This was Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison or Kurt Cobain on MTV Unplugged. Clips from this performance are sure to end up in a documentary in the future.  While those with power were focused on themselves, Oliver was on stage shining a light on the people they forget.

As I watched from my Macbook, I couldn’t help but feel like I was watching a young Bob Dylan sing protest songs. Oliver sat on a stool, guitar in hand. His eyes masked with dark sunglasses. The press club's green and yellow neon sign sat in between Oliver and guitarist Joey Davis. He sang about blue-collar work, faith, love, vice, and Virginia. He wrote about what it feels like to be a nobody in a world that only seems to value somebody’s.  His lyrics are layered, thoughtful, and relevant. His delivery is raw yet polished, and his message is consistent.

There is something special about Oliver. Making art this good takes a unique blend of pain, intelligence, experience, humility, and talent. With lyrics like “But I know that upstairs there’s an old man who cares. And one day, he’ll set me free.” And “My head's been hurting, my back's been aching. The water's drying up and there's a war in the making. People eating bugs 'cause they won't eat bacon.” In a world that challenges us to be empathetic about those who have less, Oliver points out that the empathy of others often ends at their own doorstep. Oliver opens himself up for the world to see and isn’t afraid. He is flawed, empathetic, and following the reason of a higher power. He is human.

Lying in bed, airpods in. I watched and rewatched. Listening to Always Love You (like a good ole dog), I became overwhelmed with emotion. The lyrics spoke to me. Reminding me of my wife and grandfather. Listening to the line “Life ain't easy on a boy named Sue or a man busting his ass making ends due. I'm sorry sometimes I let it out on you, I thank God that you give it right back.” I thought about my wife. I thought about my pain and flaws. I thought about sitting in my grandfather's living room, listening to Johnny Cash talking about life and his love for my grandmother.

Maybe he is the next Bob Dylan, or maybe he isn’t. Nobody really knows. But I want him to be. I want something real and honest to be lifted up. I am tired of distractions from weak leaders. I want leaders who are thoughtful and empathetic. I want leaders who aren’t afraid. I want leaders who listen. I want leaders who have something to say. I want leaders who make me feel something other than anger.