Internet sensation Oliver Anthony shared a verse from the bible with his new fans before performing his hit song on his last show.
Just days after his soulful anthem went viral last week, Anthony is number one on the iTunes country chart.
The singer, who lives in Farmville, proved popular with millions of people after “Rich Men North of Richmond” was put online.
In his first public appearance since the video went viral, he read out a message he felt “compelled” to share from Psalm 37.
Anthony Oliver read a Bible passage to fans during a Sunday show
The factory worker became a viral sensation last week
“The evil plot against the righteous,” he said. “And gnash your teeth against them, but the lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.
“The wicked draw the sword and bend the bows, to bring down the poor and the needy, to slay those whose way is straight.
“Their sword shall pierce their own hearts, and their bows shall be broken.”
Hundreds of people had come to see him play, with much cheering when he finished.
Earlier, he spoke about his success and shared, “It’s crazy for me because I remember playing in front of about 20 people in June, but that’s the beauty of this country, even an idiot like me can make something happen,” he told the audience as he entered the stage.
“If I can do it, so can you.”
Oliver’s emotional performance of his original song ‘Rich Men North of Richmond’ was watched by millions
Anthony lives in Farmville with his three dogs and hopes to one day raise cattle
Reaction to the video seemed more mixed since it won over an army of supporters.
‘Just love this man! Thank you for sharing your gift with us. We needed it right now,” said one person.
“Very moving,” another fan wrote.
Others were a bit more sceptical.
“This guy knows his target audience and milks it to the max,” said one person.
“Just sing and play guitar dude,” said another.
“Nobody wants to hear religion in concert,” added another.
His viral moment showed Anthony emotionally exclaiming every word of his “terrifying” song as he strummed his guitar.
Lyrics include “Lord it’s a damn shame / What happened to the world / For people like me and people like you / I wish I could just wake up and it’s not true / But it is, oh, it is.’
The video has been viewed nearly 10 million times on radiowv’s YouTube channel.
Thousands of viewers took to the comments section to praise the musician and his ability to convey emotion through his lyrics.
“I’m a 39-year-old Iraqi vet and construction worker, struggling like a dog to take care of two kids and keep a farm running when I’m not working 11 hours a day,” a new fan shared.
He credits one of his biggest influences as Hank Williams Jr
“This hit me so hard today I had to stop and tear up my old Peterbilt. Preach brother.’
“This song touched my soul and I can’t wait to hear more,” another applauded.
“Absolutely excellent,” said another.
“I haven’t heard a chillingly original song in decades. You speak for millions of us,’ someone admired.
‘So awesome! You sing it with truth and soul, and tell it like it is! Man, this is what America needs. It makes me feel like we have our voice back. Keep bringing it,” said another.