John Rich’s “The Devil and the TVA” is a Fervent Anthem of Populist Protest
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Artist Information: John Rich
John Rich is an American country music singer-songwriter and television personality known for his prolific career as one half of the platinum-selling duo Big & Rich, and previously as a member of the band Lonestar. Born in Amarillo, Texas, Rich established himself as a dominant force in Nashville, earning three ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards by penning hits for artists like Faith Hill, Jason Aldean, and Gretchen Wilson.
Beyond his musical output, Rich is an outspoken figure in contemporary American culture. He is an entrepreneur (owner of the lifestyle brand Redneck Riviera) and a political commentator, frequently releasing politically charged tracks that resonate strongly with the conservative and populist wing of the country music audience. His music often centers on themes of patriotism, working-class struggles, and distrust of large institutional power, using his platform to “stand up for the little guy.” This approach has positioned him as a prominent voice in the movement known as ‘message music.’
Single Review: “The Devil and the TVA”
Overview
“The Devil and the TVA” is John Rich’s direct and fiery response to what he perceives as governmental and corporate overreach against the common citizen. The song is not a traditional love song or lament, but a potent, rallying message track centered on the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)—a federally owned corporation that manages power generation and land use across much of the Tennessee River Valley.
Released to widespread independent support, the single immediately cemented its place as a modern populist anthem. The title itself sets up a clear moral struggle, framing the institutional power structure (the TVA) as a villainous force (“The Devil”) working against the livelihood of hard-working Americans. The track is a clear declaration of solidarity with small-town, rural life, and a challenge to entrenched, seemingly untouchable power.
Musicality and Production
Produced with a bold, driving simplicity, the track features Rich’s distinctive, gravelly vocals delivering the message with fervent conviction. The musical arrangement is rooted in traditional country instrumentation—prominent acoustic guitars and a foundational rhythm section—but is injected with a rock-and-roll urgency, giving it an anthemic quality.
The sound avoids the slick polish of mainstream Nashville, opting instead for a raw, straightforward sonic approach that matches the directness of the lyrics. The instrumentation builds intensity around the chorus, creating a sense of righteous indignation and determination. This is music designed not for quiet listening, but for crowds to sing along to, serving as a powerful soundtrack for political expression and social protest.
Lyrical Deep Dive
The lyrical strength of “The Devil and the TVA” lies in its unambiguous narrative structure: good versus evil, the little guy versus the Goliath. The song employs classic country storytelling to contextualize the struggle, making the vast, bureaucratic power of the TVA feel personal and relatable by tying its actions directly to the financial and emotional toll on local communities.
Rich leverages his identity as a champion of the working class, positioning himself and his listeners as the moral inheritors of American values. While exact lyrics may vary in their specificity, the message is clear: the song demands transparency and accountability from powerful institutions, presenting the fight against the TVA as a microcosm of larger political and economic battles facing everyday Americans. It is a modern-day protest song, using the traditional vehicle of country music to deliver a stark, unvarnished message of resistance and patriotism.