By Christopher Short
Staff Writer

Kern County is historically known for three things: country music, meth and agriculture. As one can imagine, the stereotypes run wild. From the cowboy to the tweaker, Bakersfield has its own plethora of societal stereotypes.

Oildale, otherwise known as the “08,” has its fair share of what is considered, stereotypical entrapment. One can see this captivity in its crime rates, drug infestation, and human trafficking issues.

Sean Flowers, a 25-year-old musician and local native, truly captures the essence of this imprisonment in his Lorde “Royals” parody titled, “Oildale Royals.” With over 50,000 views on YouTube, the song continues to gain popularity.

Using music and comedic relief, Flowers wraps some of Oildale’s biggest social issues in a blanket of satire.

“My inspiration for the song was simply living in Oildale. The stuff you see is so unfathomable sometimes that you can’t help but just laugh,” said Flowers.
Flowers, has lived in Oildale for the past three years and has seen it all: the good, the bad and the ugly.

The “Oildale Royals” lyrics clearly display this in the following stanzas:

“And everyone’s like no teeth don’t care / How ya like my long hair? / 
I got those drugs / come on over I’ll share / Hit that pipe / It’ll have ya feelin real nice
 until you come down / Cause I’m Oildale Royal
 / You won’t catch me sleeping / I’m up all hours of the night / 
I think I’m bad ass cause I fight

 / Check out all of my tattoos / 
I sure do love my Swazi
 / And damn it I’m cool
 / Sippin on my forty.”

If you name all of the Oildale stereotypes off the top of your head, they’re all present.

“Obviously not everyone in Oildale fits the lyrics, but the stereotype of someone from Oildale is in the lyrics to a ‘T’,” said Flowers.

So, what has the local response been to such a controversial lyric?

“I have received a lot of feedback. As for the negative, I haven’t received a single comment, message, or complaint about the song. Not one. All I have heard has been great,” said Flowers enthusiastically.

However, students at California State University Bakersfield are more apprehensive.

“Part of me wants to laugh because it’s a decently-written parody of a popular song,” said Ruben Carrillo, a 27-year-old music major. “But the other part is uncomfortable because most of these things are nothing to joke about. I think the musical aspect of it detracts from the seriousness of it, but it definitely should serve to get people talking about it.”

There is also the fear that some Oildale locals will be upset about the song’s sweeping generalizations.

“While humorous in nature, I feel that some Oildale residents might find the song offensive and a misrepresentation of the people from there,” said Oscar Sandoval, a 21-year-old psychology major.

When serious societal issues are masked in satire, stereotypes are enshrined and thrive in ignorance. In this light, “Oildale Royals” is not only a source of entertainment, but also a plea for help, change and awareness.

To listen to “Oildale Royals,” press the play button below, or visit the original YouTube upload.