The song “Try That in a Small Town” by renowned country musician Jason Aldean is at the center of a heated dispute amid a revolution of controversy and fierce criticism.
Accusations of bigotry and being ‘pro-lynching’ forced CMT to pull the song video from their airwaves, prompting the musician to respond directly to the claims.
Aldean took to social media to express his displeasure with the accusations. He wrote, “In the past 24 hours, I have been accused of publishing a pro-lynching song and was subjected to the comparison that I was not too pleased with the statewide BLM rallies.”
He went on to call these references not only unfounded but also dangerously deceptive.
CMT’s decision to delete the music video after only three days on the air has sparked controversy, but the network has been tight-lipped about the reasons for their decision.
The film, shot in front of Tennessee’s historically significant Maury County Courthouse while draped in an American flag, generated outrage owing to its historical ties to the lynching of an African-American man called Henry Choate in the 1920s.
Though the video’s location is not specified, it depicts scenes of protesters struggling with police while burning American flags.
The song’s lyrics further fuel the flames, with Aldean singing, “Cuss out a cop, spit in his face / Stomp on the flag and light it up / Yeah, you think you’re tough / Well, try that in a small town / See how far ya make it down the road.”
The statement cautions against breaking specific limits within a close-knit community, hinting that doing so may result in negative consequences.
Critics have been harsh in their reviews, with Variety calling the song “the most contemptible country song of the decade.” Users on social media freely referred to the artist as “a racist who writes barely concealed lynching songs” and a “violent bigot.”
On the other hand, Aldean adamantly defends his intentions, claiming that the song’s genuine meaning lies in the idea of community and protecting one’s own, regardless of race or philosophy.
Kelley Lovelace, Kurt Allison, Neil Thrasher, and Tully Kennedy wrote: “Try That in a Small Town.” Despite the backlash, Aldean insists that he did not intend for the song to have racial overtones, pointing out that neither the lyrics nor the video clips directly reference race or ethnicity.
Aldean describes the song as a dedication to the community he treasured growing up in his small-town upbringing, drawing on personal experiences.
He understands that political disagreements divide the country, but the song’s heart desires a day when news no longer keeps people up at night, returning to a sense of normalcy.
Jason Aldean has not been immune to criticism in the past. His public relations firm severed connections with him in 2021 due to his wife Brittany Aldean’s transphobic remarks.
The controversy surrounding this song has contributed to the artist’s continuing Highway Desperado tour, as he was hospitalized for heatstroke on the second day, forcing him to postpone his performance.
Despite the difficulties, the musical venue has informed fans that the Jason Aldean show would be rescheduled, and they appreciate the patience and support they have received.
As the debate over the song continues, the artist has asked others to contribute their ideas and perspectives, promoting an open dialogue on such a sensitive subject.
